1987 Oldsmobile 98
Only 15 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 15 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 15 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 15 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
DRIVING ALONG IN THE SHOPPING CENTER TRIED TO STOP AND ANTI-LOCK BRAKES WERE GONE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950607
2 of 15 total reports mention: power train.
2 of 15 total reports mention: electrical system.
1 of 15 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
1 of 15 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WHILE COMING OUT OF A PARKING STOP THROTTLE GOT STUCK, RESULTING IN SUDDEN ACCELERATION, WHICH CAUSED VEHICLE TO GO DOWN AN EMBANKMENT. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990216
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
AN IN LINE FUSIBLE LINK MAY MELT DOWN AND CAUSE A FIRE.
Remedy: THE WINDSHIELD WASHER BOTTLE BRACKET WILL BE REPLACED.
Campaign 87V135000 — check if this car was fixed
THROTTLE CONTROL
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
EXCESSIVE ACCELERATOR CABLE FRICTION MAY RESTRICT THE CABLES FREE MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE THROTTLE BODY.
Remedy: REPLACE ACCELERATOR CABLE.
Campaign 88V080000 — check if this car was fixed
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
1987 Oldsmobile 98 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 87V093000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V135000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 88V080000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1987 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 1987 Oldsmobile 98?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 Oldsmobile 98 have?
4 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.