MYRModel Year Report

1986 Oldsmobile 88

○ Not enough data
1986 Oldsmobile 88
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:57:04.681Z

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
19

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1986

Investigations
8

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1981: 4 complaints 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1984: 9 complaints 1985: 7 complaints 1986: 19 complaints 1986 19 1987: 18 complaints 1988: 40 complaints 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 1984 1985: 7 complaints 1986: 19 complaints 1986 19 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 1986: 19 complaints 1986 19 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

1986: 19 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 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.

CRASHINJURY
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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-03-22

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-10-25

Safety timeline

1 recall · 8 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1986-09-22Suspension86V122000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1987-08-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 1987-11-30 Throttle system failure
  3. I
    1987-08-27Engineering analysisClosed 1991-11-27 Stalling
  4. I
    1989-03-06CClosed 1990-01-16 Throttle non-return
  5. I
    1989-03-10Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-17 Anti lock brakes
  6. I
    1989-03-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-07-28 Rear brake pin
  7. I
    1989-07-28Engineering analysisClosed 1990-07-27 Rear brake pin
  8. I
    1989-09-26Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-03-26 Brake failure
  9. I
    1990-03-26Engineering analysisClosed 1991-04-22 Brake failure

Buy-smart checklist

1986 Oldsmobile 88 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Service brakes: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 86V122000 · Suspension
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years3 years

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