VehicleVerdict

1989 Oldsmobile Ciera problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 37 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Ciera year — the 1989 model ranks #4 of 14 Ciera years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across seat belts (9), electrical system (6), and brakes (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

37

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Ciera years?

Ciera NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted107 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 3 complaints1985: 9 complaints1986: 15 complaints1987: 27 complaints1988: 32 complaints1989: 37 complaints1990: 24 complaints1994: 55 complaints1995: 45 complaints1996: 107 complaints
Ciera NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ciera years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Oldsmobile Ciera problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts924%
Electrical System616%
Brakes616%
Speed Control514%
Body & Structure38%
Tires & Wheels38%
Transmission25%
Fuel System25%
Seats13%

Does the 1989 Oldsmobile Ciera have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

95V173000Seat BeltsSeptember 15, 1995 · 2,216,325 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IN A COLLISON, STRESS CAN CAUSE THE ATTACHMENT METAL TO TEAR AND ALLOW THE ANCHORAGE TO SEPARATE FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY BELT MAY NOT PROTECT AN OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“DRIVERS SIDE SHOULDER/LAP BELT WHEN MOVED FORWARD FAILED TO RETRACT. OWNER STATES MUST OPEN DOOR POSSIBLY WHILE DRIVING FOR TENSION TO TIGHTEN. PLEASE DESCRIBE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts

“BRAKES LOCK WHEN WET, EVEN AFTER NEW BRAKES AND MASTER CYCLINDER INSTALLED , DOING IT SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW AND BOUGHT BY MY MOTHER WITH 3 MILES ON IT. ONE BRAKE OR ANOTHER WILL LOCK AFTER A RAIN STORM. AFTER CONTINUAL PUMPING THEY WILL DRY AND STOP LOCKING TILL THEY GET WET AGAIN. HAVE HAD ALL NEW…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 23, 2001

“WHILE IN REVERSE GEAR THE VEHICLE'S THROTTLE STUCK IN A POSITION AND LOST CONTROL. THE CAR HIT A CAR/LAMP POST AND A HOUSE. *AK CAR ALSO HIT 2ND CAR. CAR WENT THROUGH LIVING ROOM WINDOW. *YH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · July 9, 1997 · crash

“BODY IS CRAKCING AT THE B-PILLAR, NEAR THE DOOR STRIKER BOLT, CAUSING THE DOORS TO CLOSE HARD AND MAY COME OPEN IN A CRASH.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · November 25, 1997

1989 Oldsmobile Ciera — common questions

Is the 1989 Oldsmobile Ciera reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 37 complaints put the 1989 model at #4 of 14 Ciera years. It is one of the Ciera years to avoid.

What are the most common 1989 Ciera problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (9 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints), brakes (6 complaints).

Does the 1989 Oldsmobile Ciera have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1989 Oldsmobile Ciera. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1989 Oldsmobile Ciera under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Oldsmobile Ciera years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ciera years to avoid are 1996, 1994, 1995, 1989, 1988. The cleanest record among Ciera years belongs to 1983.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.