1990 Oldsmobile Toronado
Only 16 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 2 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 4 |
| 1989 | 2 |
| 1990 | 16 |
| 1991 | 4 |
| 1992 | 4 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1995 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 16 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
6 of 16 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
5 of 16 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing interior/under dash and module.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID CATALYTIC CONVERTER COULD BE THE CAUSE, INSURANCE SAID THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICIAL, FIRE TOTALLED THE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960410
CONSUMER STATES THE COMPUTER CHIP TO START THE VEHICLE IS MALFUNCTIONING. THE DASHBOARD READS STARTING DISABLED. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. MR
NHTSA ODI report, 20021015
2 of 16 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT UNLOCKS BY ITSELF. CAR IS MOVING OR STATIONARY THIS HAPPENS AT ANY TIME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20151114
LAP/SHOULDER BELT ON DRIVER SIDE IN THE REAR OF VEHICLE, LATCH AND WILL NOT UNLATCH, A CHILD WAS IN THE SEAT BELT OVER TIGHTEN AND COULD GET CHILD OUT. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950731
1 of 16 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing windshield.
1 of 16 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.
SAFETY TIMELINE
TRANSAXLE SHIFT CONTROL CABLE MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE FROM THE FLOOR SHIFT CONTROL WITH LOSS OF GEAR INDICATOR REFERENCE AND SHIFT SELECTOR OPERATION.
Remedy: INSTALL A TRANSAXLE SHIFT CONTROL CABLE RETAINING CLIP TO PREVENT CABLE DISENGAGEMENT.
Campaign 90V164000 — check if this car was fixed
THREADED INFLATOR COMPONENTS MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY WHICH MAY ALLOW COMPONENTS TO SEPARATE WHEN INFLATOR RECEIVES A SIGNAL TO DEPLOY THE AIR BAG.
Remedy: REPLACE AIR BAG MODULES CONTAINING POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE INFLATORS.
Campaign 90E043004 — check if this car was fixed
SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILS
THE FRONT OUTER SHOULDER BELT WEB SEW STOP CAN BECOME STUCK IN THE RETRACTOR. THE BELT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO PULL OUT OF THE RETRACTOR AND SOME OCCUPANTS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO FASTEN THE BELT.
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL A WEBBING STOP BUTTON IF THE CUSTOMER REQUESTS REPAIR.
Campaign 95V110000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1990 Oldsmobile Toronado — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 90V164000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90E043004 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 95V110000 (seat belts) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1990 Oldsmobile Toronado 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 1990 Oldsmobile Toronado?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Oldsmobile Toronado have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.