Head-to-head reliability
Oldsmobile Intrigue vs Toyota Camry
How the Oldsmobile Intrigue and Toyota Camry 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 Toyota Camry: The Intrigue averages 130 complaints per year, with electrical and steering issues like flickering headlights and power steering failure. The Camry averages 214 per year, with transmission and brake problems, including sudden acceleration. Both have recalls, but the Camry's issues are more severe. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Oldsmobile Intrigue or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Oldsmobile Intrigue
The Oldsmobile Intrigue, a discontinued model from the early 2000s, shows a high complaint rate of about 130 per year, with electrical and lighting issues dominating. Owners report flickering headlights that distract other drivers, and power steering failures that make turning difficult, especially to the left. These problems suggest a vehicle that may require frequent electrical and steering repairs, impacting daily usability and safety.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a popular midsize sedan, has a lower complaint rate per year (about 214) but over a longer period, with powertrain and engine issues being most common. Owners report transmission grinding and replacement needs, as well as sudden acceleration incidents that led to crashes. Brake failures and electrical glitches also appear, indicating potential reliability concerns in key systems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Oldsmobile Intrigue | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 391 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 21 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 130.3 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 10 Better | 163 |
| 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 traffic, and security system malfunctions that may lock the vehicle or cause shifting issues. These electrical gremlins can be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
Headlight intensity flickering and tail lamp failures are common, reducing visibility and making the vehicle less noticeable to others, which is a safety concern.
Power steering can fail, especially when turning left, and a clicking noise in the steering column persists despite multiple repair attempts. This makes the car harder to control and may indicate a serious steering component issue.
Some complaints mention engine-related issues, though specifics are vague. Owners have reported mechanical problems that required dealership visits, suggesting potential cooling or engine performance concerns.
“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…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission problems are prominent, with grinding noises on acceleration and the need for complete transmission replacement. This is a costly repair and can leave the car undriveable.
Sudden unintended acceleration has been reported, leading to crashes and total loss of the vehicle. Additionally, engine warning lights and coolant valve issues may arise, affecting performance and safety.
Brake failure has been reported, where the pedal provides no response, especially on hills, increasing the risk of collision. This is a critical safety defect.
Electrical issues include problems with the air conditioning condenser being damaged by rocks, and recurring unpleasant odors from the HVAC system, which can affect comfort and visibility.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
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.
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Oldsmobile Intrigue or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Oldsmobile Intrigue has fewer complaints per year (130 vs. 214) but its issues are concentrated in electrical and steering systems, which can be frustrating and potentially dangerous. The Camry's higher volume reflects a longer sales period, but its powertrain and brake failures are more severe. In practice, the Intrigue may need more frequent electrical fixes, while the Camry could face major mechanical failures.
Key differences
- The Intrigue's top issue is electrical (flickering headlights, security system glitches), while the Camry's is powertrain (transmission grinding, replacement).
- The Camry has reports of sudden unintended acceleration leading to crashes, a severe safety concern not seen in the Intrigue.
- Brake failure is reported in the Camry, but the Intrigue's steering failure is more prominent.
- The Intrigue has fewer complaints per year, but its issues are more likely to affect visibility and control.
- Check the headlights for flickering and the steering for any clicking or loss of power assist, especially when turning left.
- Inspect the electrical system for any warning lights or intermittent failures, as these are common.
- Test the transmission for smooth shifting and listen for grinding noises during acceleration.
- Check the brakes for any sponginess or lack of response, and ask about any history of sudden acceleration.
Before you buy
- Have a mechanic inspect the steering system on the Intrigue for any play or unusual noises.
- On the Camry, request a transmission fluid check and a test drive to feel for any hesitation or grinding.
- Verify that all recalls have been performed on both vehicles by checking the VIN with NHTSA.
- Ask for service records, especially for electrical repairs on the Intrigue and transmission work on the Camry.
- During a test drive, pay attention to headlight brightness and brake pedal feel.
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 Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Oldsmobile Intrigue vs Toyota Camry
- Oldsmobile Intrigue total complaints
- 391
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Oldsmobile Intrigue total recalls
- 14
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Oldsmobile Intrigue avg complaints/year
- 130.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Oldsmobile Intrigue
- Oldsmobile Intrigue top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN