1997 Oldsmobile 88 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 11%of 101 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Oldsmobile 88, 11% of the 101 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“My 1997 chevrolet lumina, 1997 Oldsmobile and 1998 Oldsmobile all have had brake lines fail due to corrosion in the last two years. The most recent failure almost resulted in an accident as the brakes failed during a panic stop to avoid a collision. All vehicles had steel brake lines replaced to correct the failure. I tend to keep my cars until they are ten plus years old. The majority of my cars have had brakes fail due to corrosion of the tubing. I was wondering why stainless steel tubing is not required on brake lines?”
NHTSA complaint #10308104, filed 2010-02, 129,000 miles“Many problems with the 88- anti-lock brake replacement transmission control box replacement and now the car has a shaking problem that dealer cannot figure out with 54000 miles it is on it's 5th set of tires and numerious computer balancing's and cannot find the problem the are has had rotors turned, wheel bearings replaced. Axels and rod's checked into but dealer says they don't know what is causing it and has given up!!! Please help thanks( DOT number: )”
NHTSA complaint #720281, filed 2000-03“While moving the vehicle from the driveway and applying the brakes they failed. Consumer looked underneath ,and saw the brake line rusted and leaking fluid.”
NHTSA complaint #10089467, filed 2004-08“While driving applied the brakes and the brakes started slipping which did not allow the vehicle to stop. Dealer cannot find the problem. This slipping of the brakes caused the owner to have an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #823325, filed 1998-05“When the the brakes are applied the vehicle vibrates and shakes . Rotors were rotated and replaced. Later they changed the rear hubs,then the pads. The problem still exists.”
NHTSA complaint #819320, filed 1997-11Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 6 | 8% |
| 1998 | 20 | 12% |
| 1997 | 11 | 11% |
| 1996 | 6 | 7% |
| 1995 | 14 | 12% |
| 1994 | 16 | 25% |
| 1993 | 21 | 28% |
| 1992 | 27 | 37% |
| 1991 | 9 | 56% |
| 1990 | 4 | 17% |
| 1989 | 2 | 7% |
| 1988 | 3 | 8% |
| 1987 | 1 | 6% |
| 1986 | 4 | 21% |
| 1984 | 1 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1997 Oldsmobile 88
27 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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