1996 Oldsmobile 88
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Oldsmobile › 88 › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Oldsmobile 88. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1996 Oldsmobile 88. Newest first.
A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can cause a no-start condition and possibly an engine compartment fire.
Remedy
Dealers will update the powertrain control module programming. Until the campaign repair IS made, the vehicle hood should be shut whenever starting the vehicle to reduce the chance of personal injury.
These vehicles were assembled with a malfunction alarm, lighting and locking (mall) module that can contain a damaged capacitor. If the capacitor IS damaged, the "key in the ignition" warning chime and the driver seat belt unbuckled warning chime and indicator lamp may not work. This does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 114, "theft protection" and…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Consequence of non-compliance; the driver may not be aware that the key was left in the ignition or that the safety belt was not buckled.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the mall module.
Owner complaints
92 complaints5 involved a crash9 involved a fire7 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel pressure regulator leaked fuel causing fire,when it started up,i was parked in a parking lot that had a fire extinguisher
- Structure › Body
While washing the car a chip came off the trunk. there after the paint continued to flake off the rest of the car. the car has less than 100,000 miles
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1996 oldsmobile 88. While the vehicle was parked, the contact was informed that the vehicle was on fire. The contact stated that the front of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The contact stated that the fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 oldsmobile 88. While the vehicle was parked, the contact was informed that the vehicle was on fire. The contact stated that the front of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The contact stated that the fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was not filed and no injuries were not reported. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure.the approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
- Air bags
1996 oldsmobile 88. consumer writes in regards to vehicle airbag explosion. *smd the consumer stated when he started the vehicle, the passenger air bag deployed for no reason. The air bag damaged the windshield and sent shards of glass flying. *jb
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 1996 oldsmobile 88 LS. The contact stated that the engine made a loud noise when the vehicle was started and the engine caught on fire. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who inspected the vehicle and located the failure at the intake manifold plastic, which failed and…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 oldsmobile 88 LS. The contact stated that the engine made a loud noise when the vehicle was started and the engine caught on fire. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who inspected the vehicle and located the failure at the intake manifold plastic, which failed and caused the fuel lines to burn and melt. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but denied assistance with repairs because the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number: 96v116000 (fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 192,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Brake line under drivers door sill leaks brake fluid. The brake line IS rusted out. Fluid level in brake fluid reservoir low and instrument panel warning light illuminated. Brake pedal goes to floor. Added brake fluid to reservoir. Drove to dealership for repair. All of the brake lines were…
Brake line under drivers door sill leaks brake fluid. The brake line IS rusted out. Fluid level in brake fluid reservoir low and instrument panel warning light illuminated. Brake pedal goes to floor. Added brake fluid to reservoir. Drove to dealership for repair. All of the brake lines were replaced by the dealer. Original brake lines are not galvenized, are exposed to salt and moisture, and are not painted so they rust! *tr
- Tires
TL* the contact owns a 1996 oldsmobile eighty eight with a set of mastercraft glacier grip II tires, size p205/70/r15, and the dot number: u9mofhb296a16l029248e4. The contact stated that while driving 15 mph, he noticed that the vehicle would drive as if it were bouncing. When he finally inspected…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 oldsmobile eighty eight with a set of mastercraft glacier grip II tires, size p205/70/r15, and the dot number: u9mofhb296a16l029248e4. The contact stated that while driving 15 mph, he noticed that the vehicle would drive as if it were bouncing. When he finally inspected the vehicle, he noticed that the rear driver and passenger tire tread had detached, which ultimately caused damage to the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by a tire dealer and they advised him that the tires were defective and the tread had began shifted which caused the blow out. the vehicle was repaired yet the failure recurred shortly after repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.
- Air bags › Frontal
TL* the contact owns a 1996 oldsmobile 88. The contact stated that the horn began to sound when the driver side air bag deployed independently. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the horn was deactivated. While leaving the mechanic, the passenger side air bag then independently…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 oldsmobile 88. The contact stated that the horn began to sound when the driver side air bag deployed independently. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the horn was deactivated. While leaving the mechanic, the passenger side air bag then independently deployed. The vehicle was not further inspected for the failure and was no longer being driven. The failure and current mileage was 125,000.
- Structure › Frame and members
Sir's I have a 1996 oldsmobile 88 LS. I was driving to a friends house,started to pull out of an intersection and the 4 rear engine cradle bolts pulled through the subframe, when this happened the engine dropped and the steering shaft came apart and I couldn't turn the wheels to guide the car.…
Sir's I have a 1996 oldsmobile 88 LS. I was driving to a friends house,started to pull out of an intersection and the 4 rear engine cradle bolts pulled through the subframe, when this happened the engine dropped and the steering shaft came apart and I couldn't turn the wheels to guide the car. Luck had it that no one was coming at the time. I have never in all my years as a driver ever seen this happen. I know it's an older car and things happen ,but never this. If the mounts were defective why weren't they recalled, they were on other models of the oldsmobiles of this year. Sheriff deputy came and assisted while we could load it onto a flatbed wrecker. Don't know if they made a report or not. *Tr
- Air bags · Structure · Visibility
On the morning of august 8, 2009, I was driving my 1996 oldsmobile eighty eight on northbound US-27, near alma, michigan. At one point the air bag light on my dashboard came on. Shortly thereafter, both the driver and passenger side air bags deployed spontaneously. I would also like to mention that…
On the morning of august 8, 2009, I was driving my 1996 oldsmobile eighty eight on northbound US-27, near alma, michigan. At one point the air bag light on my dashboard came on. Shortly thereafter, both the driver and passenger side air bags deployed spontaneously. I would also like to mention that it was raining quite heavily prior to and throughout this incident. my car IS in the process of being repaired. The front windshield was shattered and IS being replaced. The dashboard needs to be repaired and the air bags are being removed. I also had to rent a vehicle for a week in order to keep prior engagements. *Tr
- Air bags › Frontal
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 oldsmobile 88. while approaching a stop light, the passenger side air bag deployed without a crash or impact occurring. the deployment damaged the dashboard and shattered the windshield. the passenger in the vehicle suffered a minor hand injury. the current and failure mileages were 160,000.
- Air bags
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 oldsmobile 88. while driving approximately 50 mph, the air bag light illuminated and dimmed several times. minutes later, the light stopped flashing and the driver side air bag deployed without warning. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed. the current mileage was 198,722 and failure mileage was 198,522.
- Air bags › Frontal
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 oldsmobile 88. three days after the vehicle was purchased from a private owner, both front air bags deployed while driving 45 mph. there were no warning lights or a crash at the time of the failure. the current and failure mileages were 231,363.
- Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
While the car was idling in a parking lot, the air bag dash light began blinking and then the driver air bag deployed. The passenger air bag did not deploy. *tr
- Child seat · Structure
I am trying to install car seats for both my children in my 1996 oldsmobile lss and there are no anchor points installed for the tether strap, thus making the child seat useless. The owner's manual states that if no anchor points are installed in the vehicle to call your local dealer and have them…
I am trying to install car seats for both my children in my 1996 oldsmobile lss and there are no anchor points installed for the tether strap, thus making the child seat useless. The owner's manual states that if no anchor points are installed in the vehicle to call your local dealer and have them installed in the locations shown in the manual. The local gm dealer says that they do not have anchor points and will not install them. They are telling me to go to the car seat manufacturer to get the anchor points. The child seat manufacturer (britax) does not make them. The local agency that installs and ensures proper child seat installation told me to go to the gm dealer. So now, I am back a square one and cannot have my children in the car! I also have a 1999 GMC suburban that has anchor points for the 3RD row seat, but my children are in the second row. Again, gm will not install anchor points for me. *tr
- Tires
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 oldsmobile 88. the vehicle has cooper multi-mile grand am radial SE, size p205/70r15 tires. while driving 60 mph, the rear of the vehicle began vibrating. the tire mechanic balanced the tires, however, the failure continued. the tire mechanic stated that the tires…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 oldsmobile 88. the vehicle has cooper multi-mile grand am radial SE, size p205/70r15 tires. while driving 60 mph, the rear of the vehicle began vibrating. the tire mechanic balanced the tires, however, the failure continued. the tire mechanic stated that the tires were defective and he replaced the driver and passenger side rear tires. approximately one year later, the steering wheel veered to the left and right. the tire mechanic stated that there was a bulge on the driver side tire and he replaced both the driver and passenger side tires. the failure mileage was 92,000 and current mileage IS 97,016. updated 01/11/08. *lj
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 oldsmobile lss. on november 7, 2007, while driving 65 mph, the contact heard an unfamiliar noise coming from her vehicle. she pulled over, exited the vehicle, and noticed flames rising from under the hood. the contact believed safety recall # 96v116000 (fuel system…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 oldsmobile lss. on november 7, 2007, while driving 65 mph, the contact heard an unfamiliar noise coming from her vehicle. she pulled over, exited the vehicle, and noticed flames rising from under the hood. the contact believed safety recall # 96v116000 (fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system) was responsible for causing the fire. the current mileage IS 186,272 and failure mileage was 184,272.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
My car was having some problems starting and staying started. It sounded like a back fire and wouldn't start back up. We checked the plugs and also tested to see if was getting fuel. Yes, the plugs were fine, and it was getting fuel. I then took off the ignition control module had that tested and…
My car was having some problems starting and staying started. It sounded like a back fire and wouldn't start back up. We checked the plugs and also tested to see if was getting fuel. Yes, the plugs were fine, and it was getting fuel. I then took off the ignition control module had that tested and that was fine. I was told then it was the timing chain. Replaced that, the cam sensor the crank shaft position sensor, valve cover gasket, the lower and upper intake manifold gaskets that were cracked, pieces missing, and covered in thick brown good. My car still will not start, and has water falls of water coming out the plug holes. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle was leaking antifreeze near the side of the intake manifold. the vehicle was taken to a private repair shop, where it was determined that the intake manifold was leaking. the repair shop stated that this was a common problem.
