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1986 Oldsmobile CalaisProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 7 owner complaints about the 1986 Oldsmobile Calais, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints71 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem3Electrical system

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 15, 2004. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1986 Oldsmobile Calais has problems

7 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system31
Engine and engine cooling30
Steering20
Fuel system, gasoline21
Seat belts10
Equipment10
Structure10
Tires10
Wheels10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

1986 Oldsmobile Calais recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Structure

Recall 87V-124 · Aug 10, 1987 · 261,171 vehicles

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Oldsmobile.

Best & worst years

1986 vs. every other Calais year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Calais median. How we score

'85'86'87'88'89'90
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1986 Oldsmobile Calais, and the recalls they led to.

  1. SEAT BELT SEPARATIONEA91045 · closed Oct 26, 1992
    No recall
  2. SAFETY BELT CUT AT D-RINGPE91099 · closed Nov 7, 1991
    No recall
In owners' words

What Calais owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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
Complaint 763323 · Jun 21, 2002
ENGINE STALLES WHEN IT OVERHEATS. VEHICLE FAILS TO START WHEN HOT UNTIL ENGINE COOLS DOWN. ALSO, REPLACED IGNITION/COIL AND STARTER. *AK
Complaint 525173 · Jan 27, 1998

Own a 1986 Calais?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.