1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette problems
The Oldsmobile Silhouette is a minivan manufactured by General Motors for model years 1990–2004 over two generations.
Production ended when General Motors discontinued its Oldsmobile brand in 2004. GM continued to market badge-engineered variants of the U-body minivans, the Saturn Relay and the Buick Terraza for MY2005.
Background
General Motors' first attempt at producing a minivan to compete with the Chrysler minivans, the rear wheel drive, truck-based Chevrolet Astro and its twin, the GMC Safari failed to compete strongly against Chrysler's dominance in the minivan market in the 1980s. The 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette and its sibling models, sold more successfully than the Astro/Safari predecessors.
First shown to the public in 1986, the Pontiac Trans Sport concept car featured futuristic styling, individually removable bucket seats with built-in stereo speakers, a gull-wing rear passenger door and extensive use of glass including a glass-paneled roof.
The Trans Sport was approved for production without the gullwing door and the glass roof. Chevrolet and Oldsmobile received production vehicles based on the Trans Sport with the Lumina APV and Silhouette respectively. While the Pontiac Trans Sport was targeted at sport- and style-oriented buyers, the Lumina was the value offering and the Silhouette targeted premium markets, competing with the Chrysler Town & Country.
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Common 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette problems
The Oldsmobile Silhouette, produced from 1990 to 2004, has been known for several common problems based on owner complaints.
One of the most frequently reported issues is the failure of the rear light socket plate, which can cause the rear lights to stop working. This problem is often attributed to the design of the socket plate, which may not be durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
Another common issue with the Oldsmobile Silhouette is leaking intake manifold gaskets. The original equipment gaskets have a plastic carrier and soft sealing beads around the coolant and intake ports. Over time, the plastic carrier and seals can soften and deform, causing the gasket to lose its seal. This can lead to coolant leaking into the lifter galley and crankcase, which can cause the engine to overheat and potentially cause additional damage.
The 3.1L engines used in the Oldsmobile Silhouette are also prone to EGR problems, which can be caused by a buildup of carbon under the EGR valve. This can lead to a variety of issues, including reduced performance and increased emissions.
The Silhouette's DIS ignition system can also develop problems at high mileage, including dirty injectors and electronic control faults. Dirty injectors can cause a range of symptoms, including lean misfire, random misfire, hesitation when accelerating, a rough idle, hard starts, and reduced performance. Electronic control faults can be caused by vibration, corrosion, and other factors that can affect the wiring and connectors in the vehicle.
In addition to these specific issues, the Oldsmobile Silhouette has also been criticized for its overall design and functionality. Some owners have reported that the back seats are uncomfortable and poorly designed, making it difficult to spend long periods of time in the vehicle. Others have noted that the vehicle's unique shape can lead to poor chassis utilization and a smaller usable passenger area than other minivans in its class.
Overall, the Oldsmobile Silhouette has been known for a range of common problems that can affect its performance, reliability, and functionality. These issues have contributed to the vehicle's reputation as a less-than-ideal choice for many drivers, particularly those seeking a comfortable and reliable minivan.
How reliable is an Oldsmobile Silhouette?
Our reliability rank is based on our PainRank™ system. A higher number means you can expect more significant problems. The average Oldsmobile score is 3.73 while the Silhouette comes in at 3.
When was the last Oldsmobile Silhouette made?
2004
The Oldsmobile Silhouette is a minivan manufactured by General Motors for model years 1990–2004 over two generations. Production ended when General Motors discontinued its Oldsmobile brand in 2004.
Why won't my Oldsmobile Silhouette start?
The most common reasons an Oldsmobile Silhouette won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
How big is the gas tank on the Oldsmobile Silhouette?
Fuel Tank
| Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx | 25.0 gal |
|---|---|
| Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx | N/A gal |
How reliable is an Oldsmobile Silhouette?
Our reliability rank is based on our PainRank™ system. A higher number means you can expect more significant problems. The average Oldsmobile score is 3.73 while the Silhouette comes in at 3.
When was the last Oldsmobile Silhouette made?
2004
The Oldsmobile Silhouette is a minivan manufactured by General Motors for model years 1990–2004 over two generations. Production ended when General Motors discontinued its Oldsmobile brand in 2004.
Why won't my Oldsmobile Silhouette start?
The most common reasons an Oldsmobile Silhouette won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
How big is the gas tank on the Oldsmobile Silhouette?
Fuel Tank
| Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx | 25.0 gal |
|---|---|
| Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx | N/A gal |
1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Oldsmobile Silhouette problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
- Steering problems
- Structure problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette
The NHTSA has received 63 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette vehicles.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-07
- VIN: 1GHCU06DXLT
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: DT: THE CONTACT PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND WAS HEADING FOR INTERSECTION WHEN HE REALIZED THAT ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS STUCK. HE HAD TO TURN RIGHT TO AVOID HITTING ONCOMING TRAFFIC. HE THEN TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, AND THE VEHICLE KEPT GOING. HE DID NOT CONTACT THE DEALER. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-12-13
- VIN: 1GHCU06D3LT
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE STEERING WHEEL SEVERED FROM THE STEERING RACK, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER. NEITHER WAS ABLE TO LOCATE THE CORRECT VIN TO IDENTIFY THE VEHICLE, AND TO BE ABLE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE RECALL WORK HAS BEEN DONE. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-11-10
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SPEEDOMETER ISN'T FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. WHEN I GOT THIS VAN FROM MY GRANDFATHER (WHO WAS THE ORIGINAL OWNER) THE SPEEDOMETER HAD NOT BEEN WORKING FOR A LONG TIME AND IS STILL NOT WORKING. *LA
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-04
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FRONT AND MIDDLE SEAT BELTS WON'T RETRACT. *LA
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GHCUD6DXLT
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS PULLED THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORRISON OF THE RETAINER. AS STATED IN RECALL # 97 V 058 000, BUT VEHICLE DOES NOT FALL WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL. *MR
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-08-28
- Crash: 1
- VIN: ITHCU06DXLT
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITH NO WARNING STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK UP, AND CONSUMER WILL LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE. IT COULD HAVE CAUSED CONSUMER TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-01
- VIN: 1GHCU06D1LT
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING COLUMN BROKE WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING, AND VEHICLE BECAME MORE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE FRONT MOTOR MOUNT ON DRIVERS SIDE PULLED OUT OF THE FRAME DUE TO RUST CUSING THE BACK MOUNT BOLT TO BREAK OFF. THE STEERING GEAR BOX IS LOCATED ON THE SAME SIDE. HAS NOT CONTACTED A DEALER. *AK *JG
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GHCU06D9LT
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT RETRACTOR COIL SPRINGS COME OFF OF RETRACTOR ASSY. THIS HAPPENS BECAUSE THERE IS JUST A SOFT PLASTIC COVER CAP ON THE RETRACTOR ASSY. BELT IS THEN UNUSABLE. IVE HAD BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS COME APART AND ONE IN THE REAR.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-15
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: A BOLT FROM THE ENGINE CRADLE BROKE, WHEELS COULD FLOP TO THE SIDE BECAUSE OF BAD ENGINE CRADLE MOUNT. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-01
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELTS ON DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE DO NOT RETRACT. RETRACTOR MECHANISM ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WAS REPLACED ON FEB 5, 1999. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. SEAT BELTS HAVE NOT BEEN REPAIRED. DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR HAS BEEN BROKEN FOR OVER A YEAR, AND PASSENGER'S SIDE RETRACTOR HAS BEEN BROKEN FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS. DEALER WILL TRY TO REPAIRS SEATBELTS, BUT WILL CHARGE OWNER FOR REPLACEMENT. *AK *ML
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-01
- VIN: 1GHCU06D2LT
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: FRONT DOOR HANDLES BROKE OFF ON TWO OCCASION. FIRST TIME ON DRIVER'S SIDE ,AND A YEAR LATER ON PASSENGER SIDE. UNABLE TO OPEN DOORS FROM OUTSIDE. REPAIRS WERE MADE AT CONSUMER'S COST. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: RACK AND PINIONS SYSTEM FAILED. NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: EXHAUST SYSTEM FAILED. NLM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: FRONT BRAKES FAILED. NLM
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: RIGHT FRONT TIRE BLEWOUT. NLM
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FRONT STRUT FAILED. NLM
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: REAR SHOCKS BROKE IN HALF WHILE CONSUMER WAS ON THE WAY TO WORK. NLM
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: A HOLE RUBBED INTO THE POWER STEERING HOLE BECAUSE IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY CAUSING FLUID TO LEAK. NLM
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: A/C COMPRESSOR LOCKED UP AND BURNED THE FAN BELT CAUSING THE A/C UNIT TO ONLY BLOW HOT AIR. NLM
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GHCU06DXLT
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: WHEN SHUTTING THE LIFTGATE IN REAR OF VEHICLE, THE SPARE TIRE FELL OFF THE VEHICLE. DEALER REPLACED THE CABLE. *AK *YC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-15
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1GHCU06D1LT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ONGOING PROBLEM WITH A FAULTY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; A REPLACEMENT OF THREE ALTERNATORS AND THREE BATTERIES WITHIN THREE MONTHS. ALSO, A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH CAUSED A FIRE UNDER THE DASH. ASKING NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER, BECAUSE DEALER REFUSED TO HELP UNLESS COST GO TO CONSUMER. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT WILL NOT RETRACT, LEAVING THE LAP BELT LOOSE. DEALER HAS SEEN VEHICLE. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-07-01
- VIN: 1GHCU06D7LT
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE INSIDE HANDLE OF THE SLIDING DOOR WIL NOT OPEN THE DOOR. I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE DRIVER'S SIDE HANDLE ABOUT A YEAR AGO WHEN I COULDN'T OPEN IT FROM THE OUTSIDE. I BELIVE FAULTY HANDLES ARE A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD, ESPECIALLY IF NEEDED DURING AN EMERGENCY NO MATTER OF THE AGE OR MILAGE OF THE VEHICLE. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-08
- VIN: 1GHCU06D1LT
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY FREE-WHEELED W/ NO CONTROL OF VEHICLE. INSPECTION SHOWED THAT BOTH REAR SUB-FRAME MOUNTS FAILED AND DROPPED ENGINE ONTO RACK AND PINION, CAUSING STEERING COLUMN TO DISENGAGE AND ALSO DISCONNECTING. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-05
- VIN: 1GHCU06D2LT
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY WHEN HE HEARD A CLUNK, THE STEERING BECAME HARD. ANOTHER CLUNK, CONSUMER THAN TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL AND EVERYTHING COLLAPSED, FELL APART. IN JANUARY 98, THE FRONT TIE RODS WERE REPLACED. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOUR TIMES A YEAR SINCE APRIL 98. BEEN TO GMC DEALERS 16 TIMES. *AK
1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH FRONT BUCKET SEATS. THE FRONT SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM LOWER BOLTS CAN LOOSEN. A LOOSE BOLT COULD FATIGUE AND BREAK, RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK FALLING REARWARD.
