1987 Oldsmobile 98 Problems
- Complaints
- 15filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1987 Oldsmobile 98 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 15 consumer complaints for the 1987 Oldsmobile 98. The part named most often is brakes, with 4 complaints (27% of the total), followed by electrical system (3) and steering (3). Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign filed under the same part. Electrical system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the fuses and circuit breakers 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.
- Brakes4 27%
- Electrical system3 20%
- Steering3 20%
- Engine cooling2 13%
- Equipment1 6.7%
- Exterior lighting1 6.7%
- Fuel system1 6.7%
Also reported: Seat belts (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Prolonged braking, in stop and go traffic, causes ABS and brake alarm lights to come on and stay on unil engine is shut off. Little to no hydraulic braking is available when brake light is on and soon fail if brake pedal is applied hard.”
NHTSA complaint #521526, filed 1997-07Electrical system: “Nar 03-25-2003. . Several parts on the vehicle failed such as 2 EGR valves, idle passage switch, power antenna, transmission gasket, cv boot, automatic air condition control unit, radio speakers, cruise control, random stalling, cracked radiator, water pump, the right rear brake spring, wheel alignment did not hold, air condition did not work due to a freon leak, head light adjusting screw broke, tie rods, battery cables, gas gauge broke, catalytic converter broke, the horn was hard to push.”
NHTSA complaint #10012364, filed 2003-03Steering: “Excessive play in steering column. Problem may be related to tilt steering mechanism. I was told by a repair shop that the anchor bolts securing the steering column have come loose and would need to be retightened. I was also told that this is a common problem on this type of vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #722717, filed 2000-05Engine cooling: “Steel engine mounts rusted through, causing rear cradle bolt to shear off and engine to fall out unexpectedly which may have caused a crash. Engine mounting cradle has not failed but mechanic tells to consumer it may fail, and checks it regulary.”
NHTSA complaint #866305, filed 2000-07Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 88V080000May 16, 1988Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedalCovers: Oldsmobile 98 1987, 88 1987, Pontiac Bonneville 1987 +1 more
Excessive accelerator cable friction may restrict the cables free movement between the accelerator pedal and the throttle body.
- 87V135000Sep 1, 1987Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakersCovers: Oldsmobile 98 1987, 88 1987, Pontiac Bonneville 1987 +2 more
An in line fusible link may melt down and cause a fire.
- 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…
Recall details for the 1987 Oldsmobile 98 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA88010Throttle controlClosed · Nov 30, 1987
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1987 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 1987 Oldsmobile 98 have?
NHTSA recorded 15 consumer complaints for the 1987 Oldsmobile 98 as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1987 Oldsmobile 98 is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 4 complaints (27% of the total), followed by electrical system with 3.
Has the 1987 Oldsmobile 98 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 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 29, 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.