Head-to-head reliability
Oldsmobile Intrigue vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Oldsmobile Intrigue and Chevrolet Silverado compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Oldsmobile Intrigue vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Intrigue averages 130 complaints per year, with top issues in electrical and steering, while the Silverado averages 510 per year, with engine and transmission problems. The Intrigue has 14 recalls, the Silverado 100. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Oldsmobile Intrigue or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Oldsmobile Intrigue
The Oldsmobile Intrigue, a now-discontinued midsize sedan, shows a high complaint rate for its age, averaging over 130 per year. Owners report persistent electrical gremlins, especially headlight flickering that can be a distraction, and steering issues that range from clicking noises to sudden loss of power assist. These are not just minor annoyances; they affect safety and reliability, making the car a potential money pit for a first-time buyer.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a full-size pickup, has a much higher total complaint count, but it spans a decade and includes many more vehicles on the road. The dominant issues are engine problems, particularly with the 6.2L and Duramax diesel engines, including sudden power loss and diesel particulate filter clogging. Transmission and brake issues also appear, with reports of sudden neutral engagement and loss of braking power, which are serious safety concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Oldsmobile Intrigue | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 391 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 21 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 130.3 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 10 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Oldsmobile Intrigue
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM145
- 02EXTERIOR LIGHTING100
- 03STEERING52
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING49
- 05POWER TRAIN29
Owners report flickering headlights that can distract oncoming drivers, and the security system may lock unexpectedly. These electrical issues can be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
Headlight flickering is a common complaint, and tail lamps may fail to illuminate, reducing visibility to other drivers. This is a safety hazard, especially at night.
Power steering can fail, often only when turning one direction, making the car hard to control. A clicking noise in the steering column is also reported, and repairs may not hold.
Some owners report a clicking noise from the engine area, and there are complaints about mechanical issues that dealerships fail to fix properly. This suggests potential cooling or engine component problems.
“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 P…”
“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 JERKE…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
The 6.2L engine can suddenly lose power while driving, and the Duramax diesel has issues with diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring dealer service. These are major reliability concerns.
The transmission can suddenly shift into neutral without warning, especially when driving uphill, which can be dangerous. This is a serious safety issue.
Electrical problems can cause a sudden loss of braking and steering, as well as engine power, as reported in one incident. This indicates a potential for total system failure.
Brakes may suddenly lose effectiveness even though the pedal feels firm, and there are reports of the brake fluid low warning sensor failing. This can lead to increased stopping distances.
“I purchased the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado with a 6.2L motor "new" from the dealer with 5700 miles on XXX. Roughly a month and 2500 miles later, my family and I were in the vehicle, 750 miles from home, returning from a vacation to [XXX] from the [XXX]/[XXX] ar…”
“My 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with the 6.6L Duramax diesel has experienced three separate P2463 Diesel Particulate Filter excessive soot accumulation events at approximately 4,300, 5,500, and 10,280 miles. Each event required a Chevrolet dealer to perform…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Oldsmobile Intrigue — 14 recalls
The defect: 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. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency o…
The risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
The defect: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN…
The risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-24…
The defect: DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED D…
The risk: IF THE WELD FAILS, LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN TOLL FREE AT 1-800-523-2492.
The defect: 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. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency o…
The risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
Chevrolet Silverado — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevr…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles. The steering gear shaft may fracture and disconnect from the steering arm.
The risk: A steering arm that disconnects may result in a total loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-4…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra HD 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertentl…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GMC Hummer EV pick up, 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV, and 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV vehicles. The left or right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-833-EVCHEVY (1-833-382-4389) (TTY 711 /…
Buyer analysis
Oldsmobile Intrigue or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Oldsmobile Intrigue has fewer complaints per year (130) compared to the Silverado (510), but its issues are more concentrated in electrical and steering systems that can be costly to fix. The Silverado's higher rate is partly due to its longer production run and larger sales volume, but the engine and transmission failures are more severe. In practice, the Intrigue may be cheaper to buy but could require frequent repairs, while the Silverado offers more capability but with a risk of major component failure.
Key differences
- The Intrigue's most common issues are electrical (headlight flickering) and steering (power steering failure), while the Silverado's are engine (power loss, DPF clogging) and transmission (sudden neutral).
- The Silverado has a much higher complaint volume, but it's a more popular vehicle with a longer production run, so the per-vehicle rate may be lower.
- The Intrigue has no reported deaths, while the Silverado has one, but both have crash and injury reports.
- The Silverado's brake issues can lead to sudden loss of braking, which is more immediately dangerous than the Intrigue's lighting problems.
- Check the headlights for flickering and have the electrical system inspected, as this is a common complaint.
- Test the power steering by turning both directions, and listen for any clicking noises from the steering column.
- Ask for service records related to the engine, especially if it's a 6.2L or Duramax diesel, to check for DPF or power loss issues.
- Test the transmission by driving uphill and see if it stays in gear, and have the brake system checked for any warning light issues.
Before you buy
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic who knows these models.
- Check for open recalls and ensure they've been addressed.
- Test drive at various speeds, including highway, and listen for unusual noises.
- Inspect the electrical system by turning on all lights and accessories.
- Review maintenance history for transmission and engine services.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Oldsmobile Intrigue or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Oldsmobile Intrigue vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Oldsmobile Intrigue total complaints
- 391
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Oldsmobile Intrigue total recalls
- 14
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Oldsmobile Intrigue avg complaints/year
- 130.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Oldsmobile Intrigue
- Oldsmobile Intrigue top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE