1989 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 1989 Oldsmobile 88 problems
Based on the information provided in the sources, here is a detailed list of common problems with the Oldsmobile 88 1989 based on complaints from owners:
- Transmission Problems:
- Description: Owners reported issues with slipping gears, delayed shifting, and difficulty shifting into reverse.
- Causes: These issues could be caused by a malfunctioning transmission fluid pump, torque converter, or transmission control module.
- Impact: Transmission problems can significantly affect the drivability and performance of the vehicle, leading to safety concerns and potential costly repairs.
- Electrical Issues:
- Description: Common complaints included problems with power windows, power locks, and dashboard gauges.
- Causes: Faulty wiring, malfunctioning switches, or blown fuses were often cited as reasons for these electrical issues.
- Impact: Electrical problems can affect the overall functionality of the vehicle, leading to inconvenience and potential safety hazards.
- Fuel System Problems:
- Description: Owners reported issues with the fuel pump, fuel injectors, or fuel pressure regulator.
- Causes: These problems could cause the car to run rough, hesitate, or stall.
- Impact: Fuel system issues can lead to poor engine performance, unexpected stalling, and potential risks while driving.
- Suspension Issues:
- Description: Complaints included worn out shocks, struts, and ball joints, leading to a bouncy ride and uneven tire wear.
- Causes: Wear and tear on suspension components were often the reasons behind these issues.
- Impact: Suspension problems can affect the handling and stability of the vehicle, compromising safety and comfort for the driver and passengers.
- Cooling System Problems:
- Description: Issues with leaks, overheating, and a malfunctioning radiator were reported.
- Causes: These problems could arise from coolant leaks, a malfunctioning cooling system, or damaged components.
- Impact: Cooling system issues can result in engine overheating, potential damage to the engine, and overall reduced vehicle reliability.
These common problems with the Oldsmobile 88 1989 highlight various mechanical and electrical issues that owners have faced. Addressing these issues promptly through proper maintenance and repairs is crucial to ensure the safety, performance, and longevity of the vehicle.
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."
What years did Oldsmobile make the Delta 88?
Interesting Fact: The Oldsmobile Delta 88 was a part of the Oldsmobile 88 automobile line that was in production from 1949 to 1999.
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 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.
Who makes Oldsmobile 88?
General Motors
Oldsmobile (formally the Oldsmobile Division of General Motors) was a brand of American automobiles, produced for most of its existence by General Motors.
1989 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:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Seat belts problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Oldsmobile 88 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1989 Oldsmobile 88
The NHTSA has received 31 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Oldsmobile 88. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1989 Oldsmobile 88 vehicles.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-11-16
- VIN: 1G3HY54C3K1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE FRONT TIRES EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION, CONSUMER REPLACED THE TIRES TWICE.*JB
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-13
- VIN: 1G3HY54C7KW
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: MICHELIN, RADIAL, DOTB9CTCRPE-299; WHILE TRAVELING AT 55MPH CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE, THEN LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, WENT ACROSS A LANE AND HIT GUARD A RAIL. *AK WHEN THE VEHICLE CROSSED THE LANE, IT WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE ON DRIVER SIDE AND THE TIRE BLEW NEAR WHITE SIDE WALL. *YH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3HY54C3KW
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: GAS LINES AND FITTINGS BADLY CORRODED AND LEAKING. NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-14
- VIN: 1G38N54C3K1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHEN YOU ARE TRAVELING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE ENGINE DIES CLEANLY. THAT IS THERE IS NO SPUTTERING/COUGHING OR ERRATIC FIRING. OFCOURSE YOU LOOSE ALL BRAKING AND STEERING CONTROL DUE TO THE DEAD ENGINE . AFTER YOU COAST TO TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, YOU CAN TURN THE KEY TO START AND THE ENGINE STARTS WITH NO HESITATION AT ALL. THE CAR MAY GO 100, 350 OR 400 MILES BEFORE IT DOES THE SAME THING AGAIN. THIS IS EXTEMELY DANGEROUS AS YOU COULD EASILY REAR END SOME ONE AT HIGH SPEEDS. I CALLED THE OLDSMOBILE DEALER AND HE SAID THERE WAS LITTLE HE COULD DO UNLESS THE ENGINE FAILED COMPLETELY. SINCE I MENTIONED THE SITUATION TO MY FRIENDS THEY HAVE SAID THEY KNEW OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SAME CAR. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-21
- VIN: 1G3HN54C2KH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS CHARGED FOR RECALL (89C-01) REPAIR OF THE FUEL PUMP. NLM
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-21
- VIN: 1G3HN54C2KH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS CHARGED FOR RECALL (89C-01) REPAIR OF THE FUEL PUMP. NLM
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-11-22
- VIN: 1G3N54C7KW3
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HESITATE OR STALL WHILE DRIVING WHICH MAY RESULT IN A CRASH. TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-02-25
- VIN: 1G3HY54CXKH
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TILT STEERING WHEEL COLUMN BOLTS LOOSE.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-08
- VIN: 1G3HN54COKW
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE IN REVERSE GEAR, CAUSING ACCIDENT.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3HN54CXKW
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE STEEL RAKE LINE RUSTED IN TWO WHERE IT CROSSES UNDER THE EXHAUST SYSTEM UNDER A HEAT SHIELD ABOUT THE CENTER OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE BRAKES TO FAIL . *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3HY54C6K1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DISENGAGE, RESULTING IN SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: BROKEN SPRING IN THE LATCH MECHANISM ON THE SEAT BELT FAILED RESULTING IN CONSUMER EJECTION FROM VEHICLE DURING COLLISION. (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-15
- VIN: 1G3HY54C5KW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN TAKING HIS FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR THE ENGINE WOULD SHUT DOWN. THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN 7 TIMES WITHIN A MILE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-16
- VIN: 1G3HY54CXKH
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVERS SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED, CAUSING SHOULDER BELT TO BE LOOSE. *DSH
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G3HN54C5KW
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE CAME LOOSE THE SPRING WAS BROKEN CONSUMER WAS INJURIED . TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-20
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING, SOMETIMES VEHICLE ACCELERATES. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-04
- VIN: 1G3HY54C5KW
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE REAR WINDOW SHATTERED AND BROKE WITHOUT BEING HIT WITH ANY FOREIGN OBJECT. THE REAR WINDOW DEFROESTER WAS ON PREVEOUSLY. PLEASE DESCRIBE.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-04
- VIN: 1G3HY54C5KW
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE REAR WINDOW SHATTERED AND BROKE WITHOUT BEING HIT WITH ANY FOREIGN OBJECT. THE REAR WINDOW DEFROESTER WAS ON PREVEOUSLY. PLEASE DESCRIBE.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-02-14
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G3HN54C5KW
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE BECAME LOOSE IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-20
- VIN: 1G3HY5UC5KW
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: RADIATOR CAP EXPLODED. *SD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-20
- VIN: 1G3HY5UC5KW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: MAIN COMPUTER FAILURE. *SD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-10-04
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: EXPERIENCING BRAKE PROBLEM, ROTOR HAS TO BE TURNED EVERY 5000 MILES. TT
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-03
- VIN: 1G3HN53C33K
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT REMAINS ON. *SD
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-22
- VIN: 163HN54C1KW
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: PROBLEM WITH DASH HINGE PILLAR. *AW
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-20
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G3HY54C5KW
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: HEATER CORE LEAK HOT FLUID ON PASSENGER FEET. TT
1989 Oldsmobile 88 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1989 Oldsmobile 88.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
- Summary: VEHICLES MAY HAVE DISCREPANT WELDS IN THE LEFT REAR ROCKER PANEL WHICH CAN CAUSE DEFORMATION OF THE PANEL.
- Consequence: INCREASED DEFORMATION OF THE LEFT REAR ROCKER PANELCAN CAUSE THE LEFT REAR SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE NOT TO ACHIEVE THE LOAD REQUIREDBY FMVSS NO. 210.
- Remedy: INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT KIT.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
- Summary: FUEL ROLLOVER VALVE ASSEMBLY MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED.
- Consequence: IN EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH VEHICLE BECOMES INVERTEDMISSING VALVE COULD ALLOW FUEL SPILLAGE IN EXCESS OF AMOUNT ALLOWED BY FMVSS 301WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE FUEL SENDER AND PUMP ASSEMBLY.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Oldsmobile 88 problems:
1990 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Q&A: Common Problems & Recalls
Jun 21, 2021 ... I have a 1990, Delta 88 Oldsmobile. There have been problems with it recently. It was taken to two different shops, for - Answered by a ...
Oldsmobile 88 Problems and Complaints - 27 Issues
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 ...
Q&A: 1989 Oldsmobile Delta 88 - Common Issues & Solutions
Mar 20, 2015 ... I have 1989 olds delta 88 with 3.8 engine have no spark changed module,coils,cam and crank sensor still no spark - Answered by a verified ...
5.0 307 olds engine expierences - ClassicOldsmobile.com
Apr 19, 2011 ... ... Delta 88 and dont know much about the orig 307 engine ... you may have more problems with what is hooked to the engine than the engine itself.
Q&A: Troubleshooting 1989 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Stalling ...
Nov 23, 2020 ... This is a common symptom of a failing injector. Next time problem happens check resistance of injectors to see which one is much different then ...
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