1998 Oldsmobile 88
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Oldsmobile › 88 › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Oldsmobile 88. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1998 Oldsmobile 88. Newest first.
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 3800 V6 (L36) engines and certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, the regulators have a much higher than usual rate of fuel leaks. a leak can allow fuel to enter the intake manifold through a vacuum line. if the engine does not start when cranked, the fuel from the leaking regulator and a mistimed spark can…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The backfire can rupture the intake manifold. the rupture of the intake manifold can displace a fuel line, pulling an injector out of place, and causing a fuel leak and possible fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install new fuel pressure regulators with improved diaphragms. The recall will be conducted in phased mailings. phase 1 began on june 30, 2004, and phase 2 began on september 30, 2004. owners should contact buick at 1-866-608-8080, oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, or pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
Owner complaints
164 complaints9 involved a crash13 involved a fire10 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
Ignition IS messed up the previous owner said there IS a recall but never show me papers and I was want to make sure there IS one
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1998 oldsmobile 88. When the vehicle was started, smoke appeared without warning. The contact observed oil on the manifold. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vin was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
- Engine
Engine using coolant but no evident leak. after a week of adding a little coolant to reservoir engine ran hot and hydro-locked due to cylinders flooded with coolant. discovered plastic intake manifold had hole in it where the egr tube entered plastic manifold allowing coolant to flood intake.…
Engine using coolant but no evident leak. after a week of adding a little coolant to reservoir engine ran hot and hydro-locked due to cylinders flooded with coolant. discovered plastic intake manifold had hole in it where the egr tube entered plastic manifold allowing coolant to flood intake. this engine had 84K miles. also discovered intake gaskets were replaced at 45K miles by dealer. definitely an engineering defect.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1998 oldsmobile 88. The contact stated that when turning on the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact proceeded to check the coolant in the vehicle finding that there was no coolant in the reservoir. When attempting to turn on the vehicle, the…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 oldsmobile 88. The contact stated that when turning on the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact proceeded to check the coolant in the vehicle finding that there was no coolant in the reservoir. When attempting to turn on the vehicle, the exhaust pipe in the rear of the vehicle released large amounts of white smoke. The contact stated that the when having the vehicle diagnosed by the dealer, the vehicle stalled. The dealer diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 36,000. The vin was not available.
- Engine
Engine compartment fire shortly after shutdown. incident 2015-00005013
- Service brakes
Brakes failed upon exiting on ramp from rte. 95..Depressed brake pedal, but went right down to the floor board..no brakes...downshift/ parking brake into the breakdown lane..just lucky no car collision occurred ...was frightening !...i think gm vehicles should not be so badly faulty..i'm just lucky I wasn't hurt or killed in an accident ! *tr
- Vehicle speed control
Traveling south on hwy 67 in mississippi. Cruise control set at 65. Vehicle speed suddenly started to increase. Applied brakes lightly to turn off cruise control. No effect. Turned off cruise control on steering column. No effect. Repeatedly tried brakes and off switch to no avail. Finally turned…
Traveling south on hwy 67 in mississippi. Cruise control set at 65. Vehicle speed suddenly started to increase. Applied brakes lightly to turn off cruise control. No effect. Turned off cruise control on steering column. No effect. Repeatedly tried brakes and off switch to no avail. Finally turned off ignition and coasted for about 15 seconds. Restarted engine and could resume speed normally with accelerator. Did not use cruise control until headed back north on 67 later in the day. Set cruise control to 65 again and after a few minutes vehicle speed began to increase. I tried brakes and off switch again to no avail. Turned vehicle ignition off and restarted engine. Did not use cruise control again. After arriving home disconnect battery overnight. Apparently corrected whatever "glitch" had occurred since I have used cruise control since with no problems. *tr
- Air bags · Structure › Body
