Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
1999 Oldsmobile 4.8l engine will shut completely off unexpectedly while driving. This occurs both at highways speeds of 65 MPH or at slower speeds of 35 or 35 MPH. All of the power assisted features such as power brakes and steering also stop working when the engine stops. The engine shutting defect does not occur daily and is unpredictable. The only check engine code present was a "EGR valve" code. The EGR valve was replaced at the cost of $344.00. The engine shutting off unexpectedly defect has continued to occur after the check engine repair was completed. This is an extreme safety issue that appears to replicate the GM ignition switch recall that this VIN is not included in. From "googling" this defect it appears to affect a large number of similar vehicles with 3.8l GM engines and electrical systems.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Oldsmobile 88. The contact stated that while traveling 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated as the engine overheated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who confirmed that the failure was caused by a hole that had melted in the intake manifold, causing coolant to leak into the manifold. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 72,602 and the current mileage was 73,102.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Oldsmobile 88. The contact stated that when turning on the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact proceeded to check the coolant in the vehicle finding that there was no coolant in the reservoir. When attempting to turn on the vehicle, the exhaust pipe in the rear of the vehicle released large amounts of white smoke. The contact stated that the when having the vehicle diagnosed by the dealer, the vehicle stalled. The dealer diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 36,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine using coolant but no evident leak. After a week of adding a little coolant to reservoir engine ran hot and hydro-locked due to cylinders flooded with coolant. Discovered plastic intake manifold had hole in it where the EGR tube entered plastic manifold allowing coolant to flood intake. This engine had 84K miles. Also discovered intake gaskets were replaced at 45K miles by dealer. Definitely an engineering defect.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Oldsmobile lss. The contact heard a loud explosion under the hood of the vehicle immediately after it was started. As he opened the hood, he noticed a fire in the engine compartment. He used a fire extinguisher to put the fire out. The air intake and device on the engine cover were destroyed as a result of the fire. The manufacturer advised the contact that a product allegation representative would notify him. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Upper intake manifold failure( plastic part) on highway . Engine overheated from coolant leaking inside engine for the 3rd time . First leak coolant outside engine. 2nd time bad oil leak. 3rd time this.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Oldsmobile 88. While the vehicle was parked, the contact was informed that the vehicle was on fire. The contact stated that the front of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The contact stated that the fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was not filed and no injuries were not reported. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure.the approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
I was driving through town, easton ma, and the engine sputtered a bit. Next, a kid hailed me down and I saw smoke from my rear. I pulled into the nearest parking lot and opened the hood. The engine compartment was in flames. Good thing I kept my distance because parts blew apart. Called the fire department and they put out the fire. The tow truck driver told me that he saw two other GM vehicles just like mine (3.8 liter) also burn up. I junked the vehicle. Wrote to GM, but recieved no response. Just saw on cars.com that the government is raising an investigation on the GM 3.8 liter engines. It really hurts losing $13,000. Things could have been much worse if that kid didn't warn me. No wonder they discontinued the delta 88. Is there any way I can be compensated for my loss? Dt
NHTSA investigations
Engine compartment fire
By letter dated March 12, 2008, general motors corp. (GM) has notified the agency that it will conduct a safety recall (identified by NHTSA recall number 08v-118) to address a defect in approximately 207,542 model year (my) 1997-2003 Buick regal gs and Pontiac grand prix gtp vehicles equipped with the l67 supercharged version of GM's 3800 series ii v6 engine.the recalled regal gs vehicles were built from August 1996…
Frequently asked questions
Which Oldsmobile 88 years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (82), 1999 (33), 1997 (28), 1996 (24) and 1995 (22) model years. Engine complaints make up 50% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Oldsmobile 88 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles; 15% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine › gasoline (72 mentions), followed by the exhaust system › manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe (38).
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.