1985 Oldsmobile 88 Problems
- Complaints
- 7filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 92,500miles, 2 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1985 Oldsmobile 88 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 1985 Oldsmobile 88. The part named most often is tires, with 4 complaints (57% of the total), followed by other or unknown (1) and seat belts (1). 2 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 92,500 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Tires4 57%
- Other or unknown1 14%
- Seat belts1 14%
- Wheels1 14%
Example complaints
Tires: “In the past 7 months I've had 2 accidents due to tires not gripping the road in rainy conditions. Last oct. I slid 2 and a half car lengths and hit the rear of a vehicle at a stop sign. Last week it happened but it wasn't as serious. My classic 1985 olds delta 88 was ruined. I've kept driving it because otherwise it's a good car. Now I face inspection and it will never pass. I had liability insurance so I couldn't repair it'parts are either unavailable or very costly. What concerns me is that my insurance rates will skyrocket.the tires are el dorado marquis p205/75 r.”
NHTSA complaint #10330654, filed 2010-05, 120,000 milesOther or unknown: “I heard on the radio there is a recall to fix this but general motors and the Oldsmobile dealers have no information on this. Although GM has had several calls on the matter. I presently have a broken bolt and no one to fix it. No safety defect discussed in summary.”
NHTSA complaint #725684, filed 2000-07Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 2 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 65,000 and 120,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Recalls and investigations
- 89V102000Jun 16, 1989Vehicle speed controlCovers: Oldsmobile 88 1984–1985, Cutlass 1984–1988, Buick Lesabre 1984–1988 +15 more
A small nylon bushing in the cruise control servo bail may slip out of place, causing intermittent and unexpected increases in engine speed or dieseling (engine run on with ignition off).
- 85V028000Mar 19, 1985Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Oldsmobile 88 1985
The tire placard label on the left front door may have been printed with an error which specifies a higher maximum loading than is allowed. Consequence of defect: excessive vehicle loading could cause a tire blowout and result in an accident.
Recall details for the 1985 Oldsmobile 88 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1985 Oldsmobile 88.
Other model years of the Oldsmobile 88
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 77 | 66,140 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 164 | 69,080 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 101 | 63,257 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 92 | 125,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 117 | 136,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 63 | 128,500 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 74 | 70,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 73 | 98,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 16 | 82,500 | 1 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1990 | 24 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1989 | 27 | 95,626 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 37 | — | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 18 | 150,000 | 2 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 19 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1985 | 7 | 92,500 | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1984 | 9 | — | 3 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Oldsmobile 88 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1985 Oldsmobile 88 have?
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 1985 Oldsmobile 88 as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1985 Oldsmobile 88 is reported most often?
Tires is named most often, in 4 complaints (57% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 1.
Has the 1985 Oldsmobile 88 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 1985 Oldsmobile 88 reported?
Among the 2 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 92,500 miles and the middle half falls between 65,000 and 120,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.