1988 Oldsmobile 88 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 30%of 37 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the steering of the 1988 Oldsmobile 88, 30% of the 37 complaints for this model year.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Rack & pinion steering would lock up if vehicle sattoo long. This has happened when the weather was cold or hot. Also, brake pads wore out the rotors. Pads were harder than the rotors. Had taken vehicle to dealership several times for repairs of rack & pinion steering, and each time mechanic refused to repair it.”
NHTSA complaint #861186, filed 2000-05“Steering column: had silent recall in 1993 on steering column. Had new steering column put in. When driving one can feel the steering column shimmering and it moving from left to right. Reapair shop said it should not be doing this if it was replaced .”
NHTSA complaint #808305, filed 1997-01“Consumer stated that only in cold weather conditions the power steering will not turn to the right or left. The steering column box just locks up. Consumer has contacted the dealer and they are aware of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #814527, filed 1997-07Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 4 | 5% |
| 1998 | 2 | 1% |
| 1997 | 2 | 2% |
| 1996 | 3 | 3% |
| 1995 | 14 | 12% |
| 1994 | 3 | 5% |
| 1993 | 3 | 4% |
| 1992 | 4 | 5% |
| 1990 | 2 | 8% |
| 1989 | 1 | 4% |
| 1988 | 11 | 30% |
| 1987 | 6 | 33% |
| 1986 | 3 | 16% |
| 1984 | 1 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1988 Oldsmobile 88
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1988 Oldsmobile 88
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology