RoadVitals

1989 Oldsmobile Touring Sedan Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
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Latest Jul 10, 2001
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
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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.
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What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1989 Oldsmobile Touring Sedan, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Body & structure215.4%
  • Engine215.4%
  • Interior & seats215.4%
  • Electrical17.7%
  • Suspension17.7%
  • Visibility17.7%
  • Exterior lighting17.7%
  • Seat belts17.7%
  • Brakes17.7%
  • Heating & air conditioning17.7%

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DOOR IS FALLING APART, AND ALL THE PARTS INSIDE KEEP COMING OUT. HAS NOT CONTACTED DEALER.*AK

NHTSA ID 892294 · filed Jul 10, 2001

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE CAME TO COMPLETE STOP, ANOTHER VEHICLE REARENDED OLDSMOBILE WHICH WAS HIT ON LEFT SIDE BY REAR LAMP, NEAR GAS TANK, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, POLICE AND FIRE DEPTS ARRIVED, PUT OUT FLAMES. *AK

NHTSA ID 805233 · filed Nov 18, 1996

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CONVERTER RATTLES WHENEVER CONSUMER IS DRIVING VEHICLE. HAS CONTACTED DEALER. *AK SEAT BELTS WILL NOT LOCK. CONSUMER HEARD NOISE IN FRONT END AND HAD THE BALL JOINT REPLACED. ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. REAR BRAKES WERE REPLACED. TIRE WAS REPLACED, NO SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN. TAPE PLAYER WILL NOT EJECT. ARM REST IS FALLING OFF ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. LEFT BLINKER IS INOPERABLE. WINDSHIELD WASHER WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY. BACK WINDOW WILL NOT GO UP UNLESS THE MASTER BUTTON IS PRESSED. WINDSHIELD HAS A LARGE STREAK THAT WILL NOT COME OFF. COVERTER WAS TIGHT AND CONTINUES TO MAKE NOISE. CONSUMER WAS PROMISED THAT AIR CONDITIONER WOULD WORK GREAT AT TIME OF PURCHASE, CONSUMER NEEDS THE AC BECAUSE SHE HAS EMPHYSEMA, HOWEVER AIR CONDITIONER FAILED, DEALER STATED IT WAS A SMALL LEAK AND MADE REPAIRS, IT WORKED FOR A WHILE, HOWEVER IS NOT WORKING AGAIN, CONSUMER WANTS DEALER TO REPAIR AND THE DEALER IS GIVING CONSUMER A HARD TIME. *SLC

NHTSA ID 892293 · filed Jul 10, 2001

VEHICLE STALLED IN TRAFFIC/CUT OFF AND LOST POWER. VEHICLE IS RUNNING ROUGH WHEN DRIVING. HAVE TO KEEP FEET ON THE BRAKES. WHEN THE VEHICLE CUTS OFF, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP. *AK

NHTSA ID 830216 · filed Nov 5, 1998

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CONVERTER RATTLES WHENEVER CONSUMER IS DRIVING VEHICLE. HAS CONTACTED DEALER. *AK SEAT BELTS WILL NOT LOCK. CONSUMER HEARD NOISE IN FRONT END AND HAD THE BALL JOINT REPLACED. ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. REAR BRAKES WERE REPLACED. TIRE WAS REPLACED, NO SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN. TAPE PLAYER WILL NOT EJECT. ARM REST IS FALLING OFF ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. LEFT BLINKER IS INOPERABLE. WINDSHIELD WASHER WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY. BACK WINDOW WILL NOT GO UP UNLESS THE MASTER BUTTON IS PRESSED. WINDSHIELD HAS A LARGE STREAK THAT WILL NOT COME OFF. COVERTER WAS TIGHT AND CONTINUES TO MAKE NOISE. CONSUMER WAS PROMISED THAT AIR CONDITIONER WOULD WORK GREAT AT TIME OF PURCHASE, CONSUMER NEEDS THE AC BECAUSE SHE HAS EMPHYSEMA, HOWEVER AIR CONDITIONER FAILED, DEALER STATED IT WAS A SMALL LEAK AND MADE REPAIRS, IT WORKED FOR A WHILE, HOWEVER IS NOT WORKING AGAIN, CONSUMER WANTS DEALER TO REPAIR AND THE DEALER IS GIVING CONSUMER A HARD TIME. *SLC

NHTSA ID 892293 · filed Jul 10, 2001

DRIVING VEHICLE, CAME TO COMPLETE STOP, ANOTHER VEHICLE REARENDED OLDSMOBILE NEAR LEFT SIDE BY GAS TANK, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, POLICE AND FIRE DEPT ARRIVED PUT FLAMES OUT. *AK

