1995 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 1995 Oldsmobile 98 problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1995 Oldsmobile 98, several common problems have been identified:
- Passkey System Issue: Owners have reported a flashing "passkey prob" message on the digital readout. This system is related to the car's security and can cause starting issues if not functioning correctly.
- ABS Light Always On: Another common problem is the ABS light staying illuminated even when the brakes are functioning fine. This could indicate issues with the anti-lock braking system that may need attention.
- Engine Performance: Owners have experienced engine performance issues, such as stumbling or jerking when accelerating quickly. This problem can affect the car's drivability and may be related to fuel delivery or ignition system issues.
- Fuel System Contamination: Complaints have highlighted issues with the fuel system, including a clogged fuel filter with black debris. Contaminated fuel can lead to engine performance issues and should be addressed promptly.
- OBD System Compatibility: Some owners have noted confusion regarding the car's OBD system. While the car is labeled as "OBD 1 Certified," it has an OBD2 hookup under the dash. This discrepancy can cause difficulties in diagnosing engine problems using OBD2 readers.
Addressing these common problems in the 1995 Oldsmobile 98 is crucial to maintaining the car's performance and reliability. Owners experiencing these issues should consider consulting a qualified mechanic to diagnose and resolve the specific problems affecting their vehicle.
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.
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.
1995 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:
- Visibility problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1995 Oldsmobile 98 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1995 Oldsmobile 98
The NHTSA has received 59 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1995 Oldsmobile 98. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1995 Oldsmobile 98 vehicles.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-09-11
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G3CX52K1S4
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 OLDSMOBILE 98. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, SPARKS APPEARED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEY STATED THAT THE CAUSE WAS DUE TO A GAS LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 105,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-07-18
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G3HN52K8SH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 OLDSMOBILE 98 ROYAL. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG SUDDENLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO HOLD THE AIR BAG DOWN AND PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO PREVENT A CRASH. THE CONTACT SUFFERED SORENESS IN HIS NECK AND RIBS. HE ALSO HAS AN ABRASION ON HIS ARM FROM THE FAILURE. HE NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WAS CAUSED BY THE MOISTURE IN THE COMPONENT. THEY OFFERED HIM A SETTLEMENT TO PURCHASE THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER, THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE AIR BAGS OR GIVE HIM A NEW VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 184,716.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-06-20
- VIN: 1G3CX52K9S4
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED ON 06/20/06 WHILE THE IGNITION WAS ON BUT IN PARK. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG ALSO DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH ON 06/21/06. THE WAS NO IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE DURING BOTH INCIDENTS. THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS NOT ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FIRST INCIDENT HOWEVER THE CONTACT OBSERVED THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE 2ND INCIDENT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED NOR LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ON 06/22/06 WHO DETERMINED THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON 06/23/06 FOR A REPAIR ESTIMATE HOWEVER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DUE TO THE COST. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED ON THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-04-15
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G3CX52K9S4
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT REASON UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS CAUSING WINDSHIELD TO BREAK AND DUE TO COST TO REPAIR DASH AND AIRBAGS CAUSED CAR TO BE A TOTAL LOSS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES COOLANT WARNING LIGHT FLASHES, THERE IS PUDDLES OF ANTIFREEZE CAUSED BY THE COOLANT LEVEL SENSOR RETAINER CLIPS BREAKING OFF AND LEAVING THE SENSOR RETAINED ONLY BY THE FRICTION OF THE O-RING SEALS. *TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3CX52K154
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: COOLANT WARNING LIGHT CAME ON---A LARGE POOL OF COOLANT UNDER CAR AFTER STOPPING---INSPECTION OF CAR SHOWED RETAINING CLIPS WERE BROKEN, BUT SENSOR STILL IN PLACE
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-02
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G3CX52K1S4
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG IS MUCH BIGGER THAN THE STEERING WHEEL, DURING AN ACCIDENT IT VIOLENTLY DEPLOYED AND BLEW THE CONSUMERS HAND OFF THE WHEEL WITH SUCH FORCE THAT IT BROKE HER WRIST (RIGHT) AND RESULTED IN 3RD DEGREE BURNS TO THE LEFT ARM, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY TOWARDS THE PASSENGER BUT WENT UP THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD, THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT THESE AIR BAGS ARE OLD AND OUTDATED AND BELIEVES THEY SHOULD BE REMOVED. NLM
