MYRModel Year Report

1988 Oldsmobile 88

▲ Better than typical
1988 Oldsmobile 88
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:39:50.301Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Oldsmobile 88 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1988 highlighted. 1981: 4 complaints 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1984: 9 complaints 1985: 7 complaints 1985 1986: 19 complaints 1987: 18 complaints 1988: 40 complaints 1988 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
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%

33% of complaints: steering — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar and hydraulic power assist system.

INJURY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 13%

13% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
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. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950926

VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19950802

SEAT BELTS 13%

13% of complaints: seat belts — 5 distinct reports on file, 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, 19941204

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 13%

13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

CRASH FIRE
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.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020909

TIRES 8%

8% of complaints: tires — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 19890306 — C (closed 19900116)

THROTTLE NON-RETURN

I 19890310 — PE (closed 19890517)

ANTI LOCK BRAKES

I 19890926 — PE (closed 19900326)

BRAKE FAILURE

I 19900326 — EA (closed 19910422)

BRAKE FAILURE

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 Oldsmobile 88 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (13 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (5 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

● 1994 ● 1993 ● 1992

WORST YEARS

■ 1998 ◆ 1995 ◆ 1997

See all years ranked →

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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.