MYRModel Year Report

1981 Oldsmobile 88

○ Not enough data
1981 Oldsmobile 88
RENDERED 2026-08-02T14:02:10.926Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Oldsmobile 88 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1981 highlighted. 1980: 0 complaints 1980 1981: 4 complaints 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1984: 9 complaints 1984 1985: 7 complaints 1986: 19 complaints 1987: 18 complaints 1987 1988: 37 complaints 1989: 27 complaints 1990: 24 complaints 1990 1991: 16 complaints 1992: 73 complaints 1993: 74 complaints 1993 1994: 63 complaints 1995: 117 complaints 1996: 92 complaints 1996 1997: 101 complaints 1998: 164 complaints 1999: 77 complaints 1999 2000: 0 complaints 2000
1981: 4 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19814
19823
19849
19857
198619
198718
198837
198927
199024
199116
199273
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.

Show complaint excerpts

THE LEFT REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. YOKOHAMA ALL SEASON RADIAL TIRE P215/75R15. *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20030512

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, 20000824

WHEELS

1 of 4 total reports mentions: wheels.

Show complaint excerpts

INAPPROPRIATE WHEEL ATTACHMENTS COULD CAUSE THE WHEELS TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING. *AK *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20030519

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 of 4 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE FIRE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)

NHTSA ODI report, 19970828

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1981 Oldsmobile 88 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for tires issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for wheels issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1988 ● 1994 ● 1992

WORST YEARS

■ 1998 ◆ 1995 ◆ 1997

See all years ranked →

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:tread/belt, 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.