MYRModel Year Report

1981 Oldsmobile 88

○ Not enough data
1981 Oldsmobile 88
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:55:32.097Z

Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
4

Too few to rank

Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1981: 4 complaints 1981 4 1982: 3 complaints 1984: 9 complaints 1985: 7 complaints 1985 1986: 19 complaints 1987: 18 complaints 1988: 40 complaints 1988 1989: 27 complaints 1990: 24 complaints 1991: 16 complaints 1991 1992: 74 complaints 1993: 74 complaints 1994: 63 complaints 1994 1995: 117 complaints 1996: 92 complaints 1997: 101 complaints 1997 1998: 164 complaints 1999: 77 complaints 2000: 0 complaints 2000
1981: 4 complaints 1981 4 1982: 3 complaints 1984: 9 complaints 1984 1985: 7 complaints 1986: 19 complaints 1986 1987: 18 complaints 1988: 40 complaints 1988 1989: 27 complaints 1990: 24 complaints 1990 1991: 16 complaints 1992: 74 complaints 1992 1993: 74 complaints 1994: 63 complaints 1994 1995: 117 complaints 1996: 92 complaints 1996 1997: 101 complaints 1998: 164 complaints 1998 1999: 77 complaints 2000: 0 complaints 2000
1981: 4 complaints 1981 4 1982: 3 complaints 1982 1984: 9 complaints 1984 1985: 7 complaints 1985 1986: 19 complaints 1986 1987: 18 complaints 1987 1988: 40 complaints 1988 1989: 27 complaints 1989 1990: 24 complaints 1990 1991: 16 complaints 1991 1992: 74 complaints 1992 1993: 74 complaints 1993 1994: 63 complaints 1994 1995: 117 complaints 1995 1996: 92 complaints 1996 1997: 101 complaints 1997 1998: 164 complaints 1998 1999: 77 complaints 1999 2000: 0 complaints 2000

1981: 4 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19814
19823
19849
19857
198619
198718
198840
198927
199024
199116
199274
199374
199463
1995117
199692
1997101
1998164
199977
20000

Known problem areas

Only 4 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Tires

2 of 4 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.

Show complaint excerpts

The left rear tire experienced tread separation. Yokohama all season radial tire P215/75R15.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-12

I have been a mechanic for 15 years and have had a lot of problems with several brands of firestone tires. About 10 years ago several firestone tires developed lumps in the tread and had to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-08-24

Wheels

1 of 4 total reports mentions: wheels, most commonly citing lugs/nuts/bolts/studs.

Show complaint excerpts

Inappropriate wheel attachments could cause the wheels to detach from the vehicle while traveling.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-19

Engine and engine cooling

1 of 4 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle fire. (Ohio state police report)

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-08-28

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

Buy-smart checklist

1981 Oldsmobile 88 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Tires: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Wheels: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 1 report on file for this year.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

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Best years1 year

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1981 Oldsmobile 88 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1981 Oldsmobile 88?
The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1981 Oldsmobile 88 have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-20 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.