1992 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.
Social links
Common 1992 Oldsmobile Silhouette problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Oldsmobile Silhouette 1992, several common problems have been identified:
- Overheating: Complaints indicate that the 1992 Silhouette is prone to overheating issues. Overheating can be a serious problem affecting the engine's performance and longevity. Owners have highlighted this issue as a common and troubling problem with the vehicle.
- Hard Shifting into Gears: Owners have reported difficulties with the transmission, specifically mentioning hard shifting into gears. Transmission issues can significantly impact the driving experience and overall reliability of the vehicle.
- Reverse Lights and Hazard Lights Activation When Braking: Another complaint involves the reverse lights and hazard lights coming on when braking. This electrical issue can be a safety concern and may indicate underlying wiring or sensor problems that need attention.
- Engine Problems: The engine has been a major area of concern for Silhouette owners, with complaints ranging from various issues affecting engine performance and reliability. Engine problems can be costly to repair and significantly impact the vehicle's overall functionality.
- Cooling System: Complaints regarding the cooling system highlight issues that can lead to engine overheating and potential damage. Proper functioning of the cooling system is crucial for the vehicle's performance and longevity.
- Transmission: Transmission problems, such as hard shifting, have been reported by owners. Transmission issues can affect the vehicle's drivability and may require professional attention to resolve effectively.
- Interior Concerns: Owners have raised complaints about interior issues, which can impact comfort and overall satisfaction with the vehicle. Addressing interior problems is essential for a pleasant driving experience.
- Window Issues: Complaints regarding windows suggest potential problems with window mechanisms or seals. Window issues can affect the vehicle's functionality and may require repairs to ensure proper operation.
By addressing these common problems reported by owners of the Oldsmobile Silhouette 1992, individuals can make informed decisions about maintenance and potential repairs to ensure the vehicle's reliability and longevity.
How reliable is the 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 did they stop making Oldsmobile Silhouette?
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 the 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 did they stop making Oldsmobile Silhouette?
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 |
1992 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
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1992 Oldsmobile Silhouette vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1992 Oldsmobile Silhouette
The NHTSA has received 28 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1992 Oldsmobile Silhouette. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1992 Oldsmobile Silhouette vehicles.
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-25
- VIN: 1GHDU06L3NT
- Components: STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT. STEERING WHEEL STARTED SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, BUT WAS UNABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS AND STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-13
- VIN: 1GHDU06LXNT
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING SUDDENLY VEHICLE STOPPED. DEALER STATED THAT TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-18
- VIN: 1GHDU06L8NT
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING THE WASHER BOLT CAME OUT THE ENGINE AND CAUSED THE DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *NLM
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-28
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, THE LEFT REAR TIRE BLEWOUT, CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL, CROSS THE MEDIAN AND ROLL OVER, INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED, NO SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION WAS GIVEN, OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT. *TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-01
- VIN: 1GHDV06L5NT
