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1990 Oldsmobile 88Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 24 owner complaints about the 1990 Oldsmobile 88, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints244 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem5Engine and engine cooling

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 13, 2005. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1990 Oldsmobile 88 has problems

24 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
Engine and engine cooling51
Service brakes, hydraulic40
Electrical system30
Seat belts30
Structure20
Fuel system, gasoline21
Steering20
Visibility10
Exterior lighting10
2 other systems21

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

1 recall

1990 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.

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

1990 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
NHTSA crash tests

1990 Oldsmobile 88 safety ratings

1990 Oldsmobile 88 2-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What 88 owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

HOOD STRUTS FAIL TO HOLD ESPECIALLY IN COLDER WEATHER, ENGINE TENDS TO STALL ON RIGHT-TURN HIGHWAY ON-RAMPS OR SHARP RIGHT TURNS WITH 5 GALLONS OR LESS IN THE TANK, (ORIGINAL) SILVER PAINT IS PEELING BADLY FROM ENGINE HOOD AND BEGINNING NOW ON ROOF AS WELL. *AK
Complaint 725799 · Jul 22, 2000

Own a 1990 88?

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