MYRModel Year Report

1989 Oldsmobile 88

○ Not enough data
1989 Oldsmobile 88
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:56:05.517Z

Only 27 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 27 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
27

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1989

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

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 1989: 27 complaints 1989 27 1990: 24 complaints 1991: 16 complaints 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 1989: 27 complaints 1989 27 1990: 24 complaints 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 1989: 27 complaints 1989 27 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

1989: 27 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 27 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Fuel system, gasoline

5 of 27 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings and delivery.

Vehicle speed control

4 of 27 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.

Seat belts

4 of 27 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.

CRASHINJURY

Visibility

2 of 27 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing glass, side/rear and heater core.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Heater core leak hot fluid on passenger feet. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-07-20

Tires

2 of 27 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.

Show complaint excerpts

The front tires experienced tread separation, consumer replaced the tires twice.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-03-11

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1988-08-29Fuel system, gasoline88V143000 Fuel rollover valve assembly may not have been installed.

    Remedy: Replace fuel sender and pump assembly.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1989-11-17Structure89V188000 Vehicles may have discrepant welds in the left rear rocker panel which can cause deformation of the panel.

    Remedy: Install a reinforcement kit.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1989 Oldsmobile 88 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Fuel system, gasoline: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 88V143000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 89V188000 · Structure
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1989 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 1989 Oldsmobile 88?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 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.