1993 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 1993 Oldsmobile Silhouette problems
The Oldsmobile Silhouette, a minivan manufactured by General Motors for the model years 1990-2004, was known for its controversial design and mixed sales success.
In terms of common problems, the Oldsmobile Silhouette faced several issues, particularly in the early years of production. The first engine in these vans, a 3.1 L V6, produced only 120 hp, which was not sufficient for hauling the heavy vehicles. This issue was addressed in 1992 when the Silhouette and its siblings received the 170 hp 3.8 L 3800 V6 as an option, providing better torque and acceleration.
Another common complaint among Silhouette owners was the glare reflected on the interior of the windshield from the massive expanse of dashboard. This issue was addressed by adding black carpeting in lieu of the more reflective plastic used in the previous year.
The Silhouette also faced issues with quality, with many vehicles falling apart over the years due to poor construction
. This, combined with the unpopular styling and weak powertrains, made the Silhouette a rare and often overlooked vehicle in the car world.
Despite these issues, the Silhouette remained in production until the 2004 model year, with a limited run of 500 units, dubbed Final 500, of each of the brands 5 remaining models being built and sold. The Silhouette received the Final 500 edition as well, applied exclusively to the Premiere trim. However, due to production constraints, only 360 out of the 500 Silhouettes were built.
In summary, the Oldsmobile Silhouette faced several common problems, including weak powertrains, poor quality, and unpopular styling. Despite these issues, the Silhouette remained in production until the 2004 model year, offering luxury features and a more stylish appearance compared to its competitors.
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 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 much is a Oldsmobile Silhouette?
The average Oldsmobile Silhouette costs about $4,312.52. The average price has decreased by -10.3% since last year. The 7 for sale on CarGurus range from $1,800 to $5,999 in price.
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 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 much is a Oldsmobile Silhouette?
The average Oldsmobile Silhouette costs about $4,312.52. The average price has decreased by -10.3% since last year. The 7 for sale on CarGurus range from $1,800 to $5,999 in price.
1993 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
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Visibility problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1993 Oldsmobile Silhouette vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1993 Oldsmobile Silhouette complaints
The NHTSA has received 24 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1993 Oldsmobile Silhouette.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-06-11
- VIN: 1GHDU06L4PT
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS HAVE STOPPED RETRACTING. THERE WAS NO DISCERNIBLE PRECURSOR TO THIS MALFUNCTION. *NM
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-28
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-15
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1GHCU06D7MT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE INTERIOR CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONSUMER HAD PREVIOUSLY EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *NLM
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-10
- VIN: 1GHDU06L8PT
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT START OPERATING. THE SYSTEM APPEARED "FROZEN" YET WOULD START OPERATING AGAIN IN A FEW HOURS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR ASSEMBLY AND CHARGED ME FOR THE REPAIR WORK. THE SAME PROBLEM APPEARED IN MY 1994 OLDSMOBILE TRUCK SILHOUETTE. THERE IS CLEARLY A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF THE MOTOR ASSEMBLY IN THESE VEHICLES THAT ALLOWS THE MOTORS TO HANG.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-16
- VIN: 1GHDU06L3PT
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TREAD SEPARATION ON LEFT FRONT TIRE. AT HIGH SPEED THE TIRE FELT LIKE A BALANCE WEIGHT HAD BEEN LOST AND THUMPED. AT LOWER SPEEDS (BELOW 30MPH) THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD "ROCK" LIKE THE FRONT END OR STEERING MECHANISM WAS LOOSE AND WOULD PULL THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT. CONTINUED HIGH SPEED DRIVING COULD HAVE CAUSED LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.( DOT NUMBER: ACMD AB6 2 TIRE SIZE: P205/70R15 )
