1975 Oldsmobile 98 problems

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The Oldsmobile 98 (spelled Ninety-Eight from 1952 to 1991, and Ninety Eight from 1992 to 1996) is the full-size flagship model of Oldsmobile that was produced from 1940 until 1942, and then from 1946 to 1996. The name – reflecting a "Series 90" fitted with an 8-cylinder engine – first appeared in 1941 and was used again after American consumer automobile production resumed post-World War II. It was, as it would remain, the division's top-of-the-line model, with lesser Oldsmobiles having lower numbers such as the A-body 66 and 68, and the B-body 76 and 78. The Series 60 was retired in 1949, the same year the Oldsmobile 78 was replaced by the 88. The Oldsmobile 76 was retired after 1950. This left the two remaining number-names to carry on into the 1990s as the bread and butter of the full-size Oldsmobile lineup until the Eighty Eight-based Regency replaced the 98 in 1997.

Occasionally additional nomenclature was used with the name, such as L/S and Holiday, and the 98 Regency badge would become increasingly common in the later years of the model. The 98 shared its General Motors C-body platform with Buick and Cadillac.

Since it was the top-line Oldsmobile, the series had the most technologically advanced items available, such as the Hydramatic automatic transmission, the Autronic Eye, an automatic headlight dimmer, and Twilight Sentinel (a feature that automatically turned the headlights on and off via a light sensor and a delay timer, as controlled by the driver), and the highest-grade interior and exterior trim.

1975 Oldsmobile 98

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Common 1975 Oldsmobile 98 problems

The 1975 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight, like many cars of its era, had its share of common problems that owners frequently reported. One of the most prevalent issues was the tendency for the car to feel "bloated" and "wallowy" while driving, which could potentially lead to drowsiness for the driver. This was due to the car's luxurious design and focus on comfort, which sometimes came at the expense of handling and responsiveness.

Another common problem was the use of diesel engines in some models, which was intended to improve fuel efficiency but often resulted in a host of issues. Many Oldsmobile Ninety Eights from the 1970s came equipped with diesel engines, which were prone to blown head gaskets, sheared off head bolts, and water getting into the oil. This could lead to more complex problems and was a significant source of frustration for many owners.

The Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission was another area of concern for many owners. This transmission, which was used in many GM cars of the era, was known for failing when placed behind a V8 engine. This was a particular issue in the 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado, which was otherwise a successful car in terms of sales and design.

Rust was another common problem for the 1975 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight, particularly around the rear glass and underneath the car. This was a particular issue in areas with heavy snowfall, as the salt used to melt ice could accelerate the corrosion process.

Finally, the interior of the 1975 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight could also be a source of frustration for some owners. The pillowy seats, which were exclusive to the Regency model, were prone to becoming ruffled and worn after years of use. Additionally, the rectangular headlights, which were new for 1975, were not always integrated seamlessly into the car's rounded body, leading to a somewhat awkward appearance in some cases.

Overall, the 1975 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight was a luxurious and comfortable car, but it was not without its share of common problems. From diesel engine issues to transmission failures and rust, there were several areas where the car could potentially let its owners down. However, for many fans of the car, these issues were outweighed by the Ninety Eight's classic style, comfortable ride, and luxurious features.

1975 Oldsmobile 98 engine

How many miles per gallon does a 1975 Oldsmobile 98 get?

Based on data from 1 vehicles, 20 fuel-ups and 4,461 miles of driving, the 1975 Oldsmobile 98 gets a combined Avg MPG of 10.44 with a 0.73 MPG margin of error.

What does the 98 in Oldsmobile mean?

In 1941 both engines were offered on each series so to differentiate between the two the second digit was used to denote the number of cylinders, so the Custom Cruiser 90 was replaced with the Custom Cruiser 96 and 98. In 1942 Oldsmobile dropped the six cylinder Series 90 model leaving only the Custom Cruiser 98.

How much horsepower does a 1976 Oldsmobile 98 have?

Its 455-cubic-inch V-8 was rated 190 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, and a new 2.41:1 axle ratio was fitted for fuel "efficiency." Gas is Florian's biggest cost; he claims about 9 mpg.

How long is a 1975 Oldsmobile 98?

Ninety Eights were always the longest, most luxurious Oldsmobiles you could buy, and at 232.2 inches, the 1975 models were the longest ones ever. Cosmetically speaking, this one is a mixed bag–a little rust, several dings and dents, and a few ill-executed body repairs.

How many miles per gallon does a 1975 Oldsmobile 98 get?

Based on data from 1 vehicles, 20 fuel-ups and 4,461 miles of driving, the 1975 Oldsmobile 98 gets a combined Avg MPG of 10.44 with a 0.73 MPG margin of error.

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.

How much horsepower does a 1976 Oldsmobile 98 have?

Its 455-cubic-inch V-8 was rated 190 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, and a new 2.41:1 axle ratio was fitted for fuel "efficiency." Gas is Florian's biggest cost; he claims about 9 mpg.

What does the 98 in Oldsmobile mean?

In 1941 both engines were offered on each series so to differentiate between the two the second digit was used to denote the number of cylinders, so the Custom Cruiser 90 was replaced with the Custom Cruiser 96 and 98. In 1942 Oldsmobile dropped the six cylinder Series 90 model leaving only the Custom Cruiser 98.

1975 Oldsmobile 98 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Oldsmobile 98 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Tires problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1975 Oldsmobile 98 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1975 Oldsmobile 98 complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1975 Oldsmobile 98.

2001-06-11

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-04-29
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE LEFT FRONT TIRE BLEWOUT (NO MAKE/MODEL OF TIRE PROVIDED) CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). *MJS

1975 Oldsmobile 98 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1975 Oldsmobile 98.

1974-09-09
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1974-09-04
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1975 Oldsmobile 98 problems:

Buying a Vette Common C3 Problems 1975-80 | Chevy Corvette ...
Buying a Vette Common C3 Problems 1975-80 | Chevy Corvette ...
https://www.smokinvette.com/threads/buying-a-vette-common-c3-problems-1975-80.44667/

Aug 14, 2010 ... Buying a Vette Common C3 Problems 1975-80 ... the most common problem ... Thanks guys, I have a 1983 Olds 98 Regency 2 door that's my daily driver.

1980 Olds 98 DIESEL - ClassicOldsmobile.com
1980 Olds 98 DIESEL - ClassicOldsmobile.com
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/cars-sale-10/1980-olds-98-diesel-148913/

Sep 22, 2020 ... ... problems of power (turbocharging), rough running (sorting out turbo lag and common rail injection), and emissions. If the Oldsmobile engine ...

F/S 1952 olds 303 with hydramatic - Oldsmobile - Buy/Sell - Antique ...
F/S 1952 olds 303 with hydramatic - Oldsmobile - Buy/Sell - Antique ...
https://forums.aaca.org/topic/196478-fs-1952-olds-303-with-hydramatic/

Jun 26, 2012 ... the car had been parked since 1975 so it amazed me it cranked over so well. ... olds 98's are not very common. you could ... Even then you'd have ...

pros and cons of an olds 455? | The H.A.M.B.
pros and cons of an olds 455? | The H.A.M.B.
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/pros-and-cons-of-an-olds-455.321350/

Dec 31, 2008 ... I had one crack a head ('78 Ninety-Eight land yacht), and one snap a timing chain (74 engine in a rusty '50 Rocket 88). The head cracker only ...

Oldsmobile Aurora Owners: Meet the Members - Page 3 — Car ...
Oldsmobile Aurora Owners: Meet the Members - Page 3 — Car ...
https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/2341/oldsmobile/aurora/oldsmobile-aurora-owners-meet-the-members/p3

Aug 31, 2001 ... My mother-in-law also bought a '98 (September 2000) and an extended warranty. ... Researching the car here, there were a number of common problems ...

Other years of Oldsmobile 98

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1975 Oldsmobile 98 photo