1992 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 1992 Oldsmobile 98 problems
The 1992 Oldsmobile 98 is prone to several common problems that car owners frequently report. Here are some of the most common issues based on complaints from owners of this car:
- ABS Light due to Brake Lamp Failure: The ABS light on the dashboard may come on due to a failure in the brake lamp system. This issue is caused by a faulty brake lamp switch or a blown brake lamp fuse. When the brake lamps are not working correctly, the ABS system may not function properly, leading to the warning light on the dashboard.
- Replace Spark Plugs Every 30,000 Miles: The spark plugs on the 1992 Oldsmobile 98 should be replaced every 30,000 miles to ensure optimal engine performance. Failing to replace the spark plugs can result in poor fuel efficiency, reduced power, and misfiring.
- Faulty Ignition Switch: The ignition switch on the 1992 Oldsmobile 98 may fail, causing the engine to suddenly cut out and then restart right away. This issue can be caused by a faulty ignition switch or a problem with the wiring or connections. When the ignition switch fails, it can cause the engine to stall, making it difficult to start the car again.
- Faulty Flasher Unit: The flasher unit on the 1992 Oldsmobile 98 may be faulty, causing intermittent problems with the turn signals and horn. This issue can be caused by a short circuit in the wiring or a problem with the flasher unit itself. When the flasher unit fails, it can cause the turn signals to blink erratically or the horn to stop working altogether.
- Fuel Pressure Issues: The 1992 Oldsmobile 98 may experience fuel pressure issues, causing the engine to suddenly cut out and then restart right away. This issue can be caused by a faulty fuel pump or a clogged fuel filter. When the fuel pressure is low, it can cause the engine to stall, making it difficult to start the car again.
- Vacuum Brake Booster Issues: The vacuum brake booster on the 1992 Oldsmobile 98 may have issues, causing a hissing or "whooshing" sound when the brake pedal is pressed. This issue can be caused by a failed rubber diaphragm in the booster, allowing the vacuum to bypass it internally. When the vacuum brake booster fails, it can cause the brakes to feel spongy or unresponsive, making it difficult to stop the car.
In summary, the 1992 Oldsmobile 98 is prone to several common problems that car owners frequently report, including issues with the mode and temperature door actuators, ABS light, spark plugs, ignition switch, flasher unit, fuel pressure, and vacuum brake booster. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty components, wiring problems, and clogged filters. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these issues from occurring, but if they do occur, it's essential to address them promptly to avoid further damage to the car.
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.
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.
1992 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:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1992 Oldsmobile 98 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1992 Oldsmobile 98
The NHTSA has received 46 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1992 Oldsmobile 98. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1992 Oldsmobile 98 vehicles.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-11-09
- VIN: 1G3CW53L1N4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 OLDSMOBILE 98. THE ALTERNATOR FAILED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER WOULD NOT ASSIST BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AS IS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000. UPDATED 10-29-08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE WATER PUMP FAILED. UPDATED 10/30/08. *JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-06-28
- VIN: 1G3CV5314N4
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 OLDSMOBILE 98. WHILE DRIVING 45-60 MPH OR ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM SLOW SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION FLIPS. THE FAILURE BEGAN IN 2006 AND HAS BEEN OCCURRING FREQUENTLY EVER SINCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS NEVER INFORMED ABOUT A SAFETY RECALL ON HIS VEHICLE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 130,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-02-16
- VIN: 1G3CX53L2N4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 92 OLDSMOBILE 98 ELECTRICAL FIRE WIRING HARNESS NO ACTUAL FLAMES POLICE OFFICER DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-29
- VIN: 1G3CW53L7N4
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN. THE VEHICLES FUEL TANK WAS HALF FULL WHEN THIS OCCURED. THE CONSUMER SUSPECTED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL PUMP. *NLM *TS *JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-12-04
- VIN: 1G3CX53L6N4
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE TO WORK ON A COLD DAY MY CAR STARTED SLOWING DOWN, EVENTUALLY IT GO TO WERE I HAD TO PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE MY CAR DID NOT HAVE ANY DRIVE FORWARD OR BACKWARD ANY LONGER. I KEEP MY CAR IN PERFECT CONDITION IT ONLY 105,970 MILES. ONCE I REALIZED THAT MY CAR WAS NOT GOING TO MOVE I HAD IT TOWED WHICH COST ME OVER$100.00 TO AN OLDSMOBILE DEALER IN CHIEFLAND, IT WAS THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT INFORMED ME THE NEXT WEEK THAT MY TRANSMISSION FLEW APART I THEN HAD TO FORK OUT $2417.39 TO HAVE IT REPLACED WITH A REMANUFACTURED ONE FROM GM. I FEEL THAT SINCE I HAVE HAD MY CAR SERVICED MANY TIMES BY AN OLDSMOBILE DEALER, THAT SOMEONE SHOULD HAVE THOUGHT SOMETHING WAS WRONG SINCE IT WAS JUST SERVICED AND ADJUSTED ONE WEEK PRIOR. AFTER I HAD BROUGHT IT IN FOR NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY. I FEEL THAT OLDSMOBILE SHOULD AT LEAST COVER 1/2 THE COST SINCE IT ONLY HAS 105,970 MILES. TRANSMISSIONS JUST DON'T FLY APART WITH THAT LITTLE MILES. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT WHEN IT WAS CHECKED OUT THE LAST TIME WHEN IT FLEW APART I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOT MUCH FLUID LEFT IN THE TRANSMISSION, HOWEVER THERE WAS NO LEAK, NOR WERE THERE STAINS IN MY GARAGE, THE PARKING LOT AT WORK OR ANYWHERE ELSE. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT INVESTIGATE THE SITUATION ANY FURTHER DUE TO THE FACT THAT THEY NEEDED TO RETURN THE CORE UNTOUCHED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-02-01
