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1988 Oldsmobile Calais problems

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The Oldsmobile Calais is a compact car that was manufactured and marketed by Oldsmobile from 1985 through 1991, superseding the Oldsmobile Omega and named after the city of Calais, France. Renamed the Cutlass Calais for 1988, and briefly available in 1987 as the limited edition GMO Quad 4, the Calais shared the GM N platform with the Pontiac Grand Am and the Buick Skylark/Buick Somerset — and was superseded by the Oldsmobile Achieva in 1992.

The first production model (VIN 1G3NT27UXFM200001), was a white Calais Supreme two-door with a gray velour interior. Equipped with an automatic transmission and the 92 horsepower, 151 CID pushrod four-cylinder engine (also known as GM's "Iron Duke" Tech-IV), this particular model was outfitted with nearly every available option, including wire wheel covers. While this front-wheel drive car is maintained by the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum in Lansing, Michigan, it was one of more than 700 vehicles that made up the GM Heritage Collection of historically significant vehicles that date back to the early 1900s. The Calais Supreme was auctioned in April, 2021, and sold for $8,585.

In 1987, the Quad 4 engine was developed and became available in a special limited edition of the Calais called the "GMO Quad 4". Early television ads touting the new engine's abilities showed video of the Calais GMO Quad 4 racing around city streets (the submodel was dropped, however the Quad 4 engine continued to be available for several years afterward). Another, later special Cutlass Calais model was the 1990 to 1991 Quad-442. It used a high-output version of the four-cylinder coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission. This same High Output version was also available in the top-of-the-line Cutlass Calais International Series.

The International Series was available as both a 2-door or a 4-door and featured exclusive options for the Calais range including lower front and rear facias, lower rocker extensions, and quad-tipped sport exhaust. Changes inside include thickly bolstered sport seats which feature driver-side power controls and were available in cloth with leather accents or full leather. The International Series came standard with power locks and windows with driver's side auto-down, a multifunction Driver Information Center in the center console, full gauges, cruise control, and the uplevel FE3 sport suspension. The standard engine for the International was the new-for-1990 Quad 4 H.O. although the normal Quad 4 L.O. and automatic transmission were an option. Optional equipment on the International series included keyless entry and a Delco CD player.

Previously, the Cutlass Calais nameplate was used on top-line versions of the Cutlass Supreme coupé (differing from the Supreme only in minor trim details) from 1978 to 1984. There was also a Cadillac Calais model, sold from 1965 to 1976.

1988 Oldsmobile Calais

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Common 1988 Oldsmobile Calais problems

The Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais, produced in 1988, is known for a few common issues that owners have reported. These problems include overheating, stalling, no spark, and sweet smells or liquid in the floorboard.

One of the most common issues with the 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais is overheating. This can be caused by various factors, such as a faulty cooling system or a malfunctioning thermostat. Overheating can lead to severe engine damage if not addressed promptly, so it's crucial to have the cooling system inspected and repaired if necessary.

Another issue reported by owners is stalling. This issue can be addressed by replacing or repairing the TCC as needed.

A third common issue with the 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais is a lack of spark. This can be caused by a faulty ignition control module, which can be replaced to resolve the issue.

Finally, some owners have reported sweet smells or liquid in the floorboard. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including leaks in the cooling system, fuel system, or power steering system. It's important to have any leaks inspected and repaired promptly to prevent further damage to the vehicle.

In addition to these common issues, the 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais may also be subject to recalls related to the fuel system and equipment. It's important to check for any recalls related to the vehicle and have any necessary repairs performed to ensure safe and reliable operation.

Overall, while the 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais may have some common issues, many of these can be addressed with proper maintenance and repair. It's important to stay on top of any issues and address them promptly to ensure safe and reliable operation of the vehicle.

1988 Oldsmobile Calais engine

How much is an Oldsmobile Calais?

The average Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais costs about $41,045.73. The average price has increased by 35.3% since last year. The 4 for sale on CarGurus range from $7,995 to $59,900 in price.

What year was the Cutlass Calais made?

Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais
Also calledOldsmobile Calais (from 1985–1987)
Production1984-1991
Model years1985-1991
AssemblyLansing, Michigan

What are some facts about the Oldsmobile Cutlass?

The Oldsmobile Cutlass was a range of automobiles produced by General Motors' Oldsmobile division between 1961 and 1999. At its introduction, the Cutlass was Oldsmobile's smallest model; it began as a unibody compact car, but saw its greatest success as a body-on-frame intermediate.

What was the name of the top of the range Cutlass model?

Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

The Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme is a mid-size car produced by Oldsmobile between 1966 and 1997. It was positioned as a premium offering at the top of the Cutlass range.

Is the Oldsmobile Cutlass reliable?

Cutlass Supreme owners have made 45 complaints over 8 model years. It ranks 6th in reliability out of 12 eligible Oldsmobile models. Our reliability rank is based on our PainRank™ system. A higher number means you can expect more significant problems.

How much horsepower does a 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass have?

Engine: 2.8 L/135 hp MFI. Transmission: Front Wheel Drive Automatic. Body Style: 2DR Coupe.

