MYRModel Year Report

1998 Oldsmobile 98

○ Not enough data
1998 Oldsmobile 98
RENDERED 2026-08-02T14:00:16.987Z

Only 27 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 27 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Oldsmobile 98 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1998 highlighted. 1980: 1 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 1 complaints 1983 1984: 1 complaints 1985: 9 complaints 1986: 13 complaints 1986 1987: 15 complaints 1988: 10 complaints 1989: 11 complaints 1989 1990: 17 complaints 1991: 47 complaints 1992: 38 complaints 1992 1993: 13 complaints 1994: 16 complaints 1995: 30 complaints 1995 1996: 10 complaints 1997: 30 complaints 1998: 27 complaints 1998 1999: 1 complaints 2000: 0 complaints 2000
1998: 27 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19801
19812
19822
19831
19841
19859
198613
198715
198810
198911
199017
199147
199238
199313
199416
199530
199610
199730
199827
19991
20000

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 27 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

4 of 27 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

POWER TRAIN

3 of 27 total reports mention: power train.

Show complaint excerpts

INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PUT INTO REVERSE IT SPINS LIKE IT'S IN NEUTRAL. THE DEALER STATES THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN REVERSE, IT GOES PASSED THE DETENT, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19980504

AIR BAGS

3 of 27 total reports mention: air bags.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

DT: 1996 OLDSMOBILE 98 ELITE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HIT A DEER, AND THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID DEPLOY. THIS AIR BAG HAD A BIG HOLE IN IT, ALMOST 6-7 INCHES LONG AND 2-3 INCHES WIDE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20050819

CONSUMER STATES OF HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAG ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. MR

NHTSA ODI report, 20021022

TIRES

2 of 27 total reports mention: tires.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

2 of 27 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20021022 — EA (closed 20040309)

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

I 20030102 — RQ (closed 20030915)

POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1998 Oldsmobile 98 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (3 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1998 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 1998 Oldsmobile 98?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Oldsmobile 98 have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.