Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue
The 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue has a significant number of recalls and complaints, notably in steering, brakes, and engine cooling. Recalls focus on engine oil leaks and steering issues, while complaints highlight steering problems. Potential buyers should conduct thorough checks on these systems. However, the evidence on some fronts is limited, emphasizing the need for general caution.
NHTSA data on file today
The 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns and 509 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #15V701000 Engine Oil Dripping On Manifold may Cause Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V400000 Ignition Switch may Turn Off NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09V116000 ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09E005000 STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING/LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #08E063000 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT/LOSS OF STEERING NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #03V527000 GM/STEERING GEAR BEARINGS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #00V044000 GM/REAR SEAT BELT NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #98V103000 GM/FMVSS 108 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 155 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 71 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 68 complaints
- Seat Belts 51 complaints
- Electrical System 47 complaints
- Visibility 34 complaints
Of the 509 complaints on file, 19 report a crash and 39 a fire; across all 509 complaints, owners report 12 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Engine oil leaks on exhaust
How to check: Inspect for oil drips near exhaust manifold; use a flashlight.
Steering knuckle breaking
How to check: Check for play in steering and inspect knuckle for cracks.
Ignition system failure
How to check: Test ignition switch function with minimal keychain weight.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for knocking or ticking noises from the engine.
Red flag: Persistent loud noises indicate issues.
- 02
Initial idle
What to check: Check for smooth steering wheel motion.
Red flag: Difficult or rough steering feel.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Observe steering response and ease of turning.
Red flag: Delayed or heavy steering response.
- 04
Highway driving
What to check: Monitor for consistent power delivery and acceleration.
Red flag: Hesitation or sputtering on acceleration.
- 05
Braking test
What to check: Feel for consistent brake pressure and response.
Red flag: Vibrations or inconsistent braking.
- 06
Final park
What to check: Look for fluid leaks under the car.
Red flag: Visible oil or other fluid leakage.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the ignition system recall been performed?
- Are there any ongoing oil leak issues?
- Have steering components been replaced?
- Is there a recent service record available?
- Have you experienced any brake issues?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Service history documentation
- Previous ownership record
- Accident history report
- Title and registration
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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