1982 Oldsmobile 88
Only 3 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 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 4 |
| 1982 | 3 |
| 1984 | 9 |
| 1985 | 7 |
| 1986 | 19 |
| 1987 | 18 |
| 1988 | 40 |
| 1989 | 27 |
| 1990 | 24 |
| 1991 | 16 |
| 1992 | 74 |
| 1993 | 74 |
| 1994 | 63 |
| 1995 | 117 |
| 1996 | 92 |
| 1997 | 101 |
| 1998 | 164 |
| 1999 | 77 |
| 2000 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 3 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and catalytic convertor.
Show complaint excerpts
IGNITION SYSTEM PROBLEMS, REPLACED CAP, ROTOR AND WIRING. *MJS
NHTSA ODI report, 20001128
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 of 3 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing stabilizer bar and torsion bar.
2 of 3 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing bumpers.
Show complaint excerpts
BUMPER MOUNTINGS DETERIORATED, CAUSING BUMPER TO FALL OFF.
NHTSA ODI report, 19970424
2 of 3 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
2 of 3 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1982 OLDSMOBILE DELTA 88 EQUIPPED WITH A SPECTRA FUEL TANK. WHILE REFUELING THE FUEL TANK, FUEL OVERFLOWED ONTO THE GROUND. THE MANUFACTURER SUGGESTED THAT THE CONTACT HAVE THE FUEL TANK REPLACED BUT THE CONTACT DENIED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20110901
SAFETY TIMELINE
UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE GOVERNOR WEIGHT RETAINER IN THE INJECTION PUMP MAY FAIL. THE THROTTLE VALVE COULD STICK, PREVENTING RETURN TO IDLE AND SHUT DOWN OF THE ENGINE BY THE DR
Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE GOVERNOR WEIGHT ASSEMBLY IN THE INJECTION PUMP AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Campaign 82V012000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1982 Oldsmobile 88 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 82V012000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1982 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 1982 Oldsmobile 88?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1982 Oldsmobile 88 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.