Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
Tl* - the contact has a 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue with an odometer reading of 60373 miles and finds it difficult to shift gears. The contact stated that when she places her foot on the break and holds down the gear shift she has a hard time moving the shift from one gear to another, and it won't go into 1st gear. The contact had the car taken to the mechanic and he has been unable to find a problem. The contact stated that this happens every time she gets in the car. The contact is able to get it into gear, but it takes a while.
1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue. Consumer writes in regards to safety recall on vehicle that caught fire the consumer stated she received a second recall notice on June 8, 2011 regarding a possible engine fire. However, the vehicle caught on fire November 2, 2007. The vehicle was destroyed. Prior to the fire, the consumer experienced several other problems with the vehicle, such as; transmission problems, the dash/steering instrument panel and cruise control compartment would become extremely hot.
This car has had many small problems. Many electrical problems in the air conditioning. The transmission had to be rebuilt at 78000. The biggest problem is in the steering. The intermediate shaft wears out after about 20,000 miles. I am about to have the intermediate shaft replaced for the third time. The first was taken care of by the warranty. The second came out of my pocket and now I am about to have it replaced again.
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.
Consumer states when engine is started and backing out movement, consumer hears a click in the front brakes. When driving no problem,. Dealer contacted, and stated this was a factory design flaw. Problem still exists. *akthe click is becoming more & more noticeable after you move forward or backward, consumer also stated that transmission feels like it clunks when shifting from reverse to drive, also power steering was replaced.
While driving front axle collapsed at speed 30 MPH. Right front tire came out of axle boot and ball joint was sheared off. Left front tire also collapsed. Prior to accident vehicle had transmission solenoids and bearings replaced. After looking over vehicle, insurance inspector stated that it was possible that the vehicle was not put back together properly when transmission repairs were made.
When the accelerator is pressed from a complete stop the vehicle makes a sound like going across a rumble strip and the vehicle moves forward about 1 or 2 MPH, the driver has to let up on the accelerator then reaccelerate to get the car to go into low gear. The dealer has been notified of the problem but has been unable to reproduce the problem. Nlm
While parked, shift cable May have broken, causing shift level to remain in gear instead of park. Manufucturer was notified. The shift cable broke while shifting from 1st to park. Vehicle therefore stayed in 1st gear. Consumer exited vehicle thinking it was in park. Fortunately the parking brake had been applied.
I have a 98 olds. Intrigue with the 4t65e and it has a whine noise when it is in park or neutral only. I took it to a Chevy dealership and they told me they do not know what is causing the noise. So they told me to drive the car until the trans stop working. Had the noise for 3 years no failures no accidents.
Consumer noticed a vibration coming from steering column. Dealership examined vehicle and replaced intermediate steering shaft three times under warranty, and the problem has reoccurred. . Steering rack has also been relaced. After backing out, transmission will hesitate or shudder.
Transmission complaints in other Intrigue years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 4% of the model year's 510 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.