1997 Oldsmobile 88 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 12%of 101 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Oldsmobile 88, 12% of the 101 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.
“The car lost complete power on the highway. Started again with enough power to pull off the road. The GM dealer in traverse city mi. Stated the car needed a complete transmission and drive shaft. If this happened on a busy road, it would be very dangerous. This car was never abused and should not have this problem at 49000. Miles.”
NHTSA complaint #709334, filed 1999-07“While driving the vehicle suddenly stopped with no previous warning sign of trouble, upon inspection consumer found out that the vehicle needed a new transmission, consumer believes that the transmission should not have failed at only 30k miles. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #559200, filed 2001-01“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“When vehicle is idling and shifting into reverse vehicle isn't doing anything, won't move into any gear until 30 second later. Then vehicle will jump into reverse. Dealer can't determine the cause of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #847412, filed 1999-09“While driving vehicle the transmission jumps into neutral with shift indicator in the drive position. The problem has been corrected. Consumer states the transmission valve box is what caused the problems.”
NHTSA complaint #815066, filed 1997-08Transmission 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 1997 Oldsmobile 88
27 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsBrakes
11 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