1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Aug 5, 2004 · Steering · 78,862 miles · MN

The rack and pinion steering in my 1998 olds intrigue is making a clunking noise. The dealer I took it to says it needs to be replaced. I have researched this problem, and have learned of numerous rack and pinion failures on this model and other gm models. With so very many failures, why must I wait until we have an accident due to steering failure? The most recent recall extends only to build date before 10-97. Ours was built 1-98, but we have the same problem as earlier builds. It is apparent to me this is a total design flaw, not just a bearing related defect. This is a huge safety issue. Inability to steer results in extremely tragic consequences. The latest recall should include all intrigues, as there was no significant changes in the design of this rack and pinion on this car. With safety at issue, help us. The car makers are concerned with profit issues, we look to you to insure safety is part of the product.

Filed Mar 20, 2004 · Steering · 50,000 miles · NC

Clunking in rack and pinion steering system. We have had this problem looked at three times under warranty and fixed two out of the three times. Multiple complaints to oldsmobile customer service and each time they do not take responsibility for the problem. There was a recent recall on the 1998 oldsmobile intrigue, but when I called oldsmobile they said that my car was not part of the recall.

Filed Feb 28, 2004 · Brakes, Electrical · 67,900 miles · IN · crash

1. Rack & pinion failure, 2. Serpentine belt tensioner failure (@approx 45000 mi) 3. L rr seatbelt installed twisted at factory- shoulder strap wouldn't lock for child safetyseat, dealer fixed. 4. Warped front rotors, 5. I have experienced the dash going haywire or completely out accompanied by the sensation of a slipping trans and sluggish/clunking steering (twice, once about 8 months ago and about a week before the r&p failure) 6. Two tires have had belt separation.

Filed Nov 14, 2003 · Steering · 32,800 miles · MA

A clunky noise originating in the front end of my 1998 oldsmobile intrigue required a $150 steering column lubrication to repair. This problem is detailed in two tsb's on nhsta's web site: #051101 and 010232001b. I consider this charge outrageous based on the fact that in the nearly 50 years I've owned cars, I've never heard of a steering column requiring lubrication. I believe this is a defect in either a design or a manufacturing process that gm is making its customers pay for over and over rather than correcting.

Filed Oct 3, 2003 · Steering · MI

I currently own a 1998 model year olsdmobile intrigue (VIN [xxx]) that continues to have a severe clunking and at times difficult steering usually at lower speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer shortly after purchase for the same complaint on 10/05/98 but the issue was never resolved and we were told this was normal. I have recently taken over driving the vehicle from my wife and after driving for a couple weeks it seems much worse and a possible safety concern. A friend of mine who is a trusted technician diagnosed the problem as most likely a failure in the rack-and-pinion steering. I will be taking the vehicle in either to oldsmobile or third party to have repaired but wanted to log my complaint. Hopefully gm will understand this is oem defect and help repair my vehicle. I have found there have been multiple tsbs (010232001b, 051101 & 01232002) on this issue and there is currently an investigation to extend a recall for the possible same issue (the federal safety agency recall campaign number : 02v286000). *jb information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jul 18, 2002 · Steering · IN

My olds intrigue had a clunking noise from the front steering and a shimmy when it was turned to the right. Gm resolved it by greasing the intermediate shaft and said it was a "stiction" problem. If that is the case then they only delayed the fix and some time in the future I will have to spend $150 to get it "fixed" again. They either need a seal to retain the grease in this area or a means of servicing this part as opposed to asking the consumer to pay for their poor design practice. Has the federal safety agency looked into the amount of wear in this joint on the vehicles with a "lack of lubricant" which can actually impact the steering operation of the vehicle?

Filed Sep 10, 2001 · Steering, Suspension · WV

The steering linkage and left front suspension showed laud noise of grinding and clunking friction at low speed and during turning, mostly toward the left side. The left front wheel seemed to move loosely during these movement, too. Dealer diagnosed and replaced the defective intermediate geer shaft at the owner's expense. The problem seemed to have reduced.

Filed Apr 24, 2001 · Brakes · IN

I have a clunking, scratching noise from the front end but I noticed a grinding or squeezy sound when braking. I was told by a certified mechanic that the rotors need replaced, there are deep groves in all but the worst is the back. Also was told the the caliper hardware needed to be replaced. I took it to this mechanic because I can get a straight answer from him from out older vehicles I have been getting no where with the dealership(as far as the clunking clicking). When the next day I took my car back to the dealer when I told them that I had a certified mechanic look at it and what to look for, the service manager told me there was a recall on the rotors. They had my car until the next day and I was told then they could not see a problem. This sounded familiar as I had to have a new steering rack (finally put in last year after many trips to the dealer). Also on this repair trip they rotated my tires, they put the rt front on the rt back!!!! I want to know why gm has not fixed this problem? It seems that enough documentation has been done. I am taking money out of my pocket and going to get yet another opinion on what action should be done. I do not feel safe driving my children around with all these things going wrong. I think that should be the question, isn't anyone at gm concerned about the safety issue and lives of people who spent good money on their cars?

Filed Feb 3, 2001 · Engine, Steering · OH

Engine/transmission whine reported to dealer at 31360 miles (dealer could not duplicate). Transmission failed at 40976 miles (engine revs rose and car slowed - on interstate at 65 MPH), transaxle replaced and whine no longer present. Even out of warranty, oldsmobile paid hafl of the $2800.00 bill, but feel that failure at this mileage is totally unacceptable. Complaint to olds at their web site got a response that they are sorry, its out of warranty. Bearing in HVAC motor failed at 34909 miles. Clunk in steering fixed by replacement of steering rack and interim shaft.

Filed Aug 26, 2000 · Steering · KS

I've read 40 consumer complaints about "clunking" in the steering/gear box/suspension and repeating failures. Why hasn't a recall been done after all these complaints? My dealer has failed to locate the problem and it continues as in many of the other complaints.

Filed Mar 6, 2000 · Suspension · MA

When driver turns her vehicle to the left or right. She hears a clunking and winding noise.

Filed Sep 25, 1999 · Brakes, Steering · NY

Steering makes grinding/clunking noise and feel. Brakes sometimes clunk at low speeds.