Model year guide

1998 Oldsmobile Achieva

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1998 Oldsmobile Achieva is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1998 Oldsmobile Achieva — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1998 Oldsmobile Achieva at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints49
Combined21–24 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1998 Oldsmobile Achieva recalls 3

Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly:pressure Relief Devices NHTSA Campaign #07E021000 · 12/03/2007

CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

Fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #07E015000 · 26/02/2007

CERTAIN DELPHI AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMP MODULES / MODULE RESERVOIR ASSEMBLIES (MRA) THAT WERE SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE MRAS VENT AND FUEL RETURN TUBES WERE REVERSED. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE VEHICLE NOT RUNNING CORRECTLY (IDLE ROUGH AND/OR STALL) DUE TO AN OVERLY RICH FUEL BLEND OR THE VEHICLE'S EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CARBON CANISTER MAY LEAK FUEL.

Fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE MRAS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 1-877-335-7443.

Electrical System:ignition:switch NHTSA Campaign #04V036000 · manufacturer #04002 · 27/01/2004

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE FAILS TO START AND THE DRIVER HOLDS THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND SOMETIMES PRODUCES ENOUGH HEAT TO MELT INTERNAL SWITCH PARTS.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT IN THESE VEHICLES TO PREVENT HIGH CURRENT FROM FLOWING THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND CHECK THAT YOUR CAR WILL START WITH A PROPERLY CHARGED BATTERY AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BEGIN ON MARCH 1, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THE…

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1998 Oldsmobile Achieva common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

1998 Oldsmobile Achieva safety ratings

Side crash★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1998 Oldsmobile Achieva 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

1998 Oldsmobile Achieva MPG & running costs

Combined21–24 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway29 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,967
EPA size classCompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
Passenger volume88 cu ft
Cargo volume14 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$2,833 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1998 Oldsmobile Achieva costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,835
Fuel only$14,835
Per mile$0.20

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1998 Oldsmobile Achieva trims & engines on record

Trims
SL
Engines
3.1L 6-cyl

1998 Oldsmobile Achieva vehicles on record

Other Oldsmobile Achieva model years

1998 Oldsmobile Achieva — frequently asked questions

Does the 1998 Oldsmobile Achieva have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 1998 Oldsmobile Achieva. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Oldsmobile Achieva?

Across all 49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic.

What is the 1998 Oldsmobile Achieva safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 1998 Oldsmobile Achieva crash-test ratings of side 1★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 1998 Oldsmobile Achieva get?

The 1998 Oldsmobile Achieva has U.S. EPA estimates of 21–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (3 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.