1999 Oldsmobile 88
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Oldsmobile › 88 › 1999
These records cover every 1999 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 1999 Oldsmobile 88. Newest first.
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 3800 V6 (L36) engines and certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, the regulators have a much higher than usual rate of fuel leaks. a leak can allow fuel to enter the intake manifold through a vacuum line. if the engine does not start when cranked, the fuel from the leaking regulator and a mistimed spark can…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The backfire can rupture the intake manifold. the rupture of the intake manifold can displace a fuel line, pulling an injector out of place, and causing a fuel leak and possible fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install new fuel pressure regulators with improved diaphragms. The recall will be conducted in phased mailings. phase 1 began on june 30, 2004, and phase 2 began on september 30, 2004. owners should contact buick at 1-866-608-8080, oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, or pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with 4t65e automatic transmissions. these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 102, "transmission shift lever sequence." a retaining clip, which secures the manual valve to the linkage of the transmission detent lever, can become loose under a combination of possible driver shifting…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the link disconnects, the driver's indicated prndl state may differ from the hydraulic state of the transmission. if the driver selects 'drive' and the transmission IS actually in 'reverse', a vehicle crash could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the manual valve/link assembly with a replacement manual valve/link kit, featuring a spring-type fastener.
Owner complaints
77 complaints11 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure · Suspension
The contact owns a 1999 Oldsmobile 88. The contact stated that while reversing out of a driveway, the front end of the vehicle lowered without warning. Due to the failure, the contact lost power steering assist as the steering wheel would spin with no control. The vehicle had yet to be diagnosed or…
The contact owns a 1999 Oldsmobile 88. The contact stated that while reversing out of a driveway, the front end of the vehicle lowered without warning. Due to the failure, the contact lost power steering assist as the steering wheel would spin with no control. The vehicle had yet to be diagnosed or repaired for the failure. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,300.
- Structure › Body
Body IS broken where the front sub-frame bolts to. Customer was told that there IS permanent body damage to the body frame. They then sold the vehicle undisclosed the fact that the vehicle IS too damaged to drive on the road safely.
- Fuel/propulsion system
I contacted gm bc the technical service bulletin for the fuel pressure regulator says the fuel rail also needs replaced if it IS a delphi fuel rail. The regulator on this car has been changed but still has the same delphi fuel rail. The car currently has a gas leak. When I search the vin it doesn't…
I contacted gm bc the technical service bulletin for the fuel pressure regulator says the fuel rail also needs replaced if it IS a delphi fuel rail. The regulator on this car has been changed but still has the same delphi fuel rail. The car currently has a gas leak. When I search the vin it doesn't show any recalls currently but based on the tsb. The rail should've been replaced with a bosch. I am a service tech at a private shop. If I weren't a tech I wouldn't have known the rail wasn't replaced and I may not have noticed the leak until I burnt to death in a firey crash. Gm has no answer except to take it to a dealership where they want to charge me a ridiculous diagnostics fee which I refuse to pay, especially for a recall repair that wasn't done properly the first time.
- Electrical system · Engine · Unknown or other
1999 oldsmobile 4.8L engine will shut completely off unexpectedly while driving. This occurs both at highways speeds of 65 mph or at slower speeds of 35 or 35 mph. All of the power assisted features such as power brakes and steering also stop working when the engine stops. the engine shutting…
1999 oldsmobile 4.8L engine will shut completely off unexpectedly while driving. This occurs both at highways speeds of 65 mph or at slower speeds of 35 or 35 mph. All of the power assisted features such as power brakes and steering also stop working when the engine stops. the engine shutting defect does not occur daily and IS unpredictable. The only check engine code present was a "egr valve" code. The egr valve was replaced at the cost of $344.00. The engine shutting off unexpectedly defect has continued to occur after the check engine repair was completed. this IS an extreme safety issue that appears to replicate the gm ignition switch recall that this vin IS not included in. From "googling" this defect it appears to affect a large number of similar vehicles with 3.8L gm engines and electrical systems.
