1985 Oldsmobile 88 problems

General information about Oldsmobile-88
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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 1985 Oldsmobile 88 problems

Based on complaints from owners of the Oldsmobile 88 1985, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:

Electrical Issues: Owners have reported various electrical problems, including issues with power windows, power locks, and dashboard gauges. These problems may stem from faulty wiring, malfunctioning switches, or blown fuses. Electrical issues can be frustrating and impact the overall functionality and convenience of the vehicle.
Transmission Problems: Some owners have experienced issues with the automatic transmission, such as slipping, shifting problems, or failure to engage. These transmission issues can lead to poor driving performance, safety concerns, and potential costly repairs if not addressed promptly.
Fuel System Issues: Fuel system problems have been a common complaint among owners, involving components like the fuel pump, fuel injectors, or fuel pressure regulator. These issues can result in rough running, hesitation, stalling, and overall poor fuel efficiency. Addressing fuel system problems is crucial for the proper functioning of the vehicle.
Suspension Issues: Owners have reported problems with the suspension system, including shocks, struts, or ball joints. These issues can affect the handling, stability, and comfort of the vehicle. Suspension problems may lead to a bumpy ride, noise while driving, and uneven tire wear if not resolved in a timely manner.
Cooling System Problems: Cooling system issues have also been a concern for some Oldsmobile 88 1985 owners. These problems may manifest as leaks, overheating, or radiator malfunctions. Neglecting cooling system issues can result in engine damage, overheating, and potential breakdowns.

Addressing these common problems with the Oldsmobile 88 1985 is essential to ensure the vehicle's reliability, safety, and longevity. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and thorough inspections can help mitigate these issues and keep the car in optimal condition for a smoother driving experience.

How much horsepower does a 1985 Oldsmobile Delta 88 have?

Specifications for Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Brougham Sedan 5.0 V8 Hydra-Matic, 142hp, 1985.

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 is the difference between the Oldsmobile 88 and 98?

The 98 was a longer and heavier car than the 88. The 98 had a 126-inch wheelbase and weighed in at 4,500 pounds compared to the 122.5-inch wheelbase, with a weight of 4,150 pounds, on the 88. Both used a 371-cubic-inch engine."

How much horsepower does a 1985 Oldsmobile Delta 88 have?

Specifications for Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Brougham Sedan 5.0 V8 Hydra-Matic, 142hp, 1985.

How much is an Oldsmobile 88 worth?

Is the Oldsmobile 88 a 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.

1985 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
Unknown or other problems
Wheels problems
Seat belts problems
Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Oldsmobile 88 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1985 Oldsmobile 88 complaints

The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Oldsmobile 88.

2010-05-16

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2009-10-10
Crash: 1
Components: TIRES
Summary: IN THE PAST 7 MONTHS I'VE HAD 2 ACCIDENTS DUE TO TIRES NOT GRIPPING THE ROAD IN RAINY CONDITIONS. LAST OCT. I SLID 2 AND A HALF CAR LENGTHS AND HIT THE REAR OF A VEHICLE AT A STOP SIGN. LAST WEEK IT HAPPENED BUT IT WASN'T AS SERIOUS. MY CLASSIC 1985 OLDS DELTA 88 WAS RUINED. I'VE KEPT DRIVING IT BECAUSE OTHERWISE IT'S A GOOD CAR. NOW I FACE INSPECTION AND IT WILL NEVER PASS. I HAD LIABILITY INSURANCE SO I COULDN'T REPAIR IT'PARTS ARE EITHER UNAVAILABLE OR VERY COSTLY. WHAT CONCERNS ME IS THAT MY INSURANCE RATES WILL SKYROCKET.THE TIRES ARE EL DORADO MARQUIS P205/75 R. *TR

