Skip to content
Oldsmobile IntrigueModel year report

2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue Problems

Complaints
108filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
62,000miles, 62 complaints with mileage
Recalls
3campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
20 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 17 city / 26 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe intermittent electrical troubles — turn signals and hazard lights that work only some of the time, and headlights or dash lights that flicker or dim while driving. Transmission shifting complaints and stalling that dealers sometimes traced to the ignition switch or a crank sensor also appear repeatedly. Most sampled complaints were filed between roughly 25,000 and 100,000 miles.

  1. Exterior lighting

    Turn signals and hazard lights work intermittently

    • 21 complaints (19%)
    • median 48,026 mi at 6.0 yrs old (15 state mileage)
    • filed 2003–2015

    Owners describe turn signals that work for a week and then stop, with no warning and no pattern. The hazard lights often misbehave the same way, sometimes only working while the button is held in. Some dealers told owners they could not find a fault or that there was no fix; others replaced fuses and bulbs without solving it. Reported across a wide range, mostly between 20,000 and 75,000 miles, and often described as getting worse over months or years.

    What to check: Operate the turn signals and hazards repeatedly during a test drive and watch for skipped or slow flashes. Ask whether the hazard switch or flasher module has been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I own a 2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue and I am experiencing a familiar problem with my turn signals as described in NHTSA action number ea02037. I have investigated this problem via Oldsmobile owner forums on the internet and have seen other owners of the Intrigue having the same problem. I am interested to know why GM didn't issue a recall to repair/replace these electrical problems on these vehicles as well as the ones listed on the NHTSA action number?”

    NHTSA complaint #10195997, filed 2007-07, 40,000 miles

    “For the last 2 years I have driven the car the turn signals will not work properly. Some times they will flash rapidly like I need to replace a bulb. However, more and more they just don't work at all. They will work most of the time when I first turn on the car in the morning, after that it is hit or miss. They use to work more often than not, and now they work less than they don't. I have taken it for service and found nothing wrong. I have cleaned/replaced the fuse (no.8) in the engine compartment and cleaned the terminal. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10169696, filed 2006-10, 50,000 miles
  2. Electrical system

    Headlights and dash lights flicker or dim

    • 42 complaints (39%)
    • median 38,000 mi at 3.2 yrs old (16 state mileage)
    • filed 2001–2016

    Complaints describe headlights that flicker on and off at night and interior or dashboard lights that dim and brighten on their own. Some owners link it to the charging system and had alternators replaced repeatedly, and some report the radio, cruise control or climate fan cutting out at the same moments. Several say the dealer could not diagnose it or declined to keep replacing parts. Reported from very low mileage up past 150,000 miles; some owners note it is more noticeable in cold weather.

    Recall 14V400000

    What to check: At idle and while driving at night, watch the headlights and dash for flicker or dimming, and test the radio and cruise control at the same time. Ask about alternator and battery replacement history.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “In the past few years, my 2001 olds Intrigue has been having numerous issues. At first, I thought it may just be my car, but after much research, I'm finding that all of these things are also happening to many others. The first thing that I noticed was the random dimming of my headlights while driving. I have checked my lights, battery cables, and alternator. All are fine. The next issue is that my blinkers sometimes work and sometimes don't. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10790096, filed 2015-11, 100,000 miles

    “Headlights flicker - under certain circumstances(more often in cold weather) the headlights on the car flicker as if I were flashing my high beams or turn my lights off and back on again. Doesn't really sound like a big issue....right. Well, that's what I thought after the dealer refused to continue to replace alternators in my car because this was a known issue with Oldsmobile. If you search on google or any other search engine you can find thousands and thousands of people with the same issue. Back to the safety issue... …”

    NHTSA complaint #10154764, filed 2006-04, 66,000 miles
  3. Electrical system

    Engine stalls, sometimes traced to ignition switch

    • 10 complaints (9%)
    • median 89,065 mi at 13.0 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2004–2015

    Owners report the engine quitting without warning at various speeds, sometimes with all gauges dropping or the whole car going dark, and restarting after a short wait. In several complaints a dealer diagnosed and replaced the ignition switch; another owner reports the stall returned after a campaign repair was performed. Most sampled reports fall between about 48,000 and 100,000 miles, with a few at higher mileage.

