1986 Oldsmobile 98
Only 13 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 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 9 |
| 1986 | 13 |
| 1987 | 15 |
| 1988 | 10 |
| 1989 | 11 |
| 1990 | 17 |
| 1991 | 47 |
| 1992 | 38 |
| 1993 | 13 |
| 1994 | 16 |
| 1995 | 30 |
| 1996 | 10 |
| 1997 | 30 |
| 1998 | 27 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 13 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 13 total reports mention: steering.
2 of 13 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
ABS SYSTEM FAILED AND THE COMPANY NO LONGER MAKES THE PART TO CORRECT IT, SO NOW THE CAR CANNOT BE DRIVEN BECAUSE IT HAS NO BRAKING SYSTEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950711
1 of 13 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
SHOCK ABSORBERS/FRONT STRUTS FAIL, CAUSING VEHICLE TO WANDER SIDE TO SIDE/LOSS OF TRACTION AT SPEEDS OF 70 MPH AND ABOVE. *SKD
NHTSA ODI report, 19950420
1 of 13 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1986 OLDSMOBILE 98. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE BOUGHT AFTER-MARKET BALL JOINTS (MODEL # FA1478) FOR A ROUTINE REPLACEMENT. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE FAILED THE STATE SAFETY INSPECTION ON TWO OCCASIONS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080102
1 of 13 total reports mentions: steering.
SAFETY TIMELINE
THERE MAY NOT BE ENOUGH CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE POWER STEERING PUMP RETURN HOSE AND THE ENGINE EXHAUST MANIFOLD.
Remedy: REPLACE AND CORRECTLY ROUTE HOSE, AS NECESSARY.
Campaign 86V145000 — check if this car was fixed
HYDROBOOST FAILURE
THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) PRESSURE/WARNING SWITCH MAY EXHIBIT BRAKE FLUID SEEPAGE WHICH EVENTUALLY CAN LEAD TO LOSS OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR. ADDITIONALLY, THE HYDRAULIC PUMP M
Remedy: THE ABS AND HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR ELECTRICAL RELAYS AND 30 AMP FUSES WILL BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR ASSEMBLY AND PRESSURE/WARNING SWITCH WILL BE INSPECTED AND, IF REQUIRED, RE
Campaign 87V093000 — check if this car was fixed
STALLING
HYDRO BOOST
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
THROTTLE NON-RETURN
ANTI LOCK BRAKES
REAR BRAKE PIN
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURE
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1986 Oldsmobile 98 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 86V145000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V093000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1986 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 1986 Oldsmobile 98?
The most-reported component is steering:rack and pinion, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Oldsmobile 98 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.