1981 Oldsmobile 88 problems
The Oldsmobile 88 (marketed from 1989 on as the Eighty Eight) is a full-size car that was sold and produced by Oldsmobile from 1949 until 1999. From 1950 until 1974, the 88 was the division's most profitable line, particularly the entry level models such as the 88 and Dynamic 88. The 88 series was also an image leader for Oldsmobile, particularly in the early years (1949–51), when it was one of the best performing automobiles, thanks to its relatively small size, light weight, and advanced overhead-valve high-compression V8 engine. This engine, originally designed for the larger C-bodied and more luxurious 98 series, also replaced the straight-8 on the smaller B-bodied 78. With the large, high performance V8, the Oldsmobile 88 is considered by some to be the first muscle car, although this title is disputed.
Naming conventions used by GM since the 1910s for all divisions used alphanumeric designations that changed every year. Starting after the war, Oldsmobile changed their designations and standardized them so that the first number signified the chassis platform, while the second number signified how many cylinders. A large number of variations in nomenclature were seen over this long model run — Super, Golden Rocket, Dynamic, Jetstar, Delta, Delmont, Starfire, Holiday, LS, LSS, Celebrity, and Royale were used at various times with the 88 badge, and Fiesta appeared on some station wagons in the 1950s and 1960s. The name was more commonly shown as numerals in the earlier years ("Delta 88", for example) and was changed to spell out "Eighty Eight" starting in 1989.
First generation (1949–1953)
Oldsmobile introduced the 88 badge in 1949. It was named to complement the already-existing 76 and 98, and took the place of the straight-8 engined 78 in the model lineup. The new car used the same new A-body platform as the straight-6 engined 76 but paired it with the new 303 cu in (5.0 L) Rocket V8 engine producing 135 horsepower (101 kW). This combination of a relatively small light body and large, powerful engine made it widely considered to be the first muscle car. The Rocket 88 vaulted Oldsmobile from a somewhat staid, conservative car to a performer that became the one to beat on the NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) circuits.
It won six of the nine NASCAR late-model division races in 1949, 10 of 19 in 1950, 20 of 41 in 1952, and was eventually eclipsed by the low-slung, powerful Hudson Hornet, but it was still the first real "King of NASCAR." This led to increased sales to the public. There was a pent up demand for new cars in the fast-expanding post-World War II economy, and the 88 appealed to many ex-military personnel who were young and had operated powerful military equipment.
The 88 enjoyed great success, inspiring a popular 1950s slogan, "Make a Date with a Rocket 88", and also a song, "Rocket 88", often considered the first rock and roll record. Starting with the trunk-lid emblem of the 1950 model, Oldsmobile would adopt the rocket as its logo, and the 88 name would remain in the Olds lineup until the late 1990s, almost until the end of Oldsmobile itself.
The 1949 model was equipped with an ignition key and a starter push-button to engage the starter. Pushing the starter button would engage the starter, but if the ignition key was not inserted, unlocking the ignition, the car would not start. The car was equipped with an oil bath air cleaner. At the bottom edge of the front fender directly behind the front wheel was a badge that said "Futuramic" which identified an Oldsmobile approach to simplified driving, and the presence of an automatic transmission. V8 Oldsmobiles were automatic-only in 1949 as Oldsmobile lacked a manual gearbox that could handle the torque of the new engine.1948 Oldsmobile Futuramic introduction In 1950, Oldsmobile offered a modified Cadillac manual gearbox for V8 models. The 88 now outsold the six-cylinder 76 lineup, which was dropped entirely after the 1950 model year. It had a 40 ft. turning circle. Hershel McGriff and Ray Elliot with the 1950 model won the 1950 Carrera Panamericana.
For 1951, the 88 became the entry-level Olds with the discontinuation of the six-cylinder 76 line, which meant that all Oldsmobiles were powered by Rocket V8s. An in-house manual transmission replaced the modified Cadillac gearbox, but as the 1950s progressed, manual shift became increasingly rare in Oldsmobiles and normally could only be obtained by special order. New this year was the more upscale Super 88 line on the new GM B-body which included restyled rear body panels, a more luxurious interior, and a slightly longer 120 in (3,048 mm) wheelbase as opposed to the 119.5 in (3,035 mm) wheelbase which had been standard since the 88's introduction. The station wagon was discontinued and would not reappear until the 1957 model year. New was an I-beam frame. Hydraulic power windows and seats were optional.
In 1952, the base 88 shared the Super 88's rear body panels and wheelbase, and came with a Rocket V8 and two-barrel carburetor while Super 88s came with a new four-barrel carburetor upping the output to 160 hp (119 kW). Other mechanical features were unchanged with styling changes amounting to new grilles, taillights, and interior revisions. New was the optional automatic headlight control.
For 1953, the base 88 was renamed the DeLuxe 88 for only this one year while the Super 88 continued as a more upscale version. Engines and transmission offerings were the same as 1952. Late in the 1953 model year, a fire destroyed GM's Hydra-Matic plant in Livonia, Michigan, which was then the only source for Hydra-Matic transmissions. The temporary loss of Hydra-Matic production led Oldsmobile to build thousands of its 1953 models with Buick's two-speed Dynaflow automatic transmissions until GM pressed its Willow Run Transmission plant into service to resume Hydra-Matic production. New options this year included Frigidaire air conditioning, power steering, and power brakes.
