1993 Oldsmobile 88 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 24%of 74 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1993 Oldsmobile 88, 24% of the 74 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 1993 Oldsmobile 88. The contact stated the vehicle was losing transmission fluid and the service engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that NHTSA recall campaign id number (96v015000) power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines was related to the safety issue, but the manufactured stated the recall was closed. The failure and current mileage was 164,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10408456, filed 2011-06, 164,000 miles“The contact owns a 1993 Oldsmobile delta 88. The contact stated that while driving at any speed, but especially when decelerating, the vehicle stalled, causing a loss of power steering and braking. The vehicle had a service bulletin cmp95c1101. The contact stated that over 1000 miles the vehicle failed 75 times and became worse. The current mileage was 48,000 and the failure mileage was 47,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10189264, filed 2007-04, 47,000 miles“The contact owns a 1993 Oldsmobile 88. The vehicle was purchased as is from an independent dealer. One week later, while driving 60 MPH in the rain, water flooded into the vehicle. The entire rear floorboard was soaked with water. The dealer stated that nothing could be done. The transmission failed one week after the water damage and was replaced. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and discovered that the fuel pump and filter were rusted. The vehicle was repaired. While driving and attempting to stop the vehicle, the brakes failed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10240200, filed 2008-08, 120,000 miles“While driving between 50-55mph up a grade, noticed smoking in the rear, lifted up off of the accelerator, there was smoke under the hood into the passenger's section. When looked under the hood, the oil was spilling out of the lower trans axle. Because the lower trans axle oil cooler line separated from the couplings. Theres no't enough retention on the couplings to hold in place. Please describe details.”
NHTSA complaint #812363, filed 1997-05“While driving the vehicle started to smoke in the driver's side of the engine,blew up and caught on fire. Appraiser claims the fire may have been a result of radiator or transmiision which blew up in the fire.”
NHTSA complaint #829062, filed 1998-11Related recalls
- 96V015000Jan 23, 1996Vehicle description: passenger vehicles manufactured from august 1991 through july 1995. The transmission oil cooler line can separate when the vehicle is…Covers: Oldsmobile 88 1992–1993, Silhouette 1992–1995, Chevrolet Lumina APV 1992–1995 +5 more
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 8 | 10% |
| 1998 | 10 | 6% |
| 1997 | 12 | 12% |
| 1996 | 5 | 5% |
| 1995 | 4 | 3% |
| 1994 | 6 | 10% |
| 1993 | 18 | 24% |
| 1992 | 11 | 15% |
| 1991 | 1 | 6% |
| 1990 | 1 | 4% |
| 1989 | 1 | 4% |
| 1988 | 1 | 3% |
| 1986 | 2 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1993 Oldsmobile 88
21 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1993 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