1998 Oldsmobile 98 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 32 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.6 times the median 98 year — the 1998 model ranks #5 of 29 98 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Engine leads the complaint categories with 8 reports (25% of the total).
32
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
2
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1998 compare to other 98 years?
What are the most common 1998 Oldsmobile 98 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 8 | 25% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 4 | 13% | — flat |
| Transmission | 3 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 2 | 6% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Brakes | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“COOLANT LEAKED OUT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. HAD TO REPLACED INTAKE MANIFOLD AND GASKETS. *BF E-MAILED CONSUMER RESPONSE EXHAUST GASES HAD GOTTEN INTO THE PLASTIC UPPER MANIFOLD HAD THERMALLY BROKE DOWN THE PLASTIC AND CAUSED THE LEAK. *SC ”
“DT: 1996 OLDSMOBILE 98 ELITE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HIT A DEER, AND THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID DEPLOY. THIS AIR BAG HAD A BIG HOLE IN IT, ALMOST 6-7 INCHES LONG AND 2-3 INCHES WIDE. ALSO IT HAD A BURNED LOOK TO IT. NO ONE INVESTIGATED TO SEE…”
“LEFT FRONT TIRE BELTS SEPARATED AND THE OTHER THREE WERE CAPPED CAUSING EXCESSIVE NOISE WHILE DRIVING (ORIGINAL GOODYEAR INVICTA TIRES). NLM”
“CONSUMER STATED THE SHIFTER SHAFT WOULD SLIDE TO 2ND GEAR AND NOT CLICK TO 1ST,THE DEALER FOUND A LOOSE NUT AND TIGHTENED IT ON THE SHIFTER SHAFT AND ADJUSTED THE CABLE. CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT. *YD *CB THE DEALER ALSO FIXED A LOOSE CRADLE BOLT BECAUSE THE CONSUMER HEARD A CLUNK…”
“CONSUMER STATED THE SHIFTER SHAFT WOULD SLIDE TO 2ND GEAR AND NOT CLICK TO 1ST,THE DEALER FOUND A LOOSE NUT AND TIGHTENED IT ON THE SHIFTER SHAFT AND ADJUSTED THE CABLE. CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT. *YD *CB THE DEALER ALSO FIXED A LOOSE CRADLE BOLT BECAUSE THE CONSUMER HEARD A CLUNK…”
1998 Oldsmobile 98 — common questions
Is the 1998 Oldsmobile 98 reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 32 complaints put the 1998 model at #5 of 29 98 years. It is one of the 98 years to avoid.
What are the most common 1998 98 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (8 complaints), airbags (4 complaints), transmission (3 complaints).
Does the 1998 Oldsmobile 98 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Oldsmobile 98.
Is the 1998 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.