How much is an Oldsmobile Calais?

The average Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais costs about $41,045.73. The average price has increased by 35.3% since last year. The 4 for sale on CarGurus range from $7,995 to $59,900 in price.

What year was the Cutlass Calais made?

Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais
Also calledOldsmobile Calais (from 1985–1987)
Production1984-1991
Model years1985-1991
AssemblyLansing, Michigan

1988 Oldsmobile Calais car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Oldsmobile Calais problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Power train problems
  • Seat belts problems
  • Suspension problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Oldsmobile Calais vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1988 Oldsmobile Calais

The NHTSA has received 34 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Oldsmobile Calais. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1988 Oldsmobile Calais vehicles.

2000-02-02

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-11-08
  • VIN: 1G3NT54D8JM
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: CRACKED ENGINE HEAD. *MJS
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2000-02-02

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-11-08
  • VIN: 1G3NT54D8JM
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: BATTERY FAILED. *MJS
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1999-03-22

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-03-20
  • VIN: 1G3NT14D5JM
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: VERY COMMON PROBLEM FOR ALL QUAD-4 ENGINE HEADS. NO HELP FROM OLDSMOBILE DUE TO AGE/MILEAGE. *AK
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1999-01-07

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-12-22
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: THERE IS A VERY LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FROM OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, CONSUMER NOTICED THE VEHICLE SHAKING AND KNOCKING WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. *AK
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1997-06-16

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-01-01
  • VIN: 1G3NF5YDXJM
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION.
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1997-03-18

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-10-03
  • VIN: 1FALP52U0JA
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: OWNER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE THE HEAD GASKET BLEW OUT, OWNER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO GET VEHICLE REPAIRED. *AK
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1997-02-05

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: ELECTRICAL LIGHTING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE EXPERIENCES SHORTS. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
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1997-02-05

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-06-02
  • VIN: 1G3NK14D1JM
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: SEAT BELT IS STUCK IN THE DOOR AND WILL NOT BUCKLE.
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1996-09-04

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-04-17
  • VIN: 1G3NT1404JM
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE MOUNT REPLACED.
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1996-09-04

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-07-01
  • VIN: 1G3NT1404JM
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: STARTER FAILED.
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1996-09-04

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-04-01
  • VIN: 1G3NT1404JM
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED.
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1996-09-04

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-04-17
  • VIN: 1G3NT1404JM
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: IGNITION COIL HOUSING REPLACED.
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1996-09-04

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-04-17
  • VIN: 1G3NT1404JM
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION CONVERTER CLUTCH SOLENOID REPLACED.
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1996-09-04

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-04-19
  • VIN: 1G3NT1404JM
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: INTERMITTENT STALLING.
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1996-04-29

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1990-11-20
  • VIN: 1G3NF14D6JM
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE FAILED THREE TIMES. *DSH
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1996-04-25

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-01-28
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: WHEN BACKING OUT THE DRIVER'S SEATBACK BROKE OFF AND THE OCCUPANT WAS THROWN INTO THE REAR SEAT WHICH CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
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1996-03-29

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-03-29
  • VIN: 1G3NF14L1JM
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: VEHICLE OWNER IS CONCERNED THAT HER VEHICLE'S FRONT SEAT BELTS ARE NOT SAFE BECAUSE THEY ARE MOUNTED TO THE DOOR. *AK
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1995-11-10

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-11-10
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: HEAD GASKETS REPLACED TWICE.*SD
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1995-11-10

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-11-10
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: ECM CHIPS REPLACED 7 TIMES. *SD
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1995-11-10

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-11-10
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: CLUTCH REPLACED 3 TIMES. *SD
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1995-11-10

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-11-10
  • Crash: 1
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: IGNITION COIL HOUSING WAS DEFECTIVE, CAUSING GAS TO LEAK INTO EXHAUST SYSTEM/FIRE/ACCIDENT. *SD
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1995-11-10

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-11-10
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: WINDOWS LEAK. *SD
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1995-11-10

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-11-10
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: EXHAUST SYSTEM FAILED DUE TO IGNITION COIL LEAK. *SD
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1995-10-18

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-10-18
  • VIN: 1G3NF54W4JM
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: RIGHT FRONT FENDER AND DOOR RUSTED. *SD
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1995-07-31

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-07-31
  • VIN: 1G3NT54D9JM
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: STARTER REPLACED. *SKD
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1988 Oldsmobile Calais recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1988 Oldsmobile Calais.

1992-10-19
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
  • Summary: FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY COULD CRACK OR SEPARATE AT THE COUPLING ON THE ENGINE END OF THE HOSE ASSEMBLY, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
  • Consequence: FUEL LEAKING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD RESULT IN ANUNDERHOOD FIRE.
  • Remedy: REPLACE FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY.
1990-03-05
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
  • Summary: FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY COULD CRACK OR SEPARATE AT THE COUPLING ON THE ENGINE END OF THE HOSE ASSEMBLY, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
  • Consequence: LEAKING FUEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
  • Remedy: REPLACE FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY.
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