MYRModel Year Report

1985 Oldsmobile 98

○ Not enough data
1985 Oldsmobile 98
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:55:54.611Z

Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

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.

Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
9

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1985

Investigations
5

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1980: 1 complaint 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 1 complaint 1985: 9 complaints 1985 9 1986: 13 complaints 1987: 15 complaints 1988: 10 complaints 1989: 11 complaints 1989 1990: 17 complaints 1991: 49 complaints 1992: 38 complaints 1992 1993: 13 complaints 1994: 16 complaints 1995: 30 complaints 1995 1996: 10 complaints 1997: 30 complaints 1998: 27 complaints 1998 1999: 1 complaint 2000: 0 complaints
1980: 1 complaint 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1982: 2 complaints 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 1 complaint 1985: 9 complaints 1985 9 1986: 13 complaints 1987: 15 complaints 1988: 10 complaints 1988 1989: 11 complaints 1990: 17 complaints 1990 1991: 49 complaints 1992: 38 complaints 1992 1993: 13 complaints 1994: 16 complaints 1994 1995: 30 complaints 1996: 10 complaints 1996 1997: 30 complaints 1998: 27 complaints 1998 1999: 1 complaint 2000: 0 complaints 2000
1980: 1 complaint 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1981 1982: 2 complaints 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 9 complaints 1985 9 1986: 13 complaints 1986 1987: 15 complaints 1987 1988: 10 complaints 1988 1989: 11 complaints 1989 1990: 17 complaints 1990 1991: 49 complaints 1991 1992: 38 complaints 1992 1993: 13 complaints 1993 1994: 16 complaints 1994 1995: 30 complaints 1995 1996: 10 complaints 1996 1997: 30 complaints 1997 1998: 27 complaints 1998 1999: 1 complaint 1999 2000: 0 complaints 2000

1985: 9 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19801
19812
19822
19831
19841
19859
198613
198715
198810
198911
199017
199149
199238
199313
199416
199530
199610
199730
199827
19991
20000

Known problem areas

Only 9 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Steering

5 of 9 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing rack and pinion and hydraulic power assist system.

Show complaint excerpts

The steering is hard to turn there is a service bulletin for this car . Tt consumer until the vehicle heats up the steering is extremly difficult, consumer assumed that this was normal due to the vehicle being new.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-11-07

Vehicle speed control

2 of 9 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Engage in reverse, vehicle suddenly accelerated out of control, resulting in totalled vehicle. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-26

Cruise control failure. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-21

Seat belts

1 of 9 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor.

Power train

1 of 9 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Consumer states while driving, there was a loud noise coming from the vehicle, consumer then pulled over and looked under the vehicle and discovered a small fire and the drivetrain axle was on the ground, the transmission was replaced, consumer...

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-22

Safety timeline

1 recall · 5 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1984-05-11Equipment84V063000 Omission of the certification labels as required by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110 "Tire selection and rims".

    Remedy: Dealer will install required certification labels.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1986-08-25Engineering analysisClosed 1988-03-02 Windshield wipers
  3. I
    1987-07-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-01-28 Hydroboost failure
  4. I
    1988-01-28Engineering analysisClosed 1990-10-31 Hydro boost
  5. I
    1988-04-22Engineering analysisClosed 1989-10-23 Sudden acceleration
  6. I
    1989-03-06CClosed 1990-01-16 Throttle non-return

Buy-smart checklist

1985 Oldsmobile 98 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Steering: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 84V063000 · Equipment
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1985 Oldsmobile 98 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1985 Oldsmobile 98?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 56% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Oldsmobile 98 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.