MYRModel Year Report

1987 Oldsmobile 88

○ Not enough data
1987 Oldsmobile 88
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:55:43.047Z

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
18

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1987

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 1987: 18 complaints 1987 18 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 1987: 18 complaints 1987 18 1988: 40 complaints 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 1987: 18 complaints 1987 18 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

1987: 18 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 18 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Vehicle speed control

6 of 18 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Sudden acceleration, causing accident prior to recall. (88V-080)

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-29

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.…

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-14

Sudden acceleration, causing loss of control/accident/injury.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-09

Steering

6 of 18 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing rack and pinion.

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, 2004-01-17

Also filed under Visibility and service brakes, hydraulic

Engine and engine cooling

3 of 18 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.

FIRE

Tires

2 of 18 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.

Visibility

1 of 18 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing motor.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 8 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. I
    1987-08-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 1987-11-30 Throttle system failure
  2. I
    1987-08-27Engineering analysisClosed 1991-11-27 Stalling
  3. R
    1987-09-16Electrical system87V135000 An in line fusible link may melt down and cause a fire.

    Remedy: The windshield washer bottle bracket will be replaced.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    1988-05-20Vehicle speed control88V080000 Excessive accelerator cable friction may restrict the cables free movement between the accelerator pedal and the throttle body.

    Remedy: Replace accelerator cable.

    Check if this car was fixed →

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

Buy-smart checklist

1987 Oldsmobile 88 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

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

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 87V135000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 88V080000 · Vehicle speed control
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years3 years

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 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 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.