- Power train
We bought this car in december, 2012 and there was no recall on the carfax report at that time. today, there IS a recall # 1999011 dated 3/13/1999 for power train (transmission 4t65e manual valve link replacement) nhtsa 99v089000. this owner nor the previous owner did not receive any kind of notice for this recall. was the service performed? what happened? thank you & have a great day !!! *tr
- Electrical system
Vehicle will randomly "kill" and it happens sporadically - also possibly something in the electrical system IS failing - many different issues with reference to electrical problems. *tr
- Engine
Tried to start car to go to work in the morning of 6-16-14. Heard loud boom and smoke started pouring out from under hood. Opened hood and engine was on fire. Extinguished flames and found the intake mainifold had litterally blown apart. There was a recall that should have dealt with this problem. *tr
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1999 oldsmobile 88. the contact stated that while traveling 55 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated as the engine overheated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who confirmed that the failure was caused by a hole that had melted in the intake manifold, causing…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 oldsmobile 88. the contact stated that while traveling 55 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated as the engine overheated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who confirmed that the failure was caused by a hole that had melted in the intake manifold, causing coolant to leak into the manifold. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 72,602 and the current mileage was 73,102.
- Unknown or other
The first time I put the car in the shop IS because I was driving at about 45 mph and the car shut off on me while entering the freeway. The second time was because the car wouldn't start until after 15 min or so. I have paid $650 for my ignition switch to be changed $280 for the key lock cylinder…
The first time I put the car in the shop IS because I was driving at about 45 mph and the car shut off on me while entering the freeway. The second time was because the car wouldn't start until after 15 min or so. I have paid $650 for my ignition switch to be changed $280 for the key lock cylinder with key changed, and $1150 for new head gasket after car over heated cause the plastic manifold gasket melted and cracked causing the car to overheat. I have done all of this within a year and the crazy thing IS the car isn't starting again. I really think you all should consider a recall on this car because im wasting money on a car I never get to drive even after I pay for the costly repairs. *js
- Engine and engine cooling
1999 oldsmobile 88 plastic intake manifold cracked due to hot pipe routed near it (per the mechanic). this allowed coolant and oil into the engine. engine IS making bad clanking noise. cost to replace intake, replace plugs, new sensor was $1096. it appears from reading arfc website that this IS a common problem and manufacturers defect. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
My oldsmobile 88 year 1999 had engine failure in 2005 with only 59,930 miles. The upper plemum desintegrated allowing coolant into the cylinders, locking up engine. No warning except rapid raise in engine temperature only about a minute to pull over into a parking lot. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
On occasional hard acceleration the vehicle shudders and does not accelerate. This has caused safety concerns when merging with traffic. It can also shudder at part throttle but that's more of an annoyance than safety issue. *Tr
- Steering
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 oldsmobile 88. while driving 10 mph, the steering became very loose and the contact lost control. he managed to pull the vehicle over to the side of the road. there were no warnings prior to the failure. the vehicle was towed to a local repair shop and the mechanic…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 oldsmobile 88. while driving 10 mph, the steering became very loose and the contact lost control. he managed to pull the vehicle over to the side of the road. there were no warnings prior to the failure. the vehicle was towed to a local repair shop and the mechanic stated that there was a sheared bolt between the rack and pinion and the subframe. the vehicle IS currently being repaired at the cost of $750. the contact IS in the process of notifying the manufacturer. the failure and current mileages were 130,000.
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
I brought my car in to the dealership for an oil leak and while there the mechanic also checked the coolant level. it was low. he pressure tested the system and found the coolant cap to be not sealing properly. I paid for my repairs and left. the next morning the check engine light came on. I…
I brought my car in to the dealership for an oil leak and while there the mechanic also checked the coolant level. it was low. he pressure tested the system and found the coolant cap to be not sealing properly. I paid for my repairs and left. the next morning the check engine light came on. I brought the car back to the dealership. they found the engine was misfiring. they checked the coolant level again and it was dry. the intake manifold had melted and coolant had leaked into the engine and was consumed by the engine. now I need a new intake manifold, gaskets, spark plugs, wires, and an oil change to the tune of $800+. I have searched on the internet and found many similar complaints. why does gm not do anything. the intake manifold was plastic. plastic does not belong in an engine. I hope you make them recall this. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
After fuel regulator replaced for recall my olds delta 88 stalls out, failing to restart. I have had it towed four times. Have had fuel pump and filter changed twice - did not solve problem. It stalls while driving, upon initial starting and at stops. This problem IS "periodic" and mechanic has…
After fuel regulator replaced for recall my olds delta 88 stalls out, failing to restart. I have had it towed four times. Have had fuel pump and filter changed twice - did not solve problem. It stalls while driving, upon initial starting and at stops. This problem IS "periodic" and mechanic has been unable to determine problem. Engine runs very rough, and then fails to start. Had fuel tank drained 3 times no solution yet! *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Was driving my 99 olds 88 up a hill in tn and it started to shake and lose power. The check engine light came home and the engine was excessively hot. All of the radiator would take the fluid but nothing would leak out. I pulled the car over and waited for it to cool down but then after the 3RD…
Was driving my 99 olds 88 up a hill in tn and it started to shake and lose power. The check engine light came home and the engine was excessively hot. All of the radiator would take the fluid but nothing would leak out. I pulled the car over and waited for it to cool down but then after the 3RD time trying to start it, it made a clunk noise and wouldn't start any more. I was told it was a hydraulic lock up. Car sat for 5 months and finally got the money to have it towed to a collision center to have it looked at. I wish to be reimbursed after it IS fixed. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I experienced stalls and power surges. Dealer replaced fuel pressure regulator due to recall. six months later car reached extremely high temperature then died. mechanic replaced cracked plenum. Gaskets, pipes, assembly, seals and sensor resulting in $1234 repair bill. contacted gm and got full…
I experienced stalls and power surges. Dealer replaced fuel pressure regulator due to recall. six months later car reached extremely high temperature then died. mechanic replaced cracked plenum. Gaskets, pipes, assembly, seals and sensor resulting in $1234 repair bill. contacted gm and got full reimbursement as vehicle has only 37,000 miles on engine. less than 250 miles after repair, engine produces loud knocking noise and loss of power while driving home from town 90 miles from home on july 4TH. mechanic says one of the pistons/rods IS bad, more then likely a result of the previous problems. have not been successful in reaching the extremely helpful customer service representative I was dealing with from gm but I will not drop this! last quote for current repair was $1100. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
I have replaced the plenum in my 1999 oldsmobile 88 twice now!!! I have a 3800 motor in it with 107,000 miles on it. I have talked to many people that have had to replace their plenums also and my mother had to change hers with 40,000 miles on her car! the plenum IS made of plastic and IS…
I have replaced the plenum in my 1999 oldsmobile 88 twice now!!! I have a 3800 motor in it with 107,000 miles on it. I have talked to many people that have had to replace their plenums also and my mother had to change hers with 40,000 miles on her car! the plenum IS made of plastic and IS junk!!! gm needs to step up and take care of this problem, I have spent over $1,000 fixing this inferior part! I own 3 gm products and I will never buy another if gm does not take responsibility for this! *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe · Fuel system, other › Storage › Tank assembly › Pressure relief devices
Received recall #04v090000 concerning fuel pressure regulator. Took vehicle to dealership and had it repaired on 3/18/2005. Recall repairs failed when 4 days later, on 3/24/2005, the manifold ruptured and caused water to leak into the oil. Had not taken vehicle back to dealer. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling
I have a 1999 oldsmobile 88 bought it in september 2003 then in march 04 the engine blew due to loss of coolant. There was no indication that it lost coolant. Now a year later, march 2005, the engine lost it's coolant again and needs to be replaced . The car never went over safe temperature. Called gm when it happened the first time. No help at all. I think there must be aproblem with these engines. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling
Engine failed due to a faulty upper intake manifold. *bf the consumer stated the part was manufactured out of recycled materials and caused coolant and oil to enter the cylinders and created a hrdrostatic static. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Automobile ruptured intake manifold. Gm then acknowledged through a recall that this was caused by a fuel pressure regulator and gm would take care of the repair bill. My olds did just this and my dealer said that the pressure regulator could cause the intake manifold to rupture. Gm refuses to help…
Automobile ruptured intake manifold. Gm then acknowledged through a recall that this was caused by a fuel pressure regulator and gm would take care of the repair bill. My olds did just this and my dealer said that the pressure regulator could cause the intake manifold to rupture. Gm refuses to help me. My vin IS [xxx]. You folk should make gm take care of this.*ak updated 07/24/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Complaint received via e-mail. My car with a 3800 series 11 engine recently broke down due to a cracked upper intake plenum caused by the egr pipe. The shop performing the repairs said this was a very common problem that they have repaired often. I could understand other moving/mechanical parts…
Complaint received via e-mail. My car with a 3800 series 11 engine recently broke down due to a cracked upper intake plenum caused by the egr pipe. The shop performing the repairs said this was a very common problem that they have repaired often. I could understand other moving/mechanical parts that endure wear and tear failing, but this IS a part that simply burned out. I like gm to stand behind this part instead off sticking consumers with a $600.00 repair bill caused by their poor design. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