    Recall 14V400000

    What to check: Ask whether the ignition switch campaign (14V400000) was completed and whether the switch has been replaced since; note any history of unexplained stalling or hard-to-turn key.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “While driving the vehicle approaching a turn, the vehicle goes dead and completely blacks out. The vehicle is operating perfectly prior to all electrical current begin cut from the car, this happens with no warning. It has been diagnosed with a bad electronic ignition switch which is cutting all power to the vehicle. Obviously with out a running engine, the power brakes and steering are gone too. I have to assume since there is no power to the vehicle that the airbags would also not function correctly.”

    NHTSA complaint #10713199, filed 2015-04, 139,000 miles

    “Shortly after 36,000 miles, vehicle began stalling intermittently, pcs, ABS, ses lights would come one & stay on. Stalling became more and frequent until it began occurring everytime within 120 seconds of cold start (over course of 2,000 -4,000 more miles. Nearly got broadsided by cement truck when vehicle stalled unexpectedly (after already doing its traditional first stall after cold start). Dealer diagnosed and replaced crank sensor. Gm would only pay for part and I was left with diagnosis and labor bill. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10071219, filed 2004-01, 25,000 miles
  4. Transmission and drivetrain

    Hard or delayed shifting, internal transmission damage

    • 19 complaints (18%)
    • median 56,000 mi at 5.9 yrs old (15 state mileage)
    • filed 2003–2020

    Complaints describe the transmission not responding when the accelerator is pressed, then engaging abruptly after a pause, and later slipping between gears. One owner found debris in the filter and was told by an independent shop that internal gears were damaged; another reports teeth in the pan at 42,000 miles. A few describe the shift lever or its release button failing. Mostly reported between about 37,000 and 75,000 miles.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Test drive from a cold start and note any delay or clunk going into gear, and check the fluid condition and service history. Ask if the transmission has been rebuilt or replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Transmission was not responding when I would try to accelerate, after a few seconds it would slam into gear. After a few times of this the transmission started to slip when changing gears. I first replaced the filter and fluid and noticed large chunks of steel in the filter tray. I took it to the dealer, and they said it just need to be cleaned. It continued, so I then took it to a transmission shop and found the pinion gear had broke and therefore caused my gears to be striped. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10016231, filed 2003-04, 37,000 miles

    “Clunking noise in steering column; headlights dim on a whim; blinkers work when they feel like it; hazard lights fail intermittently; driver's electric window locks up in the closed position intermittently and last be not least transmission whines and clucks when shifting gears--intermittently of course. On going for last 3 years.”

    NHTSA complaint #10196418, filed 2007-07, 45,000 miles
  5. Steering

    Steering noise, pulsation or loss of assist

    • 9 complaints (8%)
    • median 78,000 mi at 4.6 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2004–2014

    Owners report clunking or popping from the front end when turning at low speed, and a pulsation felt through the wheel when starting a turn. In some cases a dealer recommended replacing the rack and pinion, in one instance a second time. One complaint describes losing power steering fluid and assist after a steering cooler hose was damaged, and notes the part was no longer available. Reported from roughly 45,000 to 93,000 miles.

    What to check: Turn the wheel slowly at parking speed and listen for clunks or pops, check for steering fluid leaks at the cooler lines, and ask whether the rack has been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I have noticed a pulsation in my steering, especially as I initiate a turn. Am told by the dealer I need a new steering rack. I can't believe a steering rack has failed at 93000 miles of predominately highway driving.”

