1990 Oldsmobile 98
Only 17 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 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 17
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1990
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1990: 17 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 17 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Service brakes
4 of 17 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Vehicle speed control
3 of 17 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cruise control.
Show complaint excerpts
Sudden accelerations, causing loss of control/two accidents/injuries.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-07-13
Structure
3 of 17 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing underbody shields and frame and members.
Show complaint excerpts
The frame underneath the vehicle unexpectedly sheared off while driving,. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. Had the vehicle towed home. Consumer will contact the dealer the next day.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-10-26
Engine and engine cooling
3 of 17 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing emission control and belts and associated pulleys.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving, vehicle lost power steering, the battery and alternator went bad. This cause the vehicle to be inoperative. The dealership indicated that the harmoic balancer located in the engine had went out. Please provide more details.…
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-19
Electrical system
3 of 17 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing interior/under dash and ignition.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1990-12-07Air bags90E043004 Threaded inflator components may have been damaged during assembly which may allow components to separate when inflator receives a signal to deploy the air bag.
Remedy: Replace air bag modules containing potentially defective inflators.
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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).
Buy-smart checklist
1990 Oldsmobile 98 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 90E043004 · Air bags
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 1990 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 1990 Oldsmobile 98?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1990 Oldsmobile 98 have?
- 2 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.