1997 Oldsmobile 98 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 35 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.0 times the median 98 year — the 1997 model ranks #4 of 29 98 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
The trouble concentrates in one system: seat belts issues account for 49% of all reports (17 of 35), far ahead of electrical system at 3.
35
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
2
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1997 compare to other 98 years?
What are the most common 1997 Oldsmobile 98 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 17 | 49% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 3 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 3 | 9% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Steering | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Brakes | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“FEMALE PARTS IN THREE REAR SEAT SEAT BELTS ARE TOO SHORT, CAN'T GET A GOOD GRIP TO PLUG THEM INTO THE MALE ENDS. CONSUMER STATED THAT IN WINTER TIME WHILE HAVING ON A LOT OF CLOTHES BELTS ARE IMPOSSIBLE TO FASTEN, SO CONSUMER IS NOT PROPERLY RESTRAINED.*AK”
“VEHICLE HAS STALLED 7 TIMES AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE TWICE, BUT COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE.*AK TO STOP ENGINE STALLING, THE DEALER REPLACED THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. *YH”
“WIRES TO SPARK PLUGS ARE DEFECTIVE AND CAUSE MISFIRING. OWNER'S MANUAL SAYS TO REPLACE AT 100,000 MILES. THEY ARE CAUSING PROBLEMS AT 46,000 MILES.”
“AUTOMATIC AIR CONDITIONER/HEATING SYSTEM TURNS THE TEMPERATURE DOWN TO 60 DEGREES ERRATICALLY, CAUSING WINDSHIELD TO FOG IN FREEZING WEATHER.”
“GOING HWY SPEED (60MPH) WHEN VEHICLE STARTED TO WONDER FOR NO REASON. TOOK TO DEALER & WAS INFORME THAT STABLIZER LINK WAS MISSING FROM RIGHT FRONT WHEEL. DEALERSHIP ORDER PART THAT WAS MISSING OFF OF VEHICLE.”
1997 Oldsmobile 98 — common questions
Is the 1997 Oldsmobile 98 reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 35 complaints put the 1997 model at #4 of 29 98 years. It is one of the 98 years to avoid.
What are the most common 1997 98 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (17 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints), visibility & wipers (3 complaints).
Does the 1997 Oldsmobile 98 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1997 Oldsmobile 98.
Is the 1997 Oldsmobile 98 under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 2 investigations 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.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.