1996 Oldsmobile Ciera Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 18%of 83 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera, 18% of the 83 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Head gasket leaked. Consumer indicated that when he went into garage there was water on the floor. Consumer had vehicle checked out by mechanic, who determined there was a head gasket leak. Consumer was quoted a price to have vehicle repaired. Consumer felt that Oldsmobile should repair the problem free of charge since this was a common problem with this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10057248, filed 2004-01, 44,000 miles“Several components have prematurely deteriorated calling into question safety of other related components. The car is 3 years and 6 months old, but has less than 29,000 miles. The problems all seem to deal with rubber (or similar material) components. The engine intake manifold is leaking. The left side axle seal and cover on the transmission is leaking. The serpentine belt was already cracking and needed to be replaced. (the serpentine belt is available for inspection, if so desired).”
NHTSA complaint #721469, filed 2000-04“When driving at any speed and without prior warning vehicle will cut off and come to a dead stop. Consumer has contacted dealer, and dealer has replaced some wiring. Repairs were not covered under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #863817, filed 2000-06“#6 cylinder failed resulting in engine failure. Dealer wants to rebuild or replace with a new engine. Consumer feels this major engine problem should not have happend at 44k miles. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #784576, filed 2000-03“When coming to a complete stop the vehicle will stall and while driving up on a hill there will be noise coming from the engine. Dealer replaced oxgen sensor. Also in cold weather the doors are hard to open.”
NHTSA complaint #811484, filed 1997-04Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera
22 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology