1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass supreme problems
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. It began as a trim package, developed its own roofline, and rose during the mid-1970s to become not only the most popular Oldsmobile but the highest selling model in its class.
It was produced as a rear-wheel drive two-door hardtop, sedan, and station wagon into the 1980s, and a convertible through 1972. In 1988 Oldsmobile sought to capitalize on the brand equity of the Cutlass Supreme marque by replacing it with a downsized front-wheel drive model based on the GM10 platform W-platform.
When production ended there was no direct replacement for the Cutlass Supreme, although the Intrigue introduced for 1998 was designed in size and price to replace all the Cutlass models.
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Common 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass supreme problems
The 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme faced several common problems reported by owners:
- Engine Performance Issues: The 1988 Cutlass Supreme with a 330 cubic inch V8 engine experienced problems with the carburetor and distributor, leading to poor performance and rough idling. This could be resolved with a carburetor rebuild or distributor replacement.
- Brake System Concerns: Front drum brakes were prone to overheating, causing brake shoes to glaze over and lose effectiveness. Additionally, the brake master cylinder was susceptible to leaks, resulting in a loss of braking power.
- Steering System Troubles: The power steering pump was known to develop leaks, leading to power steering fluid leakage and difficulties in steering the car effectively.
- Electrical System Issues: Wiring harnesses were prone to deterioration, causing problems with lights and electrical components in the car.
- Transmission Problems: Owners reported issues with the transmission slipping or failing, which could significantly impact the car's performance and sometimes necessitate transmission rebuilding or replacement.
- Air Conditioning System Malfunctions: Some drivers faced challenges with the air conditioning system, such as the system not blowing cold air or air only coming from specific vents. Issues could be related to the compressor, evaporator, or control module.
These problems highlight the common issues faced by owners of the 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and prompt repairs to ensure the car's reliability and longevity.
What engine does a 1988 Cutlass Supreme have?
Technical Specifications:
Model: Cutlass Supreme. Mileage: 12,017. Engine: 2.8 L/135 hp MFI. Transmission: Front Wheel Drive Automatic.
How many 1988 Cutlass Supreme Classics were made?
27,678
1988 was the final year for the rear-wheel drive Cutlass Supreme. It was badged Cutlass Supreme Classic, and 27,678 were built.
Is an Oldsmobile Cutlass reliable?
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. The average Oldsmobile score is 3.73 while the Cutlass Supreme comes in at 2.41.
Is a Oldsmobile Cutlass a muscle car?
Introduced as the top trim level in Oldsmobile's compact F-85 Series, the Cutlass evolved into a distinct series of its own, spawning numerous variants, including the 4-4-2 muscle car in 1964, premium Cutlass Supreme in 1966, and outright performance Hurst/Olds in 1968, as well as the Vista Cruiser station wagon.
What engine does a 1988 Cutlass Supreme have?
Technical Specifications:
Model: Cutlass Supreme. Mileage: 12,017. Engine: 2.8 L/135 hp MFI. Transmission: Front Wheel Drive Automatic.
How many 1988 Cutlass Supreme Classics were made?
27,678
1988 was the final year for the rear-wheel drive Cutlass Supreme. It was badged Cutlass Supreme Classic, and 27,678 were built.
Is an Oldsmobile Cutlass reliable?
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. The average Oldsmobile score is 3.73 while the Cutlass Supreme comes in at 2.41.
Is a Oldsmobile Cutlass a muscle car?
Introduced as the top trim level in Oldsmobile's compact F-85 Series, the Cutlass evolved into a distinct series of its own, spawning numerous variants, including the 4-4-2 muscle car in 1964, premium Cutlass Supreme in 1966, and outright performance Hurst/Olds in 1968, as well as the Vista Cruiser station wagon.
1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass supreme car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Oldsmobile Cutlass supreme problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Suspension problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass supreme vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass supreme complaints
The NHTSA has received 22 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass supreme.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-02-03
- VIN: 1G3WH14W3JD
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH,THE CONTACT HEARD A SQUEALING NOISE AND HAD TO APPLY ADDITIONAL PRESSURE TO THE GAS PEDAL TO INCREASE THE SPEED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,800. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME AND DISCOVERED THAT THE CALIPER WAS NOT RETRACTING PROPERLY. THE CONTACT WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,400.*AK THE CALIPERS WERE CORRODED. UPDATED 04/05/07. *JB
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-15
- VIN: 1G3WS14W6JD
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE PAINT STARTED PEELING ON THE HOOD AFTER I WASHED MY CAR AND IT STARTED PEELING ON THE DRIVER DOOR FRAME. THE PAINT LIFTED AWAY FROM THE PRIMER COAT. TALKED TO DEALER AND THE 800 NUMBER THAT WAS GIVEN ON YOUR WEBSITE AND THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. THE GM REPRESENTATIVE THAT I TALKED TO SAID THAT THE CENTER OF AUTO SAFETY AND YOUR INFORMATION ON THE PEELING PAINT WOULD NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH GETTING THE CAR PAINTED. THE PAINT ON THE DOOR STARTED PEELING BEFORE AND WE TOUCHED IT UP WITH TOUCH UP PAINT. WE ALSO BOUGHT THE CAR USED.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-15
- VIN: 1G3WR14W5JD
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: PAINT PEELING IN SHEETES ON HOOD AND ROOF
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-28
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I HAVE A 1988 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME. WHICH IS HAVING A FAILURE OF THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLES. THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE. I HAVE CONTACTED GM ABOUT THIS AND THEY STATE THAT DUE TO VEHICLE AGE IT IS NOT THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. YET I FOUND ON A GM WEBSITE FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS THIS INFORMATION. "THE HANDLE CASTINGS BREAK, FAIL, FATIGUE AND STRETCH - NO CURE OR FIX EXCEPT TO REPLACE IT WITH A NEW ASSEMBLY. IT IS THE CASTING (NOT THE HANDLE) THAT IS THE REAL PROBLEM - THAT'S WHY YOU WON'T FIND USED ONES, THEY ARE ALL BROKE! " THIS AFFECTS ALL 1987-1996 GRAND PRIX'S, BERETTA'S AND CUTLASS SUPREME'S. SEEMS LIKE THAT COULD BE MILLIONS OF VEHICLES AND YET THEY HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY. 1996 WAS NOT THAT LONG AGO. THEY EVEN KNOW THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM AND DO NOTHING. SEEMS LIKE A SCAM TO CHEAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE OUT OF THEIR HARD EARNED MONEY AS THEY COST $136 + TAX UNINSTALLED. IF THEY INSTALL IT IS $204+ TAX. TAKE THAT $204 TIMES MILLIONS OF CARS AND BAM SEVERAL MILLIONS DOLLARS ARE ROLLING IN. WHAT GOOD IS THE CAR IF YOU CAN NOT OPEN THE DOORS AND NEARLY EVERYONE OF THESE MODELS HAS AT LEAST ONE BROKEN HANDLE. I AM UNABLE TO LEAVE THE WINDOWS DOWN TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE DUE TO WEATHER. THIS IS SOMETHING I THINK THE DEALERS SHOULD HAVE TO FIX. *PH
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHEN MAKING SUDDEN STOPS VEHICLE SWERVED INTO THE PASSING LANE. VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION IN 1996. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-01
- VIN: 1GWH14W8JD3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: INTERMITTENTLY THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD GO TO THE FLOOR WHEN APPLIED. CONSUMER REPLACED THE FRONT BRAKES ROTORS, CALIPERS AND PADS. DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. MR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-28
- VIN: 1G3WS14W9JD
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL TO HAVE THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS REPLACED. TWO WEEKS AFTER THE REAR BOLTS WERE REPLACED, THE FRONT CRADLE BOLTS PULLED THROUGH THE RETAINER DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINER. THE ENGINE DROPPED AND CONSUMER LOST STEERING. CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THIS VEHICLE BUT IS REQUESTING A REIMBURSEMENT OF MONIES PAID BECAUSE THERE IS NOW A RECALL OUT ON THE ABOVE SAID DEFECT, HOWEVER THE RECALL IS FOR THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS.*JG
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-18
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G3WH14W7JD
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: IDENTICAL FAILURE AS DESCRIBED ON NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 00V189000/ CRADLE BOLTS. HOWEVER, THIS CAMPAIGN IS LIMITED TO NORTHERN TIER OF STATES "WHERE ROAD SALT USE IS HEAVY." MY VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY OF THOSE STATES. I CONTEND THE PROBLEM TO BE MORE WIDESPREAD THAN ORIGINALLY CONSIDERED. WHAT ABOUT COASTAL STATES WITH PLENTY OF SALT AIR. WOULDN'T THEY BE SIMILARLY AFFECTED TOO? MANUFACTURER REFUSED SETTLEMENT BECAUSE TENNESSEE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE LIST OF STATES FOR ACTIVE CAMPAIGN.*AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-27
- VIN: 1G3WR14W8JD
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE CRABLE BOLTS FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE 00V-189 CAUSING DAMAGE TO OTHER COMPONENTS OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT BUT THE MANUFACTURER ONLY CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAILURE OF THE CRADLE BOLTS AND THE LABOR, NOT THE DAMAGE CAUSED WHEN THE BOLTS FAILED. NLM
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE SHOCKS AND STRUTS "FELL OFF" THEREFOR CAUSING A FLIP OVER WHEN THE BACK RIGHT TIRE BLEW. THE TIRE BLEW BECAUSE THE SHOCKS AND STRUTS WERE RUBBING AGAINST THE TIRES, THEREFOR, EXPOSING THE THREADS.*AK (TIRESIZE: P195/R14)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P195/R14 )
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-02-10
- VIN: 1G3WH14W8JD
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: REAR BRAKE SYSTEM FALLS APART --NO BRAKE SHOES AT ALL IN REAR. GRINDING OF DRUMS AGAINST OTHER BRAKE PARTS. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-01
- VIN: 1G3WH14W4JD
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: FRAME GOT CORRODED WHICH CAUSED FRONT END TO FALL WITH THE BUSHING, WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED A CRASH. CONTACTED OLDSMOBILE, BUT NOT WILLING TO ASSIST THE CONSUMER. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3WS14WOJD
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TIE RODS RUSTED OUT DUE TO ROAD SALT. *SLC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-02-15
- VIN: 1G3WR14WRJD
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR IS HANGING AND THE HINGES ARE RUSTED. THIS FAILURE WAS RECALLED A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO, BROUGHT IN TO DEALER, THEY CLAIMED DOOR ASSEMBLY WAS IN GOOD CONDITION. POWER WINDOW ON THIS DOOR HAS NOT WORKED SINCE PURCHASE. *AK *ML
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3WR14W0JD
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: BODY MOUNTS SNAPPED ON PASSENGER'S SIDE. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-05
- VIN: 1G3GR11Y8JP
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE STEERING WHEEL IS PULLING AWAY FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-21
- VIN: 1G3WH14W3JD
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE FRONT ENGINE-CRADLE RETAINERS BROKE PERMITTING THE ENGINE TO FALL TO THE ROAD SURFACE AS I TURNED ONTO A HIGHWAY DISABLING ALL STEERING CONTROLL. I HAVE SINCE BEEN TOLD OF A RECALL ( THAT HAD BEEN ISSUED IN 1997 ) ON THE REAR RETAINERS OF THE ENGINE-CRADLE. I HAVEN'T CHECKED THE PART #S TO SEE IF THEY ARE THE SAME #S BUT THE FUNCTIONS ARE THE SAME, TO HOLD THE SUB-FRAME TO THE BODY. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY OLDSMOBILE THAT DUE TO THE AGE ( 10 YEARS ) AND THE MILEAGE THAT THIS IS MY RESONSIBILITY TO REPAIR. MY QUESTIONS ARE WHY ARE THE REAR RETAINERS UNDER RECALL AND NOT THE FRONT RETAINERS SINCE THEY ARE SIMILAR IN FUNCTION AND DESIGN? WHO IS RESPONSIBLE WHEN THESE RETAINERS BREAK AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS? WHEN IS THE CAR TOO OLD FOR A RECALL WHEN IT'S STILL IN USE? I'VE HAD THIS CAR AT GOODYEAR AND FIRESTONE EACH THIS PAST YEAR FOR FRONT-END ALIGNMENT AND THEY HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-30
- VIN: 1G3WR14W6JT
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHEN TRYING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL HALF OR A QUARTER, THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE STEERING. WHEN CONSUMER CAME OUT OF VEHICLE, SHE SAW THE SUSPENSION AND ENGINE ON THE GROUND. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-01-01
- VIN: 1G3WS14W7JD
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: REAR BRAKE CALIPERS FREEZE AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED FIVE TIMES.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: RECALL WORK ON THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS CAN NOT BE DONE DUE TO LACK OF PARTS.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3WR14W5JD
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING NOTICED SMOKE AROUND THE STEERING COLUMN AREA . CONSUMER ALSO NOTICED THE PROBLEM WHEN TRAVELING LONG DISTANCE. NOTICED THE PROBLEM TWICE A WEEK. *AK
1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass supreme recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass supreme.
- 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: STRUCTURE
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WHERE ROAD SALT USE IS HEAVY. A CONDITION WHERE ONE OR BOTH FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS CAN PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINERS.
- Consequence: IF BOTH BOLTS PULL THROUGH, THE FRONT OF THE CRADLE WOULD NO LONGER BE SUPPORTED AT THE MOUNTING LOCATIONS AND THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COULD SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT AND REAR FRAME/CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.
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