1998 Oldsmobile 88 problems
The Oldsmobile 88 (marketed from 1989 on as the Eighty Eight) is a full-size car that was sold and produced by Oldsmobile from 1949 until 1999. From 1950 until 1974, the 88 was the division's most profitable line, particularly the entry level models such as the 88 and Dynamic 88. The 88 series was also an image leader for Oldsmobile, particularly in the early years (1949–51), when it was one of the best performing automobiles, thanks to its relatively small size, light weight, and advanced overhead-valve high-compression V8 engine. This engine, originally designed for the larger C-bodied and more luxurious 98 series, also replaced the straight-8 on the smaller B-bodied 78. With the large, high performance V8, the Oldsmobile 88 is considered by some to be the first muscle car, although this title is disputed.
Naming conventions used by GM since the 1910s for all divisions used alphanumeric designations that changed every year. Starting after the war, Oldsmobile changed their designations and standardized them so that the first number signified the chassis platform, while the second number signified how many cylinders. A large number of variations in nomenclature were seen over this long model run — Super, Golden Rocket, Dynamic, Jetstar, Delta, Delmont, Starfire, Holiday, LS, LSS, Celebrity, and Royale were used at various times with the 88 badge, and Fiesta appeared on some station wagons in the 1950s and 1960s. The name was more commonly shown as numerals in the earlier years ("Delta 88", for example) and was changed to spell out "Eighty Eight" starting in 1989.
First generation (1949–1953)
Oldsmobile introduced the 88 badge in 1949. It was named to complement the already-existing 76 and 98, and took the place of the straight-8 engined 78 in the model lineup. The new car used the same new A-body platform as the straight-6 engined 76 but paired it with the new 303 cu in (5.0 L) Rocket V8 engine producing 135 horsepower (101 kW). This combination of a relatively small light body and large, powerful engine made it widely considered to be the first muscle car. The Rocket 88 vaulted Oldsmobile from a somewhat staid, conservative car to a performer that became the one to beat on the NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) circuits.
It won six of the nine NASCAR late-model division races in 1949, 10 of 19 in 1950, 20 of 41 in 1952, and was eventually eclipsed by the low-slung, powerful Hudson Hornet, but it was still the first real "King of NASCAR." This led to increased sales to the public. There was a pent up demand for new cars in the fast-expanding post-World War II economy, and the 88 appealed to many ex-military personnel who were young and had operated powerful military equipment.
The 88 enjoyed great success, inspiring a popular 1950s slogan, "Make a Date with a Rocket 88", and also a song, "Rocket 88", often considered the first rock and roll record. Starting with the trunk-lid emblem of the 1950 model, Oldsmobile would adopt the rocket as its logo, and the 88 name would remain in the Olds lineup until the late 1990s, almost until the end of Oldsmobile itself.
The 1949 model was equipped with an ignition key and a starter push-button to engage the starter. Pushing the starter button would engage the starter, but if the ignition key was not inserted, unlocking the ignition, the car would not start. The car was equipped with an oil bath air cleaner. At the bottom edge of the front fender directly behind the front wheel was a badge that said "Futuramic" which identified an Oldsmobile approach to simplified driving, and the presence of an automatic transmission. V8 Oldsmobiles were automatic-only in 1949 as Oldsmobile lacked a manual gearbox that could handle the torque of the new engine.1948 Oldsmobile Futuramic introduction In 1950, Oldsmobile offered a modified Cadillac manual gearbox for V8 models. The 88 now outsold the six-cylinder 76 lineup, which was dropped entirely after the 1950 model year. It had a 40 ft. turning circle. Hershel McGriff and Ray Elliot with the 1950 model won the 1950 Carrera Panamericana.
For 1951, the 88 became the entry-level Olds with the discontinuation of the six-cylinder 76 line, which meant that all Oldsmobiles were powered by Rocket V8s. An in-house manual transmission replaced the modified Cadillac gearbox, but as the 1950s progressed, manual shift became increasingly rare in Oldsmobiles and normally could only be obtained by special order. New this year was the more upscale Super 88 line on the new GM B-body which included restyled rear body panels, a more luxurious interior, and a slightly longer 120 in (3,048 mm) wheelbase as opposed to the 119.5 in (3,035 mm) wheelbase which had been standard since the 88's introduction. The station wagon was discontinued and would not reappear until the 1957 model year. New was an I-beam frame. Hydraulic power windows and seats were optional.
In 1952, the base 88 shared the Super 88's rear body panels and wheelbase, and came with a Rocket V8 and two-barrel carburetor while Super 88s came with a new four-barrel carburetor upping the output to 160 hp (119 kW). Other mechanical features were unchanged with styling changes amounting to new grilles, taillights, and interior revisions. New was the optional automatic headlight control.
For 1953, the base 88 was renamed the DeLuxe 88 for only this one year while the Super 88 continued as a more upscale version. Engines and transmission offerings were the same as 1952. Late in the 1953 model year, a fire destroyed GM's Hydra-Matic plant in Livonia, Michigan, which was then the only source for Hydra-Matic transmissions. The temporary loss of Hydra-Matic production led Oldsmobile to build thousands of its 1953 models with Buick's two-speed Dynaflow automatic transmissions until GM pressed its Willow Run Transmission plant into service to resume Hydra-Matic production. New options this year included Frigidaire air conditioning, power steering, and power brakes.
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Common 1998 Oldsmobile 88 problems
The Oldsmobile 88, produced from 1949 to 1999, was a popular full-size car known for its reliability and performance:
- Overheating: Coolant leaks and engine overheating are prevalent problems in Oldsmobiles, including the 88. This can be caused by a faulty water pump, radiator, or thermostat, and can lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly.
- Coolant leaks: Coolant leaks are a common issue in Oldsmobiles, including the 88. These leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn or damaged hoses, a faulty radiator, or a cracked engine block.
- Electrical faults: Electrical issues are common in Oldsmobiles, including the 88. These problems can range from minor issues, such as malfunctioning lights or power windows, to more serious issues, such as engine stalling or failure to start.
- Speedometer failure: Speedometer failure is a common problem in Oldsmobile sedans, including the 88. This can be caused by a faulty speed sensor or damaged speedometer cable, and can lead to safety issues and difficulty passing vehicle inspections.
- Fuel gauge failure: Fuel gauge failure is another common problem in Oldsmobile sedans, including the 88. This can be caused by a faulty fuel-sending unit, and can lead to unexpectedly running out of gas and potential engine damage.
- Temperature gauge failure: Temperature gauge failure is a common problem in Oldsmobile sedans, including the 88. This can lead to engine damage or failure if not addressed promptly, and can be caused by a faulty temperature sensor or damaged wiring connection.
- Instrument cluster problems: Faulty warning lights in the instrument cluster can lead to safety hazards and potential engine damage. Damaged sensors or burned-out bulbs are often the culprits behind these issues.
- EGR valve and coolant leaks: The EGR valve and coolant leaks are common problems in Oldsmobile 88s with the 3800 Buick V6 engine. Over time, the plastic around the EGR tube can become brittle and leak coolant into the engine. Additionally, GM's decision to run the coolant through the alternator bracket can lead to coolant leaks on the side of the engine .
These problems can vary in severity and frequency, and some may be more common in certain model years or with specific engine types. If you own a 1998 Oldsmobile 88 or are considering purchasing one, it's essential to be aware of these common issues and address them promptly to ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle.
How much is an Oldsmobile 88 worth?
Q: What was the lowest recorded sale price for a Oldsmobile 88? A: The lowest recorded sale price was $770 for a 1950 Oldsmobile 88 Coupe on Oct 14 2022. Q: What is the average sale price of a Oldsmobile 88? A: The average price of a Oldsmobile 88 is $34,231.
What does 88 mean in Oldsmobile?
Oldsmobile introduced the 88 badge in 1949. It was named to complement the already-existing 76 and 98, and took the place of the straight-8 engined 78 in the model lineup.
How much does a 1998 Oldsmobile 88 weight?
3,465 lbs1998 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight / Curb weight
What is a 1995 Oldsmobile 88 worth?
The value of a used 1995 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight Royale ranges from $166 to $737, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
What is the difference between the Oldsmobile 88 and 98?
The 98 was a longer and heavier car than the 88. The 98 had a 126-inch wheelbase and weighed in at 4,500 pounds compared to the 122.5-inch wheelbase, with a weight of 4,150 pounds, on the 88. Both used a 371-cubic-inch engine."
How much is an Oldsmobile 88 worth?
Q: What was the lowest recorded sale price for a Oldsmobile 88? A: The lowest recorded sale price was $770 for a 1950 Oldsmobile 88 Coupe on Oct 14 2022. Q: What is the average sale price of a Oldsmobile 88? A: The average price of a Oldsmobile 88 is $34,231.
What does 88 mean in Oldsmobile?
Oldsmobile introduced the 88 badge in 1949. It was named to complement the already-existing 76 and 98, and took the place of the straight-8 engined 78 in the model lineup.
Why did Oldsmobile fail?
Similar to Plymouth and Pontiac, Oldsmobile suffered from a lack of brand identity and differentiation (as you might see, there is an area-curing mistake in every example so far). As consumer preferences shifted, Oldsmobile failed to adapt and lost its appeal to younger generations.
1998 Oldsmobile 88 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Oldsmobile 88 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Fuel system problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Oldsmobile 88 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1998 Oldsmobile 88
The NHTSA has received 176 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Oldsmobile 88. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1998 Oldsmobile 88 vehicles.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-01-31
- VIN: 1G3WH52K0WF
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: IGNITION IS MESSED UP THE PREVIOUS OWNER SAID THERE IS A RECALL BUT NEVER SHOW ME PAPERS AND I WAS WANT TO MAKE SURE THERE IS ONE
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-10-13
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 OLDSMOBILE 88. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, SMOKE APPEARED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT OBSERVED OIL ON THE MANIFOLD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-09-01
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: ENGINE USING COOLANT BUT NO EVIDENT LEAK. AFTER A WEEK OF ADDING A LITTLE COOLANT TO RESERVOIR ENGINE RAN HOT AND HYDRO-LOCKED DUE TO CYLINDERS FLOODED WITH COOLANT. DISCOVERED PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD HOLE IN IT WHERE THE EGR TUBE ENTERED PLASTIC MANIFOLD ALLOWING COOLANT TO FLOOD INTAKE. THIS ENGINE HAD 84K MILES. ALSO DISCOVERED INTAKE GASKETS WERE REPLACED AT 45K MILES BY DEALER. DEFINITELY AN ENGINEERING DEFECT.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-02-26
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 OLDSMOBILE 88. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TURNING ON THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PROCEEDED TO CHECK THE COOLANT IN THE VEHICLE FINDING THAT THERE WAS NO COOLANT IN THE RESERVOIR. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN ON THE VEHICLE, THE EXHAUST PIPE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE RELEASED LARGE AMOUNTS OF WHITE SMOKE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEN HAVING THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-07-31
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G3CS52K3S4
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE SHORTLY AFTER SHUTDOWN. INCIDENT 2015-00005013
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-10
- VIN: 1G3HN52K6W4
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED UPON EXITING ON RAMP FROM RTE. 95..DEPRESSED BRAKE PEDAL, BUT WENT RIGHT DOWN TO THE FLOOR BOARD..NO BRAKES...DOWNSHIFT/ PARKING BRAKE INTO THE BREAKDOWN LANE..JUST LUCKY NO CAR COLLISION OCCURRED ...WAS FRIGHTENING !...I THINK GM VEHICLES SHOULD NOT BE SO BADLY FAULTY..I'M JUST LUCKY I WASN'T HURT OR KILLED IN AN ACCIDENT ! *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-24
- VIN: 1G3HN52K0W4
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TRAVELING SOUTH ON HWY 67 IN MISSISSIPPI. CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 65. VEHICLE SPEED SUDDENLY STARTED TO INCREASE. APPLIED BRAKES LIGHTLY TO TURN OFF CRUISE CONTROL. NO EFFECT. TURNED OFF CRUISE CONTROL ON STEERING COLUMN. NO EFFECT. REPEATEDLY TRIED BRAKES AND OFF SWITCH TO NO AVAIL. FINALLY TURNED OFF IGNITION AND COASTED FOR ABOUT 15 SECONDS. RESTARTED ENGINE AND COULD RESUME SPEED NORMALLY WITH ACCELERATOR. DID NOT USE CRUISE CONTROL UNTIL HEADED BACK NORTH ON 67 LATER IN THE DAY. SET CRUISE CONTROL TO 65 AGAIN AND AFTER A FEW MINUTES VEHICLE SPEED BEGAN TO INCREASE. I TRIED BRAKES AND OFF SWITCH AGAIN TO NO AVAIL. TURNED VEHICLE IGNITION OFF AND RESTARTED ENGINE. DID NOT USE CRUISE CONTROL AGAIN. AFTER ARRIVING HOME DISCONNECT BATTERY OVERNIGHT. APPARENTLY CORRECTED WHATEVER "GLITCH" HAD OCCURRED SINCE I HAVE USED CRUISE CONTROL SINCE WITH NO PROBLEMS. *TR
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-11-10
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
- Summary: WAS DRIVING DOWN A TOLL ROAD, DEAR JUMPED IN FRONT OF CAR HIT THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT, CAR HIT MEDIAN, FLIPPED, AND ROLLED 3 TIMES. CAR IS TOTALED. AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. *TR
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-04-21
- VIN: 1G3HN52K9W4
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 OLDSMOBILE 88. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE ENGINE PLEMUN, WHICH WAS FRACTURED AND CAUSED FLUID TO PENETRATE THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,191 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,000. ..UPDATED 10/30/13 *BF UPDATED 10/31/2013 *JS
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-01-21
- VIN: 1G3HN52K3W4
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I JUST BOUGHT THIS USED CAR ON JAN 1, 2013. I NOTICED A SMELL FROM THE CAR BUT WASN'T SURE WHAT IS WAS AND BOUGHT THE CAR ANYWAYS. WELL A COUPLE WEEKS LATER MY BOYFRIEND WAS CHECKING MY FLUIDS ON THE CAR AND NOTICED A FUEL LEAK UNDER THE HOOD, SO WE WENT TO AUTO ZONE AND BOUGHT A FUEL LINE THAT COST AROUND $30, HE PUT IT ON, STILL LEAKING, WELL WE FIGURED SINCE THE FUEL LINE THAT WE BOUGHT WASN'T PRECRIMPED IT WASN'T GOING TO WORK, SO WE WENT TO THE JUNK YARD AND GOT THE EXACT SAME PART OFF ANOTHER 1998 OLDSMOBILE 88, FIGURED SINCE IT WAS PRECRIMPED IT WOULD WORK, NOT THE CASE, FUEL STILL LEAKING UNDER THE HOOD, SO WE WENT TO THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP IN NASHVILLE AND BOUGHT THE VERY LAST FUEL LINE IN THE STATE AROUND $120, WHICH THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THIS ONE AND THE OTHER TWO IS THAT IT IS 6 FT. LONG, SO WE PUT THE NEW 6FT FUEL LINE ON, WELL IT STOPPED LEAKING UNDER THE HOOD, AND DISCOVERED 1 WEEK LATER THAT MY VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL UNDER THE CAR BY THE BACK PASSENGER WHEEL, SO WE PUT A FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR ON THE VEHICLE FIGURING THAT WOULD CONTROL THE FUEL, BECAUSE WE HEARD THAT IF THAT GOES OUT IT WILL CAUSE FUEL TO LEAK FROM WEAK SPOTS, WELL ALMOST 4 MO. LATER MY VEHICLE IS STILL LEAKING GAS FROM UNDER THE CAR BY THE PASSENGER BACK WHEEL.THIS IS MY DAILY DRIVER BACK AND FORTH TO WORK. I FOUND A RECALL ON THIS AND WOULD LIKE MY ISSUE TO BE ADDRESSED. *TR
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-06-06
- VIN: 1G3HN52K2W4
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: YESTERDAY OUR CAR BEGAN OVERHEATING. WE ADDED A BOTTLE OF COOLANT YESTERDAY AND ANOTHER TWO GALLONS TODAY ALONG WITH A BOTTLE OF STOP LEAK AND HAD IT TOWED TO OUR MECHANIC. OUR MECHANIC TOLD US IT SEEMS LIKE THE ENGINE HAS SEIZED COMPLETELY AND HE IS NOT EQUIPPED TO FIX IT. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-04-14
- VIN: 1G3HN52K9W4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE HYDRO LOCKED WHEN A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD ALLOWED COOLANT TO BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE CYLINDERS, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO LOCK UP WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING IT. FORTUNATELY, NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED, BUT THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM DUE TO WHAT SEEMS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW BY GM. WE HAD TO HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED, AND THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, AT A COST OF $5,400.00. WE HEARD THAT THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM, BUT PEOPLE WERE JUST AFFORDED A SHORT TIME TO ACT ON IT, AND WE WERE NOT EVEN NOTIFIED. IS THERE ANOTHER SUIT THAT WE CAN BE A PART OF? WE SHOULD NOT HAVE HAD TO REPLACE AN ENGINE WITH JUST 44,000 MILES ON IT. *JS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-01-02
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MY CAR HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS DESCRIBED IN THE LATEST GM RECALL IN CARS WITH THE 3.8 L MOTOR IN WHICH OIL LEAKS OUT ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND COULD CAUSE A FIRE. I HAVE CONTACTED THE NUMBER GIVEN BUT IT SHOWED MY 1998 OLDS 88 IS NOT COVERED EVEN THOUGH IT HAS THE SAME MOTOR AND PROBLEM IN THE RECALL. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-11
- VIN: 1G3HN52K9W4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: GRADUALLY YOU WILL SEE A DEPLETION OF THE ANTI-FREEZE FROM THE HOLDING RESERVOIR. THIS IS COULD BE A SIGN THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD IS BEGINNING TO LEAK ANTI-FREEZE (JUST A LITTLE) INTO THE ENGINE. SOONER OR LATER WHEN THE EROSION IS LARGE ENOUGH THEN A PLUME OF WHITE SMOKE WILL COME OUT OF THE EXHAUST AND YOU HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO PULL OVER AND CALL THE TOW TRUCK. I HAVE REPLACED THE ENGINE INTAKE MANIFOLD TWICE ON MY 1998 OLDS 88 DUE TO DEGRADING OF THE INTERIOR WALL WHERE THE ANTI-FREEZE FLOWS BACK INTO THE ENGINE. BOTH TIMES THE TOTAL COST OF THE REPAIR (INCLUDING PLUGS, WIRES, NEW MANIFOLD, LABOR) WAS AROUND $1,200. ON THE LAST MANIFOLD GM HAD ESTABLISHED ADDING A PIECE OF METAL WHERE THE ANTI-FREEZE WAS ERODING THE "SPACE AGE PLASTIC" INTAKE MANIFOLD. BASED ON THIS, GM KNOWS THIS IS AN ENGINEERING PROBLEM, BUT THEY WILL NOT TAKE OWNERSHIP OF IT AND OR PAY FOR IT. *TR
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-09-02
- VIN: 1G3HN52K5W4
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT JAMMED AND IS UNUSABLE. GM WEBSITE LIMITS CONTACT TO EXISTING BRANDS. THERE IS NO PROVISION FOR OLDSMOBILE OWNERS, AND NO DEALERSHIPS TO CONTACT. *TR
TIRES,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-04-20
- VIN: 1G3HN52K7W4
- Components: TIRES,WHEELS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 OLDSMOBILE 88 LS. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE A FLAT TIRE THE PLASTIC NUT THAT SECURED THE SPARE TIRE WOULD NOT RETRACT. THE NUT WAS BROKEN WITH A HAMMER SO THAT THE TIRE COULD BE CHANGED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN BECAUSE HE NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000. UPDATED 09/12/07 *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-03-18
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING I'LL HIT BRAKES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON BRAKES GRIND LOUDLY AND ENGINE STALLS. ALSO THE ENGINE WILL STALL AT ANY CRUISING SPEED OVER 40 MPH. CAUSING FULL POWER LOSS INCLUDING BRAKES MY DAUGHTER AND I HAVE RECEIVED INJURIES FROM THIS IN THE PAST. NEED HELP ASAP *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-04-03
- VIN: 1G3HN52K1W4
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 OLDSMOBILE DELTA EIGHTY EIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT AND SHUT DOWN AT STOP LIGHTS AND STOP SIGNS. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED GASOLINE IN THE FUEL LINE. THIS SAME FAILURE WAS DISCOVERED ON TWO PRIOR OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER ONCE BEFORE ,AND THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AGAIN AND HAD THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS STATED IN RECALL # 04V09000. THE CONTACTWAS UNCERTAIN IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 113,000.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-09-01
- VIN: 1G3HN52K3W4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 OLDSMOBILE 88 LS. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, THE STEERING DIDN'T LOCK AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SIX OCCASIONS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DUE TO THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE ABLE DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,435. *AK THE CONSUMER STATES HAS TAKEN VEHICLE INTO DEALER FOR 2 DIANOSTICS CHECKS NO FAILURES FOUND. ENGINE STILL CONTINUES TO STALL. UPDATE *4/23/07TR
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-05-13
- VIN: 1G3HN52K2W4
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DT: THE METAL BRACKETS THAT HOLD THE SEAT TO THE FLOOR RIPPED IN HALF, THEY WERE 4 INCHES OFF THE FLOORBOARD, RIGHT UNDER THE SEAT. THE SEAT CONTROLS WERE DAMAGED FROM THE SEAT. CONSULTED WITH THE MANUFACTURER, WHO HAD NO IDEA WHY THE SEAT BROKE OR WHTAT WAS THE STRESS ON THE SEAT. CONSUMER WAS DRIVING WHEN THE SEAT CAME UP AND FELL INTO THE BACK FLOORBOARD. THE CAR IS IN THE SHOP AT THIS POINT FOR REPAIRS.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-07
- VIN: 1G3HN52K4W4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 1998 OLDSMOBILE EIGHTY EIGHTY HAS PROBLEM WHERE THERE IS LEAKAGE OF BATTERY FLUID FROM THE POSITIVE POLE OF THE BATTERY. *MR THE POSITIVE POLE HAD COME OUT OF THE BATTERY AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE DRIVER HAD NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THREE BATTERY'S HAD BEEN REPLACED, THE FIRST WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. (AC DELCO BATTERY) *SC *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-27
