1988 Oldsmobile Toronado problems

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

The Oldsmobile Toronado is a personal luxury car manufactured and marketed by the Oldsmobile division of General Motors from 1966 to 1992 over four generations. The Toronado was noted for its transaxle version of GM's Turbo-Hydramatic transmission, making it the first U.S.-produced front-wheel drive automobile since the demise of the Cord 810/812 in 1937.

The Toronado used the GM E platform introduced by the rear-wheel drive Buick Riviera in 1963 and adopted for the front-wheel drive 1967 Cadillac Eldorado. The three models shared the E platform for most of the Toronado's 26-year history.

The name "Toronado" had no prior meaning and was originally selected for a 1963 Chevrolet show car.

Social links

Common 1988 Oldsmobile Toronado problems

Based on complaints from owners of the Oldsmobile Toronado 1988, several common problems have been reported:

Transmission Issues: Some models experienced problems with the shift control cable disengaging, causing unexpected movement and potential safety hazards.

Airbag Malfunction: In the '90s, certain Toronado models equipped with TRW airbag modules were recalled due to the airbag component releasing gas into the passenger side of the car frequently.

Seatbelt Problems: The front outer shoulder belt had a tendency to stick into the retractor, requiring a significant number of units to be recalled for rectification.

Fire Hazard: Certain Oldsmobile Toronado models were known to have issues with the power steering pump hose leaking, leading to a risk of the vehicle catching fire.

Steering Control Loss: Another safety concern reported by owners was the loss of steering control in some Toronado models, posing a serious safety risk.

These issues highlight significant safety and reliability concerns associated with the Oldsmobile Toronado 1988 model, prompting recalls and potential risks for owners.

How much horsepower does a 1988 Oldsmobile Toronado have?

Beneath the hood rests the robust 3.8-liter Buick V6 engine, delivering a smooth 150 horsepower, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission for a driving experience that is both relaxed and responsive.

How much is a Oldsmobile Toronado worth?

A: The average price of a Oldsmobile Toronado is $17,681.

Why was the Oldsmobile Toronado discontinued?

The Oldsmobile Toronado was a combination of luxury and innovation and if it wasn't for Oldsmobile's complacency it could have been a truly legendary car. Towards the end of its time, Oldsmobile lacked identity and General Motors did not know where the brand would fit, so they stopped making it.

What year did the Toronado have front-wheel drive?

1966

1966 Oldsmobile Toronado Was The First American FWD Car Since The '30s.

How much is a Oldsmobile Toronado worth?

A: The average price of a Oldsmobile Toronado is $17,681.

What engine did the Oldsmobile Toronado have?

First generation (1966–1970)

First generation
Engine	425 cu in (7.0 L) 385 hp (287 kW) Rocket V8 455 cu in (7.5 L) Rocket V8
Transmission	3-speed TH-425 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	119.0 in (3,023 mm)

Why was the Oldsmobile Toronado discontinued?

What year did the Toronado have front-wheel drive?

1966

1966 Oldsmobile Toronado Was The First American FWD Car Since The '30s.

1988 Oldsmobile Toronado car problems categorized by type of issue

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

Tires problems
Seats problems
Power train problems
Steering problems

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

1988 Oldsmobile Toronado complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Oldsmobile Toronado.

2001-07-31

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2001-06-02
Components: TIRES
Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY,VEHICLE BECAME UNSTABLE, WHICH RESULTED IN THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BECOMING DETACHED FROM VEHICLE, CAUSING THE RIGHT FRONT FENDER TO STRIKE THE ROADWAY, NO TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN.(OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT #10-90-310)*JB

Add Complaint

2000-05-08

SEATS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2000-05-08
Fire: 1
VIN: 1G3EV11C5JU
Components: SEATS
Summary: A FIRE HAD STARTED ON THE FRONT SEAT LUMBAR SYSTEM WHERE THE INTERIOR WAS BURNED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. *AK

Add Complaint

2000-04-27

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2000-04-26
Fire: 1
VIN: 1G3EV11C5JU
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: WHEN TRYING TO GET INSIDE OF VEHICLE IN THE MORNING CONSUMER SAW THAT AREA AROUND TRANSMISSION PAWL WAS BURNED, FIRE BROKE OUT, AND STOPPED BY ITSELF. *AK

Add Complaint

1996-03-29

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-01-05
VIN: 1G3EV11C4JU
Components: STEERING
Summary: AFTER STARTING VEHICLE, TAKES AN EXTREME AMOUNT OF PRESSURE TO TURN STEERING; STEERING EVENTUALLY EASES UP; CAUSES HAZARDOUS DRIVING. *AK

Add Complaint

1988 Oldsmobile Toronado recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1988 Oldsmobile Toronado.

2006-05-19

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).

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1988 Oldsmobile Toronado problems:

Q&A: 1992 Oldsmobile Toronado Trofeo - Common Issues & Solutions

https://www.justanswer.com/oldsmobile/5elgc-oldsmobile-1992toronado-trofeo-two-92-olds-toronado.html

Aug 13, 2011 ... ... failure of 92 Olds Toronado Trofeos? - Answered by a verified Oldsmobile Mechanic. ... common to cause this problem ... My 1988 Toronado Trofeo ...

Code 41 problems : 1987-1991

https://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/forum/1987/topic34768.html

It is a pretty common problem on 1988-91 3800 engines. 1993 Bonneville SLE 1988 Olds Toronado Trofeo 1985 Olds Cutlass ...

Q&A: Oldsmobile Toronado Trofeo 1988 - Interior, Specs & More

https://www.justanswer.com/oldsmobile/4h2me-oldsmobile-toronado-trofeo-1988-oldsmobile-toronado-trofeo.html

Jan 17, 2011 ... One common fault I have run into on these that can cause this problem here is a loose or corroded battery cable.Check your cables and make sure ...

1988 Toronado runs rough - Oldsmobile - Technical - Antique ...

https://forums.aaca.org/topic/220143-1988-toronado-runs-rough/

Jul 21, 2013 ... Hello!I am from Germany and have a big problem with my car. Let me give you an overview:I bought this 1988 Oldsmobile Toronado some month ...