1998 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.
Social links
Common 1998 Oldsmobile 98 problems
Oldsmobile 98 1998 is a popular sedan that has been on the road for many years. While it is known for its reliability, there are some common problems that have been reported by owners of this car. This article will discuss these problems in detail.
One of the most common problems with the Oldsmobile 98 1998 is the failure of the speedometer. This can occur due to a faulty speed sensor or a damaged speedometer cable. When the speedometer fails, it can cause safety issues and make it difficult to operate the vehicle. It can also make it challenging to pass a vehicle inspection, which is required in some states.
Another common problem with the Oldsmobile 98 1998 is the failure of the fuel gauge. This can cause the driver to run out of gas unexpectedly, leading to potential safety hazards. The problem is often caused by a faulty fuel-sending unit, which is responsible for measuring the amount of fuel in the tank and sending that information to the gauge. Running an engine totally out of gas is never recommended, as it can damage the fuel system components, especially if it happens repeatedly.
Temperature gauge failure is also a common problem with the Oldsmobile 98 1998. When the temperature gauge stops working, it can lead to engine damage or failure due to overheating. Temperature gauge failure is often caused by a faulty temperature sensor or a damaged wiring connection.
Faulty warning lights in the instrument cluster can also be a problem in some Oldsmobile 98 1998 cars. When these lights fail, the driver may not receive 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.
The Oldsmobile 98 1998 can also experience battery issues, which can prevent the car from starting. The battery is considered dead when there isn't enough charge to start the engine or run electrical components.
Rough idling is another common problem with the Oldsmobile 98 1998. When spark plugs fail, the engine will struggle, and the check engine light will come on. The check engine light may appear either solid or flashing.
Finally, the Oldsmobile 98 1998 can experience issues with the power seat switch or the heated rear window switch causing the fuel pump to stop.
How much is an Oldsmobile 98 worth?
A: The lowest recorded sale price was $1,000 for a 1973 Oldsmobile 98 on Aug 27 2022. Q: What is the average sale price of a Oldsmobile 98? A: The average price of a Oldsmobile 98 is $35,073.
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 engine is in a 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue?
3.8 L V61998 Oldsmobile Intrigue / Engine
1998: The Oldsmobile Intrigue was introduced as an all new model. Available in GX (base), GL, and GLS trim, all featured the 3.8 L V6 and 4-speed automatic transmission standard.
How much does a 1998 Oldsmobile 88 weight?
3,465 lbs1998 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight / Curb weight
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.
How much is an Oldsmobile 98 worth?
A: The lowest recorded sale price was $1,000 for a 1973 Oldsmobile 98 on Aug 27 2022. Q: What is the average sale price of a Oldsmobile 98? A: The average price of a Oldsmobile 98 is $35,073.
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.
