MYRModel Year Report

1997 Oldsmobile 98

○ Not enough data
1997 Oldsmobile 98
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:54:13.245Z

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
30
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Seat belts

53% of complaints

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 1997: 30 complaints 1997 30 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 1997: 30 complaints 1997 30 1998: 27 complaints 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 1997: 30 complaints 1997 30 1998: 27 complaints 1998 1999: 1 complaint 1999 2000: 0 complaints 2000

1997: 30 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

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

Seat belts

53% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing rear/other and anchorage.

Show complaint excerpts

Rea seat belts unable to fasten them to secure passengers. Buckles recessed to far into rear seat cushion. Requires asistance tobuckles passengers belts. Very dangerous.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-12-30

Seat belts straps too short.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-04-24

The buckle for seat belts are too short.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-04-24

Visibility

10% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing exterior and defroster/defogger/hvac system.

Electrical system

10% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing wiring and 12v/24v/48v battery.

Suspension

7% · 2 reports

Most commonly citing rear and stabilizer bar.

Engine and engine cooling

7% · 2 reports

Most commonly citing engine and cooling system.

Show complaint excerpts

I own a 1997 Oldsmobile regency V6-3800 3.8L, VIN: [xxx]. The intake manifold is leaking coolant, and the cost to replace is approx. $800~$1000, due to a gasket failure. I don't feel that the gasket should have failed so soon. The service dept.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-12

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

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

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Oldsmobile 98 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Seat belts: 16 reports on file for this year.
  • Visibility: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1997 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 1997 Oldsmobile 98?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 53% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Oldsmobile 98 have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-20 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.