1997 Oldsmobile 88
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Oldsmobile › 88 › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Oldsmobile 88. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
101 complaints4 involved a crash14 involved a fire6 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
Upper intake manifold failure( plastic part) on highway . Engine overheated from coolant leaking inside engine for the 3RD time . first leak coolant outside engine. 2ND time bad oil leak. 3RD time this.
- Electrical system
Died while at stop light. Wont restart, turns over but wont keep running. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
For several months we were noticing leaks from the car on the driveway. we knew from touching it was not oil. the car started to hesitate at times and feel like it was going to stall out. eventually it did stall out and continued to do so, it always started right up though, so we knew it wasn't…
For several months we were noticing leaks from the car on the driveway. we knew from touching it was not oil. the car started to hesitate at times and feel like it was going to stall out. eventually it did stall out and continued to do so, it always started right up though, so we knew it wasn't the battery. the check engine light went on when it stalled. we brought it to the shop and they ran a diagnostic and found repair codes p0300 and p0135, which caused the vehicle check engine light to come on resulting in random misfire and 02 sensor heater circuit malfunction. followed diagnostic troubleshooting flowchart and found faulty 02 sensor and coolant inside cylinder#4. upon disassembly of intake manifold to inspect system, found intake manifold cracked. removed and replaced intake manifold assembly, front 02 sensor assembly and spark plugs with all new oem parts. refilled coolant and bleed system. rechecked operation, cleared codes. after further research we found that this was a common problem with this car and probably should have been addressed by gm. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 oldsmobile lss. The contact heard a loud explosion under the hood of the vehicle immediately after it was started. As he opened the hood, he noticed a fire in the engine compartment. He used a fire extinguisher to put the fire out. The air intake and device on the engine…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 oldsmobile lss. The contact heard a loud explosion under the hood of the vehicle immediately after it was started. As he opened the hood, he noticed a fire in the engine compartment. He used a fire extinguisher to put the fire out. The air intake and device on the engine cover were destroyed as a result of the fire. The manufacturer advised the contact that a product allegation representative would notify him. The failure mileage was 90,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
My 1997 chevrolet lumina, 1997 oldsmobile and 1998 oldsmobile all have had brake lines fail due to corrosion in the last two years. The most recent failure almost resulted in an accident as the brakes failed during a panic stop to avoid a collision. All vehicles had steel brake lines replaced to…
My 1997 chevrolet lumina, 1997 oldsmobile and 1998 oldsmobile all have had brake lines fail due to corrosion in the last two years. The most recent failure almost resulted in an accident as the brakes failed during a panic stop to avoid a collision. All vehicles had steel brake lines replaced to correct the failure. I tend to keep my cars until they are ten plus years old. The majority of my cars have had brakes fail due to corrosion of the tubing. I was wondering why stainless steel tubing IS not required on brake lines? *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
We have had to replace the (plastic) manifold on our 1997 olds 88 three times in the last five years. this IS obviously a manufacturer defect, yet no recall has been issued for this car (while recalls have been issue for similar defects on similar cars). We have spent over $2000 getting this…
We have had to replace the (plastic) manifold on our 1997 olds 88 three times in the last five years. this IS obviously a manufacturer defect, yet no recall has been issued for this car (while recalls have been issue for similar defects on similar cars). We have spent over $2000 getting this problem fixed and that still doesn't fix the coolant in the engine which cannot be entirely cleared out without removing the engine and incurring other possible problems. *Tr
- Air bags › Frontal
Air bags deployed prematurely. Very minor fender bender no damage to other car. Small fist size dent to the car in question. Noted from cop on seen, speed was less than 10 mph. Air bags deployed and totaled inside of car. Sent 2 persons to hospital. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Drum
Dt: the rear brakes have never worked on this vehicle. The back drums are black, they've never had contact unless using the emergency brake.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
The fuel pressure regulator had to be replaced twice within week due to the defect described in recall 04v090000. the consumers vehicle was not included in the recall. *jb
- Electrical system › Wiring
On february 25, 2004 my grandparents purchased a 1997 oldsmobile lss from north lake ford in lakeport california. immediately following the purchase the vehicle developed an intermittent stall, and would not restart for several minutes. in fact the vehicle stalls with no warning and they were…
On february 25, 2004 my grandparents purchased a 1997 oldsmobile lss from north lake ford in lakeport california. immediately following the purchase the vehicle developed an intermittent stall, and would not restart for several minutes. in fact the vehicle stalls with no warning and they were nearly ran over by a semi truck when the vehicle stalled. the vehicle has been in to have the problem repaired four times, and it still stalls to this day. please look into this problem to prevent a catastrophe.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
While moving the vehicle from the driveway and applying the brakes they failed. Consumer looked underneath ,and saw the brake line rusted and leaking fluid. *Ak
- Steering
I have a 1987 oldsmobile 88 lss that I took in for inspection. it passed inspection, but I was told that it was not safe to drive. there was a failure in the power steering pump that could cause the bearings to lock up, burn the belt and I would lose steering. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Misfiring, backfiring, stalling and coolant leaks due to leaking plastic intake manifold and gaskets. Dealer claims to have found no problems in sept. 2000. Kept having problems. Took to another repair shop and upper intake gasket was replaced, failed 2 weeks later and was replaced again. Leaks coolant onto floor. Can smell coolant in passenger compartment and garage where parked.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling · Vehicle speed control › Cables
