MYRModel Year Report

1998 Oldsmobile 98

○ Not enough data
1998 Oldsmobile 98
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:54:51.372Z

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
27

Too few to rank

Recalls
0

None on file

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 1995 1996: 10 complaints 1997: 30 complaints 1998: 27 complaints 1998 27 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 1997: 30 complaints 1998: 27 complaints 1998 27 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 1998: 27 complaints 1998 27 1999: 1 complaint 1999 2000: 0 complaints 2000

1998: 27 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 27 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

8 of 27 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.

Air bags

4 of 27 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHINJURY
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, 2005-08-19

Consumer states that when driving and without warning the air bag inadvertently deploy causing the consumer to pull over. Dealer notified. Ph

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-09

Consumer states of having problems with the air bag on the drivers side. Dealer was contacted. Mr

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-22

Power train

3 of 27 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-05-04

Tires

3 of 27 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.

Fuel system, gasoline

2 of 27 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing carburetor system.

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

1998 Oldsmobile 98 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 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, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Oldsmobile 98 have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.

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