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U.S. public vehicle records

Oldsmobile 98 recalls by model year

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

180 owner complaints analyzed

30 distinct recall campaigns

105,970 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1967 to 1999 model years. Data snapshot: . 23 complaints include usable failure mileage.

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

1983
0
1984
1
1985
1
1986
2
1987
3
1988
0
1989
0
1990
0
1991
2
1992
1
1993
1
1994
1
1995
2
1996
2
1997
0
1998
0
1999
0
Recall campaigns data
CategoryCount
19830
19841
19851
19862
19873
19880
19890
19900
19912
19921
19931
19941
19952
19962
19970
19980
19990

1983: 0; 1984: 1; 1985: 1; 1986: 2; 1987: 3; 1988: 0; 1989: 0; 1990: 0; 1991: 2; 1992: 1; 1993: 1; 1994: 1; 1995: 2; 1996: 2; 1997: 0; 1998: 0; 1999: 0

Year-by-year records

Oldsmobile 98 model-year comparison
Model yearComplaintsRecallsChange in recalls
196701Not available
196803+2
197101Not available
197203+2
197401Not available
197512+1
197702Not available
197903Not available
198002-1
198120-2
198221+1
198310-1
198401+1
1985710
1986102+1
1987103+1
198870-3
1989700
19901100
1991272+2
1992261-1
1993810
1994910
1995182+1
1996520
199770-2
19982100
1999100

Recall history

30 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

67V021000 · Steering:Linkages

Reported: 1967-03-01 (March 1, 1967) · Model years: 1967

NHTSA campaign record ↗
68V031000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Reported: 1968-04-10 (April 10, 1968) · Model years: 1968

NHTSA campaign record ↗
68V050000 · Vehicle Speed Control

Reported: 1968-05-20 (May 20, 1968) · Model years: 1968

NHTSA campaign record ↗
68V122000 · Tires:Tread/Belt

Reported: 1968-11-21 (November 21, 1968) · Model years: 1968

NHTSA campaign record ↗
73V013000 · Structure:Frame And Members:Underbody Shields

Reported: 1973-01-24 (January 24, 1973) · Model years: 1971, 1972

THE POSSIBILITY EXISTS THAT DRIVING ON UNPAVED ROAD SURFACES, PARTICULARLY ROADS WHICH ARE HEAVILY GRAVELED AND WHICH ARE EXTREMELY WAVY OR FILLED WITH CHUCKHOLES, AT SPEEDS WHICH CAUSE THE CAR TO PITCH EXCESSIVELY, THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER MAY SCOOP UP LOOSE STONES OR GRAVEL AND COULD BE THROWN INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR ONE OF THESE STONES TO LODGE BETWEEN THE STEERING COUPLING AND THE FRAME AND CAUSE INCREASED STEERING EFFORT OR INTERFERENCE WITH STEERING CONTROL OF THE CAR WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED TO THE LEFT.

Consequence: INCREASED STEERING EFFORT OR INTERFERENCE WITH STEERINGCONTROL MAY LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy: INSPECT AND INSTALL SHIELD ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
72V135000 · Steering:Linkages

Reported: 1972-05-25 (May 25, 1972) · Model years: 1972

NHTSA campaign record ↗
72V185000 · Seats

Reported: 1972-07-19 (July 19, 1972) · Model years: 1972

NHTSA campaign record ↗
73V250000 · Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Upper Arm

Reported: 1973-12-27 (December 27, 1973) · Model years: 1974

NHTSA campaign record ↗
74V140000 · Vehicle Speed Control

Reported: 1974-09-04 (September 4, 1974) · Model years: 1975

NHTSA campaign record ↗
74V150000 · Vehicle Speed Control

Reported: 1974-09-09 (September 9, 1974) · Model years: 1975

NHTSA campaign record ↗
76V132000 · Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar

Reported: 1976-09-07 (September 7, 1976) · Model years: 1977

NHTSA campaign record ↗
76V175000 · Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal:Switch

Reported: 1976-11-03 (November 3, 1976) · Model years: 1977

NHTSA campaign record ↗
78V247000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Master Cylinder

Reported: 1978-11-13 (November 13, 1978) · Model years: 1979

A GASKET WAS MISTAKENLY PLACED BETWEEN THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE POWER BOOST WHICH PREVENTED THE TWO PARTS FROM FITTING TOGETHER PROPERLY. DAMAGE MAY HAVE RESULTED TO THE MOUNTING EARS OF THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE HYDRO-BOOST. THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO BRAKE FAILURE.

Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSTALL A NEW BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND HYDRO-BOOST UNIT, FREE OF CHARGE, ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
79V121000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Reported: 1979-05-22 (May 22, 1979) · Model years: 1979

THE INVOLVED VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 106, "BRAKE HOSES". THESE VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH GASOLINE FUEL HOSES IN PLACE OF THE VACUUM HOSE BETWEEN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND CARBON CANISTER IN THE POWER BRAKE VACUUM LINE. SHOULD THIS HOSE RUPTURE, IT WOULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER ASSIST TO THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THIS WOULD INCREASE THE DISTANCE REQUIRED TO STOP THE VEHICLE.

Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE INCORRECT HOSE WITH THE CORRECT VACUUM HOSE.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
79V247000 · Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage

Reported: 1979-11-13 (November 13, 1979) · Model years: 1979, 1980

THE HEADS MAY BREAK OFF THE FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLTS DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION EVEN UNDER NO LOAD CONDITIONS. THIS IS DUE TO THE COMBINATION OF BOLTS USED, HIGH INSTALLATION TORQUE AND ARRANGEMENT OF THE BODY ANCHORAGE.

Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE ALL ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLTS ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES AT NO COST TO OWNER.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
79V229000 · Equipment:Other:Labels

Reported: 1979-10-16 (October 16, 1979) · Model years: 1980

THE TIRE PLACARD (LABEL) DOES NOT CONTAIN THE RECOMMENDED TIRE SIZE INFORMATION. THEREFORE, IT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS".

Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL A NEW LABEL WITH CORRECT INFORMATION AT NO COST TO OWNER.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
82V012000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System

Reported: 1982-01-03 (January 3, 1982) · Model years: 1982

UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE GOVERNOR WEIGHT RETAINER IN THE INJECTION PUMP MAY FAIL. THE THROTTLE VALVE COULD STICK, PREVENTING RETURN TO IDLE AND SHUT DOWN OF THE ENGINE BY THE DRIVER.

Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE GOVERNOR WEIGHT ASSEMBLY IN THE INJECTION PUMP AT NO COST TO OWNER.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
89V102000 · Vehicle Speed Control

Reported: 1989-06-16 (June 16, 1989) · Model years: 1984

A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE, CAUSING INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING (ENGINE RUN ON WITH IGNITION OFF).

Consequence: SERVO ROD ASSEMBLY COULD CATCH ON ENGINE COMPONENTS ANDRESULT IN A STUCK THROTTLE WITH POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: INSTALL A NEW BUSHING IN CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
84V063000 · Equipment:Other:Labels

Reported: 1984-05-21 (May 21, 1984) · Model years: 1985

OMISSION OF THE CERTIFICATION LABELS AS REQUIRED BY FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 110 "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS".

Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL REQUIRED CERTIFICATION LABELS.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
86V145000 · Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections

Reported: 1986-11-03 (November 3, 1986) · Model years: 1986

THERE MAY NOT BE ENOUGH CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE POWER STEERING PUMP RETURN HOSE AND THE ENGINE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: HOSE COULD OVERHEAT, RESULTING IN A HOLE AND FLUID LEAK, AND A POSSIBLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy: REPLACE AND CORRECTLY ROUTE HOSE, AS NECESSARY.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
87V093000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip

Reported: 1987-06-23 (June 23, 1987) · Model years: 1986, 1987

THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) PRESSURE/WARNING SWITCH MAY EXHIBIT BRAKE FLUID SEEPAGE WHICH EVENTUALLY CAN LEAD TO LOSS OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR. ADDITIONALLY, THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR AND ABS ELECTRICAL RELAYS MAY HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO WATER CONTAMINATION DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE LOSS OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR AND/OR LOSS OF THE ABS FUNCTION.

Consequence: LOSS OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR WOULD RESULT IN A TOTALLOSS OF REAR BRAKES AS WELL AS POWER ASSIST TO THE FRONT BRAKES. THE RED BRAKEWARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AND STAY ON. IF THIS WARNING IS NOT HEEDED, ALOSS OF REAR BRAKES AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE IS REQUIRED COULDRESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH. AN INOPERATIVE ABS ELECTRICAL RELAY COULD CAUSELOSS OF THE ABS FUNCTION, BUT NORMAL POWER ASSISTED BRAKING WOULD BE RETAINED.THE AMBER ANTI LOCK WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AND STAY ON.

Remedy: THE ABS AND HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR ELECTRICAL RELAYS AND 30 AMP FUSES WILL BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR ASSEMBLY AND PRESSURE/WARNING SWITCH WILL BE INSPECTED AND, IF REQUIRED, REPLACED.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
87V135000 · Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers

Reported: 1987-09-01 (September 1, 1987) · Model years: 1987

AN IN LINE FUSIBLE LINK MAY MELT DOWN AND CAUSE A FIRE.

Consequence: THE IN LINE FUSIBLE LINK LOCATED IN THE AREA OF THEPLASTIC WINDSHIELD WASHER BOTTLE BRACKET MAY, UNDER A HIGH RESISTANCE LOAD,MELT DOWN AND IGNITE THE WASHER BOTTLE BRACKET RESULTING IN AN ENGINECOMPARTMENT FIRE.

