I smelled what seemed to be burning wire coming from inside my vehicle while I was driving. Shortly thereafter I noticed smoke coming from the steering wheel. Subsequently, the airbag deployed while I was operating the vehicle.
The worst 1991 Oldsmobile 98 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes18
- Electrical8
- Airbags7
- Engine4
- Transmission3
- Visibility3
- Body1
- Lights1
- Seat belts1
- Seats1
- Steering1
- Tires1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1991 Oldsmobile 98
Recalls 2
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- The console mounted shift lever may disengage from the shift control cable bracket causing loss of gear indicator reference and shift selector operation.
- Risk
- The driver can place the gear shifter in the parkposition without setting the parking brake and the transaxle may not actually bein park, resulting in unexpected vehicle movement if the vehicle is stopped on agrade. Also, the driver can place the gear selector in drive or reverse withoutturning the engine off and the transaxle may not be in the position indicated,causing the vehicle to move in the opposite direction. Both conditions canresult in a vehicle accident without prior warning.
- Remedy
- Install two transaxle shift control cable retaining clips.
Recall number 91V198000 · Recall details
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical
- What is wrong
- When applied, the parking brake lever assembly may release one or more teeth, reducing the cable load to the rear brakes.
- Risk
- Depending on the extent of the lever release and roadlevel. The parking brake may not hold the vehicle, allowing it to roll, whichcould result in an accident. Vehicle does not comply with fmvss 105.
- Remedy
- Replace parking brake lever assembly.
Recall number 91V167000 · Recall details
See all 2 recalls for the 1991 Oldsmobile 98
Defect investigations
Fuel line failure
There is no summary currently available
PE93007
Technical service bulletins for the 1991 Oldsmobile 98 10
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- Some customers may comment that there is corrosion ( rust ) appearing on the left and /or right rocker...
- Some customers may comment that the vehicle
- Concerns of door handles on white painted vehicles truning yellow
- Comments on inoperative power door locks (front and/or rear doors).
- Excessive vibration of electrochromic inside rearview mirror
- Cold start rattle noise (diagnosis/service procedure)
- Cold start rattle noise
- Faint buzzing noise from front of dash area
What 1991 Oldsmobile 98 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The buckle on the harness will not fit into the latch between the child's legs. Consumer has to hold the two sections of the buckle together with both hands in order to get the system to work.
Consumer states that airbag light flashed and drivers side airbag deployed. Cause is unknown. Ts
While in motion driving through rain, the windshield wipers will not go fast enough to keep the windshield clear. Consumer had to pull to the side of the road until the rain subsided. *jg
Antifreeze is leaking onto passenger's side of vehicle on floor. There is about a half inch of antifreeze on floor. Please add VIN.
3.8 engine--shutter also at the 70 mi.per hr. Speed.
Consumer had noticed a strong vibration coming from engine. Had taken vehicle to dealer, and they replaced engine valve to find a solution, but did not help and the problem still there. Please provide more information.
Panic stop to avoid hitting car in front that stopped short to avoid dog in road. Brake pedal went to floor, very long stopping distance, steered around car ahead avoiding accident. Brake pedal did not returnto normal for about 20 minutes of pumping and test stops, proceeded with journey normally. Brought car to dealer next day. Parking brake cable replaced but no fault found in braking system. Note ABS out of service for 8 months but same problem occurred when ABS was not disabled in last 2 years, I have read other reports of similar incidents with this make, model and year.
Consumer was traveling about 40mph on highway and driver's side airbag went off without prior warning. He was able to pull over and control his vehicle.
Consumer was rear ended at about 25-30 MPH, and front passenger seat broke on right side of seat. Contacted manufacturer.
Compare the 1991 Oldsmobile 98
Other model years
Questions about the 1991 Oldsmobile 98
Is the 1991 Oldsmobile 98 reliable?
Owners have filed 46 complaints about the 1991 Oldsmobile 98, 1.7 times a typical 98 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1991 Oldsmobile 98?
Brakes, with 18 complaints. Next is electrical (8).
How many recalls does the 1991 Oldsmobile 98 have?
2 recalls, covering power train and parking brake.
Was there a recall on the 1991 Oldsmobile 98 brakes?
Yes, 1 recall: 91V167000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Oldsmobile 98 have bad brakes?
The Oldsmobile 98 model years with the most brakes complaints are 1991 (18 complaints) and 1992 (16 complaints).
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1991 Oldsmobile 98?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history