1998 Oldsmobile Achieva
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Oldsmobile › Achieva › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Oldsmobile Achieva. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1998 Oldsmobile Achieva. Newest first.
Certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, p/nos. Fp10020-11b1, fp10026-11b1, and fp10027-11b1, sold after january 9, 2007, as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles listed above. the universal pressure regulators (upr) were produced without an o'ring and retainer.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel may leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
Remedy
Delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. the recall began on april 23, 2007. owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.
Certain delphi aftermarket fuel pump modules / module reservoir assemblies (mra) that were sold for use on the above listed vehicles. during production the mras vent and fuel return tubes were reversed. this condition can result in the vehicle not running correctly (idle rough and/or stall) due to an overly rich fuel blend or the vehicle's evaporative…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A stalled vehicle can increase the risk of a vehicle crash. a fuel leak can result in a fire.
Remedy
Delphi will notify owners and replace the defective mras free of charge. the recall began on march 20, 2007. owners can contact delphi at 1-877-335-7443.
On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the switch IS damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed. the fire could spread to the interior of the car, which could injure occupants or cause damage to adjoining structures.
Remedy
Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch, and check that your car will start with a properly charged battery and, if necessary, replace the ignition switch. owner notification will begin on march 1, 2004. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, buick at 1-866-608-8080, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537. customers can also check their vehicle online by going to www.mygmlink.com and entering the vehicle's identification number.
Owner complaints
40 complaints2 involved a crash2 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1998 oldsmobile achieva. While driving approximately 35 mph, a burning odor was detected from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle idled and stalled without warning. The contact had a certified mechanic check the oil where it was diagnosed that the cooling liquid leaked…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 oldsmobile achieva. While driving approximately 35 mph, a burning odor was detected from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle idled and stalled without warning. The contact had a certified mechanic check the oil where it was diagnosed that the cooling liquid leaked onto the oil pan, which mixed the two liquids. Coolant also leaked into the air vents. There were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.
- Electrical system
I was drive along union street in greenville, miss when I notice smoke coming from the hood of the car. I suddenly pull over because the car became engulf in flames. The fireman was called to put the flames out from the vehicle.the car was lost due to the flames and I lost wages due to the car. I contact GMC about the car and they said , the car engulf in flames had nothing to do with them. *tr
- Electrical system
My gm passlock system has been going on the fritz for well over a year now. Every fix would last a couple of months, weeks than go right back to no working. I keep getting lock out of of the car with the anti thieft. I have a 1998 oldsmobile achieva. I have been locked out of my car for more than…
My gm passlock system has been going on the fritz for well over a year now. Every fix would last a couple of months, weeks than go right back to no working. I keep getting lock out of of the car with the anti thieft. I have a 1998 oldsmobile achieva. I have been locked out of my car for more than an hour and a half at times during the middle of winter. I hate gm and their crappy passlock system. There seems to be enough complaints online about it that u would think they would do something about it. *tr
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 oldsmobile achieva. While driving approximately 55 mph, the engine stalled and the entire instrument panel would not function. The vehicle would not restart and was towed to an independent mechanic where they informed that the failure was related to the ignition switch.…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 oldsmobile achieva. While driving approximately 55 mph, the engine stalled and the entire instrument panel would not function. The vehicle would not restart and was towed to an independent mechanic where they informed that the failure was related to the ignition switch. The vehicle was not repaired. There was a recall under nhtsa 04v036000 (electrical system: ignition: switch). The contact was in the process of notifying the manufacturer to verify the vin being included in the recall defect. The failure mileage was 130,000.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 oldsmobile achieva. the contact had her vehicle repaired according to nhtsa campaign ID number 04v036000 (electrical system:ignition:switch). the technician installed a relay kit. years later, she noticed that the failure recurred. the contact called the dealer in…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 oldsmobile achieva. the contact had her vehicle repaired according to nhtsa campaign ID number 04v036000 (electrical system:ignition:switch). the technician installed a relay kit. years later, she noticed that the failure recurred. the contact called the dealer in reference to having the ignition switch replaced. both the dealer and manufacturer stated that because the remedy stated that the ignition switch should only be replaced if necessary, the original recall repair was technically sufficient. the failure still persists. the failure mileage was 80,000 and current mileage was 157,000.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Purchased vehicle in september of 2007, had already had instrument cluster replaced in july of 2006 at yark automotive in toledo, ohio. frequently fails to start. had battery and alternator replaced in october 2007. dealership working on the vehicle now claims the instrument cluster needs to be replaced again. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
1998 oldsmobile achieva. I own the above mentioned car. I have been having a lot of problems with the brakes, namely the ABS system. The ABS light continually comes on and my ABS makes a funny noise. the brakes also clunk several times when the vehicle IS first started. I have taken this to be…
1998 oldsmobile achieva. I own the above mentioned car. I have been having a lot of problems with the brakes, namely the ABS system. The ABS light continually comes on and my ABS makes a funny noise. the brakes also clunk several times when the vehicle IS first started. I have taken this to be repaired at substantial cost and I was told that it was the wheel speed sensor that was not working correctly. Well, it was replaced and the problem stopped for a few days. But, has just started again and it IS the same thing. The ABS light comes on, the brakes get spongy and fail at speeds from 5 mph to 55 mph. The noise from the ABS started again and the brakes are clunking again when the vehicle IS first started. I can seem to get anybody that IS able to do a permanent fix. And I can't get any info from gm about this. I noticed that someone else had filed a compliant on this site about the exact same problem and it was for the same model and year as my car. And, since it presents a clear and present danger, I figured I would file one too. *jb
- Equipment
I purchased a 1998 odlsmobile achieva as a program car in 1998 from bender chevy/olds/cadillac in clovis nm. since the day I drove off the lot I have had an intermittent problem with the ABS system. the ABS light on the dash will come on intermittently and the brakes will fail at speeds less then…
I purchased a 1998 odlsmobile achieva as a program car in 1998 from bender chevy/olds/cadillac in clovis nm. since the day I drove off the lot I have had an intermittent problem with the ABS system. the ABS light on the dash will come on intermittently and the brakes will fail at speeds less then 5MPH. The brake failure occured on two occasions when I was driving the vehicle, which was immediately taken to the dealer for repair. they replaced the wheel speed sensor on two occasions, but made no effort to identify the true sorce on the problem. I gave the car to my son shortly thereafter to drive to school. he just informed me yesterday 01 may 05, that the brakes were still intermittently doing the same thing as they had done previously. specifically the brakes will fail and the car will surge forward requiring a tremendous amount of pressure on the brake pedal to stop the car. I highlight this because it IS extremely dangerous and requires looking into by an agency like this.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
The consumer received recall notice #04v036000 (ignition switch). The consumer took the vehicle to the dealership for repair on 10/11/04. The mechanic replaced relay switch but not the ignition switch. the vehicle was able to be started but will not turn off properly. the mechanic indicated that replacing the ignition switch was not part the recall. *jb
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Ignition switch failed after tires were installed. *ph the vehicle ignition switch failed prior to recall notice. the consumer submitted all invoices for reimbursement but was denied because the manufacturer claims that the part replaced was not the part covered by the recall or that the documentation provided did not substantiate the request. *nm
- Electrical system › Ignition
Recall work was done on the vehicle. prior to recall repair the dealer agree to tow the vehicle back to the consumer free of charge. after the recall was repaired the dealer refused to tow the vehicle back to the consumer without charge. *ph the recall was for an ignition problem. the consumer experienced ignition problems prior to the recall. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While driving at highway speed the vehicle began to knock. then , engine light illuminated. vehicle was towed to a mechanic, and mechanic determined that engine needed to be replaced, and replaced some parts. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While driving at highway speed engine began to knock. Also, engine light illuminated. took vehicle to a mechanic, and he determined the engine needed to be replaced. *ak
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
Alternator - 2ND time that goes out in 3 1/2 years. car bought in 1999 with less than 35000 miles, alternator went out with no warning at 37000 miles in 1999, and now again in jan 2004.
- Seat belts › Rear/other
The vehicle restraints in the rear seat of the 1998 oldsmobile achieva are not cooperative with child restraint systems. the seat belt latch IS located too far forward on the bottom portion of the seat not allowing a secure fit with child restraints. it would be nice if a latch retrofit kit was available for this vehicle so you could just bypass the vehicle restraints all together.
- Steering › Column
Steering wheel IS very loose and when key was put in starter, it would not start. And I could not get key out of ignition. when I had my car towed to the car dealer they told me that one of the two pins that hold the steering wheel on was missing, and the other one was half way out. if I hadn't…
Steering wheel IS very loose and when key was put in starter, it would not start. And I could not get key out of ignition. when I had my car towed to the car dealer they told me that one of the two pins that hold the steering wheel on was missing, and the other one was half way out. if I hadn't had it fixed, the mechanic told me that the steering wheel would have fallen off while driving!! when I had driven it the night before, it was fine. I called gmac yesterday, and they checked into it and decided that since it was a 1998 vehicle and had 120,000 miles on it that they would not cover the charges of $372.96 that it cost to have it repaired. I feel that I should not have to pay for a mechanical defect, that could have caused an accident or killed someone if I was on the freeway and the steering wheel fell off!
