1998 Oldsmobile 88 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 9%of 164 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Oldsmobile 88, 9% of the 164 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,000 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“1) aug. 2000 generator failure 2) aug. 2002 both rear wheel cylinders replaced 3) oct. 2003 coolant leaking : replaced leaking water pump. Intake manifold also leaking but not replaced at this time due to cost. 3.8l v6”
NHTSA complaint #10069449, filed 2004-01, 31,009 miles“Car overheated without any visible signs of this but the red area of the gauge then the check eng light came on. Pulled to side of the road, checked it got it cooled down, then proceeded to the very next rd to gas station for better view of what was going on. Got to it very quickly and the temp was back up. Stopped let it cool and added water to the now empty resovair that was full when we started the trip. And no signs of leakage and no boiling over, let it cool. Added water. Then tried to crank it up, it would not. Had to have it towed to dealer, thought eng had locked up. …”
NHTSA complaint #10067797, filed 2004-04, 77,125 miles“This alternator growling/noise and tension pulley assembly began making noises at about 30,000. Then at about 40,000 it really began making growling noises especially a lower speeds. Then while we were on a trip to michigan and wisconsin visiting my relatives and children, it became apparent I had better get this fixed before getting back on the road to our home in bella vista,ar. Some 750 miles. While in milwaukee I was advised to to see felsing service inc. 9128 w. Burleigh st., milwaukee, wi. …”
NHTSA complaint #767099, filed 2002-09“Problem is in cold weather the horn blows by its self. It will start to blow and keep blowing till disconnected. When taken to dealer they said they had to call the GM tech support and was told it was a design problem in that year car. The fix was to replace the horn and air bag assembly for the cost of 680.00. I contacted GM about this and was told the car was out of warranty and there was nothing they could do. I don't belive this is a warranty issue anyway. Is there any thing that can be done about this or have you received and other complaints of this same nature. …”
NHTSA complaint #716862, filed 2000-01“1998 Oldsmobile eighty eighty has problem where there is leakage of battery fluid from the positive pole of the battery. 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)”
NHTSA complaint #10117436, filed 2005-04Related service bulletins
- 10170494Dec 2, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10016464Jul 1, 2003Wire 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.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 9 | 12% |
| 1998 | 15 | 9% |
| 1997 | 14 | 14% |
| 1996 | 11 | 12% |
| 1995 | 13 | 11% |
| 1994 | 10 | 16% |
| 1993 | 7 | 9% |
| 1992 | 7 | 10% |
| 1991 | 2 | 13% |
| 1990 | 3 | 13% |
| 1989 | 2 | 7% |
| 1988 | 1 | 3% |
| 1987 | 1 | 6% |
| 1986 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1998 Oldsmobile 88
76 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsFuel system
20 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 29, 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