The consumer had taken the vehicle to the dealer to be inspected, and the mechanic determined that the plastic intake manifold had a crack, causing fluid to leak onto the engine. *ak the water pump went out and the spark plugs, head gasket starter, and the accelerator cable was replaced. *sc *jb
- Electrical system › Horn
My complaint IS that when the weather IS cold, my horn doesn't work until the whole steering wheel warms up, which can take up to an hour. the service department at my olds dealer IS apparently aware of this because they advised the only thing I can do IS to replace the $700+ air bag because all…
My complaint IS that when the weather IS cold, my horn doesn't work until the whole steering wheel warms up, which can take up to an hour. the service department at my olds dealer IS apparently aware of this because they advised the only thing I can do IS to replace the $700+ air bag because all the wiring for the horn IS run through the air bag. as far as I'm concerned, this IS a manufacturer's defect and IS extremely dangerous. this should be a recall. there was no "incident" but apparently I have to put in a date so I will just make one up so I can proceed with my complaint.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Engine manifold exploded when ignition turned to start. fuel rail bent, fuel regulator damaged, large cloud of smoke and explosive sound occurred. Engine cover split in two.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
I was driving my 1997 oldsmobile 88 and all of a sudden it went boom and the car stopped suddenly and smoke barrelled out of the engine and would not turn over.i had to be pushed out of the wayto the next parking lot.we had our car towed to a mechanic shop and they said that we needed a a new…
I was driving my 1997 oldsmobile 88 and all of a sudden it went boom and the car stopped suddenly and smoke barrelled out of the engine and would not turn over.i had to be pushed out of the wayto the next parking lot.we had our car towed to a mechanic shop and they said that we needed a a new engine.they in turn towed it to yet another reputable shop and they said that the engine blew due to a faulty intake manifold.it was plastic and with the heat of the engine aloowed it to leak into other parts of the engines cooling system.gm didn't take fault even though they stopped using the plastic manifold and had a recall on it.from my understanding. We filed a complaint with the bbb autoline and the referred us to th attorney generals office in which gm still refuses to take fault because we were not the original owners of the car and the number of miles on the car at around 70,000.the car got an inspection before it was sold, I'm sure toyota would'nt resale a junk to it's customers.it was in showroom condition when we purchased it. *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
When applying the brakes vehicle shakes and shimmies. Also, vehicle experiences extended stopping distance. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
The consumer attempted to start the vehicle the engine back fired and caught on fire *mr *cb *nlm
- Engine and engine cooling
When accelerator pedal was depressed, the engine back fired and blew the "plastic" intake manifold. *mr *scc
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
The radiator and water pump failed prematurely due to corrosion, also the heater core failed. *ph *jb
- Fuel system, gasoline
This vehicle IS 5 years old and the gas lines have rusted. the vehicle also had a fuel pump replaced due to a leak between the incline fuel filter and the gas tank. *Jg
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Manifold was leaking water inside engine, and engine malfunctioned. Please provide additional information. Ts
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Consumer states that while driving and without warning the intake manifold blew causing the vehicle to be hard to start. Dealer notified. Ts
- Fuel system, gasoline › Carburetor system
While driving vehicle would make a loud squealing noise, and the check engine light stays on. took to dealer and the dealer says GMC has redesigned the intake manifold, dealer says the intake manifold has a interior vacuum leak. please provide any further information. Ts
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.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 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.
- 10082506This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest calibrations to correct a condition of the rear entertainment system not operating as intended in colder ambient temperature areas due to calibration concerns.
- 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.
- 635006Information on servicing 4t65-e transaxle spacer plate and gaskets for various models from 1997 through 2002.
- 634997Information on servicing 4t65e transaxle spacer plate and gaskets.
- 634985Concerns with slips, harsh upshift or garage shifts, launch shudders, flares, erratic shifts and intermittent concerns, diagnostic trouble code p1811 or p0748 set.
- 634813Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak.
- 628928Some owners may comment on a transmission oil leak. Updated
- 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).
- 602997Some vehicles may experience vehicle surging at 72 to 89 km/h ( 45 to 55 mph ).
- 602983Concerns of door handles on white painted vehicles truning yellow.
- 602979Some comments on vehicle surge.
- 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.
- 600209Customers may complain that the fuel gauge remains on "full" too long.
- 54421Experience a transaxle gear whine noise on coast down or light acceleration.
- 54344Vehicles equipped with harsh garage shift reverse to drive.
- 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.
- 54205Condition with outer rear seat belts are difficult to fasten.
- 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.
- 53022Experiencing harsh engagement from reverse to drive.
- 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).
- 52573Engine oil level indicates over full (replace oil level indicator tube assembly).
- 52564Excessive vibration of electrochromic inside rearview mirror.
Every Oldsmobile 88 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.