1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 3 |
| 1981 | 3 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 5 |
| 1984 | 16 |
| 1985 | 18 |
| 1986 | 23 |
| 1987 | 16 |
| 1988 | 74 |
| 1989 | 113 |
| 1990 | 103 |
| 1991 | 193 |
| 1992 | 136 |
| 1993 | 139 |
| 1994 | 148 |
| 1995 | 156 |
| 1996 | 123 |
| 1997 | 96 |
| 1998 | 155 |
| 1999 | 80 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
11% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 8 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 8 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE REAR CALIPERS HAVE LOCKED UP SEVERAL TIMES. THEY HAVE BOTH BEEN REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. THE BRAKES GO ON FINE, AND STOP THE CAR GREAT, BUT THEY DO NOT RELEASE ONCE THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED.
NHTSA ODI report, 19991201
11% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THE VEHICLE ROLLED RIGHT OUT THE DRIVEWAY. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19961115
7% of complaints: suspension — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH DEATHShow complaint excerpts
1988 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS- ENGINE CRADLE AND/OR FRONT SUSPENSIONS BROKE CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. *LA THE CLAIM WAS FILED FOR THE DECEASED CONSUMER. THE ENGINE CRADLE FELL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20031019
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE PARKING BRAKE CABLE MAY BE DISCONNECTED FROM THE LEFT REAR BRAKE CALIPER.
Remedy: INSTALL A RETAINER ON LEFT REAR CALIPER IF CABLE IS NOT ALREADY RETAINED WITH A COTTER PIN AND ADJUST PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM.
Campaign 88V175000 — check if this car was fixed
THROTTLE NON-RETURN
A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE, CAUSING INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING (ENGINE RUN ON WITH IGNITION OFF).
Remedy: INSTALL A NEW BUSHING IN CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL.
Campaign 89V102000 — check if this car was fixed
PARKING BRAKE CABLE
FAILURE STOP LAMP SWITCH
FRONT SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP ATTACHMENT FASTENER MAY PULL THROUGH DOOR MOUNTED ANCHOR PLATE.
Remedy: REPLACE FRONT SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP ATTACHMENT NUTS AND INSTALL NEW GUIDE COVER.
Campaign 90V054000 — check if this car was fixed
BRAKE PERFORMANCE
REAR WHEEL BEARINGS FAIL
CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE. IF THESE CRACKS BECOME SEVERE ENOUGH, THE WHEEL WILL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MANUFACTURING CODES STAMPED ON EACH WHEEL OF THE VEHICLE AND IF A WHEEL FALLS WITHIN THE SPECIFIED DATE CODE RANGE, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THAT WHEEL ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 94V041000 — check if this car was fixed
CORRODED REAR DISK BRAKES
CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE. IF THESE CRACKS BECOME SEVERE ENOUGH, THE WHEEL WILL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MANUFACTURING DATE CODES STAMPED ON EACH WHEEL OF THE VEHICLE AND IF A WHEEL FALLS WITHIN THE SPECIFIED DATE CODE RANGE, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THAT WHEEL ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 95V115000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE,
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.
Campaign 97V058000 — check if this car was fixed
CRADLE BOLT FAILURES
ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATION
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 88V175000 (parking brake) has been completed.
- Verify recall 89V102000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90V054000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 94V041000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 95V115000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V058000 (structure) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:rotor, accounting for 11% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass have?
6 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.