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
- 15
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 6
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1987
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1987: 15 complaints
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 15 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Service brakes
6 of 15 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Electrical system
3 of 15 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing ignition and horn.
Steering
3 of 15 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing tie rod assembly and hydraulic power assist system.
Show complaint excerpts
Nar 03-25-2003. *mr.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-12-14
Also filed under Engine and engine cooling and equipment
Engine and engine cooling
3 of 15 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing emission control and engine.
Power train
2 of 15 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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…
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I
1987-08-27Engineering analysisClosed 1991-11-27 Stalling
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1987-09-16Electrical system87V135000 An in line fusible link may melt down and cause a fire.
Remedy: The windshield washer bottle bracket will be replaced.
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I
1987-11-30Engineering analysisClosed 1989-10-31 Throttle control
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I
1988-04-22Engineering analysisClosed 1989-10-23 Sudden acceleration
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1988-05-20Vehicle speed control88V080000 Excessive accelerator cable friction may restrict the cables free movement between the accelerator pedal and the throttle body.
Remedy: Replace accelerator cable.
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I
1989-03-06CClosed 1990-01-16 Throttle non-return
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I
1989-03-10Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-17 Anti lock brakes
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I
1989-07-28Engineering analysisClosed 1990-07-27 Rear brake pin
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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).
Buy-smart checklist
1987 Oldsmobile 98 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 87V093000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 87V135000 · Electrical system
- Recall 88V080000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
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, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1987 Oldsmobile 98 have?
- 4 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.