1998 Oldsmobile Aurora problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 1998 Oldsmobile Aurora sits mid-pack among Aurora years: 53 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 38, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (10), brakes (9), and electrical system (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
53
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1998 compare to other Aurora years?
What are the most common 1998 Oldsmobile Aurora problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 10 | 19% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 9 | 17% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 9 | 17% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 6 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 4 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 3 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Other | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 2% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I HAVE A 1998 AURORA AS WHEEL WITH THE SAME PROBLEM OF CAR SHUTTING DOWN. FIRST I HAD THE MODULE REPLACED AND IT STILL DID IT. AND THEN I WAS TOLD TO GET MY FUEL INJECTORS CLEANED AND I KEPT INJECTOR CLEANER IN MY CAR WHEN I FILLED UP AND THE I FINALLY GOT A FULL TUNE UP AND AFTER THAT NO PROBLEM.…”
“THE CAR HAS A PRONOUNCED 'SHUDDER/VIBRATION' AT LOW SPEED (AROUND 25MPH). THE PROBLEM INTENSIFIES WHEN TURNING RIGHT, ESPECIALLY OVER UNEVEN PAVEMENT. THE ROTORS APPEAR TO BE WARPED AS THEY ALSO VIBRATE UNDER BRAKING, CAUSING THE SHUDDER TO AGAIN INTENSIFY. THE DEALER STATES THAT THIS IS A 'COMMON'…”
“CAR STALLS ONCE A DAY, ALMOST EVERY DAY IN TRAFFIC. SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T QUITE STALL AND CATCHES ITSELF AND LEARCHES FORWARD A FEW FEET. NEITHER OLDSMOBILE OR INDIPENDENT MECHANICS CAN FIND THE PROBLEM. THA CODES ARE THERE IN MEMORY OF THE CAR BUT THE CODES DO NOT SAY WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE PROBLEM.…”
“I WAS MOVING THE CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY AND NOTICED A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD,AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE WE GRABBED FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND PUT IT OUT,I CHECK ONLINE FOR RECALL AND FOUND OUT THIS CAR HAD A RECALL FOR SAME PROBLEM WHICH WAS A RUPTURE IN THE FUEL INJECTION NYLON LINE THE YEAR PRIOR AFTER NOTIFYING…”
“TORQUE CONVERTER SWITCH INTERMIT MALFUNCTION. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, CANNOT GET EMISSION INSPECTION. DEALER WISHES TO REMOVE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, $1000, TO REPLACE $50.00 SENSOR. *NM”
1998 Oldsmobile Aurora — common questions
Is the 1998 Oldsmobile Aurora reliable?
It is close to typical for the Aurora: 53 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 1998 Aurora problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (10 complaints), brakes (9 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints).
Does the 1998 Oldsmobile Aurora have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Oldsmobile Aurora.
Which Oldsmobile Aurora years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Aurora years to avoid are 1995, 2001, 1997, 1996. The cleanest record among Aurora years belongs to 1993.
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.