Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Speed sensor has malfunctioned, causing ABS light and traction control light to illuminate on the dash. Consumer has contacted the dealer, replaced right front wheel hub and bearings due to water intrusion into sensor. Module, electronic brkae, and traction control also replaced.
Brake fluid soaked rear brake linings. Dealer now says that front rotors are warped due to excessive heat and must be replaced at our expense. The rear wheel cylinders were replaced under warranty and the rear brake shoes were washed /cleaned.
Anti-lock braking system has failed 3 times. 1st time was 01-10-03. 2nd time was 04-11-03 and 3rd time was 04-21-03. Ist time resulted in accident and last 2 times I was able to get off highway before rear ending the car in front of me. I will enter the last time this happened.
Starting early 2002 with only 45000 miles on the 1998 Oldsmobile 88 the warning light advising ABS was not operating came on intermittantly. Took to cuesta Cadillac Oldsmobile dealer in san luis obispo calif and was advised that rear brake cylinders were leaking and should be replaced. We did that but intermittant dash error light warnings continued. In 2003 the dealer said to contact GM and request repair but GM refused to accept responsibility. ABS system still inoperative intermittantly and dealer says they will replace ABS pump for $2000 but will not guarantee that it will be fixed.
My 1997 Chevrolet lumina, 1997 Oldsmobile and 1998 Oldsmobile all have had brake lines fail due to corrosion in the last two years. The most recent failure almost resulted in an accident as the brakes failed during a panic stop to avoid a collision. All vehicles had steel brake lines replaced to correct the failure. I tend to keep my cars until they are ten plus years old. The majority of my cars have had brakes fail due to corrosion of the tubing. I was wondering why stainless steel tubing is not required on brake lines?
While driving applied the brakes and the brakes started slipping which did not allow the vehicle to stop. Dealer cannot find the problem. This slipping of the brakes caused the owner to have an accident.
Brake line under drivers door sill leaks brake fluid. The brake line is rusted out. Fluid level in brake fluid reservoir low and instrument panel warning light illuminated. Brake pedal goes to floor. Added brake fluid to reservoir. Drove to dealership for repair. All of the brake lines were replaced by the dealer. Original brake lines are not galvenized, are exposed to salt and moisture, and are not painted so they rust!
Going 20-25 MPH, vehicle brakes pedal malfunctioned which caused the brake pedal to hit the floor and it did not stop the vehicle, resulting in a frontal collision with extensive damage to the vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
Which Oldsmobile 88 years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (20), 1995 (14), 1997 (11), 1996 (6) and 1999 (6) model years. Brake complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Oldsmobile 88 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for any Oldsmobile 88 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Oldsmobile 88 brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 109,000 miles; 14% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (29 mentions), followed by the foundation components (7).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.