1989 Oldsmobile 88
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 27 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 27 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
3 of 27 total reports mention: seat belts.
CRASH INJURY2 of 27 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
2 of 27 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
1 of 27 total reports mentions: visibility.
SAFETY TIMELINE
FUEL ROLLOVER VALVE ASSEMBLY MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED.
Remedy: REPLACE FUEL SENDER AND PUMP ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 88V143000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLES MAY HAVE DISCREPANT WELDS IN THE LEFT REAR ROCKER PANEL WHICH CAN CAUSE DEFORMATION OF THE PANEL.
Remedy: INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT KIT.
Campaign 89V188000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1989 Oldsmobile 88 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 88V143000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 89V188000 (structure) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 vehicle speed control, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 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.