Experienced serious problems with intake manifold. *bf there was a backfire through the intake manifold which produced a loud bang and severe damage to other items in the engine compartment. the consumer believed the problem she experienced was the same as the recall that was issued. it was discovered the fuel pressure regulator was defective, however the consumers claim for reimbursement was denied. *jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
The fuel pressure regulator was recalled and the manufacturer replaced it with the same type of regulator which lead to a leak and allowed the fuel to leak into the intake manifold which lead to the antifreeze going into the oil causing the engine to back fire and eventually ruining the engine. provide further details. *Jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine compartment fire
By letter dated march 12, 2008, general motors corp. (Gm) has notified the agency that it will conduct a safety recall (identified by nhtsa recall number 08v-118) to address a defect in approximately 207,542 model year (my) 1997-2003 buick regal GS and pontiac grand prix gtp vehicles equipped with the L67 supercharged…
By letter dated march 12, 2008, general motors corp. (Gm) has notified the agency that it will conduct a safety recall (identified by nhtsa recall number 08v-118) to address a defect in approximately 207,542 model year (my) 1997-2003 buick regal GS and pontiac grand prix gtp vehicles equipped with the L67 supercharged version of gm's 3800 series II V6 engine.the recalled regal GS vehicles were built from august 1996 to june 2003 and the grand prix gtp from march 1996 through january 2003.according to gm, oil may escape past the valve cover gasket on the front cylinder bank (cylinders 1-3-5) and deposit onto hot exhaust system components.under certain conditions, it IS possible for this oil to ignite a small pilot flame, which may spread to the adjacent plastic spark plug wire channel, the spark plug wires themselves, the plastic engine cover, and other under hood components.reports indicate this most often occurs on higher-mileage vehicles shortly after the vehicle has been driven and then parked.typically, the fire was discovered within 5 to 15 minutes after the vehicle was parked.during this time window, under hood temperatures may become elevated.such elevated temperatures combined with a lack of airflow through the engine compartment may permit a small pilot flame to propagate and ignite other fuel sources.to correct the safety defect, gm will install an improved design front valve cover gasket and spark plug wire retainer.this remedy will be suppliedfree of charge for all recalled vehicles.until sufficient parts become available to repair all of the affected vehicles, gm strongly recommends that owners observe the following important precautions: (1) they strongly recommend that owners do not park their vehicle in a garage, carport, or other structure; (2) if owners notice a burning odor, they should have their dealer inspect the vehicle - the dealer will inspect the vehicle without charge; and (3) use premium fuel (91 octane or higher) in the vehicle as recommended in the vehicle's owner manual.the action taken by gm IS sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.the subject fire incident rate on the c-, g-, and h-platform subject vehicles IS low.the agency will continue to monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.see document file for additional information regarding this resume.
- 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.
- Transmission shift lever sequence
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
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10190934Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron. This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
- 10190933Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron. This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
- 10190932Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. Only cosmetic refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. Evaluating Damage In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility Outside Company later in this bulletin.
- 10190931Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. Only cosmetic refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. Evaluating Damage In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility Outside Company later in this bulletin.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 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).
- 10016464Wire harness may be stretched, or the pcs may not be oriented in the same position, after installing a service replacement valve body assembly. Gm tech link.
- 10012148New rear main seal and special tool for installation.
- 10010868Dealers may comment on a chuggle, surge, misfire condition.
- 10009950Engine intake manifold coolant leak.
- 10008471New upper intake manifold and gasket kits.
- 10007859Upcoming product safety recall fuel pressure regulator.
- 6088955Subject regarding low power / stumble when accelerating in turns or straight line.
- 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.
- 629375Subject regarding whine noise in park or neutral, service engine soon or service vehicle soon lamp illumination.
- 628928Some owners may comment on a transmission oil leak. Updated
- 628860Subject regarding harsh engagement into reverse gear in cold ambient temperature.
- 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
- 611290Some owners of vehicles with a hydra-matic 4t65-e transaxle may comment on harsh upshifts or harsh garage shifts, soft shifts, shudders on hard acceleration, or shifts erratic.
- 606664Campaign parts bulletin regarding 4t65e manual valve / link kit replacement.
- 606218Certain vehicles were built with incorrect vehicle emission control labels. The emission control (tune-up) labels have an incorrect emission vacuum hose routing schematic.
- 606063Product emission campaign regarding vehicles with an incorrect vehicle emission control label.
- 602983Concerns of door handles on white painted vehicles truning yellow.
Every Oldsmobile 88 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.