Model year guide

1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 10 on record.

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

1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue at a glance

Safety recalls8
Owner complaints549
Combined21 mpg

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

1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue recalls 8

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe NHTSA Campaign #15V701000 · manufacturer #15757 · 26/10/2015

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.

Fix: 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 origi…

Electrical System:ignition NHTSA Campaign #14V400000 · manufacturer #14350 · 03/07/2014

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 Chevr…

Fix: 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.

Engine And Engine Cooling NHTSA Campaign #09V116000 · manufacturer #09047 · 08/04/2009

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.

Fix: 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…

Steering NHTSA Campaign #09E005000 · 17/02/2009

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.

Fix: 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.

Steering NHTSA Campaign #08E063000 · 17/10/2008

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 …

Fix: 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.

Steering:rack And Pinion NHTSA Campaign #03V527000 · manufacturer #03062 · 11/12/2003

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE RETAINERS COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOWER PINION BEARING UNLESS INSPECT OF THE EXISTING BEARING INDICATES THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GEAR ASSEMBLY IS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537…

Seat Belts NHTSA Campaign #00V044000 · manufacturer #00011 · 16/02/2000

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.

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

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #98V103000 · 18/05/1998

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."

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

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 Intrigue common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 549 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
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.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★
Frontal crash test — 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue 4-DR.Frontal crash test
Side barrier test — 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue 4-DR.Side barrier test

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

1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue MPG & running costs

Combined21 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,200
EPA size classMidsize Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
Passenger volume101 cu ft
Cargo volume17 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$4,000 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

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

Fuel (5 yrs)$16,000
Fuel only$16,000
Per mile$0.21

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.

Dimensions & weight

Length
196.1 in
Width
73.6 in
Height
56.7 in
Wheelbase
109.1 in
Curb weight
3,468 lb
Front track
61.8 in
Rear track
61.4 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 9

POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE Closed

GM'S LETTER TO NHTSA DATED DECEMBER 11, 2003, EXPANDS ITS ORIGINAL RECALL (NHTSA 02V286) TO INCLUDE CERTAIN W-BODY VEHICLES: 96-97 OLDS CUTLASS SUPREME; 98 OLDS INTRIGUE; 97-98 OLDS CUTLASS; 97-98 CHEVY LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND MALIBU; 96 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX; AND 96-98 BUICK REGAL. THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES RECALLED IS 750,283. GM DETERMINED THAT FAILURE OF THE RACK AND PINION IS RELATED TO DAMAGE OF THE LOWER PINION BEAR…

NHTSA #EA03019 · Steering · opened Sep 2003 · closed Dec 2003

POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE Closed

GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). THE RECALL COVERED 1,159,156 MODEL YEAR 1997-1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996-1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT, CHEVROLET LUMINA APV, CHEVROLET VENTURE, OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINIVANS, AND CHEVROLET CAVALIER…

NHTSA #RQ03001 · Steering · opened Jan 2003 · closed Sep 2003

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES Closed

EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM¿S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS. THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURC…

NHTSA #EA02030 · Fuel System, Gasoline · opened Oct 2002 · closed Mar 2004

POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE Closed

THE LOWER PINION BEARING IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING ASSEMBLY MAY FAIL. GM WILL RECALL 1997-98 GRAND PRIX BUILT BETWEEN 1-MAR-96 AND 31-OCT-97; AND 1996-98 U-VANS/J-CARS BUILT BETWEEN 1-JAN-96 AND 31-OCT-97. SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY.

NHTSA #EA02003 · Steering · opened Apr 2002 · closed Dec 2002

STEERING RACK AND PINION Closed

ODI HAS RECEIVED 200 COMPLAINTS FROMT CONSUMERS AND 1,238 FROM GM ALLEGING FAILURE OR LOCKUP OF THE STEERING RACK AND PINION UNIT (R&P). THIS ALLEGED CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH CAN RESULT. GM HAS REPORTED SIX CRASHES IN WHICH EIGHT PEOPLE HAVE SUSTAINED INJURIES RANGING FROM BRUISES, AIRBAG BURN, SEAT BELT ABRASION, FACIAL INJURY, NECK AND BACK PAIN. ALL CRASHES WE…

NHTSA #PE01038 · Steering · opened Nov 2001 · closed Apr 2002

WINDSHIELD WIPER Closed

BY LETTER DATED DECEMBER 12, 1999, GM NOTIFIED NHTSA OF ITS PLANS TO CONDUCT A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT CAMPAIGN TO REMEDY 155,149 OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE POPULATION FOR THE CAMPAIGN INCLUDES THE 1997 BUICK REGAL/CENTURY AND PONTIAC GRAN PRIX MODELS BUILT DURING THE PERIOD FROM THE START OF PRODUCTION THROUGH MAY 1, 1997. GM DETERMINED THAT THE WIPERS INSTALLED PRIOR TO THIS DATE COULD STOP WORKING, USUALLY…

