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.
Oldsmobile Intrigue steering noise problems
32 of the 1,140 owner complaints about the Oldsmobile Intrigue describe clunking or noise when steering, most of them for the 1998 model year.
- owner complaints
- 32
- worst model year
- 1998
- typical mileage
- 40,000
By model year
Often reported together
Harsh shifting 9Knocking 5Power steering loss 2Grinding brakes 2Ball joint 2Transmission failure 1Power windows 1
What owners say
1. Difficult to turn steering (sporadic) 2. Clunking noise/vibration in steering wheel 3. Water on passenger floor 4. Throttle sticks during acceleration.
I bought my olds intrigue new in june 1998. In jan., 1999 I complained about steering noise and the dealer (stohlman, alexandria va) says it tightened a plastic part. It continued, and, finally, in june 1999 they replaced the intermediate steering shaft assembly. That didn't cure the problem, and when I again brought it in march 15, 2000, they claimed they couldn't reproduce the problem. I have lived with it ever since, and the car has only 40,000 miles. I've always been concerned it's dangerous. I've recently discovered the forum discussions on the edmunds web site, and I find that this is a very common problem that gm denied for years but now apparently admits. It may be a faulty rack in the rack and pinion steering. There is no more olds. Can you help? Is this a recall item?
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 failure. When pulling out of a tight parking place the power steering started making noises. After exiting the parking place the power steering is sluggish, but not all of the time. This is a safety issue as some time you can turn with no problem, other time it takes additional effort to move the steering. You never know what to expect!! I suppose it could totally fail at any time also!! The oldsmobile garage (burke) has ordered a new power steering pump and will install it next week at a cost of five hundred and ninth four dollars to me. They say there have been no recalls or service bulletins on this problem. Old parts will be available when removed next week .
When turning left vehicle loses power steering and becomes nearly impossible to turn. Power steering mechanism makes loud growling noise.
2000 olds intrigue - car purchased new. 3 of the 4 power window motors replaced at $600 per window within the last 9-12 months. Car presently has 57k miles. Transmission repaired twice before 6k miles. Steering noise present since almost new but seems functional (dealer stated this is "normal"). Alternator and thermostat/assembly have been replaced.
When car is warmed up or weather is above 50 fahrenheit my 2000 oldsmobile intrigue has constant steering shutter or popping noise when turning steering wheel. This shutter and popping gets worse as the brake is applied when turning.
Steering column produces a loud knocking noise which causes a lot of play in the wheel. *ak
Steering produces a clicking noise. Consumer is concerned that steering will fail.
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 Oldsmobile Intrigue steering noise
Which Oldsmobile Intrigue years have clunking or noise when steering problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1998 (20 complaints), 1999 (5 complaints) and 2000 (5 complaints).
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