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 | 49 |
| 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.
6 of 13 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
4 of 13 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing rack and pinion and pump.
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, 20080102
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: electrical system, most commonly citing ignition.
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 service brakes issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (2 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 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.