Remedy: THE WINDSHIELD WASHER BOTTLE BRACKET WILL BE REPLACED.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
88V080000 · Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal

Reported: 1988-05-16 (May 16, 1988) · Model years: 1987

EXCESSIVE ACCELERATOR CABLE FRICTION MAY RESTRICT THE CABLES FREE MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE THROTTLE BODY.

Consequence: THIS COULD PREVENT THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO CLOSED(IDLE) POSITION WHEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED; THUS, ENGINE SPEED WOULDNOT DECREASE, AND LOSS OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy: REPLACE ACCELERATOR CABLE.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
91V167000 · Parking Brake:Conventional:Mechanical

Reported: 1991-09-23 (September 23, 1991) · Model years: 1991

WHEN APPLIED, THE PARKING BRAKE LEVER ASSEMBLY MAY RELEASE ONE OR MORE TEETH, REDUCING THE CABLE LOAD TO THE REAR BRAKES.

Consequence: DEPENDING ON THE EXTENT OF THE LEVER RELEASE AND ROADLEVEL. THE PARKING BRAKE MAY NOT HOLD THE VEHICLE, ALLOWING IT TO ROLL, WHICHCOULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. VEHICLE DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 105.

Remedy: REPLACE PARKING BRAKE LEVER ASSEMBLY.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
91V198000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Reported: 1991-11-14 (November 14, 1991) · Model years: 1991

THE CONSOLE MOUNTED SHIFT LEVER MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE SHIFT CONTROL CABLE BRACKET CAUSING LOSS OF GEAR INDICATOR REFERENCE AND SHIFT SELECTOR OPERATION.

Consequence: THE DRIVER CAN PLACE THE GEAR SHIFTER IN THE PARKPOSITION WITHOUT SETTING THE PARKING BRAKE AND THE TRANSAXLE MAY NOT ACTUALLY BEIN PARK, RESULTING IN UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENT IF THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED ON AGRADE. ALSO, THE DRIVER CAN PLACE THE GEAR SELECTOR IN DRIVE OR REVERSE WITHOUTTURNING THE ENGINE OFF AND THE TRANSAXLE MAY NOT BE IN THE POSITION INDICATED,CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO MOVE IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. BOTH CONDITIONS CANRESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy: INSTALL TWO TRANSAXLE SHIFT CONTROL CABLE RETAINING CLIPS.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
96V015000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Cooling Unit And Lines

Reported: 1996-01-23 (January 23, 1996) · Model years: 1992, 1993

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 1991 THROUGH JULY 1995. THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE CAN SEPARATE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN LOW TEMPERATURES IN COMBINATION WITH HIGH TRANSMISSION LOADS.

Consequence: VEHICLE FIRES CAN OCCUR DUE TO THE SPILLAGE OF TRANSMISSION FLUID.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
94V138000 · Exterior Lighting:Headlights:Switch

Reported: 1994-08-02 (August 2, 1994) · Model years: 1994, 1995

A SPRING IN THE HEAD LAMP PORTION OF THE HEAD PARK LAMP SWITCH CAN FAIL PREVENTING LATCHING OF THE HEAD LAMP PORTION OF THE SWITCH IN THE "ON" POSITION.

Consequence: THE HEAD LAMPS WOULD NOT STAY ILLUMINATED RESULTING IN REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT HEAD/PARK LAMP SWITCH BUILD DATE CODES AND REPLACE SWITCHES WITH SUSPECT DATE CODES.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
94V190000 · Exterior Lighting:Headlights

Reported: 1994-10-04 (October 4, 1994) · Model years: 1995

THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH LIGHTING CONTROL MODULES WHICH CAN EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE CURRENT LEAKAGE DUE TO DAMAGED SURFACE MOUNTING CAPACITORS. THIS CAN CAUSE LOSS OF HEAD LAMPS AND PARKING LAMPS.

Consequence: SUDDEN LOSS OF HEADLAMPS CAN CAUSE REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. ALSO, THE HEAD LAMPS CANNOT BE TURNED OFF, OR THEY MAY TURN ON WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED, RESULTING IN LOSS OF BATTERY CHARGE AND INABILITY TO RESTART THE CAR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP MODULE.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
95V204000 · Electrical System:Ignition:Anti-Theft:Control Module

Reported: 1995-10-23 (October 23, 1995) · Model years: 1996

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 THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION" AND FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." IN ADDITION, OTHER CHIME REMINDER FUNCTIONS, INTERIOR LIGHTING CONTROLS, AND POWER DOOR LOCKING FEATURES ARE ALSO AFFECTED.

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
96V116000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System

Reported: 1996-07-01 (July 1, 1996) · Model years: 1996

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