Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
Tl contact owns a 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue. While driving at an unknown speed and making a left turn, the contact heard an explosion that shook her vehicle. She lost control of the steering, the battery warning light illuminated, and smoke was present underneath the hood. A relative, who is also a mechanic, stated that the fluid on the manifold caused the vehicle to begin smoking and the steering knuckle fell off of the vehicle, which could also have caused fluid to leak and smoke to appear. A few months ago, the contact heard a high pitched sound in the steering wheel. Prior to the failure, she noticed an oil leak and the dealer replaced the pistons. The VIN was unavailable. The dealer and manufacturer have not been notified. The failure and current mileages were 137,000.
I have a serious problem when I turn left! Sometimes it will and most of the time I have to break a sweat. I had the power steering pump replaced and the problem still is there. I have found several different complaints and recalls of GM vehicles that have rack and pinion deficiencies. To get my rack and pinion replace it will cost me $600 for the part and ten hours of labor. Due to the fact that they have to remove the engine just to get to it. Now, I m a sergeant in the us army and I am stationed in Germany. The closest thing I have to GM is an opel dealer. I spoke to Oldsmobile and they say that they do not have any recalls or complaints about the rack and pinion on file. This is bs. Look at the NHTSA web site and you will find hundreds of them. Or just search for olds Intrigue steering problems. I take care of my car and I keep up the services. …
1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue - this car has been nothing but trouble since the first day I purchased it. The rack and pinion steering had to be replaced, this did not correct the problem with loose steering, along the car losing power steering and stalling. I have been driving on the interstate at 50-60 miles an hour, the car will cut off on you. I make a habit to drive in the right lane, so that I can pull over and stall out on the side of the road. I try and stay off the interstate because if a truck or bad driver is behind me that could really cause problems (accident/death). I have had major mechanical repairs done to this car, nothing helps. I can not afford to at this moment get another car but as soon as I am able I am going to get rid of it. General motors should not have been allow to sell this type of dangerous product to the public. These incidents are still going on problem. …
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. …
While initiating a left turn in my 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue the steering suddenly locked making it almost impossible to turn the wheel. There were no prior indications that a problem existed with the steering. The dealer has informed me that the steering gear (rack and pinion) needs to be replaced. With only 52,000 miles of mostly highway driving I logged onto the NHTSA web site to see if this is a common complaint among Intrigue owners. It appears it is. In calling to solicit reduced prices for this $1200+ bill a number of dealers admitted that this was not an uncommon problem with intrigues and that it most often affected left turns. A safe steering mechanism is not something that should wear out with only 52,000 miles and the sudden nature of the failure, also a common complaint in your web site, is very concerning.
Power steering assist (rack/pinion-long shaft) unit second failure. 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.
I own a 1999 olds Intrigue and that has had steering shaft problems. Almost every 25K miles I have had to replace the lower steering shaft at a cost of over $400. The first two incidents were covered by warranty but the last one I had to pay for. Additionally it appears that I am going to have to have the shaft replaced again, which would be the 4th shaft in 120K miles. Oldsmobile has refused to assist. Based on NHTSA campaign id number 03V527000 (steering:rack and pinion) for 1998 intrigues, I believe that my issue May be similar to the campaign stated. This is a potentially serious safety/driving hazard and hope nhsta can extend the 1998 steering problem to 1999. Thank you for you assistance.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle stalled out while attempting to make a left turn at 10 MPH and there was a loss of all power. There is a NHTSA recall, #03V527000, regarding the steering. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. The vehicle was seen by a dealer and repairs were made as instructed in the recall. Updated 2/9/2006 - as of 2/24/2006 the vehicle has not been repaired. On 2/10/06 the dealer replaced the transmission pressure control solenoid and replaced mass air flow sensor.
When driving my 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue at approximately 45mph I hit a very large pot hole in the street. It jarred the vehicle and switched the ignition in my vehicle off. I lost power in the vehicle and my ability to properly steer the vehicle. I was thankfully in a lane where I was able to pull the vehicle over without issue (power steering was not available and the wheel was almost locked and it required a lot of pulling to be able to pull over) and restart the car. I did have a large/heavy key ring on my keys at that time.
Steering problem in 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue. Diagnosed independently by two non-Oldsmobile repair shops as: replacement of rack & pinion steering system, lower control arm & bushings need replacement. When entering left turns, it feels as though power steering has cut out, requiring much effort to continue turn. Current mileage approximately 57000. Car is currently in a local Oldsmobile repair facility/dealership being diagnosed. Oldsmobile customer service shows no current recall.
Steering complaints in other Intrigue years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue?
NHTSA has 58 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 23% of the model year's 256 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (22 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries and 1 death to steering 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.