- VIN: 1G3HN52K5W4
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 1998 OLDSMOBILE 88 RECALL CONCERNING DEFECT ON THE 3.8 V6 ENGINE.*MR THE CONSUMER HAD TO HAVE THE SAME RECALL REPAIRED TWICE, THE FIRST TIME THE MANUFACTURER REIMBURSED THE CONSUMER SOME OF HIS MONEY, BUT THE SECOND TIME THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REIMBURSE THE CONSUMER. RECALL#04V090000 *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-15
- VIN: 1G3HN52K8W4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER SMELLED ANTI FREEZE FUMES OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, LEAKING ON THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD. DEALERSHIP WILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK THE EGR PIPING DEGRADED AND CAUSED WATER TO LEAK INTO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. *NM
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-13
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: VEHICLE STOPPED RUNNING. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE FUEL REGULATOR REPAIRED ON TWO VEHICLES, SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL. A RECALL WAS RECEIVED BY THE MANUFACTURE INVOLVING ONLY ONE OF THE VEHICLES, AND REIMBURSEMENT WILL BE MADE FOR THE ONE VEHICLE THAT WAS INCLUDED IN THE FUEL REGULATOR RECALL. THE CONSUMER'S SECOND VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE FUEL REGULATOR NHTSA RECALL 04V09000. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-02-23
- VIN: 1G3HN52K8W4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MY OLDSMOBILE 88 WAS LOOSING ANTI-FREEZE. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR, SO I TOOK IT IN FOR RECALL REPAIR AND HAD THE DEALER CHECK THE COOLANT SYSTEM. THEY SAID MY INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1200. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THIS DONE TO THE CAR. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS REPLACED AT 60000 MILES.APPARENTLY THE PLASTIC MANIFOLD IS NOT ABLE TO HANDLE THE HEAT. MY CAR HAS NEVER OVERHEATED AND THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. I HAVE 133,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND SHOULD NOT HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THIS MANIFOLD TWICE.*AK
1998 Oldsmobile 88 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1998 Oldsmobile 88.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3800 V6 (L36) ENGINES AND CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, THE REGULATORS HAVE A MUCH HIGHER THAN USUAL RATE OF FUEL LEAKS. A LEAK CAN ALLOW FUEL TO ENTER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD THROUGH A VACUUM LINE. IF THE ENGINE DOES NOT START WHEN CRANKED, THE FUEL FROM THE LEAKING REGULATOR AND A MISTIMED SPARK CAN CAUSE A BACKFIRE.
- Consequence: THE BACKFIRE CAN RUPTURE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE RUPTURE OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CAN DISPLACE A FUEL LINE, PULLING AN INJECTOR OUT OF PLACE, AND CAUSING A FUEL LEAK AND POSSIBLE FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH IMPROVED DIAPHRAGMS. THE RECALL WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASED MAILINGS. PHASE 1 BEGAN ON JUNE 30, 2004, AND PHASE 2 BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Oldsmobile 88 problems:
1998 Oldsmobile 88 Problems and Complaints - 21 Issues
Problem with your 1998 Oldsmobile 88? Our list of 21 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1998 Oldsmobile 88.
1998 Oldsmobile 88 Q&A: Common Problems, Temperature, and More
Apr 18, 2006 ... It has always run fine and I never had any problems with it until now. In the cooler months the engine temperature always stays at 180 degress ...
Oldsmobile 98 reliability?? | GM Inside News Forum
Dec 20, 2006 ... How relaible is a 1994 Oldsmobile 88 Royale? I believe it has the 3.8L and it has no rust. It has 170,000 kms and is about $2000 as is or so in ...
Q&A: 1997 Oldsmobile 88 Problems - Buick 88 | JustAnswer
Oct 27, 2012 ... Its very common for the crank sensor to fail in this way but the way it is failing there really is no way to test it so it may be best to just ...
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