1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
Only 22 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 22 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 |
| 1987 | 3 |
| 1988 | 22 |
| 1989 | 23 |
| 1990 | 42 |
| 1994 | 51 |
| 1995 | 77 |
| 1996 | 47 |
| 1997 | 43 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 22 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
8 of 22 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing frame and members and hinge and attachments.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
IDENTICAL FAILURE AS DESCRIBED ON NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 00V189000/ CRADLE BOLTS. HOWEVER, THIS CAMPAIGN IS LIMITED TO NORTHERN TIER OF STATES "WHERE ROAD SALT USE IS HEAVY." MY VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY OF THOSE STATES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20011101
I HAVE A 1988 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME. WHICH IS HAVING A FAILURE OF THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLES. THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE. I HAVE CONTACTED GM ABOUT THIS AND THEY STATE THAT DUE TO VEHICLE AGE IT IS NOT THEIR RESPONSIBILITY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030912
7 of 22 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
3 of 22 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar and tie rod assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
WHEN DRIVING NOTICED SMOKE AROUND THE STEERING COLUMN AREA . CONSUMER ALSO NOTICED THE PROBLEM WHEN TRAVELING LONG DISTANCE. NOTICED THE PROBLEM TWICE A WEEK. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970903
3 of 22 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing rear and front.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHEN MAKING SUDDEN STOPS VEHICLE SWERVED INTO THE PASSING LANE. VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION IN 1996. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030812
THE SHOCKS AND STRUTS "FELL OFF" THEREFOR CAUSING A FLIP OVER WHEN THE BACK RIGHT TIRE BLEW.
NHTSA ODI report, 20010405
2 of 22 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
SAFETY TIMELINE
STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION
W-CAR HINGE PIN FAILURE
STICKING THROTTLE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA,
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT AND REAR FRAME/CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.
Campaign 00V189000 — check if this car was fixed
STRUCTURE
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURE
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 00V189000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 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 Cutlass Supreme?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 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.