MYRModel Year Report

1988 Oldsmobile Calais

○ Not enough data
1988 Oldsmobile Calais
RENDERED 2026-09-16T23:11:01.199Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Oldsmobile Calais Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1988 highlighted. 1985: 3 complaints 1985 1986: 7 complaints 1986 1987: 5 complaints 1987 1988: 18 complaints 1988 1989: 18 complaints 1989 1990: 12 complaints 1990
1988: 18 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19840
19853
19867
19875
198818
198918
199012

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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

Show complaint excerpts

ENGINE OIL PUMP FAILED. *SKD

NHTSA ODI report, 19950413

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 of 18 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing starter assembly and module.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

IGNITION COIL HOUSING WAS DEFECTIVE, CAUSING GAS TO LEAK INTO EXHAUST SYSTEM/FIRE/ACCIDENT. *SD

NHTSA ODI report, 19960509

POWER TRAIN

3 of 18 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing clutch assembly and automatic transmission.

SEAT BELTS

2 of 18 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor and front.

VISIBILITY

1 of 18 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing power window devices and controls.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19880201 — PE (closed 19880316)

QUAD 4 ENG WIRING FAILURE

I 19890117 — EA (closed 19900508)

BRAKE INEFFECTIVENESS

R 19900329 — fuel system, gasoline

FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY COULD CRACK OR SEPARATE AT THE COUPLING ON THE ENGINE END OF THE HOSE ASSEMBLY, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Remedy: REPLACE FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY.

Campaign 90V042000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19900829 — EA (closed 19920330)

BRAKE PERFORMANCE

R 19921103 — fuel system, gasoline

FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY COULD CRACK OR SEPARATE AT THE COUPLING ON THE ENGINE END OF THE HOSE ASSEMBLY, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Remedy: REPLACE FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY.

Campaign 92V150000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 Oldsmobile Calais — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (14 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 90V042000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 92V150000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1988 Oldsmobile Calais 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 1988 Oldsmobile Calais?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 78% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Oldsmobile Calais have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

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