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-30
- VIN: 1G3CX52K8S4
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: RETURNED FUEL LINE FOR THE 3.8L ENGINE WAS LEAKING FUEL ONTO THE ENGINE. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE FUEL LINE IS ON BACK ORDER FOR 2-3 MONTHS. *AK
STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-14
- VIN: 1G3CX52K8S4
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING AND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN VEHICLE WAS VERY HARD TO STEER TO LEFT. CONSUMER HAS TAKEN VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT RACK AND PINION STEERING NEEDED REPLACING. *AK CONSUMER ALSO STATES FRONT STRUTS WERE FAILING AND WAS REPLACED.*JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-01
- VIN: 1G3CX5219S4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE OXYGEN SENSOR CAME OUT OF THE EXHAUST TRAIN RESULTING IN LOUD MUFFLER NOISE. ON THE WAY TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT, THE ENGINE TROUBLE LIGHT CAME ON. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE NOISE WAS FROM THE OXYGENSENSOR WHICH HAD COME OUT, THE MECHANIC SHECKED IT AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG SO HE REINSERTED IT . I WAS THEN ADVISED THAT THE ABS SYSTEM WAS NOT OPERATING CORRECTLY EHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. THE ABS MODULE AND AFFECTED PARTS WERE REPLACED AND THE TOTAL BILL CAME TO $1013.61 WHICH I PAID. I DO NOT BELIEVE I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A PART THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE BAD AT THAT MILEAGE AND WOULD APPRECIATE ANY INFORMATION THAT THE FACTORY MAY HAVE PUT OUT ABOUT A CLAIM FOR THAT OBVIOUS DEFECT.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3CX52K6S4
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER COOLING TEMP WAS LOWER THAN NORMAL STOPPED COOLING INSIDE OF CAR DEALER SAID HE FOUND LEAK AND REPLACED UNDER DASH CONDENSER UNIT AT $800 COST NEXT DAY NO DIFFERENCE IN AIR CONDITIONER RETURNED TO DEALER PROBLEM STILL UNRESOLVED. VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL POWER DOOR LOCK AND POWER WINDOW PROBLEMS STILL UNRESOLVED BY DEALER WHO SAID WINDOW MORTERS ARE BAD. IN ADDITION AFTER DALER REPALCED BRAKE SYSTEM MASTER CYILINDER THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON DEALER SAID NOTHING THEY DID CAUSED PROBLEM- THIS WAS THE THIRD VEHICLE FLUID LEAK REPARED BY DEALER
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-16
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE VEHICLE'S ACCELERATOR MALFUNCTIONED CAUSED DAMAGE TO DRIVER'S PROPERTY. YH
SUSPENSION,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-17
- Components: SUSPENSION,WHEELS
- Summary: WHEEL BEARING AND RIGHT FRONT HUB ASSEMBLY FAILED.YH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE CAUSED THE CAR TO STALL,OIL GAUGE ERRATIC, AIR BAG LIGHT TO COME ON AND CHIMMER MODULE TO FAIL. YH (INCIDNT DT.FROM 5-OCT-1995-23-FEB-1996)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-16
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: INSTRUMENT PANEL IS NOISY. YH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-17
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEAD LIGHT SWITCH AND HEAD LIGHT FAILED PRIOR TO THE RECALL(94V-138 AND 94V-190). YH
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-02
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: POWER WINDOW WOULD NOT OPEN OR CLOSE. YH
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-29
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: RIGHT FRONT DOOR AND DOOR LOCK WOULD NOT UNLOCK. YH
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-02
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: EMERGENCY BRAKE MAKES NOISE WHEN BRAKING. YH
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-30
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: COOLING UNIT COMPRESSOR FAILED. YH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-30
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEAD LIGHTS FAILED AFTER RECALL WORK. YH
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-02
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: RIGHT REAR SEAT BELT MALFUNCTIONED. YH
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-12
- VIN: 1G3CX52K4S4
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO GET THE GEAR SHIFT OUT OF PARK. NLM
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-10-17
- VIN: 1G3CX52K4S4
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: OIL GAUGE FAILED, OIL WAS LOW WITH LESS THAN 500 MILES ON THE CAR. NLM
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-29
- VIN: 1G3CX52K4S4
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: POWER LOCKS ON ALL DOORS DO NOT WORK. NLM
1995 Oldsmobile 98 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1995 Oldsmobile 98.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH LIGHTING CONTROL MODULES WHICH CAN EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE CURRENT LEAKAGE DUE TO DAMAGED SURFACE MOUNTING CAPACITORS. THIS CAN CAUSE LOSS OF HEAD LAMPS AND PARKING LAMPS.
- Consequence: SUDDEN LOSS OF HEADLAMPS CAN CAUSE REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. ALSO, THE HEAD LAMPS CANNOT BE TURNED OFF, OR THEY MAY TURN ON WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED, RESULTING IN LOSS OF BATTERY CHARGE AND INABILITY TO RESTART THE CAR.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP MODULE.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: A SPRING IN THE HEAD LAMP PORTION OF THE HEAD PARK LAMP SWITCH CAN FAIL PREVENTING LATCHING OF THE HEAD LAMP PORTION OF THE SWITCH IN THE "ON" POSITION.
- Consequence: THE HEAD LAMPS WOULD NOT STAY ILLUMINATED RESULTING IN REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT HEAD/PARK LAMP SWITCH BUILD DATE CODES AND REPLACE SWITCHES WITH SUSPECT DATE CODES.
Additional sources
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