1991 Oldsmobile 98

○ Not enough data

1991 Oldsmobile 98
RENDERED 2026-09-16T15:40:35.856Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

1991: 49 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

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

SERVICE BRAKES 55%

55% of complaints: service brakes — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 24%

24% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and wiring.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

HORN BUTTONS DIFFICULT TO LOCATE IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION DUE TO SIZE/COLOR. *AW

NHTSA ODI report, 19941014

AIR BAGS 14%

14% of complaints: air bags — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I SMELLED WHAT SEEMED TO BE BURNING WIRE COMING FROM INSIDE MY VEHICLE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. SHORTLY THEREAFTER I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE I WAS OPERATING THE VEHICLE.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20050325

CONSUMER STATES THAT AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHED AND DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. TS

NHTSA ODI report, 20021025

EQUIPMENT 8%

8% of complaints: equipment — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift and air conditioner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 8%

8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19911008 — parking brake

WHEN APPLIED, THE PARKING BRAKE LEVER ASSEMBLY MAY RELEASE ONE OR MORE TEETH, REDUCING THE CABLE LOAD TO THE REAR BRAKES.

Remedy: REPLACE PARKING BRAKE LEVER ASSEMBLY.

Campaign 91V167000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19911122 — power train

THE CONSOLE MOUNTED SHIFT LEVER MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE SHIFT CONTROL CABLE BRACKET CAUSING LOSS OF GEAR INDICATOR REFERENCE AND SHIFT SELECTOR OPERATION.

Remedy: INSTALL TWO TRANSAXLE SHIFT CONTROL CABLE RETAINING CLIPS.

Campaign 91V198000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19930210 — PE (closed 19930503)

FUEL LINE FAILURE

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1991 Oldsmobile 98 — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for service brakes issues (27 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (12 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for air bags issues (7 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 91V167000 (parking brake) has been completed.
Verify recall 91V198000 (power train) has been completed.

FAQ

Is the 1991 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 1991 Oldsmobile 98?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1991 Oldsmobile 98 have?

2 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.