1996 Oldsmobile 88 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 25%of 92 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 103,838miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Oldsmobile 88, 25% of the 92 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 103,838 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle stalled twice due to the intake manifold gasket leaking antifreeze. Dealer replaced the intake manifold gasket, but vehicle continued to stall. 1996 Oldsmobile lss 88 stalled twice due to intake manifold gasket leaking antifreeze. Consumer had the intake manifold plenum and gaskets replaced as well as a new battery installed and a new starter and vehicle continued to stall.”
NHTSA complaint #10051820, filed 2003-12, 53,450 miles“Consumer called complaining about having problems with the engine. Also stated that the engine blow up and cause several problems to the vehicle. Also stated that there was a recall on 1996 for cracks on the engine and for the computer for the engine. Dealer was contacted and stated that had a problem with a few of the same vehicle with the same problem and that the manufacture is aware of it. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #10001719, filed 2002-12, 65,347 miles“While driving, the vehicle reached high temperatures due to intake manifold failure. Coolant seeped inside the engine. An independent shop will replace the intake manifold.”
NHTSA complaint #10064805, filed 2004-04, 114,675 miles“My car was having some problems starting and staying started. It sounded like a back fire and wouldn't start back up. We checked the plugs and also tested to see if was getting fuel. Yes, the plugs were fine, and it was getting fuel. I then took off the ignition control module had that tested and that was fine. I was told then it was the timing chain. Replaced that, the cam sensor the crank shaft position sensor, valve cover gasket, the lower and upper intake manifold gaskets that were cracked, pieces missing, and covered in thick brown good. …”
NHTSA complaint #10189276, filed 2007-04“The contact stated the vehicle was leaking antifreeze near the side of the intake manifold. The vehicle was taken to a private repair shop, where it was determined that the intake manifold was leaking. The repair shop stated that this was a common problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10176153, filed 2006-12, 148,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10012148Jun 1, 2004New rear main seal and special tool for installation.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 30 | 39% |
| 1998 | 76 | 46% |
| 1997 | 27 | 27% |
| 1996 | 23 | 25% |
| 1995 | 21 | 18% |
| 1994 | 11 | 17% |
| 1993 | 11 | 15% |
| 1992 | 9 | 12% |
| 1991 | 1 | 6% |
| 1990 | 5 | 21% |
| 1989 | 2 | 7% |
| 1988 | 5 | 14% |
| 1987 | 3 | 17% |
| 1986 | 3 | 16% |
| 1984 | 3 | 33% |
Other parts of the 1996 Oldsmobile 88
11 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsTires
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Oldsmobile 88
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology