Most common 1998 Oldsmobile 98 problems
Share of the 27 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Oldsmobile 98 complaints by model year
Best 98 years: 1996. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 1998 Oldsmobile 98:
Power rack and pinion steering failure
GM conducted a safety recall (NHTSA # 02V286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (r&p). The recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 Pontiac grand prix vehicles built between March 1, 1996 and October 31, 1997, 1996-1998 Pontiac trans sport, Chevrolet lumina apv, Chevrolet venture, Oldsmobile silhouette minivans, and Chevrolet…
Engine compartment fires
Ea02-030 is closed with gmea02-030 is closed with GM?s actions in 03v-473 and 04v-090 recalling approximately 529,000 my 1998-99 c- and h-body vehicles equipped with defective fuel pressure regulators.these vehicles were equipped with plastic intake manifolds that are unable to contain pressures that occur in some backfire events and defective fuel pressure regulators with leaking diaphragms that can provide a…
What 1998 Oldsmobile 98 owners say
Engine & cooling
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. …
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. …
Air bags
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.
Consumer states that when driving and without warning the air bag inadvertently deploy causing the consumer to pull over. Dealer notified. Ph
Transmission & drivetrain
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. The dealer also fixed a loose cradle bolt because the consumer heard a clunk noise after braking or when starting the vehicle.
Intermittently when the vehicle is put into reverse it spins like it's in neutral. The dealer states that when the vehicle is in reverse, it goes passed the detent, causing the vehicle to spin. The manufacturer has been notified.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Oldsmobile 98 a good car?
Based on 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 98 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the 98 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Oldsmobile 98?
The engine & cooling — 8 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the air bags (4) and transmission & drivetrain (3).
How many recalls does the 1998 Oldsmobile 98 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 Oldsmobile 98. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Oldsmobile 98?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1996. See the full Oldsmobile 98 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 Oldsmobile 98 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 85,000 miles; 17% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.