1986 Oldsmobile 88

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1986 Oldsmobile 88
RENDERED 2026-09-17T05:39:19.710Z

Only 19 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 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

1986: 19 complaints

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 19 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

SERVICE BRAKES

6 of 19 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 of 19 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cruise control and accelerator pedal.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

WHILE TRAVELING WENT INTO EXCESSIVE ACCELERATION WITHOUT INDICATION DUE TO CRUISE CONTROL BEING STUCK. AS A RESULT, CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT, AND WAS INJURED. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20000322

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

3 of 19 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

VISIBILITY

3 of 19 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and power window devices and controls.

STEERING

3 of 19 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing rack and hydraulic power assist system.

Show complaint excerpts

STEERING EFFORT INCREASES DURING COLD WEATHER. TT STEERING WAS HARD AND JERKY WHEN THE VEHICLE FIRST STARTS ESPECIALLY DURING COLD WEATHER. *YH

NHTSA ODI report, 19951025

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19860922 — suspension

THE LEFT AND RIGHT REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT STUD TO KNUCKLE ATTACHMENT MAY HAVE BEEN INADEQUATELY TIGHTENED.

Remedy: REPLACE AND TIGHTEN BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT STUD NUTS.

Campaign 86V122000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19870804 — PE (closed 19871130)

THROTTLE SYSTEM FAILURE

I 19870827 — EA (closed 19911127)

STALLING

I 19890306 — C (closed 19900116)

THROTTLE NON-RETURN

I 19890310 — PE (closed 19890517)

ANTI LOCK BRAKES

I 19890315 — PE (closed 19890728)

REAR BRAKE PIN

I 19890728 — EA (closed 19900727)

REAR BRAKE PIN

I 19890926 — PE (closed 19900326)

BRAKE FAILURE

I 19900326 — EA (closed 19910422)

BRAKE FAILURE

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1986 Oldsmobile 88 — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for service brakes issues (6 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (4 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 86V122000 (suspension) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1988 ● 1994 ● 1993

WORST YEARS

■ 1998 ◆ 1995 ◆ 1997

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1986 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 1986 Oldsmobile 88?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1986 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.