Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1987 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
2
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Control | 2 | 100% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE, CAUSING INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING (ENGINE RUN ON WITH IGNITION OFF).
Consequence
SERVO ROD ASSEMBLY COULD CATCH ON ENGINE COMPONENTS ANDRESULT IN A STUCK THROTTLE WITH POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
INSTALL A NEW BUSHING IN CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL.
Defect
MANUAL VALVE LINK IN THE TRANSMISSION MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY FORMED.
Consequence
THE VALVE LINK COULD SEPARATE RESULTING IN A GEARSELECTION DIFFERENT FROM WHAT THE DRIVER SELECTS. ALSO, CAR COULD BE STARTEDWITH TRANSMISSION IN GEAR ALLOWING VEHICLE TO MOVE IN AN UNANTICIPATEDDIRECTION.
Remedy
REPLACE THE MANUAL VALVE DETENT LEVER LINK.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“VEHICLE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION NOT BE ABLE TO MOVE IN REVERSE.IN DRIVE CAR ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL AND HAD ACCIDENT. TT”
The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.