NHTSA #EA99024 · Visibility · opened Aug 1999 · closed Jan 2000

REAR SHOULDER BELT MALFUNCTION Closed

THE ALLEGED DEFECT CONCERNS TWO MAJOR SYMPTOMS: FAILURE TO RETRACT WEBBING AND INABILITY TO EXTEND THE WEBBINNG FOR USE. THE ROOT CAUSE OF THESE SYMPTOMS IS THE DESIGN OF THE TRIM BEZEL THROUGH WHICH THE SEBBING PASSES. BUILT INTO THE REAR PACKAGE SHELF, THE BEZEL INCLUDES A VERTICAL SLOT TO FACILITATE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. THE SLOT IS POSITIONED SUCH THAT THE SHOULDER BELT WEBBING TENDS TO SLIP INTO IT. WEBBING INGESTIO…

NHTSA #EA99019 · Seat Belts · opened Jul 1999 · closed Feb 2000

WINDSHIELD WIPER Closed

INCIDENTS OF WIPER FAILURE (OWNER REPORTS AND WARRANTY) ARE VERY HIGH, AND MANY OF THE REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE FAILURES ARE STILL OCCURRING IN 1999.

NHTSA #PE99028 · Visibility · opened Apr 1999 · closed Aug 1999

REAR SAFETY BELT MALFUNCTION Closed

NHTSA #PE99016 · Seat Belts · opened Feb 1999 · closed Jul 1999

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 88

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 88.

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester  and Vehicle Data Record…

Bulletin PIP4723F · Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2022

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester  and Vehicle Data Record…

Bulletin PIP4723D · Electrical System · Jan 2020

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the…

Bulletin PIC4696E · Equipment · Nov 2019

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

Bulletin 17NA073 · Equipment · Sep 2019

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the…

Bulletin PIC4696D · Equipment · Sep 2019

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

Bulletin 17NA073 · Equipment · Feb 2019

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve th…

Bulletin PIC4696C · Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · May 2018

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorde…

Bulletin PIP4723C · Electrical System, Equipment, Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2017

This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.

Bulletin 17-NA-073 · Equipment · Mar 2017

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorde…

Bulletin PIP4723B · Electrical System · Feb 2017

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the INTRIGUE. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 7

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Engine

On certain vehicles equipped with a 3.8L engine, degradation of the front rocker cover gasket may result in eventual oil seepage. Under hard braking, drops of engine oil may be deposited on the exhaust manifold. If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and, in some instances, the fire may spread to the plastic spark…

Transport Canada #2015501 · Oct 2015

Electrical

On certain vehicles, a defect in the ignition switch could allow the switch to move out of the "run" position if the key ring is carrying added weight or the vehicle goes off-road or is subjected to some other jarring event. If this were to occur, engine power, power steering and power braking would be affected, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to pro…

Transport Canada #2014284 · Jul 2014

Engine

On certain vehicles equipped with a 3.8L naturally aspirated engine, degradation of the front rocker cover gasket may result in eventual oil seepage. Under hard braking, drops of engine oil may be deposited on the exhaust manifold. If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and, in some instances, the fire may spread t…

Transport Canada #2009105 · Apr 2009

Steering

On certain vehicles, the lower pinion bearings retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These retainers may fail and permit the ball bearings to escape. If the problem were to occur, the driver would have to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel. Correction: Dealers are to inspect the condition of the lower bearing, and replace the lower pinion bearing or the rack and pi…

Transport Canada #2003336 · Dec 2003

Seats And Restraints

On certain vehicles, the rear seat shoulder belts may 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. This condition could prevent a person from using the seat belt system, and risk of injury to an unbelted person in a vehicle crash would be increased. Correction: Dealers…

Transport Canada #2000051 · Mar 2000

Lights And Instruments

THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 108 - LIGHTING SYSTEM AND RETROREFLECTIVE DEVICES. THE ENGLISH OWNER MANUALS FOR THE OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE AND THE ENGLISH AND FRENCH OWNER MANUALS FOR THE BUICK REGAL AND CENTURY VEHICLES DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING DEVICE. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL PLACE AN OWNER'S MANUAL INSERT CO…

Transport Canada #1998109 · May 1998

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Oldsmobile Intrigue

The Oldsmobile Intrigue is a mid-size sedan that was manufactured from 1997 through 2002 by Oldsmobile. The Intrigue's design cues were first seen in 1995 with the Oldsmobile Antares concept car, being unveiled in production form in January 1996 at the North American International Auto Show. The Intrigue was the first casualty in the three-year phase-out process of Oldsmobile; Olds' remaining models would last an additional year or two.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue trims & engines on record

Trims
GL · Base
Engines
3.8L 6-cyl

1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue vehicles on record

Other Oldsmobile Intrigue model years

1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue — frequently asked questions

Does the 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue. 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 Intrigue?

Across all 549 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are steering, service brakes, hydraulic.

What is the 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue get?

The 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue has a U.S. EPA estimate of 21 mpg combined (17 city / 27 highway).

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