1989 Oldsmobile 98 problems
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 1989 Oldsmobile 98 problems
The Oldsmobile 98 1989 is a popular sedan that has been known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and luxurious features. However, like any other vehicle, it is not without its common problems. This article will discuss some of the most frequently reported issues with the Oldsmobile 98 1989 based on complaints from owners of this car.
One of the most common problems with the Oldsmobile 98 1989 is the failure of the instrument cluster, specifically the speedometer and fuel gauge. The speedometer may stop working entirely or give inaccurate readings, which can be a safety issue and may cause problems during vehicle inspections.
Another common issue with the Oldsmobile 98 1989 is the failure of the temperature gauge. When the temperature gauge stops working, the driver may not be able to tell if the engine is overheating, which can lead to engine damage or failure. This problem is often caused by a faulty temperature sensor or damaged wiring connections.
Cluster displays in the Oldsmobile 98 1989 may also have problems. Faulty warning lights in the instrument cluster can cause the driver to miss important alerts about problems with the vehicle, such as low oil pressure, a malfunctioning fuel system, or an overheating engine. Damaged sensors or burned-out bulbs are usually the culprits when the cluster display isn't working properly.
In addition to these issues, the Oldsmobile 98 1989 has been known for its reliability problems, particularly with the electrics, especially the air conditioning system. One owner reported that his car required monthly repairs, which cost between $200 and $400 each time.
In conclusion, while the Oldsmobile 98 1989 is a popular and luxurious sedan, it is not without its common problems. The instrument cluster, temperature gauge, and cluster displays are among the most frequently reported issues, and the car has also been known for its reliability problems. However, with proper maintenance and care, these issues can be minimized, and the Oldsmobile 98 1989 can provide a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.
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.
What was the last year of the Oldsmobile 98?
But personally, I feel like Oldsmobile died when they discontinued the 98 in 1996, as it was the last one to carry the torch lit by the brand in its mid-century heyday—big, American cars that transported us in comfort and style.
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.
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 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.
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.
How much does a 1987 Oldsmobile 98 weight?
Wheelbase was 110.8 inches, with an overall length of 196.4 inches. Curb weight was 3316 pounds (for the 1987 Regency Brougham sedan).
1989 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:
- Electrical system problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Seats problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Oldsmobile 98 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1989 Oldsmobile 98 complaints
The NHTSA has received 13 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Oldsmobile 98.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-05-23
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G3CW54C3K1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: DT: CONSUMER PURCHASED A. HEATER SWITCH. CONSUMER INSTALLED THE SWITCH HIMSELF. THERE WERE NO INSTRUCTIONS/WARNING OR CAUTIONS ON THE BOX. THERE WERE SPECS ON THE BOX ON HOW MANY INCHES TO KEEP IT AWAY FROM ANYTHING FLAMMABLE. CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THE CAR WITH THE INSTALLED SWITCH AND THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE 5 MINUTES LATER. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3CX54C6K1
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE OCTOBER '99 ISSUE OF CONSUMER'S REPORT STATES THAT BULLETIN 331708 COVERS A HIDDEN WARRANTY ON 1988-1992 OLDSMOBILES IF THE BASE COAT CLEAR COAT CHALKS, DEGRADES, OR WHITES. OUR CAR HAS BEEN THIS WAY FOR MANY YEAR AND WE WERE UNAWARE OF THE HIDDEN WARRANTY. WHEN I CALLED THE SERVICE MANAGER TODAY, HE STATED THAT THIS BULLETIN EXPIRED SEVEN (7) YEARS AFTER THE CAR WAS BUILT (1996). WE WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THIS COVERAGE OR WE WOULD HAVE TAKEN ACTION EARLIER.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-01
- VIN: 1G3CW54C9K1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE HORN SOUNDS INTERMITTANTLY BECAUSE THE RACKETS THAT THE HORN PAD CONNECTS TO ARE BROKEN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-01
- VIN: 1G3CX54CXK1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: HORN SWITCH FAILED CPMPLETELY WHICH LEAVES HORN ACTIVATED CONTINUOUSLY. HORN HAD TO BE DISCONNECTED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: HORN DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. DEALER SUGGESTED GOING TO A JUNK YARD TO REPLACE HORN. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-19
- VIN: 1G3CW5AC5K1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL TANK SENDING UNIT NOT REGISTERING PROPERLY, SHORTING OUT FUEL PUMP, WHICH CAUSED VEHICLE TO STALL WHEN APPLYING BRAKES.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-09
- VIN: 1G3CW54C4K4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: INTERMITTENT STALLING. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-23
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G3CW54C1K4
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: BACKING OUT OF GARAGE, CAR ACCELERATED SUDDENLY, WENT INTO NEIGHBOR'S FENCE. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-23
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G3CW54C1K4
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: BACKING OUT OF GARAGE, CAR ACCELERATED SUDDENLY, WENT INTO NEIGHBOR'S FENCE. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-14
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BROKE AWAY FROM THE WELD AND THE SEAT COLLAPSED BACKWARDS. IF VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-14
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BROKE AWAY FROM THE WELD AND THE SEAT COLLAPSED BACKWARDS. IF VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-17
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G3CX54C0K1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER SHOULDER LAP BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN DRIVER FROM HITTING THE STEERING WHEEL, DURING TOTALLED HEAD ON COLLISION. TT CONSUMER SUFFERED SEVERE INJURIES.*JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-02
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHEN CAR IS WARM AND AT STOP LIGHT CAR MAKE NOISE. TT
1989 Oldsmobile 98 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1989 Oldsmobile 98.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Oldsmobile 98 problems:
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