1997 OLDSMOBILE 98

0 recalls, 35 complaints - 22 TSBs

No recalls found for this vehicle.

Complaint Statistics

35 total complaints

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER6
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE5
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY3
SEAT BELTS2
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM1
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS1
ENGINE Dec 4, 2014
Incident date: Dec 5, 2008
WHILE GETTING ON THE FREEWAY THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED. I NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL FROZE, AND LOOKED DOWN AND SAW THAT THE LIGHTS HAD COME IN AND THE ENGINE HAD STOPPED. I WAS ABLE TO PUT IN PARK AND START THE ENGINE. NO FURTHER PROBLEMS THE REST OF THAT TRIP. ABOUT A MONTH LATER THE SAME THING HA... Read more
STEERING Dec 4, 2014
Incident date: Dec 5, 2008
WHILE GETTING ON THE FREEWAY THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED. I NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL FROZE, AND LOOKED DOWN AND SAW THAT THE LIGHTS HAD COME IN AND THE ENGINE HAD STOPPED. I WAS ABLE TO PUT IN PARK AND START THE ENGINE. NO FURTHER PROBLEMS THE REST OF THAT TRIP. ABOUT A MONTH LATER THE SAME THING HA... Read more
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER Dec 30, 2003
Incident date: Aug 23, 2003
REA SEAT BELTS UNABLE TO FASTEN THEM TO SECURE PASSENGERS. BUCKLES RECESSED TO FAR INTO REAR SEAT CUSHION. REQUIRES ASISTANCE TOBUCKLES PASSENGERS BELTS. VERY DANGEROUS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM May 12, 2003
Incident date: May 12, 2003
I OWN A 1997 OLDSMOBILE REGENCY V6-3800 3.8L, VIN: [XXX]. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD IS LEAKING COOLANT, AND THE COST TO REPLACE IS APPROX. $800~$1000, DUE TO A GASKET FAILURE. I DON'T FEEL THAT THE GASKET SHOULD HAVE FAILED SO SOON. THE SERVICE DEPT. AT OLDS TELLS ME THAT THEIR ARE GASKET PROBLEMS WITH 3.... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Jun 3, 2002
Incident date: Apr 28, 2002
VEHICLE HAS STALLED 7 TIMES AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE TWICE, BUT COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE.*AK TO STOP ENGINE STALLING, THE DEALER REPLACED THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. *YH
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY Jul 21, 2000
Incident date: Jul 21, 1997
FEMALE PARTS IN THREE REAR SEAT SEAT BELTS ARE TOO SHORT, CAN'T GET A GOOD GRIP TO PLUG THEM INTO THE MALE ENDS. CONSUMER STATED THAT IN WINTER TIME WHILE HAVING ON A LOT OF CLOTHES BELTS ARE IMPOSSIBLE TO FASTEN, SO CONSUMER IS NOT PROPERLY RESTRAINED.*AK
VISIBILITY Jul 18, 2000
DEFECT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND VISUAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jul 18, 2000
DEFECT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND VISUAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY Jul 11, 2000
BATTERY BLEW UP BECAUSE ACID LEAKED FROM THE POSITIVE TERMINAL. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE BATTERY AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING Oct 11, 1999
WIRES TO SPARK PLUGS ARE DEFECTIVE AND CAUSE MISFIRING. OWNER'S MANUAL SAYS TO REPLACE AT 100,000 MILES. THEY ARE CAUSING PROBLEMS AT 46,000 MILES.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST Sep 24, 1999
THIS VEHICLE HAS AN ELCTRICAL DRIVERS SEAT, WHEN THE CONSUMER SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF THE SEAT AUTOMATICALY ADJUSTED ITSELF ALL THE WAY UP TO THE STEERING WHELL AND WILL NOT RETURN. THE SEAT IS SO CLOSE THE CONSUMER CANNOT SIT IN THE DRIVERS SEAT. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. MJS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Sep 21, 1999
THE A/C ON LIGHT/INDICATOR IS TOO SMALL TO BE OBSERVED WHILE DRIVING. YH
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER Sep 8, 1999
SIDE BARS HOLDING WINDSHIELD OBSTRUCT VIEW. SEAT BELTS HARD TO BUCKLE BECAUSE OF PLACEMENT.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS Sep 8, 1999
SIDE BARS HOLDING WINDSHIELD OBSTRUCT VIEW. SEAT BELTS HARD TO BUCKLE BECAUSE OF PLACEMENT.
SUSPENSION:REAR Sep 8, 1999
Incident date: Feb 1, 1998
FRONT SUSPENSION INSULATOR--BUSHINGS, LOWER CONTROL ARM AND SWAY BAR.
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS Jun 11, 1999
Incident date: Sep 15, 1998
TWO WHEEL STUDS AND LUG NUTS FAILED. MJS
SEAT BELTS Mar 8, 1999
SEAT BELTS DO NOT FIT AROUND THE CONSUMER. THEY ARE TOO SMALL DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE Feb 24, 1999
REAR SEAT BELT RECEPTOR ENDS ARE TOO SHORT, USE OF BELTS VERY DIFFICULT TO KEEP LATCHED.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY Dec 3, 1998
Incident date: Dec 6, 1997
REAR SEAT BUCKLE EXTENSION TOO SHORT, DEALER PUT A SLEEVE AROUND EXTENSION BUT DID NOT LENGTHEN THE EXTENSION TO FIX THE PROBLEM.
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER Oct 20, 1998
REAR SAFETY BELTS TOO SMALL TO USE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS Jul 16, 1998
NEW BRAKE SYSTEM WAS DESIGNED AND INSTALLED BY MANUFACTURER WHICH IS CAUSING A LONGER STOPPING DISTANCE AT LEAST 1-2 CAR LENGTHS, AND ALMOST RESULTED IN REAREND COLLISIONS. *AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE May 6, 1998
Incident date: Feb 1, 1997
REAR SEAT BELT RECEPTOR ENDS ARE SO SHORT THAT USE OF THE BELTS IS MOST DIFFICULT OR IMPOSSIBLE.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR Mar 10, 1998
Incident date: Jul 5, 1997
GOING HWY SPEED (60MPH) WHEN VEHICLE STARTED TO WONDER FOR NO REASON. TOOK TO DEALER & WAS INFORME THAT STABLIZER LINK WAS MISSING FROM RIGHT FRONT WHEEL. DEALERSHIP ORDER PART THAT WAS MISSING OFF OF VEHICLE.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE Feb 20, 1998
REAR SEAT BELT FAILED.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE Feb 20, 1998
SEAT BELT LATCHES IN THE REAR SEAT ARE NOT ABLE TO BE LATCHED.
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER Jan 29, 1998
REAR SEAT BELTS ARE PRACTICALLY UNSABLE.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) Dec 15, 1997
Incident date: Dec 6, 1997
INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN REVERSE, IT DOES NOT ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE SPINS LIKE IT IS IN NEUTRAL. IT HAS BEEN SERVICED NUMEROUS TIMES, SAME PROBLEM REOCCURRED. *AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR Oct 1, 1997
Incident date: Sep 30, 1997
CONSUMER'S WIFE WEIGHT IS 125LBS. SHE GOT INTO THE REAR SEAT OF THE VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED. THE REAR SEAT BELTS WERE TO0 SHORT TO FASTEN AROUND HER. *AK
SEAT BELTS Sep 16, 1997
Incident date: May 19, 1997
CONSUMERS SEAT BELTS ARE NOT LONG ENOUGH TO ACCOMODATE PASSENGERS, THEE REAR SEAT BELTS ARE SUNKEN INTO THE CUSHIONS ,WHEN PULLED OUT THEY DO NOT REACH. DEALER SAID THEY WOULD GIVE EXTEDNERS WHEN CALLED, CONSUMER WAS TOLD THEY HAD TO BE OBESE TO RECEIVE IT. OLDSMOBILE SAID THEY WOULD HAVE SOMETHING... Read more
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR Aug 28, 1997
DRIVER'S SIDE OUTSIDE REAR-VIEW MIRROR TOO SMALL.
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER Jun 27, 1997
SEAT BELT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO BUCKLE BECAUSE BUCKLE GOES UNDER THE SEAT.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM Jun 27, 1997
AUTOMATIC AIR CONDITIONER/HEATING SYSTEM TURNS THE TEMPERATURE DOWN TO 60 DEGREES ERRATICALLY, CAUSING WINDSHIELD TO FOG IN FREEZING WEATHER.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE Apr 24, 1997
SEAT BELTS STRAPS TOO SHORT.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY Apr 24, 1997
THE BUCKLE FOR SEAT BELTS ARE TOO SHORT.
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER Apr 24, 1997
REAR SEAT SAFETY BELT ARE NOT LARGE ENOUGH FOR AN AVERAGE 150 TO 170 LB. PERSON.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1997 OLDSMOBILE 98

22 manufacturer communications from 22 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER2
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.2
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
162000 STRUCTURE:BODY2
135100 VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:INTERIOR1
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE1
033000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST1
050000 PARKING BRAKE1
16NA260 Aug 26, 2016
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
THIS TECHNICAL BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO REPROGRAM THE MEDIA DISC PLAYER WITH THE LATEST CALIBRATIONS TO CORRECT A CONDITION OF THE REAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM NOT OPERATING AS INTENDED IN COLDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AREAS DUE TO CALIBR
Recalls Jun 30, 2014
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Vehicle Recalls
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
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
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
971101739015 Nov 1, 1997
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
COMMENTS ON INSUFFICIENT RANGE OF THE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM. *YC
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
971101631041 Nov 1, 1997
162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
COMMENTS ON INOPERATIVE POWER DOOR LOCKS (FRONT AND/OR REAR DOORS).
971101731615 Nov 1, 1997
152000 SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
CONDITION WITH OUTER REAR SEAT BELTS ARE DIFFICULT TO FASTEN. *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
776110 Jun 1, 1997
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE OIL LEVEL INDICATES OVER FULL (REPLACE OIL LEVEL INDICATOR TUBE ASSEMBLY). *TW
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
731207 Mar 1, 1997
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
INTERMITTENT A/C SYSTEM THUMP NOISE ON INITIAL START UP FROM FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR PANEL (REPLACE ACCUMULATOR). *TW
549001A Mar 1, 1997
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
CLN INDICATOR APPEARS ON RADIO DISPLAY AND DOES NOT TURN OFF (RESET CLN INDICATOR WITH THE EJECT BUTTON ON TAPE). *TW
631218 Jan 1, 1997
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
A/C SYSTEM FLUTTER AND/OR MOAN NOISE WITH HVAC IN A/C MODES. *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 (current) 0 35
1996 2 12 View
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

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Model Recalls Complaints
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BRAVADA 46 1,350 View
OMEGA 36 5 View
INTRIGUE 32 1,608 View
TORONADO 27 45 View
ALERO 21 2,936 View