VehicleVerdict

1986 Oldsmobile 88 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 33 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.0 times the median 88 year — the 1986 model ranks #10 of 30 88 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (7), speed control (4), and electrical system (3), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

33

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

8

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1986 compare to other 88 years?

88 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted213 complaints1967: 0 complaints1968: 0 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 1 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 2 complaints1977: 1 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 2 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 4 complaints1982: 13 complaints1984: 9 complaints1985: 7 complaints1986: 33 complaints1987: 22 complaints1988: 46 complaints1989: 32 complaints1990: 28 complaints1991: 16 complaints1992: 109 complaints1993: 99 complaints1994: 91 complaints1995: 150 complaints1996: 113 complaints1997: 129 complaints1998: 213 complaints1999: 106 complaints2000: 0 complaints
88 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 88 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1986 Oldsmobile 88 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes721%
Speed Control412%
Engine39%
Visibility & Wipers39%
Electrical System39%
Steering39%
Fuel System26%
Transmission26%
Seat Belts26%
Lighting13%
Suspension13%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)13%
Tires & Wheels13%

Does the 1986 Oldsmobile 88 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

86V122000SuspensionAugust 28, 1986 · 38,309 units

Defect

THE LEFT AND RIGHT REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT STUD TO KNUCKLE ATTACHMENT MAY HAVE BEEN INADEQUATELY TIGHTENED. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS COULD ALLOW THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT STUD TO LOOSEN AT THE KNUCKLE ATTACHMENT. A LOOSE BALL JOINT STUD COULD EVENTUALLY BREAK AND SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE. SEPARATION COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

REPLACE AND TIGHTEN BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT STUD NUTS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE TRAVELING WENT INTO EXCESSIVE ACCELERATION WITHOUT INDICATION DUE TO CRUISE CONTROL BEING STUCK. AS A RESULT, CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT, AND WAS INJURED. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · crash

“WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE STALLS/ AND HESITATES. ALSO, WHEN DRIVING AT 30 MPH THERE IS A LOSS OF POWER. DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 2, 1999

“WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL MECHANISM GETS STUCK OR CANNOT MOVE PROPERLY WHICH MAY CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 1, 1998

1986 Oldsmobile 88 — common questions

Is the 1986 Oldsmobile 88 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 33 complaints put the 1986 model at #10 of 30 88 years. It is one of the 88 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1986 88 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (7 complaints), speed control (4 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints).

Does the 1986 Oldsmobile 88 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1986 Oldsmobile 88. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1986 Oldsmobile 88 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 8 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Oldsmobile 88 years should you avoid?

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

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.