1991 Oldsmobile 98: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 47 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (36% of complaints); the 1990 and 1993 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 1991
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I smelled what seemed to be burning wire coming from inside my vehicle while I was driving. Shortly thereafter I noticed smoke coming from the steering wheel. Subsequently, the airbag deployed while I was operating the vehicle.*ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2004
“The buckle on the harness will not fit into the latch between the child's legs. Consumer has to hold the two sections of the buckle together with both hands in order to get the system to work. *ak”Owner report · Child Seat · Nov 2003
“Consumer had noticed a strong vibration coming from engine. Had taken vehicle to dealer, and they replaced engine valve to find a solution, but did not help and the problem still there. Please provide more information.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2002
Show 7 more owner reports
“Panic stop to avoid hitting car in front that stopped short to avoid dog in road. Brake pedal went to floor, very long stopping distance, steered around car ahead avoiding accident. Brake pedal did not returnto normal for about 20 minutes of pumping and test stops, proceeded with journey normally. Brought car to dealer next day. Parking brake cable replaced but no fault found in braking system. Note ABS out of service for 8 months but same problem occurred when ABS was not disabled in last 2 years, I have read other reports of similar incidents with this make, model and year. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 2001
“Consumer was rear ended at about 25-30 mph, and front passenger seat broke on right side of seat. Contacted manufacturer. *ak”Owner report · Seats · Mar 2001
“Consumer was traveling about 40mph on highway and driver's side airbag went off without prior warning. He was able to pull over and control his vehicle. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2001
“91 v 198 00/automatic: vehicle experienced problem with shifting out of gear intermittently when parked on a upper grade. Dealer / manufacturer were notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further details on this matter. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2001
“Vehicle experiencing an electrical short in steering column, causing damage to wiring harness and other parts, repairs were done by independent repair shop. Dealer/manufacturer were not notified at this time. *ak a broken bulb shorted out and burned the surrounding plastic. The burning reached the steering column traveling the wires and damaged switch assembly, wiring harness, horn assembly and more. *yh”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2000
“Consumer was traveling about 5mph in slow traffic, pressed on brakes and pedal went straight to the floor. Consumer rearednded another vehicle. Consumer indicated this happened frequently. Dealer will be contacted. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2000
“When driving applied brakes and vehicle vibrated. Contacted local mechanic and he replaced master cylinders/rotors, and ABS brakes.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 1999
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
WHEN APPLIED, THE PARKING BRAKE LEVER ASSEMBLY MAY RELEASE ONE OR MORE TEETH, REDUCING THE CABLE LOAD TO THE REAR BRAKES.
Remedy: REPLACE PARKING BRAKE LEVER ASSEMBLY.
THE CONSOLE MOUNTED SHIFT LEVER MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE SHIFT CONTROL CABLE BRACKET CAUSING LOSS OF GEAR INDICATOR REFERENCE AND SHIFT SELECTOR OPERATION.
Remedy: INSTALL TWO TRANSAXLE SHIFT CONTROL CABLE RETAINING CLIPS.
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 1991 Oldsmobile 98 reliable?
NHTSA has 47 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 Oldsmobile 98. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (36% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1991 Oldsmobile 98 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 145,985 miles or less.
Does the 1991 Oldsmobile 98 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning parking brake:conventional:mechanical. 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.