1998 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Air bags problems
- Power train problems
- Tires problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Oldsmobile 98 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1998 Oldsmobile 98
The NHTSA has received 30 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Oldsmobile 98. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1998 Oldsmobile 98 vehicles.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-03-16
- VIN: 1G3HC52K8W4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: BOUGHT MY 1998 OLDSMOBILE REGENCY IN JULY OF 2005 WITH 78000 MILES ON IT. MARCH OF 2006 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND GO OFF. THE COOLANT WAS BONE DRY UPON INSPECTION BY SELF. THERE WERE NO VISIBLE LEAKS. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO HAD TO REPLACE THE PLENUM AT A COST OF $533.00. THE PLENUM HAD CRACKED AND COOLANT RAN INTO THE #3 CYLINDER. I THEN HAD TO HAVE THE FUEL INJECTORS CLEANED AT THE DEALER WHO CHARGED ME $170.00 FOR THAT JOB. NOW I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE ANTI-THEFT LOCK SYSTEM. MY SECURITY LIGHT KEEPS COMING AND GOING AND MY CAR WON'T RECOGNIZE MY KEY. WHEN THIS HAPPENS ABOUT (EVERY 3RD START LATELY) THE FUEL SYSTEM AND THE STARTER SHUT DOWN FOR 3 MINUTES. IT DOESN'T ALWAYS START AFTER I WAIT 3 OR 4 MINUTES EITHER, SO I HAVE TO SIT AND WAIT ANOTHER 3-4 MINUTES AND SO ON. (ONCE I HAD WAITED 2 HOURS BEFORE IT WOULD START.) I HAD A LOCKSMITH LOOK AT IT WHO SAID HE COULD FIX IT (ULTIMATELY HE COULDN'T) BUT ENDED UP PAYING $135.00 FOR THAT SERVICE AND THEN FIGHTING HIM WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S HELP AND GOT A REFUND. I STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ALMOST A YEAR. I TOOK IT TO A DEALER AND THEY SAID IT IS "PROBABLY" THE COMPUTER AND CHARGED ME $80.00 TO TELL ME THAT. HE SAID HE COULD "TRY" TO FIX THAT PROBLEM FOR ABOUT $450.00. I DON'T WANT TO DEAL WITH THIS ANYMORE AND WISH SOMEONE COULD HELP ME. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-03-13
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MY 1998 OLDSMOBILE REGENCY WAS LOSING COOLANT. I COULD NOT SEE A VISIBLE LEAK. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON, SO I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED. THE MECHANIC FOUND THE UPPER INTAKE (PLENUM) TO BE LEAKING THE COOLANT INTO THE ENGINE (CYLINDER #3.) THE LEAK WAS CAUSED DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE INTAKE PLENUM IS MADE OF PLASTIC. I INTEND TO SEND OLDSMOBILE A COPY OF MY BILL WHICH WAS $533.32. WHY WOULD A COMPANY MAKE A PART SUCH AS THIS OUT OF PLASTIC? BY THE WAY, MY INDICATOR LIGHT IS STILL ON, SO I WILL NEED TO HAVE A DEALER CHECK IT OUT, AS THE ORIGINAL MECHANIC CAN FIND NO REASON FOR IT REMAINING LIT. *NM
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-16
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G3CX52K5T4
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DT: 1996 OLDSMOBILE 98 ELITE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HIT A DEER, AND THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID DEPLOY. THIS AIR BAG HAD A BIG HOLE IN IT, ALMOST 6-7 INCHES LONG AND 2-3 INCHES WIDE. ALSO IT HAD A BURNED LOOK TO IT. NO ONE INVESTIGATED TO SEE WHY IT HAD A HOLE. THE WAS TOTALED. THE CONSUMER'S GRANDDAUGHTER SUSTAINED A DEVIATED SEPTUM. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: COOLANT LEAKED OUT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. HAD TO REPLACED INTAKE MANIFOLD AND GASKETS. *BF E-MAILED CONSUMER RESPONSE EXHAUST GASES HAD GOTTEN INTO THE PLASTIC UPPER MANIFOLD HAD THERMALLY BROKE DOWN THE PLASTIC AND CAUSED THE LEAK. *SC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-10
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I OWN A 1998 OLDS REGENCY WITH 62000 MILES ON IT. THIS CAR HAS THE STANDARD 3.8 LITER V-6 WHICH HAS BEEN IN PRODUCTION FOR PROBABLY 30 YEARS. I NOTICED RECENTLY THE COOLANT RESERVOIR LEVEL WAS SLIGHTLY DOWN AND ADDED COOLANT TO BRING IT UP TO LEVEL. TWO WEEKS LATER MY ENGINE TEMPERATURE WAS SLIGHTLY HIGH SO I CHECKED THE RESERVOIR LEVEL AGAIN. THE RESERVOIR WAS DRY AND I COULDN'T SEE ANY COOLANT IN THE RADIATOR. I CALLED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP, ADDED DISTILLED WATER AND GOT IT THERE. WHEN I ARRIVED THERE WAS COOLANT LEAKING OUT OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THE NEXT DAY THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE UPPER AND LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLDS AND GASKETS AT A COST OF $1050. I QUESTIONED MYSELF AND THE SERVICE MANAGER HOW AN INTAKE MANIFOLD COULD GO BAD. HE INFORMED THAT THE UPPER MANIFOLD WAS MADE OF PLASTIC. I TALKED TO THE MECHANIC AFTER THE FIX. HE INFORMED ME THAT THE EGR NIPPLE THAT FLOW EXHAUST GASES INTO THE PLASTIC UPPER MANIFOLD HAD THERMALLY BROKE DOWN THE PLASTIC AND CAUSED THE LEAK. GM'S FIX WAS TO DECREASE THE SIZE OF THE NIPPLE IN THE LOWER MANIFOLD SO THERE WAS AN AIR GAP BETWEEN THE NIPPLE AND THE PLASTIC UPPER MANIFOLD. THIS FIX WOULD STOP HEAT FROM BEING TRANSFERRED DIRECTLY TO THE PLASTIC UPPER MANIFOLD. GM HAS AN ENGINEERING PROBLEM AND THEY HAVE ADDRESSED IT BY CHANGING THE REPLACEMENT MANIFOLDS. NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED SO THE TOTAL COST IS THE BURDEN OF THE OWNER. I HAVE MAINTAINED MY CAR PROPERLY AND I BELIEVE THIS PROBLEM IS NOT MY FAULT. THE PROBLEM IS GM DOESN'T THINK IT'S THEIR FAULT EITHER.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-05
- VIN: 1G3HC52K3W4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: INTAKE MANIFOLD, MADE OF PLASTIC, RUPTURED DUMPING COOLANT INTO CYLINDERS. RESULTED IN INSTANTANEOUS STOPPAGE OF ENGINE AND LOSS OF POWER STEERING. COULD EASILY HAVE LED TO WRECK. *AK MECHANIC AT FIRST GM DEALER CONTACTED DIAGNOSED PROBLEM SIGHT UNSEEN AS IT IS A KNOWN COMMON PROBLEM. GM STRONGLY SUGGESTED HAVING WORK DONE AT A DEALERSHIP SO THEY COULD MAKE "ADJUSTMENTS" TO THE REPAIR BILL. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALER, NO "ADJUSTMENTS" WERE MADE, TOWING BILL WAS EXHORBITANT, AND REPAIR BILL WAS 30% HIGHER THAN QUOTED BY INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. DEFECTIVE PART IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION (IN MY POSSESSION).
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-01
- VIN: 1G3HC52K8W4
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: OVER THE PAST FOUR MONTHS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS HAS NOT WORKED PROPERLY. *PH THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO FIXE THE PROBLEM. *TT *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3HC52K4W4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE DOES NOT DOWN SHIFT PROPERLY. TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC, AND THEY WERE GOING TO REPLACE THE PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-01
- VIN: 1G3CW54C0L4
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED, DUE TO A FAILED TRANSMISSION. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE VEHICLE INTAKE MANIFOLD WARPED WHICH RESULTED IN THE ENGINE OVERHEATING. *NLM
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-02-01
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: PASSENGER DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL OPEN AND CLOSE INTERMITTENTLY. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. PH
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-20
- VIN: 1G3CW53L1M4
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO PULL OVER. DEALER NOTIFIED. PH *DT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-19
- VIN: 1G3HC52K3W4
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 70MPH ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, THERE WAS WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE TAIL PIPE DUE TO THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD MELTING. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. PH
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: PLEASE PROV
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES OF HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAG ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. MR
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-28
- VIN: 1G3HC52K3W4
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: VEHICLE HAD AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH LOSS OF POWER STEERING. POWER STEERING PUMPS HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES FROM 1,000 MILES UP TO PRESENT. PROBLEM IS REOCCURRING, FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-06-27
- VIN: 1G3HC52K1W4
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CRACKING AND LEAKING. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-01
- VIN: 1G3HC52K4W4
- Components: POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED THE SHIFTER SHAFT WOULD SLIDE TO 2ND GEAR AND NOT CLICK TO 1ST,THE DEALER FOUND A LOOSE NUT AND TIGHTENED IT ON THE SHIFTER SHAFT AND ADJUSTED THE CABLE. CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT. *YD *CB THE DEALER ALSO FIXED A LOOSE CRADLE BOLT BECAUSE THE CONSUMER HEARD A CLUNK NOISE AFTER BRAKING OR WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-04
- VIN: 1G3HC52K4W4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS GETTING A CLUNK AT TIMES WHEN BRAKING AND ALSO WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE. DEALER SAID IT SOUNDED LIKE AN ENGINE MOUNT, WHICH IS A LOOSE CRADLE BOLT. *YD
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3HC52K1W4
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED THAT THE STEERING SYSTEM WOULD SHIMMY, DEALER REPLACED THE TIRES AT 6000 MILES, NO SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN. *SLC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3HC52K1W4
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE IS SHIMMYING WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED, DEALER HAS COMPLETED A BRAKE JOB, TURNED FRONT BRAKE ROTORS, REPLACED FRONT BRAKE ROTORS, PROBLEM STILL CONTINUES. *SLC
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-02
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G3CW54C6K4
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: CONSUMERS MOTHER-IN-LAW WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, THE VEHICLE SHE WAS DRIVING WAS REAR ENDED AND THE SEAT BROKE, CAUSING INJURIES. *YH (DAUGHTER FOR MOTHER-IN-LAW)
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-02
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G3CW54C6K4
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: CONSUMERS MOTHER-IN-LAW WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, THE VEHICLE SHE WAS DRIVING WAS REAR ENDED AND THE SEAT BROKE, CAUSING INJURIES. *YH (DAUGHTER FOR MOTHER-IN-LAW)
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-02
- VIN: 1G34C52K2W4
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: LEFT FRONT TIRE BELTS SEPARATED AND THE OTHER THREE WERE CAPPED CAUSING EXCESSIVE NOISE WHILE DRIVING (ORIGINAL GOODYEAR INVICTA TIRES). NLM
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-17
- VIN: 1G3NP52MIW6
- Components: SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TIRES WORE OUT EVERY 22,000 MILES. ALSO, ENGINE HEAD GASKET BLEW OUT, AND OIL WAS LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3HN52K6W4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: COMPUTER FAILURE.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Oldsmobile 98 problems:
Q&A: Troubleshooting 1994 Oldsmobile 98 Problems | JustAnswer
Jan 26, 2012 ... I have a 1994 Oldsmobile 98 model. The problem is it will shift completely out of gear if constant acceleration is - Answered by a verified ...
How reliable is a good 1993 Olds 98 Regency Elite? : r/Oldsmobile
Oct 23, 2020 ... Even if you get the common GM issues of "Crank position Sensor failure" or "Cam Position Sensor" these are actually cheap parts and fairly easy ...
Random no start on 1998 Oldsmobile Regency - Maintenance ...
Jan 18, 2013 ... Shift into neutral when it won't start. If it starts then replace the neutral safety switch. It's a very common problem as vehicles begin to age ...
1990 Cadillac Brougham .vs. 1983 Oldsmobile 98 Regency ...
Jan 28, 2015 ... Both cars are great and will last a long time with no issues if properly taken care of (although the Olds has the advantage of not having the ...
Oldsmobile 98 reliability?? | GM Inside News Forum
Dec 20, 2006 ... '05 Dodge Durango Limited Hemi AWD. Mom bought new. 102k miles. '74 Buick LeSabre Luxus convertible. 455-4/7.5L. '89 Buick Reatta. 3800 SII L67/ ...
Other years of Oldsmobile 98
Are you having problems with your 1998 Oldsmobile 98?
Leave your review of 1998 Oldsmobile 98