NHTSA ID 805230 · filed Nov 18, 1996

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

CONVERTER RATTLES WHENEVER CONSUMER IS DRIVING VEHICLE. HAS CONTACTED DEALER. *AK SEAT BELTS WILL NOT LOCK. CONSUMER HEARD NOISE IN FRONT END AND HAD THE BALL JOINT REPLACED. ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. REAR BRAKES WERE REPLACED. TIRE WAS REPLACED, NO SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN. TAPE PLAYER WILL NOT EJECT. ARM REST IS FALLING OFF ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. LEFT BLINKER IS INOPERABLE. WINDSHIELD WASHER WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY. BACK WINDOW WILL NOT GO UP UNLESS THE MASTER BUTTON IS PRESSED. WINDSHIELD HAS A LARGE STREAK THAT WILL NOT COME OFF. COVERTER WAS TIGHT AND CONTINUES TO MAKE NOISE. CONSUMER WAS PROMISED THAT AIR CONDITIONER WOULD WORK GREAT AT TIME OF PURCHASE, CONSUMER NEEDS THE AC BECAUSE SHE HAS EMPHYSEMA, HOWEVER AIR CONDITIONER FAILED, DEALER STATED IT WAS A SMALL LEAK AND MADE REPAIRS, IT WORKED FOR A WHILE, HOWEVER IS NOT WORKING AGAIN, CONSUMER WANTS DEALER TO REPAIR AND THE DEALER IS GIVING CONSUMER A HARD TIME. *SLC

NHTSA ID 892293 · filed Jul 10, 2001

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

CONVERTER RATTLES WHENEVER CONSUMER IS DRIVING VEHICLE. HAS CONTACTED DEALER. *AK SEAT BELTS WILL NOT LOCK. CONSUMER HEARD NOISE IN FRONT END AND HAD THE BALL JOINT REPLACED. ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. REAR BRAKES WERE REPLACED. TIRE WAS REPLACED, NO SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN. TAPE PLAYER WILL NOT EJECT. ARM REST IS FALLING OFF ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. LEFT BLINKER IS INOPERABLE. WINDSHIELD WASHER WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY. BACK WINDOW WILL NOT GO UP UNLESS THE MASTER BUTTON IS PRESSED. WINDSHIELD HAS A LARGE STREAK THAT WILL NOT COME OFF. COVERTER WAS TIGHT AND CONTINUES TO MAKE NOISE. CONSUMER WAS PROMISED THAT AIR CONDITIONER WOULD WORK GREAT AT TIME OF PURCHASE, CONSUMER NEEDS THE AC BECAUSE SHE HAS EMPHYSEMA, HOWEVER AIR CONDITIONER FAILED, DEALER STATED IT WAS A SMALL LEAK AND MADE REPAIRS, IT WORKED FOR A WHILE, HOWEVER IS NOT WORKING AGAIN, CONSUMER WANTS DEALER TO REPAIR AND THE DEALER IS GIVING CONSUMER A HARD TIME. *SLC

NHTSA ID 892293 · filed Jul 10, 2001

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

CONVERTER RATTLES WHENEVER CONSUMER IS DRIVING VEHICLE. HAS CONTACTED DEALER. *AK SEAT BELTS WILL NOT LOCK. CONSUMER HEARD NOISE IN FRONT END AND HAD THE BALL JOINT REPLACED. ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. REAR BRAKES WERE REPLACED. TIRE WAS REPLACED, NO SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN. TAPE PLAYER WILL NOT EJECT. ARM REST IS FALLING OFF ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. LEFT BLINKER IS INOPERABLE. WINDSHIELD WASHER WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY. BACK WINDOW WILL NOT GO UP UNLESS THE MASTER BUTTON IS PRESSED. WINDSHIELD HAS A LARGE STREAK THAT WILL NOT COME OFF. COVERTER WAS TIGHT AND CONTINUES TO MAKE NOISE. CONSUMER WAS PROMISED THAT AIR CONDITIONER WOULD WORK GREAT AT TIME OF PURCHASE, CONSUMER NEEDS THE AC BECAUSE SHE HAS EMPHYSEMA, HOWEVER AIR CONDITIONER FAILED, DEALER STATED IT WAS A SMALL LEAK AND MADE REPAIRS, IT WORKED FOR A WHILE, HOWEVER IS NOT WORKING AGAIN, CONSUMER WANTS DEALER TO REPAIR AND THE DEALER IS GIVING CONSUMER A HARD TIME. *SLC

NHTSA ID 892293 · filed Jul 10, 2001

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

CONVERTER RATTLES WHENEVER CONSUMER IS DRIVING VEHICLE. HAS CONTACTED DEALER. *AK SEAT BELTS WILL NOT LOCK. CONSUMER HEARD NOISE IN FRONT END AND HAD THE BALL JOINT REPLACED. ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. REAR BRAKES WERE REPLACED. TIRE WAS REPLACED, NO SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN. TAPE PLAYER WILL NOT EJECT. ARM REST IS FALLING OFF ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. LEFT BLINKER IS INOPERABLE. WINDSHIELD WASHER WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY. BACK WINDOW WILL NOT GO UP UNLESS THE MASTER BUTTON IS PRESSED. WINDSHIELD HAS A LARGE STREAK THAT WILL NOT COME OFF. COVERTER WAS TIGHT AND CONTINUES TO MAKE NOISE. CONSUMER WAS PROMISED THAT AIR CONDITIONER WOULD WORK GREAT AT TIME OF PURCHASE, CONSUMER NEEDS THE AC BECAUSE SHE HAS EMPHYSEMA, HOWEVER AIR CONDITIONER FAILED, DEALER STATED IT WAS A SMALL LEAK AND MADE REPAIRS, IT WORKED FOR A WHILE, HOWEVER IS NOT WORKING AGAIN, CONSUMER WANTS DEALER TO REPAIR AND THE DEALER IS GIVING CONSUMER A HARD TIME. *SLC

NHTSA ID 892293 · filed Jul 10, 2001

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

CONVERTER RATTLES WHENEVER CONSUMER IS DRIVING VEHICLE. HAS CONTACTED DEALER. *AK SEAT BELTS WILL NOT LOCK. CONSUMER HEARD NOISE IN FRONT END AND HAD THE BALL JOINT REPLACED. ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. REAR BRAKES WERE REPLACED. TIRE WAS REPLACED, NO SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN. TAPE PLAYER WILL NOT EJECT. ARM REST IS FALLING OFF ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. LEFT BLINKER IS INOPERABLE. WINDSHIELD WASHER WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY. BACK WINDOW WILL NOT GO UP UNLESS THE MASTER BUTTON IS PRESSED. WINDSHIELD HAS A LARGE STREAK THAT WILL NOT COME OFF. COVERTER WAS TIGHT AND CONTINUES TO MAKE NOISE. CONSUMER WAS PROMISED THAT AIR CONDITIONER WOULD WORK GREAT AT TIME OF PURCHASE, CONSUMER NEEDS THE AC BECAUSE SHE HAS EMPHYSEMA, HOWEVER AIR CONDITIONER FAILED, DEALER STATED IT WAS A SMALL LEAK AND MADE REPAIRS, IT WORKED FOR A WHILE, HOWEVER IS NOT WORKING AGAIN, CONSUMER WANTS DEALER TO REPAIR AND THE DEALER IS GIVING CONSUMER A HARD TIME. *SLC

NHTSA ID 892293 · filed Jul 10, 2001

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

CONVERTER RATTLES WHENEVER CONSUMER IS DRIVING VEHICLE. HAS CONTACTED DEALER. *AK SEAT BELTS WILL NOT LOCK. CONSUMER HEARD NOISE IN FRONT END AND HAD THE BALL JOINT REPLACED. ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. REAR BRAKES WERE REPLACED. TIRE WAS REPLACED, NO SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN. TAPE PLAYER WILL NOT EJECT. ARM REST IS FALLING OFF ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. LEFT BLINKER IS INOPERABLE. WINDSHIELD WASHER WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY. BACK WINDOW WILL NOT GO UP UNLESS THE MASTER BUTTON IS PRESSED. WINDSHIELD HAS A LARGE STREAK THAT WILL NOT COME OFF. COVERTER WAS TIGHT AND CONTINUES TO MAKE NOISE. CONSUMER WAS PROMISED THAT AIR CONDITIONER WOULD WORK GREAT AT TIME OF PURCHASE, CONSUMER NEEDS THE AC BECAUSE SHE HAS EMPHYSEMA, HOWEVER AIR CONDITIONER FAILED, DEALER STATED IT WAS A SMALL LEAK AND MADE REPAIRS, IT WORKED FOR A WHILE, HOWEVER IS NOT WORKING AGAIN, CONSUMER WANTS DEALER TO REPAIR AND THE DEALER IS GIVING CONSUMER A HARD TIME. *SLC

NHTSA ID 892293 · filed Jul 10, 2001

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

CONVERTER RATTLES WHENEVER CONSUMER IS DRIVING VEHICLE. HAS CONTACTED DEALER. *AK SEAT BELTS WILL NOT LOCK. CONSUMER HEARD NOISE IN FRONT END AND HAD THE BALL JOINT REPLACED. ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. REAR BRAKES WERE REPLACED. TIRE WAS REPLACED, NO SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN. TAPE PLAYER WILL NOT EJECT. ARM REST IS FALLING OFF ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. LEFT BLINKER IS INOPERABLE. WINDSHIELD WASHER WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY. BACK WINDOW WILL NOT GO UP UNLESS THE MASTER BUTTON IS PRESSED. WINDSHIELD HAS A LARGE STREAK THAT WILL NOT COME OFF. COVERTER WAS TIGHT AND CONTINUES TO MAKE NOISE. CONSUMER WAS PROMISED THAT AIR CONDITIONER WOULD WORK GREAT AT TIME OF PURCHASE, CONSUMER NEEDS THE AC BECAUSE SHE HAS EMPHYSEMA, HOWEVER AIR CONDITIONER FAILED, DEALER STATED IT WAS A SMALL LEAK AND MADE REPAIRS, IT WORKED FOR A WHILE, HOWEVER IS NOT WORKING AGAIN, CONSUMER WANTS DEALER TO REPAIR AND THE DEALER IS GIVING CONSUMER A HARD TIME. *SLC

NHTSA ID 892293 · filed Jul 10, 2001

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .