1991 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 1991 Oldsmobile 88 problems
The Oldsmobile 88, produced from 1949 to 1999, was a full-size car known for its performance and luxury. The 1991 Oldsmobile 88, in particular, faced several common problems that affected its reliability and performance.
- Overheating: Overheating was another common problem in the Oldsmobile 88, often due to coolant loss. This issue could cause engine damage and reduce the car's reliability. Regular maintenance and inspection of the cooling system could help prevent overheating.
- Coolant Leaks: Coolant leaks were a common issue in the Oldsmobile 88, particularly in the 1991 model. These leaks could be caused by worn or damaged hoses, a malfunctioning radiator, or other issues with the cooling system. Regular maintenance and inspection of the cooling system could help prevent coolant leaks.
- Electrical Faults: Electrical faults were a common issue in the Oldsmobile 88, particularly in the 1991 model. These faults could affect various systems in the car, including the power windows, power locks, and dashboard gauges. These issues could be caused by faulty wiring, malfunctioning switches, or blown fuses.
- Fuel System Issues: Fuel system issues were a common issue in the Oldsmobile 88, particularly in the 1991 model. These issues could affect various components of the fuel system, including the fuel pump, fuel injectors, and fuel pressure regulator. These issues could cause the car to run rough, hesitate, or stall.
- Suspension Issues: Suspension issues were a common issue in the Oldsmobile 88, particularly in the 1991 model. These issues could affect various components of the suspension system, including the shocks, struts, and ball joints. These issues could cause the car to handle poorly or make noise while driving.
- Engine Issues: Engine issues were a common issue in the Oldsmobile 88, particularly in the 1991 model. These issues could be caused by oil leaks, overheating, or other problems with the engine. Regular maintenance and inspection of the engine could help prevent these issues.
In summary, the Oldsmobile 88, particularly the 1991 model, faced several common problems that affected its reliability and performance. These issues included transmission failure, overheating, coolant leaks, electrical faults, fuel system issues, suspension issues, and engine issues. Regular maintenance and inspection of the car could help prevent these issues and ensure the car remained 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.
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 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 was the first year of the Oldsmobile 88?
1949
Oldsmobile 88 (a.k.a. Eighty Eight) was a car distributed via Oldsmobile division of General Motors. The car was first manufactured in the 1949 model year. It underwent many facelifts and redesigns over the years.
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.
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."
1991 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:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Parking brake problems
- Electrical system problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Oldsmobile 88 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1991 Oldsmobile 88 complaints
The NHTSA has received 17 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Oldsmobile 88.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-22
- VIN: 1G3HN6939GW
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1986 OLDSMOBILE DELTA 88 ROYALE (N/A). THE CONTACT STATED THAT VEHICLE EXHIBITED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO DRIVE INTO A BUSY INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DEFECT WAS CAUSED BY CARBON BUILD-UP IN THE THROTTLE BODY. THE THROTTLE BODY WAS CLEANED AND THE AIR FILTER WAS REPLACED. THE DEFECT WAS REMEDIED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-12-16
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: RECALL 91V167000 CONCERNING PARKING BRAKE LEAVER ASSEMBLY: AT THE TIME OF VEHICLE INSPECTION CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY LEAVER WAS ON RECALL. THE LEAVER WAS RELEASING, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL WHEN ON AN INCLINE. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-28
- VIN: 1G3HN54C6MH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE FUEL TANK METER LINES WERE RUSTED CAUSING GASOLINE TO LEAK. *MJS
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: THE LOCK TO THE PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT ENGAGE WHEN THE PARKING BRAKE IS APPLIED. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS SITTING THE BRAKE WILL RELEASE ON ITS OWN, AND SOMETIMES IT RELEASES SOON AS IT'S APPLIED. BRAKE MAY NOT HOLD VEHICLE. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-20
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G3HY54C2M1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: TWO BRAKE FAILURES ON HIGHWAY, ONCE RESULTING IN A COLLISION. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-07
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH THE CONSUMER WAS APPROACHING A RED LIGHT AND WENT TO APPLY FOR THE BRAKES, THE BRAKES WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOORBOARD, THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WENT OFF THE ROAD, AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONSUMER CRACKED ONE OF THE BRAKE SHOES. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3HY54C3MH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ENGINE IGNITION WIRES BETWEEN FUEL INJECTORS AND ENGINE CONTROL UNIT ON COMPUTER, ONE WIRE WAS BROKEN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-10-01
- VIN: 1G3HY54C4MH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE FAILED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-12-01
- VIN: IGHDT13Z2M2
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ABS BRAKES WOULD GO TO FLOOR WHEN BRAKE DASH LIGHT COMES ON
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION CAUGHT FIRE BECAUSE A SEAL BLEW OUT. DEALER HAS SEEN VEHICLE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-12
- VIN: 1G3HN53C4M1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: REAR PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT LOCKED UP. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT . THE PASSENGER HAD TO BE CUT OUT OF THE BELT. *AK
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-09
- VIN: 1G3HN53C7M1
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: PARKING BRAKE : WHEN APPLYING THE PARKING BRAKE IT SLIPS AND DOE NOT ENGAGE. CALLED MANUFACTURER ABOUT RECALL #91V167 , EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKES, AND THEY SAID THAT RECALL DID NOT APPLY TO HIS VEHICLE EVEN THOUGH HE IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING EXPERIENCED MALFUNCTION IN ABS WHEN WARNING LIGHT APPEARED AND STAYED ON CONTINUOUSLY, ONLY HYDRAULIC BRAKES STOPPED VEHICLE, ABS IS INOPERATIVE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-14
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- VIN: 1G3HN54C6MH
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-02
- VIN: 1G3HY14C1MH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY. *DH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3HN54C1MH
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: VEHICLES BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS,HAVING NO BRAKES.THEN ABOUT A FEW HOURS LATER THEY RETURN. TT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-08
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BOUGHT THE VEHICLE AND TWO WEEKS LATER THE MASTER CYLINDER WENT OUT. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
1991 Oldsmobile 88 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1991 Oldsmobile 88.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL
- Summary: WHEN APPLIED, THE PARKING BRAKE LEVER ASSEMBLY MAY RELEASE ONE OR MORE TEETH, REDUCING THE CABLE LOAD TO THE REAR BRAKES.
- Consequence: DEPENDING ON THE EXTENT OF THE LEVER RELEASE AND ROADLEVEL. THE PARKING BRAKE MAY NOT HOLD THE VEHICLE, ALLOWING IT TO ROLL, WHICHCOULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. VEHICLE DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 105.
- Remedy: REPLACE PARKING BRAKE LEVER ASSEMBLY.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1991 Oldsmobile 88 problems:
Q&A: 1991 Oldsmobile 88 Royale - Maintenance Tips
Aug 28, 2009 ... Hello, the more common problem for this is a dirty throttle body or dirty IAC ( idle control valve). It is noted as IAC in pic below. You ...
1991 Oldsmobile 98 - wet floor after driving in rain - drivers side front ...
Sep 11, 2009 ... Well, recently I ran into this problem with a '95 Delta 88 LSS. For the life of me, I couldn't figure it out. The right rear passenger and front ...
Q&A: Troubleshooting Battery Drain in 1991 Oldsmobile 88
Feb 19, 2011 ... yeah ,that is normal for the radio display to dim ,it could be bad ,but if you can live without the bells and chimes and it solved the problem , ...
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 ...
89 Olds 88 Rear Brakes Locking Up : 1987-1991
Only the shoes and cylinders were bad, but it was a MAW moment. ... My only problem was getting the parts, I held off doing the job until I took a ...
Other years of Oldsmobile 88
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