2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue Problems
- Complaints
- 64filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles, 47 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue most often describe electrical problems, especially a no-start condition tied to the Passlock security system and, separately, occasional stalling while driving. Other frequent reports cover headlamps that flicker or fail, a loss of power steering assist, and oil seepage or exhaust smell in the cabin. Complaints arrive across a wide mileage range, from under 20,000 to well past 150,000 miles, and describe both sudden failures and gradual wear.
- Electrical system
No-start with security light (Passlock)
- 19 complaints (30%)
- median 64,500 mi at 7.2 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- filed 2004–2025
Owners describe turning the key and the car failing to crank or start, sometimes with the security light lit or flashing. Several say it starts after waiting 10-15 minutes, after several attempts, or after a jump, and then the fault disappears. Dealers often could not reproduce it; some replaced the ignition switch, ignition cylinder, or Passlock components. Reported from about 28,000 to 136,000 miles, often intermittently over weeks or months.
What to check: Try several cold starts and watch whether the security light stays on or flashes. Ask whether the ignition switch or cylinder has been replaced and whether the ignition-switch recall work was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I drive an Oldsmobile Intrigue 2002 with the passlock security system. It flashes while driving over the last week or so and today it left me and my daughter stranded. The car would not start. When I came back to the car later it did start. I found many web posts about this problem and apparently dealers can only replace the ignition switch to make this better.”
NHTSA complaint #10164980, filed 2006-08, 108,000 miles“2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue. Problem starting the car. Key will not turn, I believe the problem is with the security system recognizing the key. I have paid to have a new key coded and this still does not start the vehicle. Dealer looking to charge several hundreds of dollars to fix.”
NHTSA complaint #10325794, filed 2010-04, 132,633 miles - Electrical system
Engine stalls while driving
- 11 complaints (17%)
- median 80,000 mi at 12.5 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2008–2016
Owners report the engine cutting off without warning at various speeds, sometimes leaving steering and braking without assist until the car is restarted. Several describe taking the car to multiple shops where the fault could not be found, and some link it to the ignition switch. Reported from about 40,000 to 199,000 miles, often as a random, repeat occurrence.
What to check: Ask whether the ignition switch recall (14V400000) was performed and whether any stalling has been logged. A test drive may not reproduce it, so service records matter more.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10724649, filed 2015-06, 35,000 miles“Engine cuts off, no ability to steer or control. Have to turn of key and restart have taken to several auto repair places and they can not find anything to fix. This happen when driving, also when stopped at red light, and it is dangerous to drive, not knowing when it will cut off.”
NHTSA complaint #10627415, filed 2014-08, 40,000 miles - Exterior lighting
Headlamps and dash lights flicker or go out
- 9 complaints (14%)
- median 93,000 mi at 13.9 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2001–2018
Complaints describe headlamps dimming, flickering, or going out while driving, sometimes with interior and dash lights following. Owners report repeated dealer visits where the behavior was attributed to a voltage drop or described as normal operation, and in some cases an alternator was replaced without a lasting fix. Reported over a broad range, from a few thousand to over 160,000 miles, sometimes worsened with air conditioning or other accessory loads.
What to check: Drive at night with the lights on and the air conditioning running to look for flicker, and ask about alternator or headlamp switch replacement history.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a 02 olds Intrigue and it has a flickering in intensity issue with the headlights. This is a driving distraction not just for me but anyone in front of me ...as they may feel brighted or it may distract them and they may vere away from me. I have had people slow down when directly in front of me because they thought I was signaling them with my lights, also god forbid a cop ever see my car doing this here in mo they may think I'm warning others of a cop in the area. …”
NHTSA complaint #11030273, filed 2017-09, 21,200 miles“Intermittent problem of dash cluster lights, steering wheel control lights,gear selector lights,climate control lights going completely out or in operative. Turning headlamp switch to on position vs. Automatic setting makes no change in problem. Intermittent nature is also tied to display in radio flashing bright a few times and then all affected lights going out.”
NHTSA complaint #10607991, filed 2014-07, 113,000 miles - Steering
Loss of power steering assist
- 7 complaints (11%)
- median 38,150 mi at 4.5 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2004–2013
Owners describe the steering suddenly becoming very stiff or unassisted, sometimes in one direction only or mainly at parking speeds, with the fluid level normal in some cases. Diagnoses reported include a failed power steering pump, a worn intermediate steering shaft, and a cracked weld on the steering rack. Mostly reported between about 17,000 and 84,000 miles.
What to check: Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for noise or a stiff spot, and ask whether the pump, rack, or intermediate shaft has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2002 olds Intrigue gx. Bought it 3 weeks ago. Not sure if this happened all at once or gradually over a period of about 3 hours-- my spouse was driving the car. Power steering stopped working when turning to the left; still works for right turns. It is very difficult to turn at city driving speeds (10 - 35 MPH), and nearly impossible to turn when parking. Power steering fluid level is okay. No repairs yet by the dealer. We should not have to pay for repairs!!! …”
NHTSA complaint #10184482, filed 2007-03“Power steering failure. When pulling out of a tight parking place the power steering started making noises. After exiting the parking place the power steering is sluggish, but not all of the time. This is a safety issue as some time you can turn with no problem, other time it takes additional effort to move the steering. You never know what to expect!! I suppose it could totally fail at any time also!! …”
NHTSA complaint #10098269, filed 2004-11, 43,500 miles - Engine
Oil seepage and exhaust smell in the cabin
- 5 complaints (8%)
- median 10,000 mi at 2.7 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2003–2016
Some owners describe oil being consumed or leaking around the valve covers, sometimes noticed as smoke near the exhaust manifold or becoming more obvious after a switch to synthetic oil. Others report exhaust-type fumes in the passenger compartment, with dealers saying no leak could be found. Reported from under 10,000 to about 98,000 miles.
What to check: Inspect the valve covers and the area around the rear exhaust manifold for oil seepage, and check for exhaust smell in the cabin during a test drive and at idle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“To whom it may concern:I have taken my 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue 3.5 back to the dealer 3 times complaining of exhaust fumes getting into the passenger compartment and Oldsmobile service keeps saying that they do not see or smell anything wrong. They also say that the obd 11 on board diagnostics would turn the check engine light on if something was wrong. I have used a digital home carbon monoxide tester in the passenger compartment and it has registered from 7 ppm to 27 ppm. …”
NHTSA complaint #10081176, filed 2004-07, 10,000 miles“I have a 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue 3.5 with 10,000 miles. When I drive it I get sleepy, headaches and my face turns red. I suspect that there are exhaust fumes getting into the passenger compartment. The dealer does not see any problems after 2 times in for service. They say that they cannot hear or see any exhaust leaks. My fear is that I will fall asleep while at the wheel and people will get hurt. Do you have any suggestions on how to fix this problem before somebody is hurt?”
NHTSA complaint #10026082, filed 2003-07, 8,000 miles
Buying note. Check the ignition-switch recall status and whether the car starts reliably from cold, since no-start and stalling reports are the most common theme. A night test drive with the lights and air conditioning on, plus a steering check at parking speeds, will surface the other frequently reported faults.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 58 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 64 consumer complaints for the 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue. 47 of the complaints include a mileage, and 38% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 60,000 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 297 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.
- Electrical system34 53%
- Steering10 16%
- Engine cooling8 13%
- Exterior lighting8 13%
- Engine5 7.8%
- Brakes4 6.3%
- Air bags3 4.7%
- Seat belts2 3.1%
- Seats2 3.1%
Also reported: Suspension (2), Fuel system (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Other or unknown (1), Tires (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Fail to start and it was at the dealer 3 times, we didn't get receipts, and they say 2 times. They could not find the problem and we went weeks and months without any problem. It started again this feb and every time we tried to drive it, we had to jump it. The dealer took it in this past month and said he couldn't find anything wrong, of course, it's out of warranty with only today we are paying to have a private repair man find and fix the problem, which we think is a starter. We do not have records of when the problem started, only the year, so therefore I'm putting in jan 1 for asterik.”
NHTSA complaint #10116508, filed 2005-04, 31,000 milesSteering: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10101866, filed 2004-11, 30,368 milesEngine cooling: “I have taken my 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue 3.5 back to the dealer complaining of exhaust fumes getting into the passenger compartment and Oldsmobile service keeps saying that they do not see or smell anything wrong. They also say that the obd 11 on board diagnostics would turn the check engine light on if something was wrong. I have used a digital home carbon monoxide tester in the passenger compartment and it has registered from 7 ppm to 27 ppm.\ I drive to work monday thru friday for one half hour, seventeen miles each way. When I arrive my arms have a purple color. My voice has become weak. …”
NHTSA complaint #10073275, filed 2004-05, 10,000 milesExterior lighting: “The turn signal lamp and socket had to replace 3 times on passengers side and once on drivers side. The socket over heats and melts so the turn signal does not work and the light on the dash board flashes fast .it is a on going problem .I replaced the socket pig tails at 45.00 each.”
NHTSA complaint #10649562, filed 2014-10, 126,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
38% of the 47 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 37,400 and 98,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2002 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).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intrigue FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,200 |
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
- 14V400000Jul 3, 2014Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: Oldsmobile Intrigue 1998–2002, Chevrolet Malibu 1997–2003, Pontiac Grand AM 1999–2005 +5 more
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…
Recall details for the 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
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. 297 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 11007744Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007743Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Electrical system. Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need…
- 11004557Jun 17, 2024Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312Jun 6, 2024Electrical system. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492…
- 10252735Mar 28, 2024Electrical system. This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024Engine cooling. This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with…
Other model years of the Oldsmobile Intrigue
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 64 | 60,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 108 | 62,000 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 200 | 65,128 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 256 | 78,600 | 6 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 510 | 87,524 | 6 | — | 21 | Not 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 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue?
Owners of the 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue most often describe electrical problems, especially a no-start condition tied to the Passlock security system and, separately, occasional stalling while driving. The issues reported most often: No-start with security light (Passlock); Engine stalls while driving; Headlamps and dash lights flicker or go out.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue have?
NHTSA recorded 64 consumer complaints for the 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 34 complaints (53% of the total), followed by steering with 10.
Has the 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue get?
The EPA rates the 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue (Intrigue, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue reported?
Among the 47 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 60,000 miles and the middle half falls between 37,400 and 98,000 miles; 38% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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.