Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 46 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.6 times the median 98 year — the 1992 model ranks #3 of 29 98 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Brakes leads the complaint categories with 17 reports (37% of the total).
46
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
4
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 17 | 37% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 8 | 17% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 6 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 3 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 2 | 4% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 1991 THROUGH JULY 1995. THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE CAN SEPARATE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN LOW TEMPERATURES IN COMBINATION WITH HIGH TRANSMISSION LOADS.
Consequence
VEHICLE FIRES CAN OCCUR DUE TO THE SPILLAGE OF TRANSMISSION FLUID.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“DRIVING INTERSTATE AT 65MPH THE ABS ANTI-LOCK BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON HIT THE BRAKE THERE WAS NO BRAKE WHEN OFF THE ROAD THE BRAKE CAME BACK . TT”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 OLDSMOBILE 98. THE ALTERNATOR FAILED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER WOULD NOT ASSIST BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AS IS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000. UPDATED 10-29-08 *BF THE…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 OLDSMOBILE 98. WHILE DRIVING 45-60 MPH OR ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM SLOW SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION FLIPS. THE FAILURE BEGAN IN 2006 AND HAS BEEN OCCURRING FREQUENTLY EVER SINCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS NEVER INFORMED ABOUT A SAFETY RECALL ON HIS VEHICLE. THE…”
“WHILE DRIVING DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY, BUT THE FUMES CAME OUT OF IT. CONSUMER WAS ON THE HIGHWAY & HAD TO LEAVE VEHICLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. CONSUMER'S HUSBAND MOVED THE VEHICLE, AND THE AIRBAG POPPED OUT, ALMOST CAUSING VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO BUILDING. DEALER REPAIRED PROBLEM AT…”
“CONSUMER BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH DRIVER'S SIDE MIRROR. CLOUDING AND A BROWN LIQUID SITS IN BOTTOM OF MIRROR TRAY, MIRROR IS COMPLETELY DISTORTED AT THIS TIME. THERE IS NO VISION AT ALL. *AK”
NHTSA data argues against it: 46 complaints put the 1992 model at #3 of 29 98 years. It is one of the 98 years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (17 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints), transmission (6 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1992 Oldsmobile 98. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
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.