VehicleVerdict

Oldsmobile 88 years to avoid

The Oldsmobile 88 years to avoid are 1998, 1995, 1997, 1996, 1992, 1999, 1993, 1994, 1988, 1986, 1989 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2000 is the cleanest year on record.

1,226

Total complaints

40

Recall campaigns

1967–2000

Years covered

11

Years to avoid

Complaints by model year

88 years to avoid

YearWhyComplaints
1998High complaint rate213
1995High complaint rate150
1997High complaint rate129
1996High complaint rate113
1992High complaint rate109
1999High complaint rate106
1993High complaint rate99
1994High complaint rate91
1988High complaint rate46
1986High complaint rate33
1989High complaint rate32

Every 88 year

YearComplaintsRecalls
200000
1999avoid1062
1998avoid2131
1997avoid1290
1996avoid1132
1995avoid1501
1994avoid911
1993avoid991
1992avoid1091
1991162
1990282
1989avoid322
1988avoid460
1987222
1986avoid331
198572
198493
1982131
198140
198002
197923
197802
197712
197621
197502
197401
197213
197102
196803
196701

Common questions

What are the worst Oldsmobile 88 years?

Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the 88 years to avoid are 1998, 1995, 1997, 1996, 1992, 1999, 1993, 1994, 1988, 1986, 1989. The cleanest year on record is 2000.

What is the best year for the Oldsmobile 88?

By complaint volume, 2000 has the cleanest NHTSA record among 88 years with enough data to compare.

How many recalls does the Oldsmobile 88 have?

Across all model years, the 88 has 40 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,226 consumer complaints on file.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.