1991 Oldsmobile 98 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 69 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 9.9 times the median 98 year — the 1991 model ranks #2 of 29 98 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 42% of all reports (29 of 69), far ahead of electrical system at 11.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other 98 years?

98 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 98 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Oldsmobile 98 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Brakes	29	42%	▲ up
Electrical System	11	16%	▲ up
Airbags	7	10%	new
Engine	4	6%	— flat
Visibility & Wipers	3	4%	new
Transmission	3	4%	▲ up
Lighting	2	3%	▲ up
Other	2	3%	▲ up
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)	2	3%	▲ up
Seats	1	1%	— flat
Steering	1	1%	▼ down
Body & Structure	1	1%	▼ down
Tires & Wheels	1	1%	— flat
Child Seat	1	1%	new
Seat Belts	1	1%	▼ down

Does the 1991 Oldsmobile 98 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

91V198000TransmissionNovember 14, 1991 · 6,866 units

Defect

THE CONSOLE MOUNTED SHIFT LEVER MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE SHIFT CONTROL CABLE BRACKET CAUSING LOSS OF GEAR INDICATOR REFERENCE AND SHIFT SELECTOR OPERATION.

Consequence

THE DRIVER CAN PLACE THE GEAR SHIFTER IN THE PARKPOSITION WITHOUT SETTING THE PARKING BRAKE AND THE TRANSAXLE MAY NOT ACTUALLY BEIN PARK, RESULTING IN UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENT IF THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED ON AGRADE. ALSO, THE DRIVER CAN PLACE THE GEAR SELECTOR IN DRIVE OR REVERSE WITHOUTTURNING THE ENGINE OFF AND THE TRANSAXLE MAY NOT BE IN THE POSITION INDICATED,CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO MOVE IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. BOTH CONDITIONS CANRESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

INSTALL TWO TRANSAXLE SHIFT CONTROL CABLE RETAINING CLIPS.

91V167000BrakesSeptember 23, 1991 · 20,765 units

Defect

WHEN APPLIED, THE PARKING BRAKE LEVER ASSEMBLY MAY RELEASE ONE OR MORE TEETH, REDUCING THE CABLE LOAD TO THE REAR BRAKES.

Consequence

DEPENDING ON THE EXTENT OF THE LEVER RELEASE AND ROADLEVEL. THE PARKING BRAKE MAY NOT HOLD THE VEHICLE, ALLOWING IT TO ROLL, WHICHCOULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. VEHICLE DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 105.

Remedy

REPLACE PARKING BRAKE LEVER ASSEMBLY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 5MPH IN SLOW TRAFFIC, PRESSED ON BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER REAREDNDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. CONSUMER INDICATED THIS HAPPENED FREQUENTLY. DEALER WILL BE CONTACTED. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 27, 2000 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40-50 MPH SMOKE STARTED TO COME FROM THE DASH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND DRIVER HAD TO JUMP OUT TO BORROW A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO PUT FLAMES OUT. DEALER NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM *AK *ML”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 10, 1999 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT ABOUT 2-3MPH, DRIVER'S AIRBAG DEPLOYED UNEXPECTEDLY WITHOUT A DIRECT FRONTAL IMPACT DUE TO A DEFECTIVE SOLENOID SENSOR IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON JUST BEFORE THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED, NOT ENOUGH TIME FOR THE OCCUPANT TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE.…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 20, 1999 · crash

“CONSUMER HAD NOTICED A STRONG VIBRATION COMING FROM ENGINE. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY REPLACED ENGINE VALVE TO FIND A SOLUTION, BUT DID NOT HELP AND THE PROBLEM STILL THERE. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 11, 2002

“WHILE IN MOTION DRIVING THROUGH RAIN, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL NOT GO FAST ENOUGH TO KEEP THE WINDSHIELD CLEAR. CONSUMER HAD TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD UNTIL THE RAIN SUBSIDED. *JG *YH”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers

1991 Oldsmobile 98 — common questions

Is the 1991 Oldsmobile 98 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 69 complaints put the 1991 model at #2 of 29 98 years. It is one of the 98 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1991 98 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (29 complaints), electrical system (11 complaints), airbags (7 complaints).

Does the 1991 Oldsmobile 98 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 Oldsmobile 98. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 Oldsmobile 98 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Oldsmobile 98 years should you avoid?

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.

How does 1991 compare to other 98 years?

What are the most common 1991 Oldsmobile 98 problems?

Does the 1991 Oldsmobile 98 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1991 Oldsmobile 98 — common questions

Is the 1991 Oldsmobile 98 reliable?

What are the most common 1991 98 problems?

Does the 1991 Oldsmobile 98 have recalls?

Is the 1991 Oldsmobile 98 under NHTSA investigation?

Which Oldsmobile 98 years should you avoid?

Related