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Engine coolingPart report

1999 Oldsmobile 88 Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
30about this part
Share
39%of 77 total for the year
Median mileage
78,660miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1999 Oldsmobile 88, 39% of the 77 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,660 miles. 6 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I have a 1999 Oldsmobile 88 bought it in september 2003 then in march 04 the engine blew due to loss of coolant. There was no indication that it lost coolant. Now a year later, march 2005, the engine lost it's coolant again and needs to be replaced . The car never went over safe temperature. Called GM when it happened the first time. No help at all. I think there must be aproblem with these engines.”

NHTSA complaint #10116258, filed 2005-04, 61,000 miles

“I brought my car in to the dealership for an oil leak and while there the mechanic also checked the coolant level. It was low. He pressure tested the system and found the coolant cap to be not sealing properly. I paid for my repairs and left. The next morning the check engine light came on. I brought the car back to the dealership. They found the engine was misfiring. They checked the coolant level again and it was dry. The intake manifold had melted and coolant had leaked into the engine and was consumed by the engine. …”

NHTSA complaint #10230797, filed 2008-06, 92,320 miles

“I have replaced the plenum in my 1999 Oldsmobile 88 twice now!!! I have a 3800 motor in it with 107,000 miles on it. I have talked to many people that have had to replace their plenums also and my mother had to change hers with 40,000 miles on her car! The plenum is made of plastic and is junk!!! Gm needs to step up and take care of this problem, I have spent over $1,000 fixing this inferior part! I own 3 GM products and I will never buy another if GM does not take responsibility for this!”

NHTSA complaint #10147824, filed 2006-01, 107,000 miles

“Was driving my 99 olds 88 up a hill in tn and it started to shake and lose power. The check engine light came home and the engine was excessively hot. All of the radiator would take the fluid but nothing would leak out. I pulled the car over and waited for it to cool down but then after the 3rd time trying to start it, it made a clunk noise and wouldn't start any more. I was told it was a hydraulic lock up. Car sat for 5 months and finally got the money to have it towed to a collision center to have it looked at. I wish to be reimbursed after it is fixed.”

NHTSA complaint #10179003, filed 2007-01, 166,840 miles

“Low coolent light came on. We added 1 qt. Of coolent, the lifters made noise. We had the oil changed, there was coolent in the oil. The head gasket blew the engine was ruined”

NHTSA complaint #10069586, filed 2004-01, 65,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
19993039%
19987646%
19972727%
19962325%
19952118%
19941117%
19931115%
1992912%
199116%
1990521%
198927%
1988514%
1987317%
1986316%
1984333%

Other parts of the 1999 Oldsmobile 88

Fuel system
13 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1999 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