Menu

1986 Oldsmobile 98Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 13 owner complaints about the 1986 Oldsmobile 98, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints130 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem6Service brakes, hydraulic

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 2, 2008. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1986 Oldsmobile 98 has problems

13 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Service brakes, hydraulic60
Steering40
Suspension20
Electrical system10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

1986 Oldsmobile 98 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

Recall 87V-093 · Jun 23, 1987 · 6,004 vehicles

Risk. LOSS OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR WOULD RESULT IN A TOTALLOSS OF REAR BRAKES AS WELL AS POWER ASSIST TO THE FRONT BRAKES.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Oldsmobile.

Best & worst years

1986 vs. every other 98 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 98 median. How we score

'67'68'71'72'74'75'77'79'80'81'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
7 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1986 Oldsmobile 98, and the recalls they led to.

  1. THROTTLE NON-RETURNC89001 · closed Jan 16, 1990
    No recall
  2. STALLINGEA87022 · closed Nov 27, 1991
    No recall
  3. HYDRO BOOSTEA88019 · closed Oct 31, 1990
    No recall
  4. SUDDEN ACCELERATIONEA88031 · closed Oct 23, 1989
    No recall
  5. REAR BRAKE PINEA89028 · closed Jul 27, 1990
    No recall
  6. HYDROBOOST FAILUREPE87038 · closed Jan 28, 1988
    No recall
  7. ANTI LOCK BRAKESPE89098 · closed May 17, 1989
    No recall
In owners' words

What 98 owners report

Recent service brakes, hydraulic complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

BRAKES DO NOT WORK PROPERLY, THEY FELT VERY SPONGY IN THE MORNING. *AK THE BRAKES WERE FIXED AND REMAINED INOPERATIVE WHEN FIRST STARTED IN THE MORNING. *SCC *JB
Complaint 10022051 · Oct 1, 2003
ABS SYSTEM FAILED AND THE COMPANY NO LONGER MAKES THE PART TO CORRECT IT, SO NOW THE CAR CANNOT BE DRIVEN BECAUSE IT HAS NO BRAKING SYSTEM. *AK
Complaint 968571 · Jul 11, 1995

Own a 1986 98?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.