1987 Oldsmobile 88

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1987 Oldsmobile 88
RENDERED 2026-08-02T14:02:56.795Z

Only 18 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 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

1987: 18 complaints

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

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 of 18 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING ACCIDENT PRIOR TO RECALL. (88V-080)

NHTSA ODI report, 19960229

PARK IN SHOPPING CENTER IN A PARKING SPACE FACING FORWARD GOT INTO VEHICLE AND STARTED ENGINE WITH FOOT ON BRAKE AND ACCELERATED FORWARD AND HIT OTHER CARS. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19960214

SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT/INJURY. *SKD

NHTSA ODI report, 19950209

STEERING

3 of 18 total reports mention: steering.

STEERING

3 of 18 total reports mention: steering.

Show complaint excerpts

1) MY 1987 DELTA 88 OLDSMOBILE WILL NOT STEER LEFT WHEN COLD, WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN TURNING AT A BUSY INTERSECTION. 2) MY BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE THEY KEEP PULSATING. THIS WEARS OUT MY TIRES VERY FAST.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040117

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 of 18 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.

CRASH

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 of 18 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

FIRE

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19870804 — PE (closed 19871130)

THROTTLE SYSTEM FAILURE

I 19870827 — EA (closed 19911127)

STALLING

R 19870916 — electrical system

AN IN LINE FUSIBLE LINK MAY MELT DOWN AND CAUSE A FIRE.

Remedy: THE WINDSHIELD WASHER BOTTLE BRACKET WILL BE REPLACED.

Campaign 87V135000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19880520 — vehicle speed control

EXCESSIVE ACCELERATOR CABLE FRICTION MAY RESTRICT THE CABLES FREE MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE THROTTLE BODY.

Remedy: REPLACE ACCELERATOR CABLE.

Campaign 88V080000 — check if this car was fixed

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

1987 Oldsmobile 88 — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (4 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for steering issues (3 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for steering issues (3 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 87V135000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Verify recall 88V080000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1988 ● 1994 ● 1992

WORST YEARS

■ 1998 ◆ 1995 ◆ 1997

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1987 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 1987 Oldsmobile 88?

The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1987 Oldsmobile 88 have?

2 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.