1984 Oldsmobile 88
Only 9 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 9 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 | 37 |
| 1989 | 27 |
| 1990 | 24 |
| 1991 | 16 |
| 1992 | 73 |
| 1993 | 74 |
| 1994 | 63 |
| 1995 | 117 |
| 1996 | 92 |
| 1997 | 101 |
| 1998 | 164 |
| 1999 | 77 |
| 2000 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 9 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 9 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ENGINE FIRE (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). *MJS
NHTSA ODI report, 20000203
THE VEHICLE'S SPEED REDUCED WHEN THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19980813
1 of 9 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
CRUISE CONTROL SERVO SLIPPED OUT OF PLACE WHEN UNEXPECTED, CAUSING INCREASE IN SPEED. DRIVER COULD NOT STOP VEHICLE, RESULTED IN ACCIDENT. RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE. *AK *ML
NHTSA ODI report, 20000531
1 of 9 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
THE OVERHEAD UPHOLSTER HAD DROPPED DOWN AND PARTICLES OF GLUE, DUST AND CLOTH WERE FALLING ON THE CONSUMERS SKIN CAUSING ITCHING AND SORES. *YH
NHTSA ODI report, 20020925
1 of 9 total reports mentions: steering.
1 of 9 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE THROTTLE MAY JAM AND MAY NOT RETURN TO THE CLOSED POSITION. THIS PROBLEM IS DUE TO THE OMISSION, DURING ASSEMBLY, OF A NUT ON THE CRUISE CONTROL ROD WHICH LIMITS TRAVEL IN THE THROTTLE MECHANISM.
Remedy: VEHICLES WILL HAVE THE MISSING NUT ADDED TO THE CRUISE CONTROL ROD WITHOUT CHARGE.
Campaign 83V118000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH AN INCORRECT BRAKE PEDAL BRACKET WHICH CAUSES THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BE LOCATED IN A POSITION LOWER THAN NORMAL.
Remedy: BRAKE PEDAL BRACKET WILL BE REPLACED AT NO CHARGE.
Campaign 84V027000 — check if this car was fixed
HEADLAMP SWITCH FAILURE
THROTTLE NON-RETURN
A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE, CAUSING INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING (ENGINE RUN ON WITH IGNITION OFF).
Remedy: INSTALL A NEW BUSHING IN CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL.
Campaign 89V102000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1984 Oldsmobile 88 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 83V118000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 84V027000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 89V102000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1984 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 1984 Oldsmobile 88?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1984 Oldsmobile 88 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.