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2002-11-01

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2002-10-12
Crash: 1
VIN: 1G3BN69Y08Y
Components: TIRES
Summary: RIGHT FRONT TIRE SEPARATED, AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENMT INSTALLED AT 30,000 MILES, TIRE SIZE 205/75R15, DOT# UNAVAILABLE. FIRESTONE WAS NOTIFIED. MR *TT *JB

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2001-01-08

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2000-12-12
Components: TIRES
Summary: STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATION, VEHICLE PULLING TO LEFT DURING STRAIGHT TRAVEL AND CRABBING IN LEFT AND RIGHT TURNS, PROBLEMS CAUSED BY TREAD SEPARATION OF FRONT GILLETTE GOLDEN BEAR TOURING TIRES 20575R15. *CJ

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2000-10-09

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2000-09-27
VIN: 1G3BP35Y5F9
Components: TIRES
Summary: THE CAR WAS WOBBLING. PULLING OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, THE TREAD WAS COMPLETELY OFF THE TIRE AND WOUND AROUND THE REAR AXLE. (DOT NUMBER: HYHHF7B109 TIRESIZE: P225/75R15)

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2000-07-19

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 1G3CW6931F4
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: I HEARD ON THE RADIO THERE IS A RECALL TO FIX THIS BUT GENERAL MOTORS AND THE OLDSMOBILE DEALERS HAVE NO INFORMATION ON THIS. ALTHOUGH GM HAS HAD SEVERAL CALLS ON THE MATTER. I PRESENTLY HAVE A BROKEN BOLT AND NO ONE TO FIX IT. NO SAFETY DEFECT DISCUSSED IN SUMMARY.*AK

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1998-09-01

WHEELS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: WHEELS
Summary: THE WHEEL HAD RUSTED AND CORRODED, CAUSING A VIBRATION AND THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL CAME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING AT45MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. *AK

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1995-06-12

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-06-12
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: DRIVER SEAT BELT FAILURE, BELT WILL NOT LOCK IN PLACE. TT

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1994-12-14

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1986-01-01
VIN: 1G3BN69Y2F9
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: EXHAUST MANIFOLD GASKET FAILED TWICE. *AK

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1985 Oldsmobile 88 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1985 Oldsmobile 88.

1989-06-16

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: 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.

1985-03-19

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Summary: THE TIRE PLACARD LABEL ON THE LEFT FRONT DOOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRINTED WITH AN ERROR WHICH SPECIFIES A HIGHER MAXIMUM LOADING THAN IS ALLOWED. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: EXCESSIVE VEHICLE LOADING COULD CAUSE A TIRE BLOWOUT AND RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: NEW TIRE PLACARD LABELS WITH CORRECT INFORMATION WILL BE INSTALLED.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1985 Oldsmobile 88 problems:

1985 delta 88 ignition problems - ClassicOldsmobile.com

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/electrical-5/1985-delta-88-ignition-problems-9748/

Dec 24, 2008 ... Since the starter apparently is known to be good and the battery is good, my first inclination would be either the ignition switch or the ...

Oldsmobile 88 Problems and Complaints - 27 Issues

https://repairpal.com/problems/oldsmobile/88

Top Oldsmobile 88 Problems · Car Won't Start Because of Anti-Theft System That Uses Raised-Chip Key · Engine Stalling Due to Mass Air Flow/Crankshift Position ...

Power Seat Problem 1985 Delta 88 - ClassicOldsmobile.com

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/eighty-eight-29/power-seat-problem-1985-delta-88-a-134980/

Apr 28, 2019 ... Well, the solution here was to remove the seat from the base first and then, as Joe pointed out, just get an open end wrench under the track and ...

Q&A: 1986 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale - Throttle Control Fuse ...

https://www.justanswer.com/car/2fztj-1986-oldsmobile-automatic-full-equipped-delta-88-royal.html

Aug 20, 2009 ... My 1986 Oldsmobile Automatic full equipped, Delta 88, Royal Braugham, V-6,, 3.8 cc has problems as follows: It suddenly - Answered by a ...