MYRModel Year Report

1985 Oldsmobile 88

○ Not enough data
1985 Oldsmobile 88
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:54:46.743Z

Only 7 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 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
7

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1985

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1981: 4 complaints 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1984: 9 complaints 1985: 7 complaints 1985 7 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 1982: 3 complaints 1984: 9 complaints 1985: 7 complaints 1985 7 1986: 19 complaints 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 1982: 3 complaints 1982 1984: 9 complaints 1984 1985: 7 complaints 1985 7 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

1985: 7 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 7 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Tires

4 of 7 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

In the past 7 months I've had 2 accidents due to tires not gripping the road in rainy conditions. Last oct. I slid 2 and a half car lengths and hit the rear of a vehicle at a stop sign. Last week it happened but it wasn't as serious.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-05-16

Right front tire separated, aftermarket equipmenmt installed at 30,000 miles, tire size 205/75R15, DOT# unavailable. Firestone was notified.…

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-11-01

Wheels

1 of 7 total reports mentions: wheels.

Show complaint excerpts

The wheel had rusted and corroded, causing a vibration and the left front wheel came loose while driving at45MPH on the highway.

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-02-17

Seat belts

1 of 7 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

Driver seat belt failure, belt will not lock in place. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-12

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1985-04-10Equipment85V028000 The tire placard label on the left front door may have been printed with an error which specifies a higher maximum loading than is allowed.

    Remedy: New tire placard labels with correct information will be installed.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1988-02-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-05-11 Headlamp switch failure
  3. I
    1989-03-06CClosed 1990-01-16 Throttle non-return
  4. R
    1989-07-20Vehicle speed control89V102000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1985 Oldsmobile 88 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Tires: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Wheels: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 85V028000 · Equipment
  • Recall 89V102000 · Vehicle speed control
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

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Best years1 year

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1985 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 1985 Oldsmobile 88?
The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 57% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Oldsmobile 88 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

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