1996 Oldsmobile 98
Only 10 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 10 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 10 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 10 total reports mention: seat belts.
2 of 10 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER AS NOTED ON OTHER MODELS IS DEFECTIVE IN THIS MODEL BUT IS NOT LISTED WITH GM FOR THIS VIN. THEIR IS NO SECURITY WARNING CHIME WHEN "KEY IN THE IGNITION" IN THE OFF POSITION AND DOOR OPEN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120322
UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE IT IWAS MISSING LIKE A SPARK PLUG IF IWAS NOT FIRING. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THAT VERY ISSUE. HOWEVER, CONSUMER CONTACTED GMC, AND WAS TOLD THAT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20041112
2 of 10 total reports mention: air bags.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
INAPPROPRIATE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. AUTO MOVING AT 5 TO 10 MILES PER HOUR, NO COLLISION WITH ANYTHING AND THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. UPPER BODY INJURIES, WENT TO HOSPITAL. AUTO TOTALED BY INSURANCE COMPANY. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20100608
DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY TYPE OF COLLISION. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19951030
PASSENGERS SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY TYPE OF COLLISION. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19951030
1 of 10 total reports mentions: suspension.
1 of 10 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
TRANSMISSION GEAR LEVER STICKS WHEN PUT IN REVERSE NOT ALLOWING VEHICLE TO ROLL BACK.
NHTSA ODI report, 19961114
SAFETY TIMELINE
THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH A MALFUNCTION ALARM, LIGHTING AND LOCKING (MALL) MODULE THAT CAN CONTAIN A DAMAGED CAPACITOR. IF THE CAPACITOR IS DAMAGED, THE "KEY IN THE IGNITION" WARNING CHIME AN
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF REQUIRED, REPLACE THE MALL MODULE.
Campaign 95V204000 — check if this car was fixed
A BACKFIRE DURING ENGINE STARTING CAN CAUSE BREAKAGE OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING. UNTIL THE CAMPAIGN REPAIR IS MADE, THE VEHICLE HOOD SHOULD BE SHUT WHENEVER STARTING THE VEHICLE TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Campaign 96V116000 — check if this car was fixed
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Oldsmobile 98 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 95V204000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96V116000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1996 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 1996 Oldsmobile 98?
The most-reported component is seat belts:front:anchorage, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Oldsmobile 98 have?
2 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.