- VIN: 1G3CW53L4N4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE INSIDE LIGHT OVERHEATED THE VEHICLE. *JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-04-29
- VIN: 1G3CX53L7N4
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THERE IS RECALL 96V015002 FOR THIS CAR FOR THIS PROBLEM CONCERNING TRANSMISSION COOLING LEAK. THE CAMPAIGN I CONTACTED OLDSMOBILE AND THEY TOLD ME THERE IS NO ACTIVE RECALL FOR MY CAR. SAFETY DEFECT NOT LISTED. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-29
- VIN: 1G3CW53L7N4
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: BEFORE PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE I WAS AWARE THAT CERTAIN VEHICLES HAD DEVELOPED A LEAK IN THE UPPER TRANSAXLE COOLER HOSE/LINE. I CAREFULLY CHECKED THAT PARTICULAR COMPONENT BEFORE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE AND IT APPEARED TO BE INTACT. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 1,500 MILES A SLOW LEAK APPEARED WHICH PROGRESSED TO A MAJOR LEAK VERY QUICKLY. I CONTACTED THE DEALER THAT SOLD ME THE CAR AND TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIR, WHICH WAS ACCOMPLISED IN A VERY TIMELY MANNER. I MENTIONED THE POSSIBLE RECALL (RE: CAMPAIGN 96V015000 AND GM TECHNICAL SERVICE BUILLETIN 95C68). THE PEOPLE AT THE DEALERSHIP CONTACTED GM AND REPORTED BACK TO ME THAT MY VEHICLE WASN'T COVERED IN THE VIN SPECIFIC LISTING AND THAT THE EXPENSE OF THIS REPAIR WAS MY OBLIGATION. I HAVE SINCE CONTACTED OLDSMOBILE AND WAS TOLD ESSENTIALLY THE SAME THING. MY CAR FALLS IN THE PARAMETERS OF THE VINS ON THE SERVICE BULLETIN AND IT WAS ORIGINALLY DELIVERED IN COLORADO. OBVIOUSLY, THE PROBLEM WAS THE SAME BECAUSE THE PARTS USED WERE THOSE CALLED FOR IN THE TECH BULLETIN. IT IS MY FEELING THAT GM (OLDSMOBILE) IS AVOIDING THIS SITUATION, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE WORK HAS BEEN COMPLETED. I WISH TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COST OF PARTS AND LABOR RELATED TO THE RECALL.*AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: AREA IMMEDIATELY AROUND HEADLIGHT SWITCH BECOMES TOO HOT TO TOUCH WHEN LIGHTS ARE ON. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-01
- VIN: 1G3CX53L8N4
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-10
- VIN: NOT AVAILAB
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY, BUT THE FUMES CAME OUT OF IT. CONSUMER WAS ON THE HIGHWAY & HAD TO LEAVE VEHICLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. CONSUMER'S HUSBAND MOVED THE VEHICLE, AND THE AIRBAG POPPED OUT, ALMOST CAUSING VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO BUILDING. DEALER REPAIRED PROBLEM AT NO CHARGE. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-15
- VIN: 1G3CW53L9N4
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ONGOING/INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION MOVING WHENEVER VEHICLE PULLED FROM A STOP POSITION. VEHICLE REPAIRED, CONSUMER WANTS GM TO REIMBURSE THE COST. *AK *ML
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER SIDE SEAT IS DEFECTIVE. YH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-09-01
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE ALTERNATOR MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING A NO START CONDITION/STALLING. MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. HAD ALTERNATOR REPLACED 4 TIMES. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3CW53LIN4
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEADLIGHTS FAIL INTERMITTENTLY.
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3CW53LIN4
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: PARKING BRAKE FAILS ON OCCASSION.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-10-01
- VIN: 1G3CX53LXN4
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ABS VALVE REGULATOR FAILED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-21
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ABS BRAKE PROBLEMS, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT IS ON. CONSUMER HAS NOT TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER TO DETECT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE SYSTEM. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-15
- VIN: 1G3BP8374NW
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ABS UNIT CORRODED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-01
- VIN: 1G3CW53L5N4
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE ROTORS AND WHEEL CYLINDERS FAILED.
INTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3WH54T2ND
- Components: INTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: INTERIOR LIGHT SWITCH LOCATION HAS CAUSED CONSUMER TO ACTIVATE ACCIDENTALLY, RESULTING IN DRAINING BATTERTY.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-15
- VIN: 1G3CV5317N4
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: CONSUMER BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH DRIVER'S SIDE MIRROR. CLOUDING AND A BROWN LIQUID SITS IN BOTTOM OF MIRROR TRAY, MIRROR IS COMPLETELY DISTORTED AT THIS TIME. THERE IS NO VISION AT ALL. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3CX53L6N4
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE ANTILOCK BRAKES LIGHT COMES ON.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-19
- VIN: 1G3GW5319N4
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ANTILOCK BRAKE NOISE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-30
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ABS BRAKE FAILED WHEN BRAKES APPLIED, CAUSING A LOCKUP AND ABS WILL NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. *AK
1992 Oldsmobile 98 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1992 Oldsmobile 98.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 1991 THROUGH JULY 1995. THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE CAN SEPARATE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN LOW TEMPERATURES IN COMBINATION WITH HIGH TRANSMISSION LOADS.
- Consequence: VEHICLE FIRES CAN OCCUR DUE TO THE SPILLAGE OF TRANSMISSION FLUID.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1992 Oldsmobile 98 problems:
1992 Oldsmobile 98 Problems and Complaints - 19 Issues
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