Home / OLDSMOBILE / 98

Oldsmobile 98 Problems

The Oldsmobile 98 was a full-size luxury sedan produced across many generations until 1999. With 834 complaints on record, this long-running nameplate showed reliability issues typical of American full-size sedans of its era. Hydraulic brake problems, electrical issues, and engine cooling concerns were the most commonly reported complaints. The 1995 and 1991 model years accumulated the highest complaint counts.

834
Total Complaints
0
Total Recalls
21
Model Years
0
Reported Deaths
!

Years to Avoid

These years have significantly more complaints than average.

1995 1991
✓

Best Years

These years have the fewest reported problems.

1975 1980 1981

Common Problem Categories

Service Brakes, Hydraulic 148
Electrical System 90
Engine And Engine Cooling 78
Seat Belts 66
Air Bags 66

Complaints by Model Year

All Model Years

Year ↓ Complaints Recalls Crashes Fires Rating
1999 2 0 0 0 Good
1998 64 0 2 0 Below Average
1997 70 0 0 0 Below Average
1996 24 0 0 0 Average
1995 142 0 4 2 Avoid
1994 46 0 20 6 Average
1993 30 0 2 2 Average
1992 92 0 8 0 Below Average
1991 138 0 14 4 Avoid
1990 52 0 2 2 Average
1989 28 0 6 2 Average
1988 22 0 0 0 Average
1987 50 0 2 0 Average
1986 26 0 0 0 Average
1985 20 0 2 2 Average
1984 4 0 0 0 Good
1983 2 0 0 0 Good
1982 4 0 0 0 Good
1981 14 0 0 0 Good
1980 2 0 0 0 Good
1975 2 0 0 0 Good

Oldsmobile 98 Years to Avoid

1995, 1991, 1992, 1997

Best Oldsmobile 98 Years

1999, 1975, 1980, 1983

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common problems with the Oldsmobile 98?

The most frequently reported issues include hydraulic brake failures, electrical system malfunctions, engine and cooling problems, seat belt defects, and airbag concerns.

Which Oldsmobile 98 years should I avoid?

The 1995 model year should be avoided as it has the highest complaint count with 142 reported issues. The 1991 and 1992 models are also problematic with 138 and 92 complaints respectively.

Is the Oldsmobile 98 reliable?

The 98 has mixed reliability depending on the era. Early 1990s models show the most issues, while older models from the 1970s-1980s have fewer reported complaints.

What is the best year for a used Oldsmobile 98?

The 1999 model year has only 2 complaints. Earlier models from the 1980s generally show fewer issues due to simpler technology and fewer electronic components.