1998 Oldsmobile Achieva

Introduction to the 1998 Oldsmobile Achieva

The 1998 Oldsmobile Achieva was a mid-size sedan offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 2.4-liter inline-4 producing 150 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque, while the optional engine was a 3.4-liter V6 producing 185 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque. The 2.4-liter engine was paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, while the 3.4-liter engine was available with either the 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission.

The Achieva was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and fuel efficiency. However, it was also criticized for its bland styling, lack of performance, and poor reliability.

Engine

2.4-liter

• Intake manifold gasket failure: This issue can cause coolant and oil leaks, as well as engine overheating. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500+
• Timing chain failure: This issue can cause the engine to lose power or stall. The solution is to replace the timing chain. Estimated cost to fix: $800 - $1200+

3.4-liter

• Head gasket failure: This issue can cause coolant and oil leaks, as well as engine overheating. The solution is to replace the head gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $1000 - $1500+
• Intake manifold runner control (IMRC) failure: This issue can cause the engine to idle rough and lose power. The solution is to replace the IMRC. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+

Transmission

4-speed automatic (2.4-liter)

• Slipping transmission: This issue can cause the transmission to slip out of gear or fail to engage. The solution is to rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated cost to fix: $1500 - $2500+
• Torque converter failure: This issue can cause the transmission to shudder or vibrate. The solution is to replace the torque converter. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1000+

4-speed automatic (3.4-liter)

• No issues found.

5-speed manual (3.4-liter)

• Clutch failure: This issue can cause the clutch to slip or chatter. The solution is to replace the clutch. Estimated cost to fix: $400 - $600+

Suspension

• Strut failure: This issue can cause the suspension to become loose or bouncy. The solution is to replace the struts. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+ per axle
• Sway bar link failure: This issue can cause the suspension to squeak or rattle. The solution is to replace the sway bar links. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+ per axle

Electrical

• Alternator failure: This issue can cause the battery to drain and the car to stall. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500+
• Starter failure: This issue can cause the car to fail to start. The solution is to replace the starter. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+

Exterior

• Door handle failure: This issue can cause the door handle to become loose or break. The solution is to replace the door handle. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+ per door
• Trunk latch failure: This issue can cause the trunk to fail to open or close. The solution is to replace the trunk latch. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+

Interior

• Power window failure: This issue can cause the power windows to fail to operate. The solution is to replace the power window motor or switch. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+ per window
• Climate control failure: This issue can cause the climate control system to fail to operate. The solution is to replace the climate control unit. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500+

Summary

The 1998 Oldsmobile Achieva is a reliable vehicle with a few common issues. The most serious issues include head gasket failure, intake manifold gasket failure, and transmission failure. These issues can be expensive to fix, but they are relatively rare. Overall, the Achieva is a good value for the money, but it is important to be aware of the potential issues before purchasing one.