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: ON VERY BACK ROW OF SEAT ON LEFT SIDE OF VEHICLE SHOULDER BELT IS EXTENDED OUT ALL OF THE WAY AND WILL NOT RETRACT BACK INTO POSITION. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHEN COMING TO A STOP WHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSION AUTOMATICLY SHIFTS INTO NEUTRAL. ALSO, TRANSMISSION OIL IS OVERHEATING TO THE POINT THAT THE OIL IS BURNING. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-11-14
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE RETURN SPRING FOR THE REAR BRAKE SHOES IS INADEQUATE. ON TWO OCASSIONS THE RIGHT SIDE SPRING CAME LOOSE AND WAS DESTROYED BY THE AXLE SHAFT RUBBING AGAINST IT. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE REAR BRAKES ARE LOST AND ONLY THE FRON BRAKES WOK, RESULTING IN THER PEDAL GOING ALMOST TO THE FLOOR. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT HAPPENED TO THE BRAKES ON THE LEFT SIDE. THE BRAKES CAME LOOSE AFTER USING THE PARKING BRAKE, WITH RESULTANT LOSS OF REAR BRAKES AND ONLY FRONT BRAKES WORKING, PEDAL ALMOST TO THE FLOOR. THIS TIME THE SPRING DID NOT BREAK AND THE BRAKE PARTS WERE REINSTALLED.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GHDU06L5NT
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS ANY WAY TO KNOW IF THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD ALL RECALLS REPAIRED OR NOT THANKS FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-18
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHEN CAR IS TRAVELING AT 50 TRANSMSION STARTS LURCHING LIKE ITS SEARCHING FOR A GEAR. THEN, WHEN IT GETS UP TO 70 MPH AND IT STOPS.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-30
- VIN: 1GHDU06L2NT
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE MOUNTS RUSTED THROUGH WHICH CAUSED A LOSS OF CONTROL. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-19
- VIN: 1GHDU06L9NT
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE TRANSAXLE SEAL BLEW OUT AND WE ARE BEING TOLD REPLACING IT MOST LIKELY WON'T HELP, AS IT IS APT TO BLOW OUT AGAIN. 3 INDEPENDENT RECOMMENDATIONS ARE TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. AT 80,000 MILES EITHER PROBLEM IS UNWARRANTED. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-07-30
- VIN: 1GHDU06L2NT
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: ONGOING PROBLEM WITH HEATER RELAY BURNING OUT WHENEVER HEATER IS SET AT HIGH SPEED. REPLACED HEATER RELAY ON FIVE OCCASIONS. MANUFACTURER WOULD BE CONTACTED. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: BOTH REAR SEATBELT RETRACTOR SPRINGS ARE BROKEN, CAUSING IT TO STAY EXTENDED, WILL NOT RETRACT BACK IN , CAUSING LOSS OF PROTECTION. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-12
- VIN: 1GHDU06D3NT
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: I CONTACTED THE OLDSMOBILE CORP. ABOUT A POSSIBLE RECALL ON THE SEATBELTS. I HADN'T THOUGHT ABOUT A POSSIBLE DEFECT UNTIL I WAS TOLD THAT THE THIRD ROW SEATBELTS HAD BEEN FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE. I WAS TOLD THAT THE OTHER TWO ROWS WERE NOT. IT DOES NOT MAKE SENSE TO ME THAT THE LEAST USED SEATBELTS COULD BE THE ONLY ONES THAT ARE DEFECTIVE. AREN'T ALL OF THE SEATBELTS MANUFACTURED AT THE SAME PLACE? I AM MARRIED WE HAVE FIVE CHILDREN CUMMULATIVELY. I NEED ALL SEVEN OF MY SEATBELTS IN ORDER TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY, AS WELL AS CONFORM TO THE LAW. THE SEATBELTS COST $150 EACH. I AM AFRAID MORE WILL GO BAD, AND WILL END UP COSTING ME A SMALL FORTUNE. I HAVE FOUND THAT OTHER SEATBELTS, NOT THE SAME AS MY DEFECTIVE ONES, ARE ALSO NOT WORKING. IF THE SEATBELTS HAVE BEEN MALFUNCTIONING SINCE 1992 WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS NEW, IT SEEMS THAT IT IS NOT A MATTER OF JUST WEAR AND TEAR, AND AGE OF THE VEHICLE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-19
- VIN: 1GHDU06D5NT
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE SEAT BELT RETRACTORS IN THE SECOND ROW SEATS WILL NOT RETRACT THE BELTS TO THE ORIGINAL POSITION. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-31
- VIN: 1GHDU06L7NT
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: CONSUMER DISCOVERED THAT VEHICLE WAS LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT DISENGAGED FROM THE SEAT TRACKS, CAUSING THE SEAT TO BECOME UNSTABLE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-01
- VIN: 1GHDU06L9NT
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELTS FAIL TO LATCH PROPERLY. SEAT BELTS DO NOT STAY LATCHED WHEN BRAKESA ARE APPLIED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: LOSS OF ABS BRAKING POWER DUE TO LEAKING BRAKE LINES. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-10
- VIN: 1GHDU06L9NT
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FAILURE OF THE DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S AND REAR SHOULDER BELT RETRACTORS, THE SHOULDER BELTS WILL NOT RETRACT. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-16
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: POORLY DESIGNED BRAKE HOSES RUPTURED, CAUSING BRAKES TO FAIL TWICE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: REAR BRAKE RETURN SPRINGS TOO WEAK, CAUSING THEM TO BREAK.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-01
- VIN: 1GHDU06L3NT
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DEALERSHIP HAS NO PARTS AND NOW THEY ARE SAYING THEY DON'T DEAL WITH OLDSMOBILES. RECALL 96V015001. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-08-01
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BACK COLLAPSED, WHEN VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM THE BACK AT 60 MPH. TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-01
- VIN: 1GHDU06LXNT
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CRUISE CONTROL DISENGAGES AUTOMATICALLY WITHOUT OPERATOR ACTION. TT
1992 Oldsmobile Silhouette recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1992 Oldsmobile Silhouette.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 1991 THROUGH JULY 1995. THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE CAN SEPARATE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN LOW TEMPERATURES IN COMBINATION WITH HIGH TRANSMISSION LOADS.
- Consequence: VEHICLE FIRES CAN OCCUR DUE TO THE SPILLAGE OF TRANSMISSION FLUID.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
- Summary: VEHICLE FAILS TO CONFORM TO FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE SAFETY BELT OF THE LEFT THIRD ROW SEAT ON THE SIX PASSENGER VAN AND THE CENTER SECOND ROW SEAT OF THE SEVEN PASSENGER VAN MAY LOCK UP AND CANNOT BE WITHDRAWN FROM THE RETRACTOR.
- Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THE OCCUPANTS OF THESE SEATS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO USE THE AFFECTED BELT. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, UNBELTED OCCUPANTS ARE AT INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.
- Remedy: OWNERS ARE BEING ASKED TO INSPECT THEIR VEHICLES TO DETERMINE IF THE SUSPECT RETRACTOR EXHIBITS A LOCKUP CONDITION. BASED ON THIS INSPECTION, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SAFETY BELTS IF THE BELT LOCKS UP. REPLACEMENT OF THE SUSPECT SAFETY BELT WILL BE AVAILABLE TO CONSUMERS FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE.
Positive 1992 Oldsmobile Silhouette car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1992 Oldsmobile Silhouette problems:
Common 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette Problems - Q&A
Mar 10, 2011 ... 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette Transmission Problems. What Can I do? - Answered by a verified Oldsmobile Mechanic.
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: 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 ...
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 ... 1992 Oldsmobile Silhouette ...
2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...
Other years of Oldsmobile Silhouette
Are you having problems with your 1992 Oldsmobile Silhouette?
Josiah Kshlerin 2024-11-11
The drive was excellent! I'm so glad my children weren't frustrated, even without air conditioning. Tomorrow, with air, they'll probably want to ride all day! I'm happy that they're happy, and now we can enjoy life in our new, nice vehicle. Thank you, Oldsmobile, for providing enough seats for all five of my children!
Cole Rosenbaum 2024-10-06
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.
Terrence King 2024-07-21
Not the best in mpg but at 30 years old and 437k miles with no major problems. It's the most reliable car I've owned in 45 years and with winter tires, it handles 8 inches of snow with ease.
Travon Moen 2024-07-01
Very comfortable for the whole family!
Sven Jacobson 2024-02-22
The only issues we encountered were with the alternator, which had to be replaced twice, and the black roof paint. However, the dealer was kind enough to repaint the entire roof under warranty. Additionally, the expansive dash warped once, but it was promptly replaced under warranty. Overall, it's quite enjoyable to drive, especially due to its space-ship like styling. If you happen to have a silver one, it looks even better. The gas mileage is also quite good.