Oldsmobile Calais Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 60 consumer complaints across the 5 model years of the Oldsmobile Calais (1986–1990) that have at least 5 complaints. 1989 has the most, with 18. Across all years, the part named most often is engine cooling (30 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All Calais model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 12 | — | 1 | 0 | — | Not enough data |
| 1989 | 18 | — | 2 | 0 | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 18 | — | 2 | 0 | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 5 | 120,000 | 1 | 0 | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 7 | 221,000 | 2 | 0 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Engine cooling30 43%
- Electrical system11 16%
- Seats6 8.7%
- Vehicle speed control5 7.2%
- Steering5 7.2%
- Suspension4 5.8%
- Body and structure4 5.8%
- Seat belts4 5.8%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
1986: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10071286, filed 2004-01, 221,000 miles1987: “Oil pump/balancer assembly on 2.5l 151ci. Tech 4 (not sure on specific years) can crack from normal wear, and destroy crank shaft and engine. The balancer assm. And oil pump are located in oil pan. A simple replacement of oil pump assm. When lifter noise is present, or when metal filings are found in oil, will save you from replacing engine. This assembly will eventually stop pumping oil and ruin engine. Save yourself time and money and do-it-yourself. But don't drive the car with these problems! This pump will run you $275 at dealership, but this beats a new engine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10070058, filed 2004-01, 120,000 miles1990: “When putting vehicle into reverse it took off at high speed without application of accelerator pedal. Vehicle stopped after hitting tree and fence. Dealer has seen the vehicle.*akas a result of the accident the rear of the vehicle was damaged, the driver also sustained injuries, broken ribs, cracked collar bone, spine injury and headaches.”
NHTSA complaint #896368, filed 2001-09Other Oldsmobile models
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About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology