MYRModel Year Report

1988 Oldsmobile 88

▲ Better than typical
1988 Oldsmobile 88
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:43:52.301Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
40
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Steering

33% of complaints

Complaints per year

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

1988: 40 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

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Steering

33% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar and hydraulic power assist system.

INJURY

Vehicle speed control

13% · 5 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Upon starting, place gear into drive position, suddenly vehicle accelerated then shot out of control, hitting another vehicle and pinned a pedestrian.…

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-09-26

Vehicle suddenly accelerated, causing loss of control/accident.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-08-02

Seat belts

13% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing retractor and buckle assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

Front lap and shoulder belts get wound up in arm rest of front doors.

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-12-04

Engine and engine cooling

13% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

While traveling on highway and if test registers a half of tank of gasoline vehicle will stall and shutdown. Dealership is aware of problem.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-09

Tires

8% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing tread/belt.

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. I
    1989-03-06CClosed 1990-01-16 Throttle non-return
  2. I
    1989-03-10Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-17 Anti lock brakes
  3. I
    1989-09-26Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-03-26 Brake failure
  4. I
    1990-03-26Engineering analysisClosed 1991-04-22 Brake failure

Buy-smart checklist

1988 Oldsmobile 88 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Steering: 13 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 5 reports on file for this year.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1988 Oldsmobile 88 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1988 Oldsmobile 88 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1988 Oldsmobile 88?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Oldsmobile 88 have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.

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