Clunking noise in steering column; headlights dim on a whim; blinkers work when they feel like it; hazard lights fail intermittently; driver's electric window locks up in the closed position intermittently and last be not least transmission whines and clucks when shifting gears--intermittently of course. On going for last 3 years.
Oldsmobile Intrigue harsh shifting problems
36 of the 1,140 owner complaints about the Oldsmobile Intrigue describe harsh or hard shifting, most of them for the 1998 model year.
- owner complaints
- 36
- worst model year
- 1998
- typical mileage
- 45,000
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.
By model year
Often reported together
Steering noise 9Headlights 3Grinding brakes 3Ball joint 2Won't start 1Transmission failure 1
What owners say
Clunking in steering wheel, fixed more than once. Was told it was a known problem but would only replace on the third complaint, at which time car was out of warranty. Also headlights will dim and strengthen at night.
1) headlights flicker on and off and create a road hazard especially when driving in snow and rain. Oncoming traffic often flash bright lights at you because they feel you are flashing at them. 2) steering has clunking in it and has been to the dealership several times for repair. The dealership often tells me they can't find anything wrong or can't duplicate the problem though everyone who drives my car or rides in it can feel the shaking in the front end and see the steering wheel vibrating. It still has this problem and now that the warranty is off I am expected to pay for the parts and labor to fix an ongoing problem. I don't feel I should have to pay for this repair. It has become a matter of safety to me. 3) transmission often hesitates when stepping on the gas peddle. I had the car checked and cleaned and still the problem exists. When taken to the dealership all I get is "we can't duplicate the problem" so therefore it must not exist. I know when it is going to start having problems as it gets a high pitched whine like when the steering pump is going out. 4) I am having problems getting car to start or stay running. It acts like it is not getting gas. Previous experience has taught me that since the problem is intermittent, it is not likely to be duplicated at the dealership. This has started occurring with the transmission problem.
1. Difficult to turn steering (sporadic) 2. Clunking noise/vibration in steering wheel 3. Water on passenger floor 4. Throttle sticks during acceleration.
I have been noticing a clunking and noise when I steer. Also when turning the wheel feels very the like the shaft is loose.
2001 oldsmobile intrigue exhibits clunking and poping sounds when turning at slow speeds. Seems to come from the steering/supension system. The car has about 50,000 mi. On odometer.
There was a slight clicking noise in steering. *sc the consumer stated that the rack and pinion steering assembly failed and was diagnosed on 12/01/2004. A clicking noise was heard in the front end of the vehicle at zero MPH or low speed while turning the steering wheel. The power steering fluid was found to be empty. The automatic transmission shifts hard and clunks into successive gears rather than shifting smooothly.
Power steering assist (rack/pinion-long shaft) unit second failure. *bf the right rear weather strip was deformed, engine stalled shortly after starting, pulsating noise coming from the front end, tire noise, right rear window inoperative, clunking noise in the front end when turning, the battery light had come on for 20 minutes but the problem but was actually coolant light, the engine would crank but no start, the vehicle would run rough and dies, failed ignition switch, failed crankshaft sensor, remote was not working, lost power steering on a left turn and still had power on right turns, there was an oil leak, there was excessive wear of the intermediate steering shaft, and excessive play in the left front hub and bearing assembly.
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.
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.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Oldsmobile Intrigue harsh shifting
Which Oldsmobile Intrigue years have harsh or hard shifting problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1998 (23 complaints), 1999 (5 complaints) and 2001 (5 complaints).
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