Was driving down a toll road, dear jumped in front of car hit the driver side front, car hit median, flipped, and rolled 3 times. Car IS totaled. Air bags never deployed. *tr
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1998 oldsmobile 88. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning while driving 40 mph. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic for inspection. The failure was located at the engine plemun, which was fractured and caused fluid to penetrate the engine. The engine was…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 oldsmobile 88. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning while driving 40 mph. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic for inspection. The failure was located at the engine plemun, which was fractured and caused fluid to penetrate the engine. The engine was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,191 and the current mileage was 48,000. ..updated 10/30/13 *bf updated 10/31/2013 *js
- Fuel/propulsion system
I just bought this used car on jan 1, 2013. I noticed a smell from the car but wasn't sure what IS was and bought the car anyways. Well a couple weeks later my boyfriend was checking my fluids on the car and noticed a fuel leak under the hood, so we went to auto zone and bought a fuel line that…
I just bought this used car on jan 1, 2013. I noticed a smell from the car but wasn't sure what IS was and bought the car anyways. Well a couple weeks later my boyfriend was checking my fluids on the car and noticed a fuel leak under the hood, so we went to auto zone and bought a fuel line that cost around $30, he put it on, still leaking, well we figured since the fuel line that we bought wasn't precrimped it wasn't going to work, so we went to the junk yard and got the exact same part off another 1998 oldsmobile 88, figured since it was precrimped it would work, not the case, fuel still leaking under the hood, so we went to the chevy dealership in nashville and bought the very last fuel line in the state around $120, which the difference between this one and the other two IS that it IS 6 ft. Long, so we put the new 6FT fuel line on, well it stopped leaking under the hood, and discovered 1 week later that my vehicle was leaking fuel under the car by the back passenger wheel, so we put a fuel pressure sensor on the vehicle figuring that would control the fuel, because we heard that if that goes out it will cause fuel to leak from weak spots, well almost 4 mo. Later my vehicle IS still leaking gas from under the car by the passenger back wheel.this IS my daily driver back and forth to work. I found a recall on this and would like my issue to be addressed. *tr
- Engine
Yesterday our car began overheating. We added a bottle of coolant yesterday and another two gallons today along with a bottle of stop leak and had it towed to our mechanic. our mechanic told us it seems like the engine has seized completely and he IS not equipped to fix it. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Engine hydro locked when a crack in the plastic intake manifold allowed coolant to be sucked into the engine cylinders, causing the engine to lock up while my wife was driving it. Fortunately, no accident occurred, but this seems to be a very common problem due to what seems to be a design flaw by…
Engine hydro locked when a crack in the plastic intake manifold allowed coolant to be sucked into the engine cylinders, causing the engine to lock up while my wife was driving it. Fortunately, no accident occurred, but this seems to be a very common problem due to what seems to be a design flaw by gm. We had to have the engine replaced, and the intake manifold, at a cost of $5,400.00. We heard that there was a class action lawsuit because of this problem, but people were just afforded a short time to act on it, and we were not even notified. IS there another suit that we can be a part of? We should not have had to replace an engine with just 44,000 miles on it. *js
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
My car has the same problems described in the latest gm recall in cars with the 3.8 l motor in which oil leaks out onto the exhaust manifold and could cause a fire. I have contacted the number given but it showed my 1998 olds 88 IS not covered even though it has the same motor and problem in the recall. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Gradually you will see a depletion of the anti-freeze from the holding reservoir. this IS could be a sign that the intake manifold IS beginning to leak anti-freeze (just a little) into the engine. sooner or later when the erosion IS large enough then a plume of white smoke will come out of the…
