1985 Oldsmobile 88
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.
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 7 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 7 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
CRASHShow 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, 20100516
RIGHT FRONT TIRE SEPARATED, AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENMT INSTALLED AT 30,000 MILES, TIRE SIZE 205/75R15, DOT# UNAVAILABLE. FIRESTONE WAS NOTIFIED. MR *TT *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20021101
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. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990217
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, 19950612
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 85V028000 — 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
1985 Oldsmobile 88 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for wheels issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 85V028000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 89V102000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.