- Air bags › Frontal
Dt*: the contact stated while driving the vehicle going 55 mph the passenger's side air bag deployed without warning. the windshield was busted due to the airbag deployment. the vehicle was driven home then to the dealership the next day. the dealership could not duplicate the problem as to why the airbag had deployed. the manufacturer has been notified. Updated 03/03/06. *Jb
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Fuel gauge failure--sending unit got so hot it fused the wires together and then sent a jolt of electricity to the instrument cluster burning out part of the cluster; in attempting to repair these problems the plastic fuel lines were so brittle that they fell apart therefore, it would seem that…
Fuel gauge failure--sending unit got so hot it fused the wires together and then sent a jolt of electricity to the instrument cluster burning out part of the cluster; in attempting to repair these problems the plastic fuel lines were so brittle that they fell apart therefore, it would seem that each of these problems could lead to a fire or an explosion. I have the sending unit out of the fuel tank with the fused wires. *nm
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Dt: earlier in the day the car was hard to start and the gas gauge was lower than it should have been. The fuel center line leaked , and the repair shop said it rusted. They replaced the fuel center line, and the two lines leading up to the center line, for a total of $720.00. *ak *jb
- Electrical system
After starting the vehicle consumer heard a loud popping noise, and noticed smoke coming from under the hood. Consumer opened the hood, and saw that the engine was on fire. The local fire department arrived to extinguish the fire. The cause of the fire was not determined. Dealer and the manufacturer were not notified. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Vehicle IS leaking antifreeze out the intake manifold into the engine, which could cause the vehicle to overheat. Manufacturer was contacted by consumer.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
A hole within intake manifold caused antifreeze to leak into the engine compartment. As a result vehicle had difficulty in starting intermittently.*ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine compartment fires
Ea02-030 IS closed with gmea02-030 IS closed with gm?s actions in 03v-473 and 04v-090 recalling approximately 529,000 my 1998-99 c- and h-body vehicles equipped with defective fuel pressure regulators.these vehicles were equipped with plastic intake manifolds that are unable to contain pressures that occur in some…
Ea02-030 IS closed with gmea02-030 IS closed with gm?s actions in 03v-473 and 04v-090 recalling approximately 529,000 my 1998-99 c- and h-body vehicles equipped with defective fuel pressure regulators.these vehicles were equipped with plastic intake manifolds that are unable to contain pressures that occur in some backfire events and defective fuel pressure regulators with leaking diaphragms that can provide a source of fuel to produce a combustible air-fuel mixture in the manifold.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by odi that no safety defect exists in the vehicles that are not included in gm?s recalls.odi will continue to monitor the incidence of manifold ruptures and related fires in other my 1995-2002 gm passenger cars equipped with the subject intake manifold.for additional information, see the attached closing report.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10170494This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10017568Intermittent chuggle or fishbite on light acceleration or a highway speeds with no diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs).
- 10012148New rear main seal and special tool for installation.
- 10008471New upper intake manifold and gasket kits.
- 6089996Some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60 or 4t60-e transxales may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when in park on incline.
- 634813Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak.
- 620835Experiencing excessive engine coolant consumption, or an engine coolant leak near or under the throttle body area of the upper intake manifold.
- 619370Owners of some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60, 4t60-e or 4t65-e transaxles may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when standing in park on a hill or slope with the engine running and the parking brake not applied.
- 619177Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak.
- 619176Engine coolant consumption or coolant leak (inspect for material degradation/replace intake manifolds) updated 11/02/07
- 603085Some customers may comment that there IS corrosion ( rust ) appearing on the left and /or right rocker panel(s).
- 602983Concerns of door handles on white painted vehicles truning yellow.
- 602751Some customers may comment that the vehicle
- 601394Some customers may comment that the cupholder does not stay latched.
- 601052Experiencing a transaxle gear whine noise on coast down or light acceleration between 20 and 40 mph.
- 54421Experience a transaxle gear whine noise on coast down or light acceleration.
- 54328Experiencing intermittent steering column snap or click noise when turning.
- 54327Comments of an engine oil leak that appears to originate toward the driver's side of the vehicle; rear of engine.
- 54285Experiencing a transaxle gear whine noise on coast down or light acceleration.
- 54065Comments on inoperative power door locks (front and/or rear doors).
- 54063Comments that the park brake pedal IS not setting correctly or releasing prematurely while trying to set the park brake.
- 54062Comments on insufficient range of the keyless entry system.
- 53015When brakes are depressed force or engine load may affect and cause various noises.
- 52603Intermittent a/c system thump noise on initial start up from front passenger side floor panel (replace accumulator).
- 52600Cln indicator appears on radio display and does not turn off (reset cln indicator with the eject button on tape).
- 52564Excessive vibration of electrochromic inside rearview mirror.
- 51497Cold start rattle noise (diagnosis/service procedure).
- 51296Intermittent neutral or loss of drive at highway speeds or from fourth gear (replace control valve body assembly).
- 51240A/c system flutter and/or moan noise with hvac in a/c modes.
- 50571Cold start rattle noise.
Every Oldsmobile 88 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.