- Vehicle speed control
I own a 1998 olds acheiva. My throttle idle sensor has to be replaced for the 4TH time. it IS dangerous as the car picks up speed on its own, and IS difficult to stop. These repairs are excessive and expensive. *nlm
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Fuel system, other › Storage › Tank assembly › Pressure relief devices · Interior lighting · Service brakes, hydraulic · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
The following components were replaced, the alternator, battery, fuel pressure valve, master cylinder, ABS booster, radiator, thermostat, water pump and brakes, and the interior lights were inoperative. *Ak *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic
When the brakes were applied, the pedal traveled to the floor, which caused the vehicle to experienced extended stopping distance. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasoline
The vehicle was off and parked when the consumer smelled fuel. it was later determined that the fuel rail, hose and regulator failed. the dealer also replaced the intake nd valve cover gaskets, radiator hose, wheel cylinders and thermostat. *jb *nlm
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Anti freeze liquid eats away intake manifold, causing vehicle to overheat. Dealer contacted and replaced part.*ak
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
Mechanics advise me these 2 major problems are due to improper installation and parts are inferior material. *Ak
- Vehicle speed control
While pressing on brake pedal vehicle will suddenly start to accerlerate with great force. Dealer has been contacted. *Ak consumer stated that the vehicle was lunging forward after throttle motor valve was replaced. *yh
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Coolant IS leaking from underneath vehicle. dealership IS aware of problem. mechanic at dealership told consumer that transmission was leaking and needed to be replaced. *ak constant problem with low coolant and repairs very expensive. But thought problem was over look. *mj
- Power train › Automatic transmission
While moving transmission would not return to d. After full stop transmission would not go into park.*ak
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
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10170494This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 10114947This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10082506This 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 calibration concerns.
- 10023171ABS pump running when not needed.
- 100170864T40e or 4t45e will not shift no diagnostic trouble codes.
- 10013000If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the start position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.
- 10012577Revised steering wheel position sensor or steering shaft lower bearing replacement procedure and steering wheel position sensor centering procedure.
- 10009220Vehicles may set anyone or a combination of front-wheel speed sensor anti-lock brake system codes as intermittent or hard failures. Gm voicemail express.
- 10009214Ignition circuit thermal events, three phase safety recall 04002. Gm voicemail express.
- 10007858Product safety recall ignition circuit thermal events.
- 10007816Anti-lock braking system (ABS) front wheel speed codes - jumper harness.
- 10007293ABS front wheel speed codes - jumper harness.
- 10005527Some customers may want to tow their vehicle behind another vehicle with all four tires ont he ground. This bulletin provides information regarding recreational (dinghy) towing for certain vehicles including 1988-2004 chevrolet and GMC light duty trucks.
- 10004278Some customers may want to tow their vehicle behind another vehicle with all four tires ont he ground. This bulletin provides information regarding recreational (dinghy) towing for certain vehicles including 1988-2004 chevrolet and GMC light duty trucks.
- 10000782Revised piston pin removal / installation procedure.
- 6089996Some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60 or 4t60-e transxales may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when in park on incline.
- 634710Subject regarding revised diagnostic trouble code p0140.
- 634708Subject regarding revised lower intake manifold installation.
- 631899Subject regarding revised ignition lock cylinder or ignition switch assembly replacement. *Slc
- 628890Some owners may comment on leakage of a few drops of coolant after parking their vehicle.
- 622945Some customers may want to tow their vehicle behind another vehicle with all four tires ont he ground. This bulletin provides information regarding recreational (dinghy) towing for certain vehicles including the 1996 through 2000 toyota cavalier.
- 620810Subject regarding polymer service pistons.
- 619370Owners of some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60, 4t60-e or 4t65-e transaxles may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when standing in park on a hill or slope with the engine running and the parking brake not applied.
- 613590Information regarding snow intrusion into rear drum brake assemblies. **Mr
- 608390Subject on on-board diagnostic (obd) system improvements. *Mjs
- 602983Concerns of door handles on white painted vehicles truning yellow.
- 602826Some customers may comment about a squeak/ squawk type noise coming from the steering column area when turning the steering wheel.
- 601912Conditions regarding weak or discharged battery, slow starting, gen or mil lamp on, various driveability symptoms.
- 601114Seat belt latch slides to seat belt anchor sleeve.
- 54064Comments that the seat belt latch slides to the seat belt anchor sleeve.
Every Oldsmobile Achieva model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.