Gradually you will see a depletion of the anti-freeze from the holding reservoir. this IS could be a sign that the intake manifold IS beginning to leak anti-freeze (just a little) into the engine. sooner or later when the erosion IS large enough then a plume of white smoke will come out of the exhaust and you have no choice but to pull over and call the tow truck. I have replaced the engine intake manifold twice on my 1998 olds 88 due to degrading of the interior wall where the anti-freeze flows back into the engine. both times the total cost of the repair (including plugs, wires, new manifold, labor) was around $1,200. on the last manifold gm had established adding a piece of metal where the anti-freeze was eroding the "space age plastic" intake manifold. based on this, gm knows this IS an engineering problem, but they will not take ownership of it and or pay for it. *tr
- Seat belts › Front
Driver side seat belt jammed and IS unusable. gm website limits contact to existing brands. There IS no provision for oldsmobile owners, and no dealerships to contact. *tr
- Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tire · Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 oldsmobile 88 LS. when attempting to change a flat tire the plastic nut that secured the spare tire would not retract. the nut was broken with a hammer so that the tire could be changed. the current mileage was unknown because he no longer owns the vehicle. the failure mileage was 190,000. updated 09/12/07 *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
On numerous occasions while driving I'll hit brakes check engine light comes on brakes grind loudly and engine stalls. Also the engine will stall at any cruising speed over 40 mph. Causing full power loss including brakes my daughter and I have received injuries from this in the past. Need help asap *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 oldsmobile delta eighty eight. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start on the first attempt and shut down at stop lights and stop signs. the contact examined the vehicle and discovered gasoline in the fuel line. this same failure was discovered on two…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 oldsmobile delta eighty eight. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start on the first attempt and shut down at stop lights and stop signs. the contact examined the vehicle and discovered gasoline in the fuel line. this same failure was discovered on two prior occasions. the vehicle was taken to a dealer once before ,and the fuel pressure regulator was replaced. the vehicle failed to start again and had the same symptoms as stated in recall # 04v09000. the contactwas uncertain if the vehicle was included in the recall. the current and failure mileage were 113,000.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 oldsmobile 88 LS. the vehicle stalled and would not accelerate, the steering didn't lock and the airbag light illuminated. the failure mileage was 79,000. the failure occurred on six occasions. the dealer stated that they were unable to duplicate the problem. the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 oldsmobile 88 LS. the vehicle stalled and would not accelerate, the steering didn't lock and the airbag light illuminated. the failure mileage was 79,000. the failure occurred on six occasions. the dealer stated that they were unable to duplicate the problem. the contact stated that due to the safety risk involved the manufacturer should be able diagnose the failure. the current mileage was 80,435. *Ak the consumer states has taken vehicle into dealer for 2 dianostics checks no failures found. Engine still continues to stall. Update *4/23/07tr
- Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
Dt: the metal brackets that hold the seat to the floor ripped in half, they were 4 inches off the floorboard, right under the seat. the seat controls were damaged from the seat. Consulted with the manufacturer, who had no idea why the seat broke or whtat was the stress on the seat. consumer was driving when the seat came up and fell into the back floorboard. The car IS in the shop at this point for repairs.*ak
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery
1998 oldsmobile eighty eighty has problem where there IS leakage of battery fluid from the positive pole of the battery. *mr the positive pole had come out of the battery and caused the vehicle to come to a complete stop. the driver had no control of the vehicle. three battery's had been replaced, the first was still under warranty. (ac delco battery) *sc *jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
1998 oldsmobile 88 recall concerning defect on the 3.8 V6 engine.*mr the consumer had to have the same recall repaired twice, the first time the manufacturer reimbursed the consumer some of his money, but the second time the manufacturer refused to reimburse the consumer. recall#04v090000 *jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
Vehicle stopped running. consumer had the vehicle fuel regulator repaired on two vehicles, same year, make and model. a recall was received by the manufacture involving only one of the vehicles, and reimbursement will be made for the one vehicle that was included in the fuel regulator recall. the consumer's second vehicle was not included in the fuel regulator nhtsa recall 04v09000. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Ltr to gm reimbursement for repair on recall defect of intake manifold on 1998 oldsmobile eighty-eight. *bf the vehicle intake manifold failed prior to recall notification. when the consumer started the vehicle it backfired and shut off. the consumer attempted to restart the vehicle several times without success. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
My oldsmobile 88 was loosing anti-freeze. there was a recall on the fuel pressure regulator, so I took it in for recall repair and had the dealer check the coolant system. they said my intake manifold needed to be replaced at a cost of $1200. this IS the second time I have had to have this done…
My oldsmobile 88 was loosing anti-freeze. there was a recall on the fuel pressure regulator, so I took it in for recall repair and had the dealer check the coolant system. they said my intake manifold needed to be replaced at a cost of $1200. this IS the second time I have had to have this done to the car. the intake manifold was replaced at 60000 miles.apparently the plastic manifold IS not able to handle the heat. my car has never overheated and this should not be happening. I have 133,000 miles on the vehicle and should not have had to replace this manifold twice.*ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine compartment fires
Ea02-030 IS closed with gmea02-030 IS closed with gm?s actions in 03v-473 and 04v-090 recalling approximately 529,000 my 1998-99 c- and h-body vehicles equipped with defective fuel pressure regulators.these vehicles were equipped with plastic intake manifolds that are unable to contain pressures that occur in some…
Ea02-030 IS closed with gmea02-030 IS closed with gm?s actions in 03v-473 and 04v-090 recalling approximately 529,000 my 1998-99 c- and h-body vehicles equipped with defective fuel pressure regulators.these vehicles were equipped with plastic intake manifolds that are unable to contain pressures that occur in some backfire events and defective fuel pressure regulators with leaking diaphragms that can provide a source of fuel to produce a combustible air-fuel mixture in the manifold.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by odi that no safety defect exists in the vehicles that are not included in gm?s recalls.odi will continue to monitor the incidence of manifold ruptures and related fires in other my 1995-2002 gm passenger cars equipped with the subject intake manifold.for additional information, see the attached closing report.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10170494This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 10017568Intermittent chuggle or fishbite on light acceleration or a highway speeds with no diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs).
- 10016464Wire harness may be stretched, or the pcs may not be oriented in the same position, after installing a service replacement valve body assembly. Gm tech link.
- 10012148New rear main seal and special tool for installation.
- 10008471New upper intake manifold and gasket kits.
- 10007859Upcoming product safety recall fuel pressure regulator.
- 6088955Subject regarding low power / stumble when accelerating in turns or straight line.
- 635006Information on servicing 4t65-e transaxle spacer plate and gaskets for various models from 1997 through 2002.
- 634997Information on servicing 4t65e transaxle spacer plate and gaskets.
- 634985Concerns with slips, harsh upshift or garage shifts, launch shudders, flares, erratic shifts and intermittent concerns, diagnostic trouble code p1811 or p0748 set.
- 634813Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak.
- 628928Some owners may comment on a transmission oil leak. Updated
- 620835Experiencing excessive engine coolant consumption, or an engine coolant leak near or under the throttle body area of the upper intake manifold.
- 619177Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak.
- 619176Engine coolant consumption or coolant leak (inspect for material degradation/replace intake manifolds) updated 11/02/07
- 608390Subject on on-board diagnostic (obd) system improvements. *Mjs
- 607351Vehicles with hydra-matic transaxle may exhibit vehicle shudder when reapplying throttle (greater than 50%) after stopping.
- 606218Certain vehicles were built with incorrect vehicle emission control labels. The emission control (tune-up) labels have an incorrect emission vacuum hose routing schematic.
- 606063Product emission campaign regarding vehicles with an incorrect vehicle emission control label.
- 602983Concerns of door handles on white painted vehicles truning yellow.
- 602751Some customers may comment that the vehicle
- 601394Some customers may comment that the cupholder does not stay latched.
- 601121Condition regarding the engine intermittently stalls during a closed throttle deceleration from about 35 mph.
- 600214Comments that the engine runs rough, has lack of power, has a knock noise, and/or the mil (malfunction indicator light) IS illuminated.
- 600193Information on spark plug tip erosion calibration pcm reflash.
- 54065Comments on inoperative power door locks (front and/or rear doors).
Every Oldsmobile 88 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.