1982 Oldsmobile 98 problems

General information about Oldsmobile-98
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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.

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Common 1982 Oldsmobile 98 problems

Based on the information provided in the sources, here are some common problems with the Oldsmobile 98 1982 based on complaints from owners:

Mode/Temperature Door Actuators Failure: Owners have reported issues with the mode/temperature door actuators failing. This can lead to problems with the car's heating and cooling system, affecting the comfort of the passengers.
ABS Light Due to Brake Lamp Failure: Another common problem is the ABS light coming on due to brake lamp failure. This issue can compromise the safety of the vehicle by affecting the braking system.
Spark Plug Replacement: Owners have highlighted the need to replace spark plugs every 30,000 miles. Failure to do so can result in poor engine performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and potential starting issues.
Electrical Problems: The Oldsmobile 98 1982 has been associated with various electrical problems, including issues with the idle load compensator, vacuum problems, and stalling or rough idling. These electrical issues can be challenging to diagnose and repair, impacting the overall reliability of the vehicle.
Crank Positioning Sensor: The GM 3.8L engines in these cars commonly experience problems with the crank positioning sensor getting wet, leading to a false signal to the engine. This issue can cause erratic engine behavior, stalling, or even failure to start.
General Reliability Concerns: Overall, the Oldsmobile 98 1982 has been noted for reliability issues, including engine troubles, transmission failures, and poor quality control. These reliability concerns can result in frequent breakdowns, costly repairs, and a decrease in the overall value of the vehicle.

By addressing these common problems with the Oldsmobile 98 1982, owners can better understand the potential issues they may face and take proactive measures to maintain and repair their vehicles effectively.

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.

Why wont my Oldsmobile 98 start?

The most common reasons an Oldsmobile 98 won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.

How much horsepower does a 1973 Oldsmobile 98 have?

250 HP

Engine equipped with 455 ci V8 and 250 HP with automatic transmission.

What is a 1995 Oldsmobile 98 worth?

The value of a used 1995 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight ranges from $14 to $80, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.

What was the last year of the Oldsmobile 98?

1996

How much horsepower did the 1971 Oldsmobile 98 have?

320 hp

'71 Ninety-Eights rode a 127-inch wheelbase and had a generous overall length, at 226.1-inch. Power was ample, with the 455-cu-in V-8, backed by Turbo Hydramatic automatic transmission. Power was 320 hp at 4400 rpm, breathing through a Rochester 4MC four-barrel carburetor.

How long is a 1984 Oldsmobile 98?

First of all, here are the dimensions (figures in parentheses are for the '84 model): Length, 196.1 inches (221.1 inches); wheelbase, 110.8 inches (119 inches); width, 71.4 inches (76.3 inches); height, 55 inches (57.2 inches); trunk, 16.7 cubic feet (20.5 cubic feet), and curb weight, 3,292 pounds (3,927 pounds).

How much does a 1973 Oldsmobile 98 weight?

Oldsmobile's 1973 98 measured 230” (5.8M) long and weighed 4,500 lbs.

1982 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:

Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1982 Oldsmobile 98 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1982 Oldsmobile 98 complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1982 Oldsmobile 98.

2001-05-01

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 1G3AX69N9CM
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: ALUMINUM REINFORCEMENT THAT ACTUALLY HOLDS BUMPER TO FRAME HAS CORRODED OFF, CAUSING BUMPER TO FALL OFF.*AK *JB

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1996-08-14

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-04-10
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: REAR BUMPER FELL OFF AND HAD TO BE WELDED BACK ON ALUMINUM TO STEEL. *AK

Add Complaint

1982 Oldsmobile 98 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1982 Oldsmobile 98.

1982-01-03

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
Summary: UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE GOVERNOR WEIGHT RETAINER IN THE INJECTION PUMP MAY FAIL. THE THROTTLE VALVE COULD STICK, PREVENTING RETURN TO IDLE AND SHUT DOWN OF THE ENGINE BY THE DRIVER.
Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE GOVERNOR WEIGHT ASSEMBLY IN THE INJECTION PUMP AT NO COST TO OWNER.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1982 Oldsmobile 98 problems:

Rear bumper falling off 1982 Olds 98 - ClassicOldsmobile.com

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/care-appearance-71/rear-bumper-falling-off-1982-olds-98-a-155542/

May 17, 2021 ... I am told this is a very common issue with the aluminium bumper box bolted to the steel bumper shock plates (not sure if I got the actual ...

What are the 6.2 s most common problems and their solutions ...

https://www.dieselplace.com/threads/what-are-the-6-2%EF%BF%BDs-most-common-problems-and-their-solutions.254483/

Jul 12, 2008 ... ... problem), and the crank is known to break. -1980 Oldsmobile Delta 98 5.7L diesel, 2 door. In storage. -1997 GMC Yukon 2 door 6.5L diesel ...

Carb/Fuel Pump problem? - ClassicOldsmobile.com

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/big-blocks-2/carb-fuel-pump-problem-77838/

Apr 14, 2014 ... ... common issue of the main well plugs leaking. ... 1992 Olds 98 Regency Parts question Help · Ninety-Eight · Today's Posts ... 82. Profile · Posts.