1996 OLDSMOBILE 98

2 recalls, 12 complaints - 28 TSBs

96V116000 Jul 1, 1996
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
Defect Description
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.
275,811 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
95V204000 Oct 23, 1995
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE
Defect Description
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 T... Read more
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.
32,869 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Complaint Statistics

12 total complaints 3 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL3
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE1
AIR BAGS1
AIR BAGS Apr 18, 2022
Incident date: Apr 10, 2022
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... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 22, 2012
Incident date: Feb 4, 2012
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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE Mar 22, 2012
Incident date: Feb 4, 2012
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:FRONTAL Jun 8, 2010
Incident date: Jun 6, 2010
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
1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Nov 12, 2004
Incident date: Mar 1, 2002
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:FRONT:ANCHORAGE Aug 5, 1998
SEAT BELTS ARE TOO SHORT FOR PROPER USE.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE Sep 4, 1997
REAR SEAT BELTS NOT LONG ENOUGH TO BE UTILIZED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY Mar 25, 1997
Incident date: Nov 11, 1996
BATTERY REPLACED.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING Mar 25, 1997
Incident date: Jul 3, 1996
WHEEL BEARING FAILED.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) Nov 14, 1996
Incident date: Oct 21, 1996
TRANSMISSION GEAR LEVER STICKS WHEN PUT IN REVERSE NOT ALLOWING VEHICLE TO ROLL BACK.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Oct 30, 1995
Incident date: Oct 18, 1995
DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY TYPE OF COLLISION. TT
1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Oct 30, 1995
Incident date: Oct 18, 1995
PASSENGERS SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY TYPE OF COLLISION. TT
1 injured

Technical Service Bulletins, 1996 OLDSMOBILE 98

28 manufacturer communications from 27 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE3
106000 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY3
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
062000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM2
162000 STRUCTURE:BODY2
061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)1
135100 VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:INTERIOR1
050000 PARKING BRAKE1
19NA273 Dec 2, 2019
350000 EQUIPMENT
This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
19NA273 Dec 2, 2019
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
17-NA-073 Mar 15, 2017
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
130089009 Sep 1, 2013
061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
010601007 Sep 1, 2007
062000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
ENGINE COOLANT CONSUMPTION OR COOLANT LEAK (INSPECT FOR MATERIAL DEGRADATION/REPLACE INTAKE MANIFOLDS) *TT UPDATED 11/02/07 *NJ
050604058 Sep 1, 2005
180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
INTERMITTENT CHUGGLE OR FISHBITE ON LIGHT ACCELERATION OR A HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH NO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS). *TT
040601021 Jun 1, 2004
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
NEW REAR MAIN SEAL AND SPECIAL TOOL FOR INSTALLATION. *TT
040601017 Jun 1, 2004
063200 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
NEW UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD AND GASKET KITS. *TT
010601008A May 1, 2002
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT ON A REPEAT ENGINE OIL PAN LEAK. *TT
010601007A Jul 1, 2001
062000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
EXPERIENCING EXCESSIVE ENGINE COOLANT CONSUMPTION, OR AN ENGINE COOLANT LEAK NEAR OR UNDER THE THROTTLE BODY AREA OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD. *TT
990730030A Apr 1, 2001
106000 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
OWNERS OF SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRA-MATIC 3T40, 4T60, 4T60-E OR 4T65-E TRANSAXLES MAY COMMENT ON A GRINDING AND / OR GROWLING NOISE THAT IS NOTICEABLE WHEN STANDING IN PARK ON A HILL OR SLOPE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE PARKING
010601008 Feb 1, 2001
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT ON A REPEAT ENGINE OIL PAN LEAK. *TT
990730030 Dec 1, 1999
106000 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRA-MATIC 3T40, 4T60 OR 4T60-E TRANSXALES MAY COMMENT ON A GRINDING AND / OR GROWLING NOISE THAT IS NOTICEABLE WHEN IN PARK ON INCLINE. *TT
832006 Dec 1, 1998
162000 STRUCTURE:BODY
SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THERE IS CORROSION ( RUST ) APPEARING ON THE LEFT AND /OR RIGHT ROCKER PANEL(S). *YC
831704 Oct 1, 1998
162000 STRUCTURE:BODY
CONCERNS OF DOOR HANDLES ON WHITE PAINTED VEHICLES TRUNING YELLOW. *YC
98833005 Oct 1, 1998
020000 SUSPENSION
SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE VEHICLE
98838313 May 1, 1998
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE CUPHOLDER DOES NOT STAY LATCHED. *YC
98777155A Apr 1, 1998
106000 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
EXPERIENCING A TRANSAXLE GEAR WHINE NOISE ON COAST DOWN OR LIGHT ACCELERATION BETWEEN 20 AND 40 MPH. *YC
738153 Jan 1, 1998
111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE BATTERY IS LOW OR DEAD. *YC
971101631041 Nov 1, 1997
162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
COMMENTS ON INOPERATIVE POWER DOOR LOCKS (FRONT AND/OR REAR DOORS).
971101735030 Nov 1, 1997
050000 PARKING BRAKE
COMMENTS THAT THE PARK BRAKE PEDAL IS NOT SETTING CORRECTLY OR RELEASING PREMATURELY WHILE TRYING TO SET THE PARK BRAKE. *YC
971101739015 Nov 1, 1997
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
COMMENTS ON INSUFFICIENT RANGE OF THE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM. *YC
9709013202B Sep 1, 1997
011000 STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT STEERING COLUMN SNAP OR CLICK NOISE WHEN TURNING. *YC
9709016116A Sep 1, 1997
061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
COMMENTS OF AN ENGINE OIL LEAK THAT APPEARS TO ORIGINATE TOWARD THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE; REAR OF ENGINE. *YC
97080177715F Aug 1, 1997
102000 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
EXPERIENCE A TRANSAXLE GEAR WHINE NOISE ON COAST DOWN OR LIGHT ACCELERATION. *YC
731608 Jun 1, 1997
135100 VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:INTERIOR
EXCESSIVE VIBRATION OF ELECTROCHROMIC INSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR. *TW
970501735019 May 1, 1997
033000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
WHEN BRAKES ARE DEPRESSED FORCE OR ENGINE LOAD MAY AFFECT AND CAUSE VARIOUS NOISES. *YC
677164 Feb 1, 1997
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
INTERMITTENT NEUTRAL OR LOSS OF DRIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR FROM FOURTH GEAR (REPLACE CONTROL VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY). *TW

NHTSA Safety Investigations, OLDSMOBILE 98

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

EA88010 Opened: Nov 30, 1987 , Closed: Oct 31, 1989
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1987
THROTTLE CONTROL
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER:UNDER PE87-041, GM PROVIDED THECOMPLAINT, ACCIDENT, INJURY, AND FATALITY DATA TABULATED ABOVE.ANALYSIS:DURING GM'S COMPILATION AND EVALUATION OF INFORMATION REQUIREDTO RESPOND TO THE NHTSA'S REQUEST UNDER THE PE, INDICATIONS WERE GIVEN THATTHE NUMBERS OF CONS... Read more

OLDSMOBILE 98 - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the OLDSMOBILE 98 across all model years (1967, 1996).

41 Total Recalls
417 Total Complaints
1 Investigations
31 Reported Crashes
10 Reported Fires
0 Reported Deaths

OLDSMOBILE 98 - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
1999 0 1 View
1998 0 32 View
1997 0 35 View
1996 (current) 2 12
1995 2 71 View
1994 1 23 View
1993 1 15 View
1992 1 46 View
1991 2 69 View
1990 2 26 View
1989 1 14 View
1988 1 11 View
1987 4 25 View
1986 3 13 View
1985 1 10 View
1984 1 2 View
1983 0 1 View
1982 1 2 View
1981 0 7 View
1980 2 1 View
1979 3 0 View
1977 2 0 View
1975 2 1 View
1974 1 0 View
1972 3 0 View
1971 1 0 View
1968 3 0 View
1967 1 0 View

Other OLDSMOBILE Models

Model Recalls Complaints
CUTLASS 101 2,253 View
SILHOUETTE 77 1,287 View
88 46 1,228 View
BRAVADA 46 1,350 View
OMEGA 36 5 View
INTRIGUE 32 1,608 View
TORONADO 27 45 View
ALERO 21 2,936 View