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1989 Oldsmobile 88Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 27 owner complaints about the 1989 Oldsmobile 88, most often about the fuel system, gasoline. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

75
CarFlaw IndexOne of the best years66% below the 88 median · #10 of 14 years by complaints
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints278 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem5Fuel system, gasoline

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 11, 2003. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1989 Oldsmobile 88 has problems

27 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Fuel system, gasoline50
Vehicle speed control40
Seat belts43
Air bags21
Electrical system20
Engine and engine cooling20
Service brakes, hydraulic20
Tires20
Visibility21
5 other systems51

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

1989 Oldsmobile 88 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Structure: frame and members

Recall 89V-188 · Nov 7, 1989 · 6 vehicles

Risk. INCREASED DEFORMATION OF THE LEFT REAR ROCKER PANELCAN CAUSE THE LEFT REAR SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE NOT TO ACHIEVE THE LOAD REQUIREDBY FMVSS NO.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Fuel system, gasoline: storage

Recall 88V-143 · Aug 29, 1988 · 1,655 vehicles

Risk. IN EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH VEHICLE BECOMES INVERTEDMISSING VALVE COULD ALLOW FUEL SPILLAGE IN EXCESS OF AMOUNT ALLOWED BY FMVSS 301WHICH COULD RESULT IN…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Oldsmobile.

Best & worst years

1989 vs. every other 88 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 88 median. How we score

'67'68'71'72'74'75'76'77'78'79'80'81'82'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated

Own a 1989 88?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.