1996 Oldsmobile Ciera Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 13%of 83 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera, 13% of the 83 complaints for this model year.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The consumer has been experiencing problems believed to be associated with the driveline shaft. The vehicle vibrates tremendously after approaching 60 MPH and over. The steering wheel bounces and dashboard rattles, causing it to be a distraction while driving. Manufacturer has been contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #829372, filed 1998-11“While driving had heard a noise & vehicle started to slow down. Pulled to side of road. Contacted dealer & informed by mechanic to bring vehicle in. Had vehicle towed. Transmission's reverse went out. Transmission would go only into drive.”
NHTSA complaint #850521, filed 1999-10“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“Consumer states the service engine light illuminated without warning dealership has serviced the vehicle light anf found that the transmission had failed. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #8008111, filed 2002-04“While driving vehicle will stall out for 2 minutes and start back up, and stall back out again without any warning.contacted dealership, cannot find problem.”
NHTSA complaint #8011954, filed 2002-06Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera
22 complaintsEngine cooling
15 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 31, 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