1994 Oldsmobile 98: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 16 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 1994
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While driving 30 mph vehicle hit a small tree, both airbags deployed. Consumer received burns to right side of face/ bleeding behind right eye, and a fractured nose. Still under medical attention. *ak *jb”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2001
“Anti lock brake system will not operate due to valve failure. The mechanic that found the problem said that this is a common problem, and general motors fails to repair it under warranty. They also would not give me any information on how much of a problem this has been. Perhaps there should have been a re-call on this device.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Air · Sep 1999
“Consumer lost consciousness due to hypoglycemia and hit a tree, there was no deployment of driver or passenger side airbags. Nlm”Owner report · Air Bags · May 1998
Show 6 more owner reports
“While driving at highway speeds vehicle was involved in a frontal collision , upon impact, the airbags did not deploy. The dealer and manufacturer will be notified. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · May 1998
“Brakes: driving down highway approximately 10mph ,started braking because fire truck was coming . Applied brakes completely to the floor, and they would not hold. Brakes failed and rear ended a car. *ak *slc”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 1997
“Driver and passenger side airbags deployed in a frontal collision causing a minor fire, also airbags broke windshield. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 1996
“Driver and passenger side doors cannot be opened from inside and outside, equipped with power doors. Tt consumer states there is no over-ride failure feature in case of power failure. Seat track had to be replaced, seat was wobbly. *slc”Owner report · Structure · Nov 1995
“While driving vehicle at any speed and without warning, vehicle will start stalling, resulting in complete shutdown.*ak consumer states engine light comes on often, but not neccessarily when the engine stalls, the crankshaft position sensor, air mass flow sensor were replaced and a cracked vaccum line was replaced.*jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline
“The tire was purchased on 11/26/2000 from a sears branch when the vehicle was at 100000 mile. Currently (6/11/2002) the vehicle is 122023 miles and there is a big crack on the wall of the front driver-side tire. It looks much like what happened with ford models. The tire did not blow but the air was gone thinking that it was a flat I took it to get it repaired, it was said the tire beyond repair. I have the tire with me and can provide pictures if wanted...please take action beofe another ford incident happennes and more people dies. I was lucky that I noticed it earlier...thanks. *ak”Owner report · Tires
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
A SPRING IN THE HEAD LAMP PORTION OF THE HEAD PARK LAMP SWITCH CAN FAIL PREVENTING LATCHING OF THE HEAD LAMP PORTION OF THE SWITCH IN THE "ON" POSITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT HEAD/PARK LAMP SWITCH BUILD DATE CODES AND REPLACE SWITCHES WITH SUSPECT DATE CODES.
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 1994 Oldsmobile 98 reliable?
NHTSA has 16 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1994 Oldsmobile 98. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 1994 Oldsmobile 98 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights:switch. 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.