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.
1998 Oldsmobile 88: engine stalls while driving
16 of the 164 complaints about the 1998 Oldsmobile 88 describe engine stalls while driving.
- owner complaints
- 16
- of this car's complaints
- 10%
- typical mileage
- 73,200
- recalls
- 0
Engine stalls while driving by model year
What owners say
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
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
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
While driving,\ the check engine light flashed on the dashboard and remained on. Then, the vehicle stalled. Driver was unable to restart vehicle. Noticed that coolant leaked from underneath the vehicle. It was towed to the dealer, and mechanic determined that the intake manifold needed replacement. Driver informed the mechanic that this problem occurred more than once ,and has not been resolved.
While driving 55 MPH vehicle stalled. Consumer restarted the vehicle, and drove it home. Consumer will contact the dealer in the near future.
1998 olds lss with 79,000 miles. Engine stalled while driving to work. Dealer diagnosis revealed that most of the coolant had entered the engine through a cracked intake manifold. Stall condition was due to collant in the cylinders. Dealer cited the problem as stress cracking. Intake manifold was replaced. A second, intermittant problem is that the engine will shut off during normal driving. It restarts fine. This happens approximately 1-2 times per week and started about 6 months ago. There are no diagnostics codes set and no one can tell me for certain what causes this. I did change the fuel filter, but that did not solve the problem.
While merging into interstate rush hour traffic with no warning engine failed causing lost of braking and steering effectiveness. No warning was received. Vehicle was towed to dealer and upper intake was found cracked allowing coolant to enter combustion chamber. One week and $800.00 later car was "repaired" vehicle continues to experience fuel delivery problems. Hard starting, random stalling. Dealer advised me this is a common problem with the 3800 series ii engine regardless of mileage or type of use and maintenance. Considering the sudden lost of all power this is very dangerous as braking and steering effectiveness is reduced as is electrical power for accessories such as headlamps and windshield wipers.
White smoke expelled from the exhaust pipe and the engine stalled. It was discovered the sleeve which sealed the exhaust gas as it entered the intake manifold leaked. *mr...
While driving at any speed and no warning the vehicle stalled and was difficult to restart.
While driving vehicle stalls without warning, the dealer has been unable to find the cause of the problem. Nlm
Vehicle stalls intermittently when applying brakes, dealer has serviced vehicle and replaced valves in the exhaust, however problem reoccurred.*ak
Service bulletins that may apply
- Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- Engine coolant consumption or coolant leak (inspect for material degradation/replace intake manifolds) tt...
- New upper intake manifold and gasket kits
- New rear main seal and special tool for installation
- Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak
- Experiencing excessive engine coolant consumption, or an engine coolant leak near or under the throttle...
- Comments that the engine runs rough, has lack of power, has a knock noise, and/or the MIL (malfunction...
- Condition regarding the engine intermittently stalls during a closed throttle deceleration from about 35 mph
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1998 Oldsmobile 88 stalling
Is engine stalls while driving a common problem on the 1998 Oldsmobile 88?
16 of 164 owner complaints about the 1998 Oldsmobile 88 (10%) mention engine stalls while driving. The model year with the most reports is 1998.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Oldsmobile 88?
There are 0 recalls and 9 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1998 Oldsmobile 88
Overheating 17Check engine light 11Engine failure 11Fire or smoke 11Loss of power 7ABS 5Brake failure 5
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