RecallMyCar

Oldsmobile 88 Recalls & Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA lists 38 safety recalls and 931 owner complaints across 29 model years of the Oldsmobile 88 (1967–1999). The most-complained-about year is 1998.

38
safety recalls, all years
931
owner complaints, all years
1968
year with most recalls
1998
year with most complaints

Pick your Oldsmobile 88 model year

Model yearRecallsComplaints
1999 Oldsmobile 88277
1998 Oldsmobile 881164
1997 Oldsmobile 880101
1996 Oldsmobile 88292
1995 Oldsmobile 881117
1994 Oldsmobile 88163
1993 Oldsmobile 88174
1992 Oldsmobile 88173
1991 Oldsmobile 88116
1990 Oldsmobile 88124
1989 Oldsmobile 88227
1988 Oldsmobile 88037
1987 Oldsmobile 88218
1986 Oldsmobile 88119
1985 Oldsmobile 8827
1984 Oldsmobile 8839
1982 Oldsmobile 8813
1981 Oldsmobile 8804
1980 Oldsmobile 8820
1979 Oldsmobile 8832
1978 Oldsmobile 8820
1977 Oldsmobile 8821
1976 Oldsmobile 8812
1975 Oldsmobile 8820
1974 Oldsmobile 8810
1972 Oldsmobile 8831
1971 Oldsmobile 8820
1968 Oldsmobile 8830
1967 Oldsmobile 8810

What Oldsmobile 88 owners complain about

Across all model years, owners have filed 931 complaints with NHTSA. The 1998 model year has the most, with 164.

All Oldsmobile 88 recalls (38)

Every NHTSA safety campaign that lists a Oldsmobile 88, most recent first, with the model years each one covers.

  1. Delivery (fuel system)

    NHTSA 04V090000 Reported 910,873 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 3800 v6 (l36) engines and certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, the regulators have a much higher than usual rate of fuel leaks. A leak can allow fuel to enter the intake manifold through a vacuum line. If the engine does not start when cranked, the fuel from the leaking regulator and a…

    Remedy: Dealers will install new fuel pressure regulators with improved diaphragms. The recall will be conducted in phased mailings. Phase 1 began on june 30, 2004, and phase 2 began on september 30, 2004. Owners should…

    Model years: 1998, 1999

  2. Automatic transmission (power train)

    NHTSA 99V089000 Reported 99,333 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with 4t65e automatic transmissions. These vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of FMVSS no. 102, "transmission shift lever sequence." a retaining clip, which secures the manual valve to the linkage of the transmission detent lever, can become loose under a combination of possible…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the manual valve/link assembly with a replacement manual valve/link kit, featuring a spring-type fastener.

    Model years: 1999

  3. Fuel injection system (fuel system)

    NHTSA 96V116000 Reported 275,811 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module programming. Until the campaign repair is made, the vehicle hood should be shut whenever starting the vehicle to reduce the chance of personal injury.

    Model years: 1996

  4. Cooling unit and lines (power train)

    NHTSA 96V015000 Reported 585,182 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles manufactured from august 1991 through july 1995. The transmission oil cooler line can separate when the vehicle is operated in low temperatures in combination with high transmission loads.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission oil cooler lines.

    Model years: 1992, 1993

  5. Electrical system: control module

    NHTSA 95V204000 Reported 32,869 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    These vehicles were assembled with a malfunction alarm, lighting and locking (mall) module that can contain a damaged capacitor. If the capacitor is damaged, the "key in the ignition" warning chime and the driver seat belt unbuckled warning chime and indicator lamp may not work. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS no. 114,…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the mall module.

    Model years: 1996

  6. Switch (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 94V138000 Reported 1,487 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    A spring in the head lamp portion of the head park lamp switch can fail preventing latching of the head lamp portion of the switch in the "on" position.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect head/park lamp switch build date codes and replace switches with suspect date codes.

    Model years: 1994, 1995

  7. Mechanical (parking brake)

    NHTSA 91V167000 Reported 20,765 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    When applied, the parking brake lever assembly may release one or more teeth, reducing the cable load to the rear brakes.

    Remedy: Replace parking brake lever assembly.

    Model years: 1991

  8. High/low beam dimmer switch (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 91V034000 Reported 116 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Cars were built missing a wire between the digital cluster and the dimmer control, thereby failing to provide at least two levels of lighting.

    Remedy: Rewire connection between the dimmer switch and the digital cluster.

    Model years: 1990

  9. Frame and members (structure)

    NHTSA 89V188000 Reported 6 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Vehicles may have discrepant welds in the left rear rocker panel which can cause deformation of the panel.

    Remedy: Install a reinforcement kit.

    Model years: 1989

  10. Vehicle speed control

    NHTSA 89V102000 Reported 1,755,897 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    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.

    Model years: 1984, 1985

  11. Storage (fuel system)

    NHTSA 88V143000 Reported 1,655 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Fuel rollover valve assembly may not have been installed.

    Remedy: Replace fuel sender and pump assembly.

    Model years: 1989

  12. Accelerator pedal (vehicle speed control)

    NHTSA 88V080000 Reported 35,057 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Excessive accelerator cable friction may restrict the cables free movement between the accelerator pedal and the throttle body.

    Remedy: Replace accelerator cable.

    Model years: 1987

  13. Fuses and circuit breakers (electrical system)

    NHTSA 87V135000 Reported 479,715 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    An in line fusible link may melt down and cause a fire.

    Remedy: The windshield washer bottle bracket will be replaced.

    Model years: 1987

  14. Suspension: rear

    NHTSA 86V122000 Reported 38,309 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The left and right rear lower control arm ball joint stud to knuckle attachment may have been inadequately tightened. Consequence of defect: this could allow the rear lower control arm ball joint stud to loosen at the knuckle attachment. A loose ball joint stud could eventually break and separate from the knuckle. Separation could cause…

    Remedy: Replace and tighten both left and right rear lower control arm ball joint stud nuts.

    Model years: 1986

  15. Labels (equipment)

    NHTSA 85V028000 Reported 112 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The tire placard label on the left front door may have been printed with an error which specifies a higher maximum loading than is allowed. Consequence of defect: excessive vehicle loading could cause a tire blowout and result in an accident.

    Remedy: New tire placard labels with correct information will be installed.

    Model years: 1985

  16. Pedals and linkages (service brakes)

    NHTSA 84V027000 Reported 139 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Vehicles were assembled with an incorrect brake pedal bracket which causes the brake pedal to be located in a position lower than normal.

    Remedy: Brake pedal bracket will be replaced at no charge.

    Model years: 1984

  17. Linkages (vehicle speed control)

    NHTSA 83V118000 Reported 68 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The throttle may jam and may not return to the closed position. This problem is due to the omission, during assembly, of a nut on the cruise control rod which limits travel in the throttle mechanism.

    Remedy: Vehicles will have the missing nut added to the cruise control rod without charge.

    Model years: 1984

  18. Fuel injection system (fuel system)

    NHTSA 82V012000 Reported 79,686 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Under certain vehicle operating conditions, the governor weight retainer in the injection pump may fail. The throttle valve could stick, preventing return to idle and shut down of the engine by the driver.

    Remedy: Dealer will replace the governor weight assembly in the injection pump at no cost to owner.

    Model years: 1982

  19. Anchorage (seat belts)

    NHTSA 79V247000 Reported 1,326,404 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The heads may break off the front outboard seat belt anchor bolts during normal vehicle operation even under no load conditions. This is due to the combination of bolts used, high installation torque and arrangement of the body anchorage.

    Remedy: Dealer will replace all original equipment front outboard seat belt anchor bolts on the affected vehicles at no cost to owner.

    Model years: 1979, 1980

  20. Labels (equipment)

    NHTSA 79V229000 Reported 3,170 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The tire placard (label) does not contain the recommended tire size information. Therefore, it does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims".

    Remedy: Dealer will install a new label with correct information at no cost to owner.

    Model years: 1980

  21. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)

    NHTSA 79V121000 Reported 134 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The involved vehicles do not conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 106, "brake hoses". These vehicles were manufactured with gasoline fuel hoses in place of the vacuum hose between the intake manifold and carbon canister in the power brake vacuum line. Should this hose rupture, it would result in a loss of power assist to…

    Remedy: The dealer will replace the incorrect hose with the correct vacuum hose.

    Model years: 1979

  22. Master cylinder (service brakes)

    NHTSA 78V247000 Reported 67 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    A gasket was mistakenly placed between the brake master cylinder and the power boost which prevented the two parts from fitting together properly. Damage may have resulted to the mounting ears of the master cylinder and the hydro-boost. This condition could lead to brake failure.

    Remedy: The dealer will install a new brake master cylinder and hydro-boost unit, free of charge, on all affected vehicles.

    Model years: 1979

  23. Fan (engine and engine cooling)

    NHTSA 78V139000 Reported 333,619 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The hub portion of the fan blade assembly could crack due to high stress levels generated during engine operating conditions. Eventually, the blade could break apart at the hub and blade pieces could be propelled into the engine. If the hood is open while the engine is running, the fragments would be free to fly from the vehicle.

    Remedy: Dealer will replace the fan blade assembly without charge to owner.

    Model years: 1978

  24. Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs (wheels)

    NHTSA 77V200000 Reported 4,504 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The rear wheel mounting bolts on the affected vehicles, are brittle and therefore may fracture. This brittleness is due to improper heat treatment during manufacture. If the bolts break, the tire and wheel assembly may separate from the vehicle.

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, will replace defective bolts on all axles and the ten rear axle wheel mounting bolts, free of charge.

    Model years: 1978

  25. Switch (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 76V175000 Reported 66,632 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1977

  26. Steering wheel/handle bar (steering)

    NHTSA 76V132000 Reported 55,564 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1977

  27. Differential proportional valve (service brakes)

    NHTSA 75V214000 Reported 39,278 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1976

  28. Vehicle speed control

    NHTSA 74V150000 Reported 1,951 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1975

  29. Vehicle speed control

    NHTSA 74V140000 Reported 2,562 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1975

  30. Suspension: upper arm

    NHTSA 73V250000 Reported 782,111 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1974

  31. Underbody shields (structure)

    NHTSA 73V013000 Reported 3,707,064 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The possibility exists that driving on unpaved road surfaces, particularly roads which are heavily graveled and which are extremely wavy or filled with chuckholes, at speeds which cause the car to pitch excessively, the front crossmember may scoop up loose stones or gravel and could be thrown into the engine compartment. It is possible…

    Remedy: Inspect and install shield on affected vehicles.

    Model years: 1971, 1972

  32. Seats

    NHTSA 72V185000 Reported 1,699 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1972

  33. Linkages (steering)

    NHTSA 72V135000 Reported 41,711 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1972

  34. Wheels

    NHTSA 72V013000 Reported 30,885 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1971

  35. Tread/belt (tires)

    NHTSA 68V122000 Reported 1,345 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1968

  36. Vehicle speed control

    NHTSA 68V050000 Reported 11,461 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1968

  37. Automatic transmission (power train)

    NHTSA 68V031000 Reported 28,639 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1968

  38. Linkages (steering)

    NHTSA 67V021000 Reported 7,573 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1967

Other Oldsmobile models

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.