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 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt*: the contact stated on start up, the vehicle sputtered and stalled. While driving 30 MPH, the engine overheated, the check oil light and traction control lights illuminated, prior to the engine power failing. The brakes squeaked badly as the brakes were applied. The vehicle was taken to the sales/service dealer for repairs. On the first visit, the thermostat and thermostat housing were replaced. The intermediate shaft assembly was serviced and the oil and filter were replaced. The stalling continued and the vehicle was returned to the sales/service dealer, where the right portioning valve was replaced and the brake lines were bled. The oil and filter were replaced again. The power failed again while traveling 55 MPH. After inspection of the vehicle the sales manager informed the contact, the crankshaft position sensor, rear struts and steering gear needed to be replaced. …
Tl contact owns a 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue. While driving 35 MPH, the contact attempted to stop the vehicle, but it continued to move. He had to apply the parking brake to stop the vehicle. When he removed the tires, he noticed that the brake line was corroded and brake fluid was leaking. The weather was sunny at the time of failure. The current and failure mileages were 62,000.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue. While the contact's grandson was driving 15 MPH, he applied the brakes. The rod from the brake pedal that connected from the power booster to the master cylinder failed. The purchase date was unknown. The approximate current and failure mileages were 47,000. Updated 12/13/07
Brakes have been pulsing a lot to the point that the car does not break well. Took it in to have it fixed and was told that both front rotors and bearings would have to be replaced. Told that this is a common problem with this car. Cost me over $1000 for this repair.
Car battery went dead in less than 30 days. Car stranded me several times..purchased car on nov 20, 1998,received letter from oldmobile dec 9,1998 advising of recall..called dealership to advise and I was advised to have car serviced locally as I didn't have to bring car back to winston salem for recall...took car locally to be repaired...car was kept for approximately 9 days, I was never offered a rental car while my car was being serviced and I had warrantiy coverage which no one seem to recognize... I took my mom to the bank in the car and the car went dead.. I had to call serviceman out to get my vehicle started.. I called flow motors and advised.. I was advised by service mgr at the time, jim benning to run the car to build battery back up... The next occassion my husband and I took car out, stopped at local run in, car went dead again... …
Brake rotors warped @ 25,000 miles - fixed @ 30,000 miles. Rotors warped again @40,000 miles - not yet fixed. Concerened that the continued variation of brake pressure when braking created by the pulsating brakes from the warped rotor have a detrimental affect on the anti-lock brakes or traction control system of this car. This is not an isolated incident. Apparently, this has become an epidemic with this car that GM will not acknowledge. There are bulletin boards on edmunds.com devoted to this specific problem with this specific car.
The transmission has an intermittent problem that two dealers have tried to fix, then tell me that the condition is normal. The brake rotors have warped, it took three trips to the dealership repair shop to fix the problem. Warranty was charged twice on brake repair when only one repair was done. Defroster function on car was inoperative due to water collecting in ac unit. Ac has moldy smell that has not yet been corrected. Very dissatisfied with dealerships that try to repair car.
ABS worked as brakes applied to keep from hitting a car that pulled out in front of wife who was driving at time.. Brakes then failed next time applied. Took to dealer who imformed me entire valve body would have to be replaced. No brakes at this time. Total cost ended up being $1820.75. Dealer insisted no recall or tech. Bullintin out concerning problem but reduced bill to $798.35. My concern is has this happened on other intrigues.
Consumer states has had several steering malfunctions while driving. The steering wheel vibrates excessively and a "knocking" noise is heard from the steering column. When the brakes are applied they vibrate also. Consumer also states that intermittenly while driving the vehicle will skid w/o warning and experience loss of steering control. Vehicle checked by dlr who replaced steering shaft on 11/27/01. The problem reoccured. Nlm
The engine will die going down the road at any speed, which is a safty hazard. When engine dies... It is very hard too steer and looses braking power. The engine then May not restart for several min. Takes several attempps to get going again. If a person had to get to a hospital on time it could make the differance between life or death. We feel this should be fixed by GM...free...and soon!!! Thanks john & dawn
Brake complaints in other Intrigue years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the brakes of the 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 8% of the model year's 256 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1999 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 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.