1992 Oldsmobile 98: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 38 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (35% of complaints); the 1990 and 1993 and 1994 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 1996
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1992 oldsmobile 98. The alternator failed while driving 25 mph. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The dealer would not assist because the vehicle was purchased as is. The current mileage was 170,000 and failure mileage was 166,000. Updated 10-29-08 *bf the consumer stated the water pump failed. Updated 10/30/08. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2007
“Tl*the contact owns a 1992 oldsmobile 98. While driving 45-60 mph or attempting to accelerate from slow speeds, the transmission flips. The failure began in 2006 and has been occurring frequently ever since. The contact stated that he was never informed about a safety recall on his vehicle. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage is 130,000 and failure mileage was 127,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2007
“The vehicle stalled while making a right turn. The vehicles fuel tank was half full when this occured. The consumer suspected there was a problem with the fuel pump. *nlm *ts *jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2001
Show 7 more owner reports
“There is recall 96v015002 for this car for this problem concerning transmission cooling leak. The campaign I contacted oldsmobile and they told me there is no active recall for my car. Safety defect not listed. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2001
“While driving driver's side airbag didn't deploy, but the fumes came out of it. Consumer was on the highway & had to leave vehicle in the middle of the highway. Consumer's husband moved the vehicle, and the airbag popped out, almost causing vehicle to crash into building. Dealer repaired problem at no charge. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2000
“Ongoing/intermittent problem with transmission moving whenever vehicle pulled from a stop position. Vehicle repaired, consumer wants gm to reimburse the cost. *ak *ml”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 1999
“ABS brake problems, the ABS warning light is on. Consumer has not taken vehicle to dealer to detect what the problem is with the system. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 1998
“Consumer began having problems with driver's side mirror. Clouding and a brown liquid sits in bottom of mirror tray, mirror is completely distorted at this time. There is no vision at all. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Feb 1997
“Poor ABS brake performance, during a panic stop situation , the pedal was soft, and very limited braking was expeirenced. The rear return springs have been replaced. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 1996
“ABS brakes; failure on the brakes, causing the consumer to have a near accident, the brake pedal went to the floor. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 1996
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 1991 THROUGH JULY 1995. THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE CAN SEPARATE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN LOW TEMPERATURES IN COMBINATION WITH HIGH TRANSMISSION LOADS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES.
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 1992 Oldsmobile 98 reliable?
NHTSA has 38 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1992 Oldsmobile 98. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (35% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1992 Oldsmobile 98 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 127,000 miles or less.
Does the 1992 Oldsmobile 98 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning power train:automatic transmission:cooling unit and lines. 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.