Owners have filed 91 complaints
about the 1994 Oldsmobile 88 with NHTSA between 1995 and 2016.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 7 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 35
Against the median year of the Oldsmobile 88. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 45
8.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
75,000 – 99,999 miles
233.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
350.0%
150,000+ miles
116.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 1995peak 8Nov 2016
Recalls on the 1994 Oldsmobile 88
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
94V138000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
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.
Risk: THE HEAD LAMPS WOULD NOT STAY ILLUMINATED RESULTING IN REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 147,000 milesGallipolis, OHCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1994 OLDSMOBILE 88 ROYALE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS SUDDENLY REAR ENDED. THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS FELL BACKWARDS AND THE BOLTS THAT HELD THE SEATS DETACHED. AS A RESULT, THE SEATS DISENGAGED FROM THE FLOORBOARD OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEG, KNEE, HEAD, SHOULDER, ARM, AND HAND. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, BACK, KNEES, AND RIBS. BOTH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 02/03/17*LJ THE CONSUMER REQUESTED A STATUS UPDATE. *JS VIN INVALID UPDATED 7/11/18*JB
NHTSA complaint #10928533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,000 milesGallipolis, OHCrash2 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1994 OLDSMOBILE 88 ROYALE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS SUDDENLY REAR ENDED. THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS FELL BACKWARDS AND THE BOLTS THAT HELD THE SEATS DETACHED. AS A RESULT, THE SEATS DISENGAGED FROM THE FLOORBOARD OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEG, KNEE, HEAD, SHOULDER, ARM, AND HAND. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, BACK, KNEES, AND RIBS. BOTH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 02/03/17*LJ THE CONSUMER REQUESTED A STATUS UPDATE. *JS VIN INVALID UPDATED 7/11/18*JB
NHTSA complaint #10928533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Silvercreek, MSCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
DURING VEHICLE OPERATION IN WET CONDITIONS. THE ABS BRAKES LOCK UP, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #802544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Abingdon, ILCrash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
THE EXHUAST SYSTEM CAME OFF THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #985483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hendersonvil, TNCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
THE OWNER IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES AND THE MANUFACTURER IS REFUSING TO GIVE ANY INFO RELATED TO A TEST THAT THEY DID ON THE CAR. TT
NHTSA complaint #976378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stephenville, TXCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES THERE WERE NO BRAKES(ABS ANTI -LOCK) CAUSE AN ACCIDENT . TT
NHTSA complaint #972100 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 147,000 milesGallipolis, OHCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1994 OLDSMOBILE 88 ROYALE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS SUDDENLY REAR ENDED. THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS FELL BACKWARDS AND THE BOLTS THAT HELD THE SEATS DETACHED. AS A RESULT, THE SEATS DISENGAGED FROM THE FLOORBOARD OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEG, KNEE, HEAD, SHOULDER, ARM, AND HAND. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, BACK, KNEES, AND RIBS. BOTH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 02/03/17*LJ THE CONSUMER REQUESTED A STATUS UPDATE. *JS VIN INVALID UPDATED 7/11/18*JB
NHTSA complaint #10928533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,000 milesGallipolis, OHCrash2 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1994 OLDSMOBILE 88 ROYALE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS SUDDENLY REAR ENDED. THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS FELL BACKWARDS AND THE BOLTS THAT HELD THE SEATS DETACHED. AS A RESULT, THE SEATS DISENGAGED FROM THE FLOORBOARD OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEG, KNEE, HEAD, SHOULDER, ARM, AND HAND. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, BACK, KNEES, AND RIBS. BOTH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 02/03/17*LJ THE CONSUMER REQUESTED A STATUS UPDATE. *JS VIN INVALID UPDATED 7/11/18*JB
NHTSA complaint #10928533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 182,000 milesChina Township, MI
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 1994 OLDSMOBILE DELTA 88. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH THE CRADLE BOLT THAT HOLDS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION WAS DAMAGED BY RUST CAUSING THE STEERING COLUMN TO DISCONNECT FROM THE RACK AND PINION. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER REGARDING THE RUST ON THE BOLTS AND WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE CONTACT WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COST. THE VEHICLE CAN NOT BE DRIVEN TO DUE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RUST WAS CAUSED BY SALT BUILD UP DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,000.
