1993 Oldsmobile 88: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 74 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (24% of complaints); the 1991 model year looks 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 74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1993 oldsmobile 88. The contact stated the vehicle was losing transmission fluid and the service engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that NHTSA recall campaign id number (96v015000) power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines was related to the safety issue, but the manufactured stated the recall was closed. The failure and current mileage was 164,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2011
“1993 88 olds trottle cable broke when put into reverse. Proceeded at full speed (in circles as wheel was turned) until crashed into tree.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 2009
“Tl*the contact owns a 1993 oldsmobile delta 88. The contact stated that while driving at any speed, but especially when decelerating, the vehicle stalled, causing a loss of power steering and braking. The vehicle had a service bulletin cmp95c1101. The contact stated that over 1000 miles the vehicle failed 75 times and became worse. The current mileage was 48,000 and the failure mileage was 47,000. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2007
Show 7 more owner reports
“Dt: the contact stated engine mounts came out with chassis while driving the vehicle approximately 5-7 mph. The service dealer and the aaa mechanic stated they had never seen anything like this before. The vehicle could not be repaired, so it will have to be junked. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2005
“While driving consumer depressed the brake pedal and noticed that the brakes failed. Consumer was able to coast the vehicle to a complete stop. Consumer contacted dealership, and mechanic determined that brake line failed. *ak *nm”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2004
“While driving about 5 mph down a hill, the steering wheel locked up. And caused the driver to go into an embankment. The driver suffered neck injuries and was transported by ambulance. The vehicle was towed to the dealership for analysis. Please fill in additional information. *jb”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2003
“When stopping at a traffic light engine idled, causing the driver to put the vehicle in neutral. Consumer contacted dealer on three separate occasions, but problem still occurs. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2003
“Consumer was involved in a single car accident where the vehicle flipped over while driving approximately 45-53 mph. Both the driver and passenger air bags did not deploy. *nlm”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2002
“While driving, vehicle cuts off and all the interior lights stay on. Dealer notified. Please provide additional information. Ts”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2002
“While driving, the body of vehicle came off the frame, and wheel fell in towards vehicle. Vehicle came to a complete stop. Dealer contacted.*ak”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2002
When filing, owners marked a crash in 9 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - 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 1993 Oldsmobile 88 reliable?
NHTSA has 74 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1993 Oldsmobile 88. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (24% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1993 Oldsmobile 88 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 70,000 miles or less.
Does the 1993 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.