MYRModel Year Report

1988 Oldsmobile Ciera

○ Not enough data
1988 Oldsmobile Ciera
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:48:35.349Z

Only 25 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 25 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
25

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1988

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1984: 3 complaints 1984 1985: 8 complaints 1986: 14 complaints 1986 1987: 17 complaints 1988: 25 complaints 1988 25 1989: 32 complaints 1990: 20 complaints 1990 1994: 46 complaints 1995: 34 complaints 1995 1996: 83 complaints
1984: 3 complaints 1984 1985: 8 complaints 1985 1986: 14 complaints 1986 1987: 17 complaints 1987 1988: 25 complaints 1988 25 1989: 32 complaints 1989 1990: 20 complaints 1990 1994: 46 complaints 1994 1995: 34 complaints 1995 1996: 83 complaints 1996
1984: 3 complaints 1984 1985: 8 complaints 1985 1986: 14 complaints 1986 1987: 17 complaints 1987 1988: 25 complaints 1988 25 1989: 32 complaints 1989 1990: 20 complaints 1990 1994: 46 complaints 1994 1995: 34 complaints 1995 1996: 83 complaints 1996

1988: 25 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19810
19820
19830
19843
19858
198614
198717
198825
198932
199020
199446
199534
199683

Known problem areas

Only 25 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Power train

6 of 25 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing gear position indication (prndl) and automatic transmission.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Even though the vehicle is in park it still drifts backward it caused an accident. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-15

Engine and engine cooling

5 of 25 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and emission control.

Electrical system

3 of 25 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing ignition.

Seat belts

3 of 25 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly and rear/other.

Vehicle speed control

2 of 25 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

The accelerator stuck, causing sudden acceleration, resultong in loss of control/accident.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-07-17

Safety timeline

1 recall · 3 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1988-12-15Fuel system, gasoline88V164000 Fuel feed hose could leak at the coupling on the engine end of the hose assembly.

    Remedy: Install new fuel feed hose assembly.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1989-01-17Engineering analysisClosed 1990-05-08 Brake ineffectiveness
  3. I
    1989-01-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-24 Stop lamps
  4. I
    1994-06-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-12-30 Sub-frame absorber failure

Buy-smart checklist

1988 Oldsmobile Ciera — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 88V164000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1988 Oldsmobile Ciera 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 Ciera?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Oldsmobile Ciera have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-20 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.