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GHDU06L4PT
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD IS DELAMINATING. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK *ML
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-06
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN APPLYING BRAKES VEHICLE APPEARED TO BE SLIDING. BRAKES WOULD GRAB/LOCK UP INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP ON TWO OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM WAS REOCCURRING. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUME RTHAT VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER A RECALL. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-12
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GHDU06L8PT
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: OUR MINI-VAN REAR-ENDED A CADILLAC IN LINE AT A STOP LIGHT. THE TRAFFIC HAD STOPPED DUE TO A BACKUP, BUT THE LIGHT WAS GREEN, AND IT WAS LATE WHEN MY WIFE HIT THE BRAKES. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE ACCIDENT, I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST GM DEALER, MEIER OLDS, TO HAVE THE BRAKE SYSTEM CHECKED. MY WIFE HAD MENTIONED THAT SHE DIDN'T THINK THAT THE BRAKES HAD FUNCTIONED DURING THE INCIDENT. SHE COMMENTED ON HAVING PUSHED THE PEDAL AS HARD AS POSSIBLE, BUT THE CAR DIDN'T STOP. GM SAID THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG, SO WE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A BODY SHOP AND REPAIRED. THERE HAVE BEEN NO INCIDENTS SINCE, BUT THE RECENT RECALL MADE ME SUSPICIOUS, AND WANT TO FILE THIS REPORT.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-26
- VIN: 1GHDU06L1PT
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: MANUFACTURER CONTACTED - THEY CLAIM THESE PARTS WERE ALREADY FIXED - WILL NOT FIX AGAIN
SEAT BELTS,CHILD SEAT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-15
- VIN: 1GHDU06L2PT
- Components: SEAT BELTS,CHILD SEAT
- Summary: WE RAN INTO A CURB AT ABOUT 40 MPH. MY 3 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER'S CAR SEAT WHICH WAS ATTACHED TO THE SEATBELT BEHIND THE DRIVER, DETACHED (THE CLASP FROM THE BUCKLE) AND MY DAUGHTER AND THE CAR SEAT WERE THROWN FORWARD INTO THE BACK OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT. ABOUT 3 WEEKS AFTER THIS INCIDENT, THE SEATBELT RETRACTOR ON THIS SEAT NO LONGER RETRACTED. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELT RETRACTOR ALSO WOULD NO LONGER RETRACT. BOTH OF THESE HAVE BEEN REPLACED. I CHECKED THE DATABASE AND THERE WAS BOTH A RECALL ON SEATBELTS AND A TECHNICAL ADVISORY RELATED BULLETIN. I CHECKED WITH A LOCAL DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT WE HAD NO OUTSTANDING RECALLS. IN REF. TO THE TECHNICAL ADVISORY - HE GAVE ME A COPY OF IT. IN GENERAL, THE OLD/ORIGINAL SEAT BELTS ALL RETRACT VERY SLOWLY. YOU HAVE TO PRACTICALLY "FEED" THEM INTO THE RETRACTORS. THIS DOES NOT SEEM RIGHT, NOR DOES IT SEEM RIGHT TO HAVE RETRACTOR FAILURES AT 80K MILES. OUR CONFIDENCE IS WANING ON THIS VEHICLE'S SEAT BELT SYSTEM. WITH A WIFE AND 3 KIDS CONSTANTLY TRAVELING AROUND, I AM CONCERNED WITH THEIR SAFETY. ANY INFORMATION WOULD BE APPRECIATED. SINCERELY, JERRY SYLVESTRE. *AK
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-01
- VIN: 1GHDU06D4PT
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: STEEL CABLE WHICH HOLDS THE SPARE TIRE ON THE VEHICLE FELL OFF IN THE CONSUMER'S DRIVE WAY. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-01
- VIN: 1GHDU06D4PT
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CABLE HOLDING SPARE TIRE RUSTED AND WHEEL FEEL OFF.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-15
- VIN: 1GHDU06DXPT
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT BACK BROKE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-15
- VIN: 1GHDU06DXPT
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: REAR WHEEL CYLINDER FAILED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-04
- VIN: 1GHDU06L9PT
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: DRIVING OFF INTERSECTION; APPLIED BRAKES & PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR; TURNED VEHICEL AROUND & HEADED HOME. CHECKED & NOTICED BRAKE FLUID ON BOTH WHEELS. ALSO BRAKE LINES/HOSES COMPLETELY SHOT. HAS NOT TAKEN TO DEALER. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-07
- VIN: 1GHDU06L3PT
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-28
- VIN: 1GHDUO6L2PT
