1998 Oldsmobile 88 engine and engine cooling problems
76 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 1998 Oldsmobile 88 — 46% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Engine hydro locked when a crack in the plastic intake manifold allowed coolant to be sucked into the engine cylinders, causing the engine to lock up while my wife was driving it. Fortunately, no accident occurred, but this seems to be a very common problem due to what seems to be a design flaw by…”
filed Apr 20, 2012
“My car has the same problems described in the latest gm recall in cars with the 3.8 l motor in which oil leaks out onto the exhaust manifold and could cause a fire. I have contacted the number given but it showed my 1998 olds 88 is not covered even though it has the same motor and problem in the…”
filed Apr 17, 2009
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
130089009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 1, 2013Engine coolant consumption or coolant leak (inspect for material degradation/replace intake manifolds) *tt updated 11/02/07 *nj
010601007 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 1, 2007New rear main seal and special tool for installation. *tt
040601021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 1, 2004New upper intake manifold and gasket kits. *tt
040601017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 1, 2004
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other 88 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 88 | 30 | 39% |
| 1997 88 | 27 | 27% |
| 1996 88 | 23 | 25% |
| 1995 88 | 21 | 18% |
| 1994 88 | 11 | 17% |
| 1993 88 | 11 | 15% |
| 1992 88 | 9 | 12% |
| 1990 88 | 5 | 21% |
| 1989 88 | 2 | 7% |
| 1988 88 | 5 | 14% |
| 1986 88 | 3 | 16% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1998 Oldsmobile 88
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.