1996 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 1996 Oldsmobile 98 problems
Based on the information gathered from various sources about the Oldsmobile 98 1996 model, here is a list of common problems reported by owners:
- Transmission Issues: The automatic transmission in the Oldsmobile 98 may experience various problems, such as dropping out of drive while cruising, erratic shifting, or issues with specific gears due to bad ground connections for the shift solenoids. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to transmission issues are crucial to ensure the smooth operation of the vehicle.
- Engine Noise and Oil Consumption: Owners have reported excessive oil consumption and engine noise, often accompanied by spark knock due to valve-stem seal failure in the 3.8-liter engines. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further engine damage and ensure optimal engine performance.
- Steering Column Clicking: Another reported problem is the upper-bearing mount in the steering column getting loose and causing a clicking noise, which may require a new bearing spring and turn-signal cancel cam. Addressing this issue is essential for maintaining proper steering functionality and safety.
By addressing these common problems reported by owners of the Oldsmobile 98 1996 model, car owners can be better informed and prepared to address potential issues to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of their vehicles.
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 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?
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 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 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?
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.
1996 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:
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Seat belts problems
- Suspension problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Oldsmobile 98 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1996 Oldsmobile 98 complaints
The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Oldsmobile 98.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-10
- VIN: 1G3CX52K8T4
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 1996 Oldsmobile 98. The contact stated while driving at 10-15 MPH, the driver's side air bag deployed inadvertently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was drivable; however, the contact's boyfriend pushed the vehicle in the nearby parking lot with assistance of a bystander. The vehicle was towed to the residence of the contact's friend. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-02-04
- VIN: 1G3CX52K3T4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER AS NOTED ON OTHER MODELS IS DEFECTIVE IN THIS MODEL BUT IS NOT LISTED WITH GM FOR THIS VIN. THEIR IS NO SECURITY WARNING CHIME WHEN "KEY IN THE IGNITION" IN THE OFF POSITION AND DOOR OPEN. HOWEVER, THE SEATBELT WARNING CHIME DOES WORK. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-06-06
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G3CX52K6T4
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: INAPPROPRIATE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. AUTO MOVING AT 5 TO 10 MILES PER HOUR, NO COLLISION WITH ANYTHING AND THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. UPPER BODY INJURIES, WENT TO HOSPITAL. AUTO TOTALED BY INSURANCE COMPANY. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-01
- VIN: 1G3CX52K9T4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE IT IWAS MISSING LIKE A SPARK PLUG IF IWAS NOT FIRING. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THAT VERY ISSUE. HOWEVER, CONSUMER CONTACTED GMC, AND WAS TOLD THAT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3CX52K7T4
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELTS ARE TOO SHORT FOR PROPER USE.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3CX52K7T4
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: REAR SEAT BELTS NOT LONG ENOUGH TO BE UTILIZED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-11
- VIN: 1G3CX52K3T4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BATTERY REPLACED.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-03
- VIN: 1G3CX52K6T4
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHEEL BEARING FAILED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-21
- VIN: 1G3CX52K7T4
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION GEAR LEVER STICKS WHEN PUT IN REVERSE NOT ALLOWING VEHICLE TO ROLL BACK.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-18
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY TYPE OF COLLISION. TT
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-18
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: PASSENGERS SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY TYPE OF COLLISION. TT
1996 Oldsmobile 98 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1996 Oldsmobile 98.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
- Summary: A BACKFIRE DURING ENGINE STARTING CAN CAUSE BREAKAGE OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A NO-START CONDITION AND POSSIBLY AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING. UNTIL THE CAMPAIGN REPAIR IS MADE, THE VEHICLE HOOD SHOULD BE SHUT WHENEVER STARTING THE VEHICLE TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF PERSONAL INJURY.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE
- Summary: THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH A MALFUNCTION ALARM, LIGHTING AND LOCKING (MALL) MODULE THAT CAN CONTAIN A DAMAGED CAPACITOR. IF THE CAPACITOR IS DAMAGED, THE "KEY IN THE IGNITION" WARNING CHIME AND THE DRIVER SEAT BELT UNBUCKLED WARNING CHIME AND INDICATOR LAMP MAY NOT WORK. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION" AND FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." IN ADDITION, OTHER CHIME REMINDER FUNCTIONS, INTERIOR LIGHTING CONTROLS, AND POWER DOOR LOCKING FEATURES ARE ALSO AFFECTED.
- Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE; THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE AWARE THAT THE KEY WAS LEFT IN THE IGNITION OR THAT THE SAFETY BELT WAS NOT BUCKLED.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF REQUIRED, REPLACE THE MALL MODULE.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 Oldsmobile 98 problems:
Q&A: Common Problems with 1996 Oldsmobile 98 | JustAnswer
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