NHTSA complaint #10359327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,164 milesMontrose, AL
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
THE HOOD ON A 1994 OLDSMOBILE DELTA 88 WAS LIFTED TO CHECK BATTERY AND BOTH GAS FILLED STRUTS DESIGNED TO KEEP THE HOOD UP SUDDENLY FAILED. THIS RESULTED IN THE HOOD FALLING AND TRAPPING MY RIGHT WRIST AND HAND. LACERATION WAS INFLICTED ALONG WITH RADIAL AND/OR ULNAR NERVE DAMAGE.
NHTSA complaint #10286181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,164 milesMontrose, AL
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
THE HOOD ON A 1994 OLDSMOBILE DELTA 88 WAS LIFTED TO CHECK BATTERY AND BOTH GAS FILLED STRUTS DESIGNED TO KEEP THE HOOD UP SUDDENLY FAILED. THIS RESULTED IN THE HOOD FALLING AND TRAPPING MY RIGHT WRIST AND HAND. LACERATION WAS INFLICTED ALONG WITH RADIAL AND/OR ULNAR NERVE DAMAGE.
NHTSA complaint #10286181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesMoline, IL
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
1994 OLDS 88 HAS TO BE SOLD FOR SALVAGE DUE TO THE FRAME RUSTING AND CRACKS HAVE BEEN FORMED IN THE FRAME. THE CAR HAS BEEN STORED INSIDE A GARAGE 10 OUT OF THE 12 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP (2 OWNERS)
NHTSA complaint #10165593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONSUMER RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, BUT IT WAS HARD TO SHIFT. THE DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT WAS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THE CAUSE WAS NOT DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #10108535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bradford, UN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I RECEIVED A PRICE QUOTE FROM A LOCAL GM DEALERSHIP OF $2500 TO REPAINT THE CAR. THE BODYSHOP MGR. TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A PROLEM WITH GM PAINT FROM 1985 TO 1995. I CALLED GM CANADA AND THEIR RESPONSE WAS THAT THEY HAD NO INFORMATION REGARDING MY COMPLAINT. SO I AM LODGING THIS INFO WITH YOUR WEBSITE.
NHTSA complaint #10071364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Georgetown, SC
STRUCTURE:BODY
FINISH COAT AND CLEAR COAT BUBBLING AND PEELING OFF IN FLAKES ON RIGHT REAR DOOR AND LEAVING THE PRIMER IN TACT. CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR OLDSMOBILE AND WAS TOLD VEHICLE TOO OLD TO CLAIM MANUFACTURER DEFECT BUT NO DOUBT THIS APPEARS TO BE A MANUFACTURE DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #10041667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
REAR PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKED IN PLACE AND WILL NOT RETRACT. DEALER WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE SEAT BELT.
NHTSA complaint #10038491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rosemont, IL
SUSPENSION:REAR
THE REAR TIRE COLLAPSED ONTO THE BODY OF VEHICLE. THE BOLT BROKE IN HALF INSIDE THE BUSHINGS AND THE NUT SIDE OF THE BOLT FELL OFF ALLOWING ONLY THE REMAINING HALF OF THE BOLT TO HOLD UP THE SUSPENSION ARM.*JB *TS
NHTSA complaint #10020162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rosemont, IL
TIRES
THE REAR TIRE COLLAPSED ONTO THE BODY OF VEHICLE. THE BOLT BROKE IN HALF INSIDE THE BUSHINGS AND THE NUT SIDE OF THE BOLT FELL OFF ALLOWING ONLY THE REMAINING HALF OF THE BOLT TO HOLD UP THE SUSPENSION ARM.*JB *TS
NHTSA complaint #10020162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ohatchee, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
BOTH ALTERNATOR AND BATTERIES HAVE BEEN REPLACE ON NUMEROUS OCCASSIONS SINCE THIS DATE. THE BATTERY SEEMS TO DRAIN THE ALTERNATOR RESULTING IN FAILURE .
