1986 Oldsmobile 98 Problems
- Complaints
- 13filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1986 Oldsmobile 98 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 13 consumer complaints for the 1986 Oldsmobile 98. The part named most often is brakes, with 6 complaints (46% of the total), followed by steering (4) and suspension (2). NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign filed under the same part. Steering complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the hose, piping, and connections filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes6 46%
- Steering4 31%
- Suspension2 15%
- Electrical system1 7.7%
Example complaints
Suspension: “The contact owns a 1986 Oldsmobile 98. The contact stated that he bought after-market ball joints (model # fa1478) for a routine replacement. As a result, the vehicle failed the state safety inspection on two occasions. The manufacturer of the parts was best parts, inc in memphis, tn. Updated 01/29/08. Updated 01/29/08”
NHTSA complaint #10213403, filed 2008-01Electrical system: “While driving vehicle would stop while turning corners or while going down the road, would lose power completely, vehicle would also jerk, this is an intermittent problem.”
NHTSA complaint #803133, filed 1996-10Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Recalls and investigations
- 87V093000Jun 23, 1987Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipCovers: Oldsmobile 98 1986–1987, Cadillac Deville 1986–1987, Pontiac 6000 1986–1987 +2 more
The anti lock brake system (abs) pressure/warning switch may exhibit brake fluid seepage which eventually can lead to loss of the brake system hydraulic pump motor. Additionally, the hydraulic pump motor and abs electrical relays may have been exposed to…
- 86V145000Nov 3, 1986Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connectionsCovers: Oldsmobile 98 1986, Buick Electra 1986
There may not be enough clearance between the power steering pump return hose and the engine exhaust manifold. Consequence of defect: hose could overheat, resulting in a hole and fluid leak, and a possible engine compartment fire without prior warning.
Recall details for the 1986 Oldsmobile 98 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1986 Oldsmobile 98.
Other model years of the Oldsmobile 98
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 27 | 81,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 30 | 51,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 10 | 230,000 | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1995 | 30 | 113,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 16 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1993 | 13 | 124,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1992 | 38 | 127,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 47 | 145,985 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 17 | 160,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1989 | 11 | 117,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1988 | 10 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1987 | 15 | — | 3 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 13 | — | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 9 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Oldsmobile 98 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1986 Oldsmobile 98 have?
NHTSA recorded 13 consumer complaints for the 1986 Oldsmobile 98 as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1986 Oldsmobile 98 is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 6 complaints (46% of the total), followed by steering with 4.
Has the 1986 Oldsmobile 98 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.