Summary
The Oldsmobile Toronado has 6 recalls spanning the 1977-1989 production run, with the most serious affecting 1989 models equipped with anti-lock brakes, where improperly seated mounting bolts can allow the ABS hydraulic unit to separate from its bracket entirely, resulting in complete brake loss without warning.
The 1989 model year has a second brake-related issue: on ABS-equipped vehicles, the left front brake line can rub against the cruise control servo bracket over time, wear through, and leak fluid, extending stopping distances. Moving to the mechanical side, 1981 models have front upper control arm nuts that may not have been tightened to spec, allowing them to loosen and fall off so the control arm bolt shifts out of position, reducing steering and directional control. On 1980 diesel models, a wiring harness wire running through the exhaust gas recirculation system can become pinched between the air cleaner and the EGR bracket, causing an electrical short that bypasses the fusible link meant to interrupt the circuit. Going back further, the 1977 model year has a transmission parking pawl that may not fully engage when the shifter is placed in Park, leaving the vehicle free to roll if the parking brake is not also applied. The 1986 model has a compliance issue where the center console compartment door may fly open in a crash.
