VehicleVerdict

1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 371 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Intrigue year — the 1999 model ranks #2 of 7 Intrigue years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 4 deaths and 17 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (69), electrical system (66), and steering (66), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

371

NHTSA complaints

8

Recalls

3

Investigations

16

Crash-involved

15

Fires reported

17

Injuries

4

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Intrigue years?

Intrigue NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted665 complaints1996: 1 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 665 complaints1999: 371 complaints2000: 296 complaints2001: 173 complaints2002: 91 complaints
Intrigue NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Intrigue years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine6919%
Steering6618%
Electrical System6618%
Lighting349%
Visibility & Wipers226%
Brakes226%
Suspension164%
Transmission164%
Seat Belts103%
Fuel System103%
Other103%
Tires & Wheels82%
Body & Structure72%
Speed Control62%
Seats31%
Airbags31%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)31%

Does the 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue have recalls?

8 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V701000EngineOctober 26, 2015 · 1,003,556 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.

Consequence

Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.

Remedy

The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engine’s front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.

14V400000Electrical SystemJuly 3, 2014 · 5,877,718 units

Defect

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence

If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

09V116000EngineApril 8, 2009 · 1,497,516 units

Defect

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 1,497,516 MY 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL, MY 1998-2003 CHEVROLET LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND IMPALA, MY 1998-1999 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE, MY 1997-2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L V6 NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH DROPS OF ENGINE OIL MAY BE DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING.

Consequence

IF THE MANIFOLD IS HOT ENOUGH AND THE OIL RUNS BELOW THE HEAT SHIELD, IT MAY IGNITE INTO A SMALL FLAME AND MAY SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL AND BEYOND INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE’S FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINE’S PLASTIC COVER AND PLASTIC OIL-FILL-TUBE EXTENSION, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2016. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM OR HTTP:WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

09E005000SteeringFebruary 17, 2009 · 979 units

Defect

DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.

Consequence

A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.

08E063000SteeringOctober 17, 2008 · 3,855 units

Defect

DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.

Consequence

IF THE WELD FAILS, LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN TOLL FREE AT 1-800-523-2492.

00V044000Seat BeltsFebruary 16, 2000 · 135,475 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH REAR SEAT SHOULDER BELTS THAT COULD TWIST, ALLOWING THE WEBBING TO BE JAMMED IN THE RETRACTOR. WHEN THE SHOULDER BELT WEBBING BECOMES JAMMED IN THE RETRACTOR, THE SEAT BELT BECOMES UNUSABLE.

Consequence

THIS COULD PREVENT A PERSON FROM USING THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM, AND A RISK OF INJURY TO AN UNBELTED PERSON IN A CRASH WOULD BE INCREASED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE ANY TWISTS FROM THE REAR SHOULDER BELT(S) AND INSTALL CLIPS TO THE BELT WEB GUIDE TO PREVENT TWISTING.

98V241000EngineOctober 5, 1998 · 2,732 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L V6 ENGINE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITHOUT A HEATER HOSE CLIP WHICH COULD ALLOW THE HOSE TO SAG AND CONTACT THE OXYGEN SENSOR RESULTING IN A COOLANT LEAK.

Consequence

IF A COOLANT LEAK WERE TO OCCUR, AND LEAKING COOLANT CONTACTED THE HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD RESULT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEATER HOSE CLIP.

98V102000LightingMay 15, 1998 · 149,342 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE OWNER MANUALS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIREMENT INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING DEVICE. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence

IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY AIM THE HEADLIGHTS.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE MAILED AN OWNER MANUAL'S INSERT WHICH CONTAINS THE APPROPRIATE INFORMATION.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE. AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR A WEEK AND A HALF, THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE CHARGED. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, THE INTAKE MANIFOLD EXPLODED AND CREATED A SMALL FIRE. THE WATER HOUSING JACKET WAS NEWLY…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 25, 2009 · fire

VEHICLE ENGINE SHUTS OFF AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 35-65 MPH RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CAPABILITIES. WHICH IS A POSSIBLE CAUSE OF ACCIDENT ON 7/5/03 THAT RESULTED IN DEATH AND INJURY. *LA

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 5, 2003 · crash

VEHICLE ENGINE SHUTS OFF ON SPEEDS ANYWHERE FROM 30-65 MPH WHILE DRIVING. HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE TO REPAIR SHOP BUT UNABLE TO DUPLICATE...THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS A VERY LIKELY POSSIBILITY HOWEVER UNABLE TO DETERMINE SINCE CAR HAS BEEN DESTROYED. [REDACTED]WILL PROVIDE VIN NUMBER WHEN I CAN LOCATE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 5, 2003 · crash

CAR USES TOO MUCH OIL. TOLD BY SERVICE CENTER THAT VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE BURNING OIL. HOWEVER VEHICLE USES 6 QUARTS VERSES 5 QUARTS AND 500 MILES LATER, LOW OIL INDICATOR COMES ON. SERVICE CENTER CAN NOT EXPLAIN THE PROBLEM OR GIVE ANY INSIGHT FOR THE EXCESS OIL USED EVERY TIME SERVICE IS REQUIRED.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · January 27, 2004

WHILE IN FUNERAL LINE AND ATTEMPTING TO SLOW DOWN TO CROSS INTERSECTION, CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES AND BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. A POPPING SOUND WAS HEARD PRIOR TO THIS. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, BRAKES FAILED REAR ENDING ANOTHER VEHICLE. CONNECTING ROD FROM BRAKE PEDAL THAT GOES TO THE POWER BOOSTER TO…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 15, 2002

1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue — common questions

Is the 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 371 complaints put the 1999 model at #2 of 7 Intrigue years. It is one of the Intrigue years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 Intrigue problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (69 complaints), electrical system (66 complaints), steering (66 complaints).

Does the 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Oldsmobile Intrigue years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Intrigue years to avoid are 1998, 1999, 2000. The cleanest record among Intrigue years belongs to 1997.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.