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1996 Oldsmobile 98Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 10 owner complaints about the 1996 Oldsmobile 98, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints102 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage230kAir bags, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 18, 2022. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1996 Oldsmobile 98 has problems

10 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
Air bags32
Electrical system30
Seat belts20
Power train10
Suspension10

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

2 recalls

1996 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

Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system

Recall 96V-116 · Jul 1, 1996 · 275,811 vehicles

Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A NO-START CONDITION AND POSSIBLY AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Anti-theft: control module

Recall 95V-204 · Oct 23, 1995 · 32,869 vehicles

Risk. 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.

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

1996 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
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1996 Oldsmobile 98, and the recalls they led to.

  1. ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESEA02030 · closed Mar 9, 2004
    Led to recall 04V-090
  2. POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURERQ03001 · closed Sep 15, 2003
    No recall
In owners' words

What 98 owners report

Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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…
Complaint 11461221 · Apr 18, 2022 · 230,000 miles
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
Complaint 10335366 · Jun 8, 2010

Own a 1996 98?

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