1992 Oldsmobile 88: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 73 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (32% of complaints); the 1990 and 1991 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 1996
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 73 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1992 oldsmobile 88. While driving 25 mph, the engine shut off. The vehicle restarted, but the contact had to wait 30 minutes on one occasion. Several dealers diagnosed the cause of failure as either the fuel pump, starter, or alternator. The starter, alternator, and battery were replaced, but the failure continued. The battery warning indicator light illuminates when the engine shuts off. The contact has the invoices for the diagnostics and will provide the dealer information when the complaint is received. The current mileage is 100,000 and failure mileage was 98,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2007
“The volume control on the steering wheel shorted out. It started to get hot, then it smoked and then there was a small spark and a small flame. It completely melted. This caused the airbag to deploy.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2001
“Consumer was traveling up a hill and transmission started slipping, vehicle had white smoke coming from rear. Consumer pulled over and lifted hood, flames were coming form beneath. Vehicle was destroyed before fire department could get there. *ak possible engine failure. *slc”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2001
Show 7 more owner reports
“Recall 96v01500/ transmisson oil cooler. But consumer's vehicle was not part of recall but was still experiencng same problem. While driving consumer noticed some smoke coming from back of vehicle. She pulled over and when coming to a complete stop, more smoke came out. But, this time from engine. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was willing to do nothing. *ak transmission oil cooler line separated causing fluid to spray all over hot engine. This vehicle was not included in recall. *yh”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2001
“Rear drivers side seatbelt will not release far enough to fasten, took vehicle to a mechanic, and he could not correct the problem, took to dealer and dealer stated that retractor needed replacing.*ak consumer stated the problem still exists.*slc”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jan 2001
“Antilock brake light comes on and stays on. Have had numerous conditions where antilock brakes have come on. Brought it to my mechanic 2 times, he has been unable to find any problems both times. Antilock brakes continue to fail. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 2000
“Was driving at approximately 40mph when a deer appeared suddenly. Applied the brakes, but deer was hit by left side of vehicle on front grill. Vehicle stopped, but driver's air bag did not deploy. Driver hit upper part of chest & throat on steering wheel due to no air bag. Was at emergency room treatment. Wearing neck brace. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 1999
“On each occasion when I have applied the brakes vigorously enough to cause the ABS braking assistance funtion to be activated. The brakes remain fully engaged after brake pedal pressure has been removed. The vehicle can then be moved only by turning off the ignition and restarting the car, which resets the ABS controller. Complete loss of maneuvarability accompanies ABS engagement.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Air · Sep 1999
“Rear seat belts don't work due to a plastic part which is jammed and twisted within the seat belts. The plastic part comes out two to three inches, causing rear seat belts to get stuck. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jan 1999
“The victim was deprived of oxygen before rescuers arrived, suffered brain damage and died from his injury 11/25/98. Our investigation has found 15 others that reported very similar experiences to gm. Dt”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 1998
When filing, owners marked a crash in 12 of these complaints and injuries in 30 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 1991 THROUGH JULY 1995. THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE CAN SEPARATE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN LOW TEMPERATURES IN COMBINATION WITH HIGH TRANSMISSION LOADS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES.
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 1992 Oldsmobile 88 reliable?
NHTSA has 73 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1992 Oldsmobile 88. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (32% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1992 Oldsmobile 88 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 98,000 miles or less.
Does the 1992 Oldsmobile 88 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning power train:automatic transmission:cooling unit and lines. 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.