Research · Midsize Cars
1998 Oldsmobile AuroraRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 57 owner complaints for the 1998 Oldsmobile Aurora. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (10) and service brakes, hydraulic (10). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
18mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
57
Top: engine and engine cooling
Fuel cost / yr
$4,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 1998 Oldsmobile Aurora as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
57 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 1998 – Jul 2014
- Engine and engine cooling10
- Service brakes, hydraulic10
- Electrical system8
- Steering6
- Fuel system, gasoline4
- Power train4
- Suspension3
- Equipment3
- Fuel system, other2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine and engine cooling
10 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 OLDSMOBILE AURORA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THERE WAS A REDUCTION IN THE ENGINE POWER AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK. THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND RESUME IN OPERATION. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE WOULD OVERHEAT WITH A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF COOLANT LEAKAGE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWENTY TIMES. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE ENGINE HEAD GASKET TWO DIFFERENT TIMES. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE MONTHS AFTER THE SECOND REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERABLE AND HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.”
Service brakes, hydraulic
10 reports
“BRAKES CONTINUE TO VIBRATE AND ROTORS WEAR PREMATURELY. REPLACED PADS, TURNED ROTOR THREE TIMES IN 75000 MILES, PROBLEM OF VIBRATION AND SHAKING REAPPEARED AFTER 15000 MILES EACH TIME BRAKES WERE REPLACED. *NM”
Electrical system
8 reports
“VEHICLE RUNNING IN NORMAL TRAFFIC ON A CITY STREET, KEY SWITCH JUST SUDDENLY TURNED BACK AND VEHICLE SHUT OFF. NO BRAKING, AND NO STEERING. HAD TO TRY AND STEER OFF TO A SAFE PLACE. ONGOING ISSUE AS THE IGNITION SWITCH IS STILL IN THIS CONDITION ENDANGERING MY LIFE, MY FAMILY'S LIFE, AND THE LIVES OF OTHERS. *JS”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 4.0L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 4-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | $4,300 | 494 |
- 18mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1998 Oldsmobile Aurora as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 3835
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
1998 Aurora questions
How many recalls does the 1998 Oldsmobile Aurora have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 1998 Oldsmobile Aurora problems?
Owners filed 57 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (10), service brakes, hydraulic (10), electrical system (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 1998 Oldsmobile Aurora get?
The EPA rates the 1998 Oldsmobile Aurora at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026