The 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue has 4 recalls, the most serious being an engine oil leak that drips onto the hot exhaust manifold and can start a fire, alongside an ignition switch defect that can cut engine power, power steering, and power braking without warning.
The ignition switch can slip out of the run position if the key ring carries extra weight or the car hits a bump, leaving the driver without powered steering or brakes mid-travel. On the safety equipment side, rear seat shoulder belts can twist and jam in the retractor, making the belt unusable and leaving a rear passenger unrestrained in a crash. There is also a compliance issue with the owner's manual, which is missing required instructions for aiming the headlamps.
At a glance
What can fail
Engine oil may leak onto the hot exhaust manifold through the front valve cover gasket, creating a fire risk. Previous repair attempts did not fully eliminate this problem.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front valve cover and gasket to stop the oil leak and eliminate the fire risk.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
At a glance
What can fail
The ignition switch can move out of the run position if the key ring has extra weight or the vehicle experiences rough driving. This cuts engine power, power steering, and power braking, and may prevent airbags from deploying in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will install two key rings on each key and modify the key ring opening shape to prevent movement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear shoulder belt webbing can twist, causing it to jam inside the retractor mechanism and making the seat belt unusable.
What the fix does
Dealers will straighten the rear shoulder belts and install new clips to the belt guide to prevent future twisting.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The English owner manual is missing required information about how to aim the vehicle's headlamps, which doesn't meet federal lighting standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will insert a document with correct headlamp aiming instructions into the owner's manual.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
