Tl* the contact owns a 1998 oldsmobile intrigue. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the steering wheel locked and the contact was unable maneuver the wheel. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was advised that the steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. There was a recall under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 03v527000 (steering:rack and pinion) but the contact was advised by the manufacturer that the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was unknown. The current mileage was 153,000.
1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue: steering wheel locks up
6 of the 510 complaints about the 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue describe steering wheel locks up.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 12 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Steering wheel locks up by model year
- 20021
- 20011
- 20002
- 19995
- 19986
What owners say
While driving at 70 MPH steering wheel locked, and consumer lost control of the vehicle. It swerved back and forth across the high way. Vehicle eventually stopped in the middle of the highway where it stalled. After a few seconds vehicle was started as if nothing had happened. *ak the vehicle spun in a 180 degree angle and had come to a stop facing traffic that followed.
Recall 03 v 527 000 concerning steering gear bearing. While driving vehicle experienced a momentary steering wheel lock up while turning, more so when making left turns. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed consumer that this vehicle was not covered under the recall due to VIN.
I have complained several times to my local dealership about my steering locking up on occasion. The problem first occurred approximately 2 years ago. I have taken my car into the dealership to be fixed a couple times and noted that the problem has only occurred during wet weather at slowing speeds (10-15mph with brakes applied), but added that the vehicle became impossible to steer even with the full force of my body weight applied to attempt to turn the wheel. I am fearful that the problem could occur at higher speeds but luckily haven't yet. The problem has occurred at least a dozen times and is frightening to say the least. Ince the dealership has been unable to reproduce the problem they have offered no solution.
Consumer states that while driving the steering wheel locked up. Unable to turn wheel, almost caused an accident. Contacted dealer. Mr
While driving heard something falling off, suddenly steering wheel locked up. Vehicle had to be towed. Mechanic stated that drive belt idler pulley fell off. *ak
Service bulletins that may apply
- Concerns with clunk noise from front of vehicle turning maneuver / steering wheel rotation
- Overview of steering system noises
- Clunk felt/noise heard from steering column, steering gear and/or front of vehicle during turning maneuver...
- Clunk noise from front of vehicle during turning maneuver/steering wheel rotation
- Revised outer tie rod end nut tightening specification/tie rod end jam nut tightening specification added
- Power steering gear lower pinion bearing, safety recall 03062
- Release of new outer tie rod ends for service
- Some customers may comment on a clunk type noise coming from the front of the vehicle during a turning...
Related recalls
Steering: rack and pinion
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- If this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel is moved back and to the right. If the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, similar to a vehicle without power assisted steering. If the pinion shaft moves even further, the driver will require much higher effort to turn left and may not be able to turn the wheel as much as intended. With the maximum pinion shaft movement, which requires internal gear component damage, the driver can encounter high resistance to turning left, followed by unintended power assist to the right. In any of these conditions, a crash could occur.
- Remedy
- 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; or pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668.
Recall number 03V527000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue steering lock-up
Is steering wheel locks up a common problem on the 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue?
6 of 510 owner complaints about the 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue (1%) mention steering wheel locks up. The model year with the most reports is 1998.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue?
There is 1 recall and 12 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue
Fire or smoke 31Harsh shifting 23ABS 20Steering noise 20Stalling 17Power steering loss 16Wipers 16Seat belt 13Premature wear 11Grinding brakes 9Knocking 8Loss of power 8Won't start 8Ball joint 7Overheating 6Brake failure 5Check engine light 5Shudder 5Tire blowout 5Transmission failure 5
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