Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle did not kick into first gear until after driving approximately three blocks. The contact also stated that the security system lock. Additionally, the brakes jerked and failed to stop the vehicle right away. The ABS indicator illuminated and disappeared. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The mechanic showed the contact how to temporarily lock the security system from the trunk until the ignition switch was replaced. The failures recurred several times. The mechanic was unable to diagnose the brake failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
1. Loose dashboard causing passenger seat airbag to rattle and the cover to lift above the dashboard. This could lead to deployment at anytime of the airbag. 2. Turning signal fails to blink on exterior lights when engaged, usually about twice a day. This could lead to me getting a ticket or into an accident in which case the airbag would still be an issue. 3. Headlights and interior lights flicker and dim at night. 4. The transmission jumps at certain times, usually when the car is just started and instantly put into gear. There has been no action to fix the air bag, lights or transmission. The turning signal, however, I have checked the wiring for burns and other problems but have found none.
Hestitant to shift from low gear. Know design problem with material (aluminum) of the valve body wearing out and they use sw to correct for wear and tear then come sto the point were the sw cannot compenstate for the poil bypassing the valve any more resulting in multiple internal failures of clecuthes and carriage assemby with cracked and broken parts. The manufacture only wanted to repalce the transmission with a rebuit unit withthe same components as the original setting up another failure. Lucky the problem did not casue an accident as if the parts let lose any more it would have jammed up while driving. I am having a independat rebuildngof the unit with upgraded parts.
Ever since 2010, I have been dealing with a serious GM passlock anti-theft system issue. It began with my vehicle not starting one day. It had power; all of the dash lights worked, radio, etc..., but it would not start. At first, I had no idea what to do, but I would always somehow get it to start after a lot of punching of the dashboard and shifting my gears rapidly over and over again. The problem slowly started occurring more frequently and I began to do some research on it and figured out that it was indeed an passlock system malfunction after confirming that my security light would blink when the vehicle would not start. …
Dt: the owner has a problem with the transmission and its jerking when shifting gears. Consumer wants the manufacturer to fix the car because the car only has 50,000 miles, and it is only 5 years old. The car has just started jerking in the past week. The car has not left the owner stranded anywhere yet. Owner had the dealership look at the car ,and the dealership gave the owner a $1000.00 charge. The dealer said it was ta pressure solenoid error. The car has not been fixed as of yet.
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.
Automatic transmission failed and must be replaced at 71,000 miles. 'service engine soon' light came on. Dealer reports that code indicates faulty torque clutch converter solenoid. After removing transmission dealer reports that shift solenoid, torque clutch converter and valve body has failed and transmission must be replaced. GM customer support confirms diagnosis.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Oldsmobile Intrigue years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (20), 1999 (16), 2001 (15) and 2000 (10) model years. Transmission complaints make up 4% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Oldsmobile Intrigue transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Oldsmobile Intrigue model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Oldsmobile Intrigue transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles; 32% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (44 mentions), followed by the axle assembly (3).
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.