1990 Oldsmobile 88: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 24 owner complaints on record; most reports concern seat belts.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 1991
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Dt: 1990 oldsmobile delta 88. The contact stated the driver's side seat belt does not stay closed. The contact called oldsmobile, and they stated seat belts would not get fixed because it was not under warranty. The vehicle has not yet been taken to the dealership to diagnose the problem. The problem occurred for a month. The seat belt did not work. The contact had to put his sea belt into the passenger's side seat belt. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Sep 2005
“The gear shift indicator on the electronic dash is an unreadable amber, making it impossible to see what gear the vehicle is in.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 1996
“When the vehicle was hit from the rear, the impact caused both front seats to snap backwards. The vehicle has been repaired. *ak”Owner report · Seats · Apr 1996
Show 2 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Structure
“Has anyone complained that the seat belts on the 1990 oldsmobile 88 royale? They always lay across the occupants neck? In case of an accident, I think you might be hurt more if you had the belt on because of its position. I think it could break your neck! In addition, it might cut into your neck if you stop short and are forced forward. The person's height does not matter; because it works its way towards your neck on everyone. They are not adjustable on this model of car. Is oldsmobile aware of this problem, and what can be done about it? Thomas fiorenze ts”Owner report · Unknown Or Other
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
THREADED INFLATOR COMPONENTS MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY WHICH MAY ALLOW COMPONENTS TO SEPARATE WHEN INFLATOR RECEIVES A SIGNAL TO DEPLOY THE AIR BAG.
Remedy: REPLACE AIR BAG MODULES CONTAINING POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE INFLATORS.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact 88 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Oldsmobile 88 reliable?
NHTSA has 24 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Oldsmobile 88. The most complained-about area is seat belts.
Does the 1990 Oldsmobile 88 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.