1991 Oldsmobile 98 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 17%of 47 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the electrical system of the 1991 Oldsmobile 98, 17% of the 47 complaints for this model year. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“The jack which is supplied in the vehicle, is difficult to handle. The instructions say to locate the groove in the lift head of the jack into the notch of the frame for safety ration. This vehicle is not equipped with any notches. The bumper does not support the weight of the vehicle when using the bumper jack.”
NHTSA complaint #566883, filed 2002-08“Vehicle experiencing an electrical short in steering column, causing damage to wiring harness and other parts, repairs were done by independent repair shop. Dealer/manufacturer were not notified at this time. A broken bulb shorted out and burned the surrounding plastic. The burning reached the steering column traveling the wires and damaged switch assembly, wiring harness, horn assembly and more.”
NHTSA complaint #871752, filed 2000-09“When driving smoke coming from steering column. Contacted dealer, dealer noticed wires within the steering column were melted. Cause of the problem was not determined. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #872429, filed 2000-10“While driving at approximately 40-50 MPH smoke started to come from the dash, the vehicle caught fire and driver had to jump out to borrow a fire extinguisher to put flames out. Dealer not aware of the problem”
NHTSA complaint #835035, filed 1999-02Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 2 | 7% |
| 1997 | 3 | 10% |
| 1996 | 3 | 30% |
| 1995 | 2 | 7% |
| 1992 | 8 | 21% |
| 1991 | 8 | 17% |
| 1990 | 2 | 12% |
| 1989 | 5 | 45% |
| 1988 | 1 | 10% |
| 1987 | 3 | 20% |
| 1986 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1991 Oldsmobile 98
19 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1991 Oldsmobile 98
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology