1988 Oldsmobile Ciera Problems
- Complaints
- 25filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1988 Oldsmobile Ciera (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 25 consumer complaints for the 1988 Oldsmobile Ciera. The part named most often is transmission and drivetrain, with 6 complaints (24% of the total), followed by engine cooling (5) and electrical system (3). Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling5 20%
- Electrical system3 12%
- Seat belts3 12%
- Brakes2 8.0%
- Fuel system2 8.0%
- Other or unknown2 8.0%
- Tires2 8.0%
- Vehicle speed control2 8.0%
- Seats1 4.0%
Also reported: Steering (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “Since june of 1998 our oldsmoble cutless Ciera brougham has been dying whether in motion or at a stop. On occassion it would not re-start. We have had it at the dealers 5 times, and wach time they say they have fixed the problem we currently have our car at an independent dealer because of the same problem. $6000.00 later and we still have the same problem. Various sensors have been replaced, new transmission, new fuel pump, complete timing replaced. Everytime our car mis-functions nothing ever shows up on the computer, no service engine lights come on. The car just quietly dies. …”
NHTSA complaint #704068, filed 1999-03Engine cooling: “While driving the engine shuts off, causing the car to coast to the side of the road to restart. Consumer stated dealer corrected problem by installing a crank angle sensor.”
NHTSA complaint #802993, filed 1995-10Electrical system: “On mountain roads, this situation is very dangerous. No power steering, no power brakes, no power period. Therefore, vehicle is stuck in road, usually on a blind turn, extreeme danger with trucks coming down mountain.”
NHTSA complaint #701689, filed 1998-12Seat belts: “Rear shoulder belt retro-fit kit that was given by Oldsmobile has a very large buckle that hits right in the sternum. If in an accident buckle could go right through the chest. Manufacturer said that was the way they made them, and there was nothing they could do.”
NHTSA complaint #850338, filed 1999-10Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 88V164000Oct 18, 1988Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Oldsmobile Ciera 1988, Chevrolet Celebrity 1988, Pontiac 6000 1988 +1 more
Fuel feed hose could leak at the coupling on the engine end of the hose assembly.
Recall details for the 1988 Oldsmobile Ciera → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1988 Oldsmobile Ciera.
Other model years of the Oldsmobile Ciera
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 83 | 60,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 34 | — | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 46 | — | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 20 | — | 2 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1989 | 31 | — | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 25 | — | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 17 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 14 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 8 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Oldsmobile Ciera model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1988 Oldsmobile Ciera have?
NHTSA recorded 25 consumer complaints for the 1988 Oldsmobile Ciera as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1988 Oldsmobile Ciera is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 6 complaints (24% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 5.
Has the 1988 Oldsmobile Ciera been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.