- Consequence: THE SEAT COULD SUDDENLY FALL BACKWARD, DISTRACTING THE DRIVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN OR REPLACE THE BOLTS AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNERS. THIS POLICY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL JUNE 30, 2002.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT AND WISCONSIN. THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINER. IF BOTH BOLTS PULL THROUGH, THE REAR CRADLE WOULD NOT LONGER BE SUPPORTED AT THESE MOUNTING LOCATIONS AND THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT CAN SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR.
- Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY
- Summary: THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT DOOR WILL NOT REMAIN CLOSED DURING CERTAIN LOAD FORCES ASSOCIATED WITH A VEHICLE CRASH. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 201.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT DOORMAY OPEN AND RESULT IN OCCUPANT(S) INJURIES FROM CONTACT WITH THE GLOVECOMPARTMENT DOOR.
- Remedy: REPLACE THE CURRENT UPPER GLOVE COMPARTMENT DOOR WITH A REDESIGNED UPPER GLOVE COMPARTMENT DOOR WHICH INCORPORATES A POSITIVE LATCH TO KEEP THE DOOR CLOSED SHOULD A VEHICLE CRASH OCCUR.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: A RIGHT HAND SEAT/SHOULDER BELT RETRACTOR MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IN THE SECOND ROW LEFT HAND SEAT POSITION (DIRECTLY BEHIND DRIVER).
- Consequence: THE INCORRECT RETRACTOR MAY CAUSE THE BELTS TO LOCK UPIF THE VAN IS PARKED ON A STEEP GRADE. AS A RESULT OF THIS, THE OCCUPANT COULDNOT EXTEND THE BELT FOR USE.
- Remedy: REPLACE SHOULDER BELT ASSEMBLY.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE REAR MODULAR SEAT FRAME HOLD-DOWN HOOKS MAY NOT MEET THE REQUIRED PULL FORCE AT THE REAR SET ANCHORAGE.
- Consequence: VEHICLES WOULD NOT CONFORM TO FMVSS 207.
- Remedy: REPLACE REAR HOLD DOWN HOOKS AND PIVOT RIVETS WITH HEAT TREATED HARDWARE.
Positive 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette problems:
Oldsmobile Silhouette Problems and Complaints - 26 Issues
Top Oldsmobile Silhouette Problems · Rear Lights May Not Work Due to Rear Light Socket Plate Failure · Intake Manifold Gaskets May Leak Coolant or Engine Oil.
Q&A: Oldsmobile Silhouette Problems & Mechanic Solutions
Jan 26, 2013 ... If it was overheated, it is likely that the head gaskets are damaged. This is common on this particular engine. Coolant could have filled the ...
2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette Problems and Complaints - 20 Issues
Our list of 20 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette ... Find the most common issues ... 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette ...
Q&A: Gas Tank & Pump Issues | 2000 Oldsmobile Silhouette
Aug 14, 2012 ... Yes, the fuel level sender in the tank is the most common thing to cause this fuel gauge problem. The little finger that ride on the resistor of ...
Oldsmobile Silhouette — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
Apr 8, 2000 ... Home › Oldsmobile › Oldsmobile Silhouette ... 1990, and they always show GM with poor reliability. ... Nah, that definately is NOT a common problem ...
Other years of Oldsmobile Silhouette
Are you having problems with your 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette?
Gene Rogahn 2024-02-04
I was considering purchasing another used mini-van after switching to a smaller vehicle. When I saw this one and took it for a brief test drive, I decided to buy it despite its high mileage. It appeared to have been well-maintained, and if it needed repairs, I would rebuild it for safety, dependability, practicality, and comfort. I have not been disappointed with my purchase and will continue to enjoy it, unless something catastrophic happens to the vehicle. It has been one of my favorite vehicles to date. I have always had a favorable opinion of Oldsmobiles, and this one has also pleased me.