NHTSA complaint #742325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ohatchee, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
BOTH ALTERNATOR AND BATTERIES HAVE BEEN REPLACE ON NUMEROUS OCCASSIONS SINCE THIS DATE. THE BATTERY SEEMS TO DRAIN THE ALTERNATOR RESULTING IN FAILURE .
NHTSA complaint #742325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Freeport, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
THE INTAKE IS PLASTIC AND THE EGR TUBE SREWS DIRECTLY INTO IT,THUS CAUSING THE INTAKE TO MELT AND DISTORT CAUSE YOUR COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINES CYLINDER WALLS.WHICH ANTIFREEZE HAS SUGARS IN IT THUS CAUSEING THE ENGINE TO BURN UP.HAVE BEEN TO SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS IN THE AREA AND THEY ALL SAY THAT IT HAPPENS TO ALL THE CARS WITH THIS PARTICULAR ENGINE.THOUGH THEY DO NOT WANT TO ADMIT IT IS A FACTORY PRODUCTION MESS UP.YOU CANT MIX A METAL EGR TUBE WITH A PLASTIC INTAKE THAT GETS IN EXCESS OF 3 OR 400 DEGREES AND NOT EXPECT IT TO MELT THE PLASTIC INTAKE.SO NOW I HAVE A PRACTICALLY BLOWN UP ENGINE DUE TO A FACTORY PRODUCTION SCREW UP AND ITS GOING TO COST "ME" THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #739097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
VEHICLE WILL SHUT DOWN UNEXPECTEDLY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. INTERMITTENTLY VEHICLE WILL CRANK BACK UP IMMEDIATELY, BUT THERE WERE TIMES THAT IT WILL NOT.DEALER AND MECHANIC HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DULPICATE DEFECT. CAUSE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #868914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Apopka, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
AFTER DRIVING FOR A SHORT DISTANCE AND TURNING THE VEHICAL OFF, VEHICAL WILL TURN OVER, BUT NOT START. "AFTER CHECKING, NO SPARK TO PLUGS" AFTER 20 MINUTES OR MORE OF TRYING TO RESTART VEHICAL, IT WILL FINALLY START. DEALERSHIP DOES NOT SEEM TO KNOW WHAT IS WRONG.
NHTSA complaint #725607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Barboursville, WV
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
BRAKE LINES BECAME CORRODED/ RUSTED THROUGH. ONE OF THE LINES CRACKED, CAUSING NO BRAKING ABILITY, WHICH ALMOST RESULTED IN A CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #867278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bradford, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
PAINT BEGAN TO BUBBLE AROUND EDGES AND PEELED OFF IN LARGE PORTIONS. MAJOR PEELING WAS OCCURING ON ROOF TOP/TRUNK AND HOOD. IT HAS MULTIPLE SPOTS OF PEELING.
NHTSA complaint #867061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, NY
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THAT VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #724159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Levittown, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS LIGHT CAME ON, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION OF THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM WHICH MAY CAUSE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE OR INOPERATIVE ABS BRAKES AT 37,000 MILES. SYSTEM CHECKED OUT BY INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, INDICATED PUMP DEFECTIVE. *AK
NHTSA complaint #863248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Alfre, FL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
THE IGNITION KEY CAN BE REMOVED WITHOUT THE GEAR BEING IN NEUTRAL OR PARK DUE TO MASTER LOCK CYLINDER FAILURE. YH
NHTSA complaint #552406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Piedmont, SC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE WILL STALL WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE CAUSE.
NHTSA complaint #855628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warrenville Heights, OH
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
REAR PASSENGER'S RESTRAINT HAS JAMMED IN PLACE. DEALER WILL BE NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #855054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Lorenzo, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
MASTER & BOTH REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID.MY NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR ALSO HAD THE SAME THING HAPPEN ON HIS LOW MILEAGE 1995 BUICK LESABRE WHICH IS THE SAME IS THE SAME PLATFORM. SEALS ON BRAKE CYLINDERS SHOULD NOT LEAK ON SUCH LOW MILEAGE. THIS IS A QUALITY DEFECT IN MY JUDGEMENT AND A SAFETY PROBLEM. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #717114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.