MYRModel Year Report

1998 Oldsmobile 88

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
1998 Oldsmobile 88
RENDERED 2026-10-31T20:09:40.667Z

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
164
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1998

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

48% of complaints

Complaints per year

1981: 4 complaints 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1984: 9 complaints 1985: 7 complaints 1985 1986: 19 complaints 1987: 18 complaints 1988: 40 complaints 1988 1989: 27 complaints 1990: 24 complaints 1991: 16 complaints 1991 1992: 74 complaints 1993: 74 complaints 1994: 63 complaints 1994 1995: 117 complaints 1996: 92 complaints 1997: 101 complaints 1998: 164 complaints 1998 164 1999: 77 complaints 2000: 0 complaints
1981: 4 complaints 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1984: 9 complaints 1984 1985: 7 complaints 1986: 19 complaints 1986 1987: 18 complaints 1988: 40 complaints 1988 1989: 27 complaints 1990: 24 complaints 1990 1991: 16 complaints 1992: 74 complaints 1992 1993: 74 complaints 1994: 63 complaints 1994 1995: 117 complaints 1996: 92 complaints 1996 1997: 101 complaints 1998: 164 complaints 1998 164 1999: 77 complaints 2000: 0 complaints 2000
1981: 4 complaints 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1982 1984: 9 complaints 1984 1985: 7 complaints 1985 1986: 19 complaints 1986 1987: 18 complaints 1987 1988: 40 complaints 1988 1989: 27 complaints 1989 1990: 24 complaints 1990 1991: 16 complaints 1991 1992: 74 complaints 1992 1993: 74 complaints 1993 1994: 63 complaints 1994 1995: 117 complaints 1995 1996: 92 complaints 1996 1997: 101 complaints 1997 1998: 164 complaints 1998 164 1999: 77 complaints 1999 2000: 0 complaints 2000

1998: 164 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19814
19823
19849
19857
198619
198718
198840
198927
199024
199116
199274
199374
199463
1995117
199692
1997101
1998164
199977
20000

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

48% · 79 reports

Most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and engine.

FIREINJURY

Service brakes

13% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH

Fuel system, gasoline

10% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing delivery and carburetor system.

Electrical system

10% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and alternator/generator/regulator.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The vehicle caught on fire when the ignition was turned.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-11

Power train

6% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    1998Complaint volume 164 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2002-10-22Engineering analysisClosed 2004-03-09 Engine compartment fires
  3. R
    2004-06-30Fuel system, gasoline04V090000 On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 3800 V6 (L36) engines and certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, the regulators have a much higher than usual rate of fuel leaks. A leak can allow fuel…

    Remedy: Dealers will install new fuel pressure regulators with improved diaphragms. The recall will be conducted in phased mailings. Phase 1 began on June 30, 2004, and phase 2 began on September 30, 2004.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Oldsmobile 88 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 79 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 22 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: 16 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 04V090000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 1998 Oldsmobile 88 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Oldsmobile 88 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Oldsmobile 88?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Oldsmobile 88 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-20 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.