1998 Oldsmobile 98 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 11%of 27 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Oldsmobile 98, 11% of the 27 complaints for this model year.
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.
“Consumer stated the shifter shaft would slide to 2nd gear and not click to 1st,the dealer found a loose nut and tightened it on the shifter shaft and adjusted the cable. Consumer feels this is a factory defect. The dealer also fixed a loose cradle bolt because the consumer heard a clunk noise after braking or when starting the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #566170, filed 2002-06“Intermittently when the vehicle is put into reverse it spins like it's in neutral. The dealer states that when the vehicle is in reverse, it goes passed the detent, causing the vehicle to spin. The manufacturer has been notified.”
NHTSA complaint #823037, filed 1998-05Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 3 | 11% |
| 1997 | 1 | 3% |
| 1996 | 1 | 10% |
| 1995 | 3 | 10% |
| 1993 | 1 | 8% |
| 1992 | 6 | 16% |
| 1991 | 3 | 6% |
| 1990 | 2 | 12% |
| 1988 | 1 | 10% |
| 1987 | 2 | 13% |
| 1985 | 1 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1998 Oldsmobile 98
8 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsTires
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Oldsmobile 98
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