MYRModel Year Report

1996 Oldsmobile 98

○ Not enough data
1996 Oldsmobile 98
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:57:02.246Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
10

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1996

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1980: 1 complaint 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 1 complaint 1985: 9 complaints 1986: 13 complaints 1986 1987: 15 complaints 1988: 10 complaints 1989: 11 complaints 1989 1990: 17 complaints 1991: 49 complaints 1992: 38 complaints 1992 1993: 13 complaints 1994: 16 complaints 1995: 30 complaints 1996: 10 complaints 1996 10 1997: 30 complaints 1998: 27 complaints 1999: 1 complaint 2000: 0 complaints
1980: 1 complaint 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1982: 2 complaints 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 9 complaints 1986: 13 complaints 1986 1987: 15 complaints 1988: 10 complaints 1988 1989: 11 complaints 1990: 17 complaints 1990 1991: 49 complaints 1992: 38 complaints 1992 1993: 13 complaints 1994: 16 complaints 1994 1995: 30 complaints 1996: 10 complaints 1996 10 1997: 30 complaints 1998: 27 complaints 1998 1999: 1 complaint 2000: 0 complaints 2000
1980: 1 complaint 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1981 1982: 2 complaints 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 9 complaints 1985 1986: 13 complaints 1986 1987: 15 complaints 1987 1988: 10 complaints 1988 1989: 11 complaints 1989 1990: 17 complaints 1990 1991: 49 complaints 1991 1992: 38 complaints 1992 1993: 13 complaints 1993 1994: 16 complaints 1994 1995: 30 complaints 1995 1996: 10 complaints 1996 10 1997: 30 complaints 1997 1998: 27 complaints 1998 1999: 1 complaint 1999 2000: 0 complaints 2000

1996: 10 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19801
19812
19822
19831
19841
19859
198613
198715
198810
198911
199017
199149
199238
199313
199416
199530
199610
199730
199827
19991
20000

Known problem areas

Only 10 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Electrical system

4 of 10 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing control module and 12v/24v/48v battery.

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, 2012-03-22

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-11-12

Air bags

3 of 10 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.

INJURY
Show 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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-06-08

Driver's side airbags deployed without any type of collision. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-10-30

The contact owns a 1996 Oldsmobile 98. The contact stated while driving at 10-15 MPH, the driver's side air bag deployed inadvertently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road.

NHTSA ODI report, 2022-04-18

Seat belts

2 of 10 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing anchorage.

Suspension

1 of 10 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing wheel bearing.

Power train

1 of 10 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing gear position indication (prndl).

Show complaint excerpts

Transmission gear lever sticks when put in reverse not allowing vehicle to roll back.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-11-14

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1995-09-22Electrical system95V204000 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…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the mall module.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1996-07-08Fuel system, gasoline96V116000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    2002-10-22Engineering analysisClosed 2004-03-09 Engine compartment fires
  4. I
    2003-01-02Recall queryClosed 2003-09-15 Power rack and pinion steering failure

Buy-smart checklist

1996 Oldsmobile 98 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 95V204000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 96V116000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 electrical system, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 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.