1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 8%of 74 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the electrical system of the 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 8% of the 74 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.
“Ecm prom had to be replaced 02/01/2000, and at that time we were informed that a service bulletin(88-t-147b) had been issued for this problem in the past. Is it possible for us to request reimbursement from the manufacturer for both the part and labor since we never received the original bulletin and this part had never previously been replaced?”
NHTSA complaint #719309, filed 2000-02“1.) the drivers side door sags and the hinges are rusty. The door looks as though it will fall off at any time. The passenger door has already fallen off once, I have replaced the hinges. When it fell off, we were stopped, but it almost fell on my cousin's leg. 2.) the car does not start like normal. The vehicle will turn over but will not ignite. It usually takes three times to start it. 3.) when the vehicle is in motion, it stutters and nearly stalls. I have spent $600 getting a new ignition moduel, fuel pump, prom chip, map sensor, wire set, fuel filter. …”
NHTSA complaint #741199, filed 2001-02“Engine shutdown/no power steering/dangerous situation /elderly driver !! This is a continuous problem and the car has only 50k miles. Two fuel pumps and one module replaced since 1995. The fuel pumps replaced in a one year period.”
NHTSA complaint #732078, filed 2000-09Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 18 | 23% |
| 1998 | 16 | 10% |
| 1997 | 15 | 16% |
| 1996 | 15 | 12% |
| 1995 | 18 | 12% |
| 1994 | 19 | 13% |
| 1993 | 21 | 15% |
| 1992 | 22 | 16% |
| 1991 | 23 | 12% |
| 1990 | 9 | 9% |
| 1989 | 20 | 18% |
| 1988 | 6 | 8% |
| 1986 | 2 | 9% |
| 1984 | 2 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass
36 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology