MYRModel Year Report

1996 Oldsmobile Ciera

○ Not enough data
1996 Oldsmobile Ciera
RENDERED 2026-11-01T02:59:39.867Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
83
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1996

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Service brakes

34% of complaints

Complaints per year

1984: 3 complaints 1984 1985: 8 complaints 1986: 14 complaints 1986 1987: 17 complaints 1988: 25 complaints 1988 1989: 32 complaints 1990: 20 complaints 1990 1994: 46 complaints 1995: 34 complaints 1996: 83 complaints 1996 83
1984: 3 complaints 1984 1985: 8 complaints 1985 1986: 14 complaints 1986 1987: 17 complaints 1987 1988: 25 complaints 1988 1989: 32 complaints 1989 1990: 20 complaints 1990 1994: 46 complaints 1994 1995: 34 complaints 1995 1996: 83 complaints 1996 83
1984: 3 complaints 1984 1985: 8 complaints 1985 1986: 14 complaints 1986 1987: 17 complaints 1987 1988: 25 complaints 1988 1989: 32 complaints 1989 1990: 20 complaints 1990 1994: 46 complaints 1994 1995: 34 complaints 1995 1996: 83 complaints 1996 83

1996: 83 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19810
19820
19830
19843
19858
198614
198717
198825
198932
199020
199446
199534
199683

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Service brakes

34% · 28 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY

Engine and engine cooling

18% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

Show complaint excerpts

Lower intake manifold gasket leak on GM 3.1 l V6.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-22

The engine stopped working in December of 2002. Which had to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-04-28

Power train

14% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

Electrical system

11% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing interior/under dash and 12v/24v/48v battery.

FIRE

Air bags

10% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

When avoiding an uncontrolled vehicle, owner rolled into a driveway that had a slope. Driver lost control and ran into house, driver's air bag deployed w/doors locking and facial and bodily injuries.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-12-02

Also filed under Steering

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1995-10-19Seat belts95V173000 These vehicles were assembled with rear outboard safety belt anchorages that may not withstand the required load. This does not comply with FMVSS no.210, "Seat belt assembly anchorages."

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the existing anchor bolts with a new shoulder bolt and thread locking adhesive. Additionally, noise control patches will be applied at each anchorage.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1996 Oldsmobile Ciera — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Service brakes: 28 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 15 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 12 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 95V173000 · Seat belts
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-20 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.