1992-1999 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight/Regency: Reliability
Updated: 11/23/08
1999 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight/Regency
View the Photo Gallery
View the Photo Gallery
1992-1999 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight/Regency
- Price Range: $900 - $3,500
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Oldsmobile Eighty Eight
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our reliability study for this generation Oldsmobile Eighty Eight includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Oldsmobile Eighty Eight .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
If the cruise control doesn't stay engaged, or drops out of cruise, the brake switch can usually be adjusted to fix the problem. (1992-95)
Automatic transmission:
TH-440-T4 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1991)
Automatic transmission:
4T60E transmissions may drop out of drive while cruising, shift erratically, have no third or fourth gear, or no second and third gear because of a bad ground connection for the shift solenoids. (1992-94)
Automatic transmission:
The 4T60-E automatic transmission can suddenly go into neutral at highway speeds due to a problem with internal shift valves. (1995-97)
Coolant leak:
The 3.8-liter V6 may leak coolant into the engine from the intake manifold. A new gasket kit, revised throttle body nuts, and sealing compound is available. Redesigned manifolds are also available in the aftermarket. (1993-99)
Coolant leak:
Coolant loss via plastic intake manifold is corrected by installing upgraded manifold and gaskets plus new PCV kit. (1995-99)
Dashboard lights:
If the low-fuel warning light comes on, but the fuel tank is still one-quarter full, the instrument-panel cluster must be replaced. (1996)
Engine knock and oil leak:
3.8-liter engines are prone to excessive oil consumption often accompanied by spark knock due to failure of the valve-stem seals. (1993-95)
Engine noise:
Bearing knock was common on many 3.3- and 3.8-liter engines due to too much clearance on the number-one main bearing. (1992-94)
Engine noise:
A rattling noise from the engine that lasts less than a minute when the car is started after sitting is often caused by automatic-transmission pump starvation or a sticking pressure-regulator valve. According to GM, no damage occurs and it does not have a fix for the problem. (1992-95)
Engine temperature:
Overheating and coolant loss may be due to rough surface on radiator filler neck. Neck should be sanded smooth and cap replaced. (1999)
Steering noise:
The upper-bearing mount in the steering column can get loose and cause a clicking, requiring a new bearing spring and turn-signal cancel cam. (1994-96)
Transaxle leak:
The right front-axle seal at the automatic transaxle is prone to leak. GM issued a revised seal to correct the problem. (1992-94)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $500 |
| Alternator | $280 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $970 |
| Brakes | $230 |
| Exhaust System | $515 |
| Radiator | $360 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $840 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $260 |
| Universal Joints | $505 |
Advertisement
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