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION COOLER LINE RUPTURED, CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO FAIL.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GHDU06L2PT
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: UNSATISFACTORY RESULTS OF RECALL CAMPAIGN RESULTED IN THE SUBSEQUENT FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION AND CAUSED TRANSMISSION COOLER LINE TO RUPTURE.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-01
- VIN: 1GHDU06L3PT
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FRONT PASSENGER SHOULDER/LAP BELT WON'T RETRACT, BELTS FULLY EXTENDED. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-25
- VIN: 1GHDU06L5PT
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: PREMATURE WEAR OF TIE ROD END. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-10
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1GHDU06L0PT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BATTERY CABLES SHORTED OUT, CAUSING ENGINE FIRE. *DSH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-10
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1GHDU06L0PT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN, UNKNOWN REASON. TT
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1GHDU06L6PT
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 35-40 MPH, VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE THAN SUDDENLY CAUGHT ON FIRE UPON STOPPING DUE TO TRANS COOLER LINE BROKE SPRAYING FLUID ON EXHAUST MANIFOLD.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-01-14
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1GHDU0611PT
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: EXHAUST FUMES IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, CAUSING ILLNESS. *TW
1993 Oldsmobile Silhouette recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1993 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:FRONT:WEBBING
- Summary: THE SECOND ROW, RIGHT HAND SHOULDER BELT CAN BECOME "PINCHED" BETWEEN THE SEAT AND THE DOOR FRAME PILLAR TRIM. THE SHOULDER BELT MAY NOT RETRACT PROPERLY, WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THE 1994 VEHICLES HAVE AN OPTIONAL INTEGRAL (BUILT IN) CHILDSEAT INSTALLED NEXT TO THE POWER SLIDING SIDE DOOR. THE 1993 INVOLVED VEHICLES HAVE STANDARD SEATS IN THAT SAME POSITION.
- Consequence: IMPROPER SHOULDER BELT RETRACTION DOES NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR COLLISION.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DOOR FRAME PILLAR TRIM PANEL WITH A REDESIGNED TRIM PANEL. ALSO, A CAUTION LABEL WILL BE APPLIED TO THE CHILD SEAT ADVISING THE OWNER NOT TO INSTALL THE SEAT TO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF A VEHICLE WITH A POWER SLIDING SIDE DOOR.
- 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 1993 Oldsmobile Silhouette car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1993 Oldsmobile Silhouette problems:
Oldsmobile Silhouette Problems and Complaints - 26 Issues
... known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your Oldsmobile Silhouette ... common issues based on car owner complaints ... 1993 Oldsmobile Silhouette ...
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Jul 24, 2006 ... This was a common problem and you may ... Cutlass Ciera Oldsmobile 1993 Wipers turn on ... I have a 2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette with a/c problems.
2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette Problems and Complaints - 18 Issues
Our list of 18 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette ... Find the most common issues ... 1993 Oldsmobile Silhouette ...
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Feb 6, 2011 ... It is actually common for a failing fuel pump to lose pressure after the engine runs for a while.
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 ... 1993 Oldsmobile Silhouette ...
Other years of Oldsmobile Silhouette
Are you having problems with your 1993 Oldsmobile Silhouette?
Art Kuphal 2024-10-16
303,130 miles on the original engine and it's still going strong!
Gaston Hegmann 2024-10-06
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.
Fabian Waters 2024-09-29
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.
Saige Jaskolski 2024-08-26
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.
Darrin Denesik 2024-06-16
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, now we can enjoy life in our new, nice vehicle. Thank you, Oldsmobile, for providing enough seats for all five of my children!