MYRModel Year Report

1988 Oldsmobile Calais

○ Not enough data
1988 Oldsmobile Calais
RENDERED 2026-11-01T05:35:04.472Z

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
18

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1988

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1985: 3 complaints 1985 1986: 7 complaints 1986 1987: 5 complaints 1987 1988: 18 complaints 1988 18 1989: 18 complaints 1989 1990: 12 complaints 1990
1985: 3 complaints 1985 1986: 7 complaints 1986 1987: 5 complaints 1987 1988: 18 complaints 1988 18 1989: 18 complaints 1989 1990: 12 complaints 1990
1985: 3 complaints 1985 1986: 7 complaints 1986 1987: 5 complaints 1987 1988: 18 complaints 1988 18 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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-04-13

Electrical system

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

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Ignition coil housing was defective, causing gas to leak into exhaust system/fire/accident.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-05-09

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

2 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. I
    1988-02-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-03-16 Quad 4 eng wiring failure
  2. I
    1989-01-17Engineering analysisClosed 1990-05-08 Brake ineffectiveness
  3. R
    1990-03-29Fuel system, gasoline90V042000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    1990-08-29Engineering analysisClosed 1992-03-30 Brake performance
  5. R
    1992-11-03Fuel system, gasoline92V150000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1988 Oldsmobile Calais — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 14 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 90V042000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 92V150000 · Fuel system, gasoline
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 2026-09-20 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.