Most common 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue problems
Share of the 64 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Oldsmobile Intrigue complaints by model year
Best Intrigue years: 2002, 2001. Years to avoid: 1998, 1999. Compare all years →
2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue recalls (1)
Electrical system › Ignition
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014.
What 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue owners say
Electrical system all 34 →
The contact owns a 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start as intended. The contact turned the key to the on position; however, the vehicle failed to start immediately. The contact stated that the vehicle started after several attempts; however, occasionally the vehicle took one or two days to start. The contact stated that several independent mobile mechanics had stopped by the residence to inspect the vehicle and it was confirmed that the body control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue. While driving 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled in the middle of traffic and the steering wheel seized. As a result, a tractor trailer crashed into the passenger side door of the contact's vehicle. The vehicle spun around numerous times onto the other side of the road and crashed into a guardrail. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained injuries to the head and right shoulder that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was destroyed. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (air bags). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000. The VIN was not included.
Engine & cooling
Owner noticed car was going threw oil. At first no leak was found and owner thought the vehicle was burning it internally. Brought car in for a diagnosis for another issue that was occurring at the time and noticed that there was smoke coming from the rear manifold. Took a look and it turns out valve covers are leaking. Car was switched from conventional oil to synthetics which had made it more noticeable. Earlier Oldsmobile Intrigue models have a recall for the same issue but not with the 2002 models. The recall number is 09V116000. Vehicle has had no loss in performance.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. As a result, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the guard rail. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed of the incident and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 163,000.
Steering
With no reason the engine will cut off, leaving me with no power to steer or move. Have been to numerous repair shops and they can not find the cause. I think it is the electrical switch that needs to be replaced. The cost is approximately $ 500.00. Will general motors pay for this? Should this not be on the recall list? This is highly dangerous as someone could hit me when it stalls.
Consumer was backing out of the garage and the steering wheel failed. Consumer was unable to turn or move the vehicle. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the steering pump/housing shaft, and bolt needed to be replaced. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that steering pump/housing shaft, and bolt needed to be replaced. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the steering pump/ housing shaft and bolt needed to be replaced......also, engine pulley was off due to abrokenbolt at alternator bracket. Replaced accessory driv ebelt.
2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue a good car?
Based on 64 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Intrigue rates better than average: 79% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Intrigue at the same age. It is one of the best Intrigue years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue?
The electrical system — 34 complaints, 53% of all complaints for this model year, most often about alternator/generator/regulator. Next are the engine & cooling (13) and steering (10).
How many recalls does the 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue have?
There is 1 recall for the 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, the most recent from July 3, 2014 (ignition). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Oldsmobile Intrigue?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002 and 2001. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1998 and 1999. See the full Oldsmobile Intrigue years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 38% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.