Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
The "antilock" and "brake" light came con while driving. I noticed some change in braking and immedixately went to ge it checke out. The mechanic said it was a computer component that controlled the rear braking system and that it was common for the Intrigue. I then went to my mechanic who maintains my vehicle on a regular basis and he ran a computer diagnostic on my car and also said it was the computer and the motor that operates the rear brakes. This problem is not a normal wear and tear problem for cars and has endangered me and alsois very costly. Both mechanics estamate to repalce the entire system would run about $1700 and there is no way around it. I am cuurently using only my front brakes and if I would have not known to get them checked shorly after replacing both my front rotors and pads the problem would still have gone undetected
I have had a problem with the ABS system on my car for a few months now. When I start my car the ABS goes to set itself and the ABS light comes on along with the brake light. As I have been researching the problem I have found that it is one of the main problems on the car, but nothing has been done about his problem. It is a very costly fix dealing with the wheel bearings and sensors. My 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue is a very solid car, but I believe they have a faulty ABS system on them due to the hub assemblies. The average price for such a repair that I have seen is $500- $1100. Many drivers of these cars are not getting them fixed as it is costly. Thus this there are thousands of intrigues around with the ABS turned of increasing the chances of brake failure.
Have had ainti-lock brake system automatically shut off, causing the brakes to lock up and release every 5 seconds.it unfortunately does not do it everyday, in order for the dealership to see the problem, I had my rotors replaced in front and turned in the back, this still has not helped the problem. Traction control system no longer works, and now the fan that blows air out of the vents, will work once and awhile. I have been told the bearings are going out in it, which means no heat, and no air. It will cost 264.00-300.00 to fix. I have had my car for 4 years, and have had nothing but problems with it.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled several times. The warning indicators illuminated and the vehicle lost power each time the failure occurred. Also, excessive force had to be applied to the brake pedal in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
When traveling at 25-35 mp and depressing the brake pedal to make a gradual stop, the brakes started grabbing. Pedal traveled to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance, causing an accident. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Consumer has been to the doctor several times for leg, neck, and back strain because of this accident.
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). …
The rear brakes are insufficiently proportioned to the front causing the front tires to loose traction easily under moderate braking. There is a spongy brake pedal and I have suggested that air in the back lines May be causing this. No action has been taken because they say their tests show the car is within GM guidelines. The problem becomes readily evident when traction conditions are unfavorable with only slight brake pedal pressure the front tires will overcome the available traction available. It is obvious that the rear brakes are barely assisting, if at all. I have 3 other vehicles and in the same conditions, I can't even get the tires to break loose unless I stomp the brakes. But with Intrigue, light pressure causes the front tires to loose traction. ABS functions properly, but would have never come on if all 4 brake were assisting. …
Have seen many postings about rotors warping every 10 to15,000 with both autobahn and standard (mine) on 1998 intrigues. Seems everyone gets save song and dance from the dealer - " not covered under warranty - must be your driving style causing the problem. " dealer refused to write up ticket without first having mechanics look at them- for $75 dollars an hour of course. Went to brake shop to have rotors turned down, shop said three out of four rotors were already underspec and couldn't be turned down. Bought car with less than 13,000 miles on it; if it already needed the brake rotors turned during that time then that suggests a design flaw to me. Rotors warping every 10 to 15,000 miles? Thats ridiculous! …
While driving the ABS light comes on followed by the traction light. This has happend 5 times and all the time the computer acording to the dealer does not leave any codes. This last time all four wheels locked followed with stering wheel locking with all panel lights illuminating. Wife spined out of control and stoped at the medium at a major highway. Dealer was informed, they gave wife a hard time until I talked to them and requested that vehicle be picked up at my wifes work. Just the week before the vehicle was at the dealer for the illumination of the ABS and tracking lights. Again dealer notified us that there were no codes in the computer. I informed the dealer that if the wife was to have an accident because of brake failure or system failure that I would make it my sole purpose in life to sue them. This week it happend. …
Brake complaints in other Intrigue years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue?
NHTSA has 77 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 15% of the model year's 510 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (35 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 91,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.