RoadVitals

1986 Oldsmobile Calais

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
7
Latest Jan 15, 2004
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest May 19, 2006
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

Overview

Our database contains 7 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1986 Oldsmobile Calais, most frequently naming the electrical, engine and steering categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 1 manufacturer communication is on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical426.7%
  • Engine320.0%
  • Steering213.3%
  • Fuel system213.3%
  • Tires & wheels16.7%
  • Other / unspecified16.7%
  • Seat belts16.7%
  • Body & structure16.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
06E043000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

May 19, 2006
88,303 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
87V124000

STRUCTURE

Aug 10, 1987
261,171 units potentially affected
The defect: SMALL CRACKS MAY DEVELOP IN THE BODY PILLAR AROUND THE DOOR STRIKER BOLT HOLE.
The risk: CRACKS WOULD INCREASE LEADING TO DIFFICULTY IN CLOSINGTHE DOOR AND MIGHT ALLOW DOOR TO COME OPEN DURING A CRASH, INCREASINGLIKELIHOOD OF INJURY TO OCCUPANTS.
The remedy: INSTALL INNER AND OUTER REINFORCEMENT PLATE ON BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT BODY PILLARS.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov
86V121000

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

Aug 28, 1986
206,651 units potentially affected
The defect: THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MAY BE INCORRECTLY ALIGNED, OR MAY EXHIBIT A BINDING CONDITION OF THE LATCH PIVOT. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH NOT BEING COMPLETELY ENGAGED TO THE HOOD, THE HOOD COULD UNEXPECTEDLY OPEN WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE HOOD MAY CONTACT THE WINDSHIELD REDUCING THE FORWARD VISION AREA OF THE DRIVER AND A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING COULD OCCUR.
The remedy: THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH WILL BE REPLACED AND INSPECT THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH POP-UP LEVER.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA91045ClosedEngineering Analysis

SEAT BELT SEPARATION

Opened Nov 7, 1991
Closed Oct 26, 1992

There is no summary currently available

SEAT BELTS
PE91099ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

SAFETY BELT CUT AT D-RING

Opened Jul 15, 1991
Closed Nov 7, 1991

There is no summary currently available

SEAT BELTS

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Body & structureElectricalEngine+4 more
Filed Jan 15, 2004

I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR. I BOUGHT IT USED 2 YEARS AGO FOR $1000.00 AND HAVE SPEND CLOSE TO $2000.00 JUST KEEPING THE THING RUNNING. I NOW AM IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING THE ELECTRIC COMPUTER MODULAR AND THAT IS COSTING ME ANOTHER $440.00 AND NOT THERE IS A LOUD GRINDING AND BANGING COMING FROM THE FRONT END WHEN I DRIVE IT. I HEARD THAT THIS CAR WAS A GOOD MODEL AND FOUND OUT ON MY OWN IT IS A NIGHTMARE ON WHEELS. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER, STUDENT WITH NOT MUCH MONEY AND I DEPEND ON A RELIABLE CAR . THIS MODEL HAS SPENT MORE TIME PARKED THAN IT HAS BEEN DRIVEN. I WOULD LOVE TO SET THIS CAR ON FIRE IT HAS MADE MY LIFE SO STRESSFUL. I WILL NEVER IN MY LIFE EVER OWN ANOTHER OLDSMOBILE.

NHTSA ID
10071286
Incident
Jun 15, 1992
Mileage
221,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jun 21, 2002

AACHEN AUTO REPLACE THREE TIMES IN 2 YEARS, NOW 24 HOURS AFTER LAST REPAIR, WILL NOT REPLACE OR TOW FOR FREE. AACHEN AUTO/KEB IS AVIDING PHONE CALLS AND NOT GIVING ME AN ALTERNATIVE TOPAYING FOR THEIR FAULTY ALTENATOR AGAIN.*AK

NHTSA ID
763323
Incident
Jun 20, 2002
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jan 27, 1998

ENGINE STALLES WHEN IT OVERHEATS. VEHICLE FAILS TO START WHEN HOT UNTIL ENGINE COOLS DOWN. ALSO, REPLACED IGNITION/COIL AND STARTER. *AK

NHTSA ID
525173
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Jan 2, 1996
Fire reported

WHILE DRIVING CAR STALLED OUT AND UPON STARTING IGNITION AGAIN ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. TT

NHTSA ID
977257
Incident
Jan 1, 1996
Seat belts
Filed Aug 15, 1995

THE FRONT BUCKLES IN THE CAR HAVE FALLEN APART AND WILL NOT LATCH. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT

NHTSA ID
970446
Incident
Aug 1, 1995
Engine
Filed Jul 31, 1995

THE VEHICLE HAS A CRACKED HEAD AT 62,000 MILES. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT

NHTSA ID
969568
Incident
Apr 10, 1995
Steering
Filed Jun 12, 1995

THE STEERING DOES NOT WORK WHEN IT IS COLD OUTSIDE. PLEASE EXPLAIN. TT

NHTSA ID
966618
Incident
Jun 12, 1995

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

000524001

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

INFORMATION REGARDING SNOW INTRUSION INTO REAR DRUM BRAKE ASSEMBLIES. **MR

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Oldsmobile Calais by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
1990121052.2
1989182054.2
1988182353.6
1987523—
1986Viewing732—
1985353—
1984001—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.