1998 Oldsmobile 88 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 12%of 164 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,425miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Oldsmobile 88, 12% of the 164 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,425 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 !”
NHTSA complaint #10598706, filed 2014-06, 85,400 miles“Anti-lock braking system has failed 3 times. 1st time was 01-10-03. 2nd time was 04-11-03 and 3rd time was 04-21-03. Ist time resulted in accident and last 2 times I was able to get off highway before rear ending the car in front of me. I will enter the last time this happened.”
NHTSA complaint #10016369, filed 2003-04, 60,350 miles“Starting early 2002 with only 45000 miles on the 1998 Oldsmobile 88 the warning light advising ABS was not operating came on intermittantly. Took to cuesta cadillac Oldsmobile dealer in san luis obispo calif and was advised that rear brake cylinders were leaking and should be replaced. We did that but intermittant dash error light warnings continued. In 2003 the dealer said to contact GM and request repair but GM refused to accept responsibility. Abs system still inoperative intermittantly and dealer says they will replace ABS pump for $2000 but will not guarantee that it will be fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10086903, filed 2004-08, 44,000 miles“The ABS and traction control off indicator lights started to come on and stay on some time in november 2000. I called the service dept. At the dealership and was told that there could possibly be ice buildup which causes the speed sensors to go off. The cost to replace any one speed sensor was approx $450-$500 per wheel hub. In july 2001 I took my car in to have the ABS and tractioncontrol issues fixed. The ABS and traction control issues were fixed by replacing the brain box for the speed sensors. Two weeks after the fix, the ABS/tractioncontrol off lights came on again. …”
NHTSA complaint #751625, filed 2001-09“While the vehicle was parked, the consumer noticed that a liquid was leaking from underneath the vehicle. Also, while applying the brakes the pedal did not go to the floor. The braking power was less than normal. Consumer took vehicle to dealer for inspection, and the mechanic determined that the oil pan gasket and front brake pads needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10099430, filed 2005-02Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 6 | 8% |
| 1998 | 20 | 12% |
| 1997 | 11 | 11% |
| 1996 | 6 | 7% |
| 1995 | 14 | 12% |
| 1994 | 16 | 25% |
| 1993 | 21 | 28% |
| 1992 | 27 | 37% |
| 1991 | 9 | 56% |
| 1990 | 4 | 17% |
| 1989 | 2 | 7% |
| 1988 | 3 | 8% |
| 1987 | 1 | 6% |
| 1986 | 4 | 21% |
| 1984 | 1 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1998 Oldsmobile 88
76 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Oldsmobile 88
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology