1998 Oldsmobile 88 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 6%of 164 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Oldsmobile 88, 6% of the 164 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While entering my garage at a slow rate of speed and my foot on the brake, the car suddenly surged forward. This has happened 3 or 4 times when coming to a red light or stopped vehicles over the course of the year. I remember the audi that had the same problem. I really thought I'd end up in my living room. I quickly put the car in neutral on all occasions. It seems like the transmission isn't dropping down to it's low range. Help.”
NHTSA complaint #10083141, filed 2004-08, 40,000 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 driving at 25mph on flat surface and with no warning vehicle shut off. Consumer had to pull over. Dealer notified. *akthe vehicle was restarted but would not move into gear. Also the door would not open, the dealer replaced the left front switch plate.”
NHTSA complaint #8017095, filed 2002-08“Consumer tried to put vehicle in reverse and nothing happened. The vehicle was then put in drive, still nothing happened. Consumer cut off engine, restarted, and it went into gear. Cause unknown.*akthe faulty parts have been replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #8018700, filed 2002-09“Vehicle was in parked gear with the engine running in consumers garage, consumer left vehicle to go into house and upon returning found that the vehicle had jumped out of park and into reverse and crashed into garage door.”
NHTSA complaint #556391, filed 2000-10Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 8 | 10% |
| 1998 | 10 | 6% |
| 1997 | 12 | 12% |
| 1996 | 5 | 5% |
| 1995 | 4 | 3% |
| 1994 | 6 | 10% |
| 1993 | 18 | 24% |
| 1992 | 11 | 15% |
| 1991 | 1 | 6% |
| 1990 | 1 | 4% |
| 1989 | 1 | 4% |
| 1988 | 1 | 3% |
| 1986 | 2 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1998 Oldsmobile 88
76 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsElectrical system
15 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