    NHTSA complaint #10065723, filed 2004-04, 93,267 miles

    “2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue exhibits clunking and poping sounds when turning at slow speeds. Seems to come from the steering/supension system. The car has about 50,000 mi. On odometer.”

    NHTSA complaint #10121833, filed 2005-05, 40,000 miles

Buying note. Check the electrical items carefully — turn signals, hazards, headlight flicker and any stalling history — since these are the most commonly reported problems, and confirm whether the ignition switch campaign was completed. A transmission and steering inspection by an independent shop is worth the cost on a car of this age.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 108 consumer complaints for the 2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue. 62 of the complaints include a mileage, and 39% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 62,000 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 263 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (4), Body and structure (3), Tires (3), Electronic stability control (2), Equipment (2), Fuel system (2), Other or unknown (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Latches, locks and linkages (1).

Example complaints

Exterior lighting: “The electrical connection within my turn signals is erratic. One moment the turn signal works, the next moment it doesn't. This makes for a difficult commute. There is a current safety recall pertaining to vehicles made by GM during the time that my vehicle was built but my vehicle isn't covered under the recall, despite the fact that the vehicle is suffering from the same problems as the GM vehicles included in the safety recall. The recall states that there was faulty soddering at fault in the case of the electrical issues. …”

NHTSA complaint #10679293, filed 2015-01, 90,500 miles

Electrical system: “Driving anywhere day or night at any given speed, radio goes in and out, turn signal work on and off at random moments, headlights will dim for no reason, interior dash lights dim for no reason. Also will occasionally cause car to stall for no reason. Have been pulled over by law enforcement several times and warned about not using turn signals when I did, but car has never worked properly. I inform them of the complaints I have repeatedly made to GM to resolve and have been repeatedly ignored by GM. I usually am let off with warning. …”

NHTSA complaint #10717465, filed 2015-05, 74,000 miles

Transmission and drivetrain: “The button on the shifter used to take the transmission out of park broke off and fell on the floor. It was difficult to put it back to operate the car. It did not receive any excessive use. The car only has a little over 56,000 on it.”

NHTSA complaint #10133824, filed 2005-08, 56,000 miles

Engine cooling: “P0410 code: haven't been able to get this vehicle inspected in 2 years. Replaced a.I.r. Pump and alternator to no avail. Cleared code but always comes back after 50 miles of driving. Seems to be a false p0410 code since pump is actually functioning and going through startup tests when vehicle first started. Skeptical about taking vehicle to GM dealerships. There's always seem to be another failure after you drive from dealerships.”

NHTSA complaint #10175879, filed 2006-12, 62,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

39% of the 62 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 40,000 and 85,700 miles.

5%0–102%10–2532%25–5032%50–7511%75–10013%100–1505%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (62 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 62,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’0219’05’08’13’16’20
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Intrigue FWD3.5L 6-cyl4-speed automatic172620$3,350

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

NHTSA investigations

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 263 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 263 bulletins →

Other model years of the Oldsmobile Intrigue

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20026460,0001—21Not compared (before 2008)Rising
200110862,0003—20Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200020065,1284—20Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199925678,6006—21Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199851087,5246—21Not compared (before 2008)Rising

All Oldsmobile Intrigue model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue?

Owners of this model year most often describe intermittent electrical troubles — turn signals and hazard lights that work only some of the time, and headlights or dash lights that flicker or dim while driving. The issues reported most often: Turn signals and hazard lights work intermittently; Headlights and dash lights flicker or dim; Engine stalls, sometimes traced to ignition switch.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue have?

NHTSA recorded 108 consumer complaints for the 2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue is reported most often?

Exterior lighting is named most often, in 41 complaints (38% of the total), followed by electrical system with 37.

Has the 2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue been recalled?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue get?

The EPA rates the 2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue (Intrigue, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 17 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue reported?

Among the 62 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 62,000 miles and the middle half falls between 40,000 and 85,700 miles; 39% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.