1990 Oldsmobile 98: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 17 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes, hydraulic.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The frame underneath the vehicle unexpectedly sheared off while driving,. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. Had the vehicle towed home. Consumer will contact the dealer the next day. *ak”Owner report · Structure · Oct 2004
“Was driving 55mph steering wheel caught on fire. Managed to pull off road, and put out flames. Had vehicle towed to dealership to locate cause of fire. Mechanic was still working on vehicle.*ak”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2003
“While driving, vehicle lost power steering, the battery and alternator went bad. This cause the vehicle to be inoperative. The dealership indicated that the harmoic balancer located in the engine had went out. Please provide more details. Ts”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2002
Show 6 more owner reports
“Original ABS pump motor failed on 10/10/99. This motor was replaced with a gm original equipment part. This replacement pump failed in less than 30 days and was suspected as being a faulty pump and was again replaced with another gm origial part. On 07/12/99 this replacement pump failed. All three failures resulted in loss of braking capability. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 1999
“Horn would intermittently sound off while driving. Vehicle was taken to a repair shop, and was informed that the problem could not be repaired. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 1998
“Technical service bulletin, possible malfunction of ABS block and modulator pressure valve. Nonvisual block of wood appears to lay under brake pedal during application. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 1997
“The brake fluid is leaking from the master cylinder assembly. Owner has added a half of container of brake fluid every (2) weeks for the past (5) years. The dealer was not able to correct the problem. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 1990
“Please let me know what to do with this problem of clear coat, I want to know if I redo it or is it still under warranty”Owner report · Structure
“The lock on the drivers seat belt became unlatched and would not lock, this prevents the driver from wearing the seatbelt, the consumer contacted the dealer who stated that replacing the seatbelt was not possible because the component had been discontinued. Nlm”Owner report · Seat Belts
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
THREADED INFLATOR COMPONENTS MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY WHICH MAY ALLOW COMPONENTS TO SEPARATE WHEN INFLATOR RECEIVES A SIGNAL TO DEPLOY THE AIR BAG.
Remedy: REPLACE AIR BAG MODULES CONTAINING POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE INFLATORS.
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
How other years compare
Check your exact 98 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Oldsmobile 98 reliable?
NHTSA has 17 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Oldsmobile 98. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic.
Does the 1990 Oldsmobile 98 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.