Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Oldsmobile 88 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Anti-lock braking system has failed 3 times. 1st time was 01-10-03. 2nd time was 04-11-03 and 3rd time was 04-21-03. Ist time resulted in accident and last 2 times I was able to get off highway before rear ending the car in front of me. I will enter the last time this happened.
Starting early 2002 with only 45000 miles on the 1998 Oldsmobile 88 the warning light advising ABS was not operating came on intermittantly. Took to cuesta Cadillac Oldsmobile dealer in san luis obispo calif and was advised that rear brake cylinders were leaking and should be replaced. We did that but intermittant dash error light warnings continued. In 2003 the dealer said to contact GM and request repair but GM refused to accept responsibility. ABS system still inoperative intermittantly and dealer says they will replace ABS pump for $2000 but will not guarantee that it will be fixed.
Brakes failed upon exiting on ramp from rte. 95..depressed brake pedal, but went right down to the floor board..no brakes...downshift/ parking brake into the breakdown lane..just lucky no car collision occurred ...was frightening !...I think GM vehicles should not be so badly faulty..I'm just lucky I wasn't hurt or killed in an accident !
Transmission: upper plate gasket went, causing gear slippage at high speeds which gradually became worse in the lower gears. Transmission replaced under warrenty. Transmission was replaced with a rebuilt unit which is now exhibiting much of the same slippage at high speeds (only minorly at the moment) @ 156,000km. Engine: first engine had the EGR/exhaust design defect that causes the intake manifold to melt and coolant to poor into the engine. Report from the shop was that entire bottom end was destroyed by the coolant, and a full new engine had to be ordered (complete with accessories, etc.). The new engine's idler for the serpentine had the bearing cease, knocking the belt off. Since the waterpump was belt driven, the engine overheated. The car was left to idle in the parking lot for a total time of ~ 5-15min. (the temperature out was somewhere around -40c / -40f.). …
The "ABS" and "traction control off" indicator lights started to come on and stay on some time in November 2000. I called the service dept. At the dealership and was told that there could possibly be ice buildup which causes the speed sensors to go off. The cost to replace any one speed sensor was approx $450-$500 per wheel hub. In July 2001 I took my car in to have the ABS and tractioncontrol issues fixed. The ABS and traction control issues were fixed by replacing the "brain box" for the speed sensors. Two weeks after the fix, the ABS/tractioncontrol off lights came on again. I took my car back and they then found the break pressure modulator valve had a dead spot in the armature. To replace the bpmv will cost approx $1600. These issues all seem to be electronic. Do you know of any issues with the ABS or traction control in this car? Thank you.
1998 Oldsmobile 88 ls, anti-lock braking systems, system check operational and no warning light on every start up. But at 70,000 plus miles in one week's timeframe, ABS brakes intermittently have a hard grab at the end of a complete stop at intersections. But the ABS system has progressively worse and alternates at one or two of the brakes, whether in the front or rear brakes, causing a loud sound. Front pads and rotors are new within the last 5,000 miles and rear drum brakes are at 55% linings.
While the vehicle was parked, the consumer noticed that a liquid was leaking from underneath the vehicle. Also, while applying the brakes the pedal did not go to the floor. The braking power was less than normal. Consumer took vehicle to dealer for inspection, and the mechanic determined that the oil pan gasket and front brake pads needed to be replaced.
Front brake rotors needed to be replaced at 15,000 miles due to excessive wear. Dealer notified. Consumer states the original calipers were defective, dealer stated brake problems were occurring due to vehicle not being driven enough, rear brake cylinders were leaking fluid.
Anti- lock braking system has failed 3 times resulting in one accident. I had it checked out and nothing can be found with wrong with the system.
Was entering into his garage, going about 5mph and brakes wouldn't stop. The consumer stated that the car did damages.
Brake complaints in other 88 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Oldsmobile 88?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Oldsmobile 88, 12% of the model year's 164 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Oldsmobile 88 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1998 Oldsmobile 88, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Oldsmobile 88 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.