Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1980 Oldsmobile 98 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
1
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 1 | 100% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE HEADS MAY BREAK OFF THE FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLTS DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION EVEN UNDER NO LOAD CONDITIONS. THIS IS DUE TO THE COMBINATION OF BOLTS USED, HIGH INSTALLATION TORQUE AND ARRANGEMENT OF THE BODY ANCHORAGE.
Remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE ALL ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLTS ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Defect
THE TIRE PLACARD (LABEL) DOES NOT CONTAIN THE RECOMMENDED TIRE SIZE INFORMATION. THEREFORE, IT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS".
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSTALL A NEW LABEL WITH CORRECT INFORMATION AT NO COST TO OWNER.
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1980 Oldsmobile 98. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 98 years to avoid are 1995, 1991, 1992, 1997, 1998. The cleanest record among 98 years belongs to 2000.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.