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1988 Oldsmobile CalaisProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 18 owner complaints about the 1988 Oldsmobile Calais, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints184 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem9Engine and engine cooling

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 2, 2000. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1988 Oldsmobile Calais has problems

18 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 cooling90
Electrical system61
Seat belts20
Power train20
Structure10
Suspension10
Vehicle speed control10
Visibility10
Exterior lighting10
2 other systems21

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

2 recalls

1988 Oldsmobile Calais 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

Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 92V-150 · Oct 19, 1992 · 108,836 vehicles

Risk. FUEL LEAKING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD RESULT IN ANUNDERHOOD FIRE.

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

1988 vs. every other Calais 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 Calais median. How we score

'85'86'87'88'89'90
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
3 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1988 Oldsmobile Calais, and the recalls they led to.

  1. BRAKE INEFFECTIVENESSEA89010 · closed May 8, 1990
    No recall
  2. BRAKE PERFORMANCEEA90041 · closed Mar 30, 1992
    No recall
  3. QUAD 4 ENG WIRING FAILUREPE88020 · closed Mar 16, 1988
    No recall
In owners' words

What Calais owners report

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

THE HEAD GASKET WAS REPLACED BEFORE ON A SECRET BULLETIN. NOW 20,000 MILES LATER THE HEAD GASKET HAS GONE AGAIN AND HAS DESTROYED THE ENGINE. PLEASE DESCRIBE.
Complaint 967332 · Jun 20, 1995

Own a 1988 Calais?

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