MYRModel Year Report

1986 Oldsmobile 98

○ Not enough data
1986 Oldsmobile 98
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:55:17.667Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
13

Too few to rank

Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1986

Investigations
7

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1980: 1 complaint 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 1 complaint 1985: 9 complaints 1986: 13 complaints 1986 13 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 1984 1985: 9 complaints 1986: 13 complaints 1986 13 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 1986: 13 complaints 1986 13 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

1986: 13 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 13 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Service brakes

6 of 13 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

Steering

4 of 13 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing rack and pinion and pump.

Suspension

2 of 13 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing shock absorber.

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, 2008-01-02

Shock absorbers/front struts fail, causing vehicle to wander side to side/loss of traction at speeds of 70 MPH and above.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-04-20

Electrical system

1 of 13 total reports mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing ignition.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 7 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1986-11-07Steering86V145000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1987-07-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-01-28 Hydroboost failure
  3. R
    1987-07-10Service brakes, hydraulic87V093000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    1987-08-27Engineering analysisClosed 1991-11-27 Stalling
  5. I
    1988-01-28Engineering analysisClosed 1990-10-31 Hydro boost
  6. I
    1988-04-22Engineering analysisClosed 1989-10-23 Sudden acceleration
  7. I
    1989-03-06CClosed 1990-01-16 Throttle non-return
  8. I
    1989-03-10Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-17 Anti lock brakes
  9. I
    1989-07-28Engineering analysisClosed 1990-07-27 Rear brake pin
  10. R
    2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 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…

    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).

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1986 Oldsmobile 98 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Service brakes: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 86V145000 · Steering
  • Recall 87V093000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 service brakes, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Oldsmobile 98 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

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