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Common 1981 Oldsmobile 88 problems
The Oldsmobile 88, produced from 1949 to 1999, is known for its full-size body and FR layout.
One of the most common problems with the Oldsmobile 88 is electrical issues, particularly in the 1976-1985 Delta 88 Royale models. These issues include problems with the power windows and door locks, as well as air conditioning system leaks and failures. The transmission in these models can also experience issues with slipping gears and difficulty shifting.
In the 1986-1990 Delta 88 Royale models, there are issues related to the fuel injection system and throttle body, which can cause rough idling and stalling. The ignition module and coil packs are also known to fail, causing issues with starting and power loss. The air conditioning system is also prone to leaks and failures in these models.
Engine issues are also common in the Oldsmobile 88, particularly over time. The engine may experience oil leaks, which can cause engine performance issues and eventually lead to engine failure. The engine may also experience issues with overheating due to a malfunctioning cooling system, which can cause damage to the engine.
Suspension issues are also a common problem in the Oldsmobile 88, including worn-out shocks and struts. This can cause a bouncy ride and lead to uneven tire wear. The suspension system may also experience issues with alignment, causing the vehicle to pull to one side or the other while driving.
Transmission issues are another common problem in the Oldsmobile 88. The transmission in these models can experience problems with slipping gears, delayed shifting, and difficulty shifting into reverse. These issues can be caused by a malfunctioning transmission fluid pump, torque converter, or transmission control module.
In summary, the Oldsmobile 88, specifically the Delta 88, Royale, and Royale Brougham models, have common issues related to electrical problems, engine and transmission issues, and suspension problems. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to any issues that arise can help ensure the vehicle remains safe and reliable on the road.
How much is an Oldsmobile 88 worth?
Q: What was the lowest recorded sale price for a Oldsmobile 88? A: The lowest recorded sale price was $770 for a 1950 Oldsmobile 88 Coupe on Oct 14 2022. Q: What is the average sale price of a Oldsmobile 88? A: The average price of a Oldsmobile 88 is $34,231.
Is the Oldsmobile 88 a muscle car?
In the first years of NASCAR, Oldsmobile's powerful 88 Coupe was the car to beat. In the earliest days of NASCAR racing, if a driver was winning races, chances are good that he was behind the wheel of an Oldsmobile 88 Coupe, arguably the first true American muscle car.
What does 88 mean in Oldsmobile?
Oldsmobile introduced the 88 badge in 1949. It was named to complement the already-existing 76 and 98, and took the place of the straight-8 engined 78 in the model lineup.
How much does a 1981 Oldsmobile Delta 88 weigh?
The '81 Delta 88 Royale coupe had a starting weight of around 3,500 pounds, and only the top-shelf Olds 307 with 140-hp which was optional that year for all but the Delta wagons really seemed up to the task of getting it around.
Is the Oldsmobile 88 a muscle car?
In the first years of NASCAR, Oldsmobile's powerful 88 Coupe was the car to beat. In the earliest days of NASCAR racing, if a driver was winning races, chances are good that he was behind the wheel of an Oldsmobile 88 Coupe, arguably the first true American muscle car.
What does 88 mean in Oldsmobile?
Oldsmobile introduced the 88 badge in 1949. It was named to complement the already-existing 76 and 98, and took the place of the straight-8 engined 78 in the model lineup.
What is the difference between Oldsmobile 88 and Super 88?
The Oldsmobile 88 remained the entry-level model, with two- and four-door sedans, and a two-door Hollywood hardtop. The Super 88 was the mid-line model, and it added a convertible to the same lineup.
How much does a 1981 Oldsmobile Delta 88 weigh?
The '81 Delta 88 Royale coupe had a starting weight of around 3,500 pounds, and only the top-shelf Olds 307 with 140-hp which was optional that year for all but the Delta wagons really seemed up to the task of getting it around.
1981 Oldsmobile 88 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Oldsmobile 88 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Tires problems
- Wheels problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1981 Oldsmobile 88 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1981 Oldsmobile 88 complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1981 Oldsmobile 88.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: INAPPROPRIATE WHEEL ATTACHMENTS COULD CAUSE THE WHEELS TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING. *AK *JB
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-31
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE LEFT REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. YOKOHAMA ALL SEASON RADIAL TIRE P215/75R15. *JB
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I HAVE BEEN A MECHANIC FOR 15 YEARS AND HAVE HAD A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH SEVERAL BRANDS OF FIRESTONE TIRES. ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO SEVERAL FIRESTONE TIRES DEVELOPED LUMPS IN THE TREAD AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. LAST YEAR, I HAD TWO TIGERPAW TIRES SLING THE TREAD FROM THE TIRE AND SHRED AT ABOUT 70 MPH. I HAVE USED A LOT OF TIRES AND THESE ARE THE ONLY TWO THAT EVER SLUNG THE TREAD AND THEN SHREDDED. THEY WERE NOT EVEN INSTALLED ON THE CAR AT THE SAME TIME. THESE TWO INCIDENTS WERE ABOUT 6 MONTHS APART. I STOPPED USING FIRESTONE TIRES COMPLETELY AFTER THAT. THERE ARE TROUBLES WITH FIRESTONE TIRES OTHER THAN THE ONES CURRENTLY BEING RECALLED ON SUVS. THIS NEEDS TO BE CHECKED INTO. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 225/75R15 )
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-15
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE FIRE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1981 Oldsmobile 88 problems:
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Oldsmobile 88 Problems and Complaints - 27 Issues
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