1994 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 1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette problems
The Oldsmobile Silhouette, a minivan produced between 1989 and 1996, is known for several common problems based on complaints from its owners. Here are the most frequently reported issues:
- Intake Manifold Gasket Leaks: The most common problem in the 3.1L engines, including the one used in the 1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette, is leaky 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 soften and deform, causing the gasket to lose its seal. Coolant then starts to leak down into the lifter galley and crankcase. Eventually, the loss of coolant causes the engine to overheat, which may cause additional damage such as a cracked cylinder head or crushed head gasket. The leakage problem can occur in as little as 60,000 miles on some engines. The higher the mileage, the more likely the intake manifold gaskets are leaking coolant. Coolant leakage can be diagnosed by checking the oil dipstick (if the oil looks milky or foamy it probably has coolant in it) or by pressure-testing the cooling system. If an internal coolant leak is indicated, the fix is to pull the intake manifold and replace both intake manifold gaskets. Several aftermarket gaskets offer design and material improvements over the OEM gasket to provide a longer lasting trouble-free seal. Replacing the old intake manifold bolts with new ones is also recommended.
- EGR Problems: The 3.1L engines use a variety of different electronic EGR valves. The common problem here is a buildup of carbon under the EGR valve that prevents the valve from closing properly, which can cause a rough idle, stalling, and reduced performance.
- DIS Ignition Problems: The waste-spark DIS ignition system on the 3.1L is similar to that used on other GM V6 engines. It has been a fairly reliable ignition system, but at high mileage, it can develop problems like any other ignition system. Symptoms of dirty injectors include lean misfire, random misfire, hesitation when accelerating, a rough idle, hard starts, and reduced performance. One way to diagnose dirty injectors is to do an injector balance test. The test shows how much the fuel pressure drops after each injector is energized one by one for a fixed amount of time. The pressure drop itself doesn’t tell you anything (unless an injector is completely clogged, in which case it would show zero pressure drop). What you want to look for is how much the pressure drop varies from one injector to another. If you see more than 3 psi difference between the highest and lowest readings, the injectors are dirty and need to be cleaned. GM recommends using a 10% concentration of its Top Cleaner product to flush the injectors. GM warns against using any injector cleaner that contains methanol as this may damage components in the fuel system.
- Intermittent Electronic Control Faults: Vibration and corrosion can take a toll on the wiring in any vehicle after many years of driving. What happens is that the little pins inside the connectors may lose electrical contact either intermittently or permanently as a result of vibration, rubbing and/or corrosion. This obviously upsets the operation of whatever module the wiring is connected to. The fix, says GM, is to unplug the wiring harness connectors, inspect and clean the pins and terminals as needed, then reassemble using a small amount of dielectric grease (don’t overdo the grease or it may hydrolock the pin cavities and prevent the pins from making good electrical contact). If the problem goes away, the fault has been fixed (at least temporarily). If the problem is still there, it may be an intermittent wiring fault or an internal control module problem.
These issues can affect the reliability and performance of the 1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette, and it is essential to address them promptly to ensure the vehicle's longevity and safety.
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 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 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 |
1994 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:
- Visibility problems
- Structure problems
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette
The NHTSA has received 41 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette vehicles.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-04-19
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME SEPARATED FROM THE INSULATOR ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER IN REGARD TO A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THE ISSUE, BUT THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE REPAIRED AT THEIR EXPENSE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 100,000. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-07-18
- VIN: 1GHDU06L7RT
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I RETURNED FROM COLUMBUS OHIO A 650 MILE TRIP AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT NEVER CAME ON EXCEPT FOR WHEN I FIRST TURNED THE VAN ON THEN IT WOULD GO OUT. I PARKED THE VAN IN MY DRIVE WAY. JULY 18 TUESDAY 2006 I GOT IN THE VAN AT 5:00 IN THE MORNING TO GO TO WORK. JUST AS I TURNED THE KEY THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED BREAKING MY GLASSES. I CALLED GM AND TALKED TO SARAH. HER NUMBER AT GM IS 1-866-790-5600 EX 10712. I TOLD HER OF THE PROBLEM ASKING HER IS GM COULD FIX THE AIR BAG AND REPLACE MY GLASSES. TODAY IS MONDAY JULY 24TH 2006 AND SHE CALLED BACK TELLING ME THAT GM WONT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE AIR BAG NOR THE GLASSES. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I FEEL THAT GM SHOULD ADDRESS THEIR PROBLEM. ONE DAY AN AIR BAG IS GOING TO DEPLOY ON SOMEONE AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I WAS LUCKY IT HAPPENED IN MY DRIVE WAY. I HAVE DETAILED NOTES WITH PICTURES IF YOU WANT THEM. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-20
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1GHDU06LXRT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: DT: CONTACT STATES WHILE DRIVING GRADUALLY LOST ENGINE POWER TO WHERE IT WOULD NOT GO OVER 50 MPH. IT CONTINUED TO LOSE POWER. HE SAW AND SMELLED SMOKE INSIDE. HE TURNED AROUND AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE FLOOR RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE CENTER SEAT. HE PULLED OVER, AND GOT OUT IN AN AREA WHERE NO ONE WOULD BE IN DANGER. BY THE TIME HE GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND PULLED THE KEY OUT THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE. WITHIN 25 MINUTES THE CAR BURNED UP. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-26
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G2WJ12M7RF
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: MY PROBLEM IS WITH THE TURN SIAGNAL SWITCH IN GM CAR INCLUDING THE CUTLASS MONTE CARLO AND GRAND PRIX FROM 94 TO AT LEAST 95 OR 96 IN WITCH THE SWITCH FAILS AND YOU WIND UP WITH NO BRAKE LIGHTS OR TURN SINGALS I KNOW THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM BECAUSE MORE THAN ONE PERSON IN THE JACKSONVILLE IL. AREA THAT I HAVE MET HAS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM ONE CAUSING A MULTI CAR CRASH! PERSONNAL I HAD SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUM IJUST WANT SOMEONE TO BE AWARE BECAUSE YOU DON'T KNOW TIL SOMEONE POINTS IT OUT OR GETS HURT THE DATE THAT I REALIZED WHAT WAS GOING ON I AM UN SURE OF BUT IT IS HIGHLY COMMON I HAVE HAD THREE CAR WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-12-13
- VIN: 1GHDU06L4RT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: HORN GOING OFF REPEATEDLY, CAUSING THE HORN FUSE TO BLOW. TAKEN TO REPAIR SHOP FOR CHECKUP, AND RESULTS SHOWED THAT THE HORN CONTACTS WERE BUILT INSIDE WITH THE AIR BAG. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIR BAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED IN ORDER TO FIX THE HORN.*AK
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-12-01
- VIN: 1GHDU06L7RT
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I OWN 1994 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE WHICH HAS HAD THREE TRANSMISSIONS REPLACED. *BF *SC THE BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED. 8JB
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-23
- VIN: 1GHDU06L8RT
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: AFTER PLACING A LARGE OBJECT INSIDE REAR OF VEHICLE SPARE TIRE DROPPED FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE, CONSUMER NOTICED THAT TIRE CABLE RUSTED, CAUSING IT TO BREAK. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. *AK THE DEALER TOOK THE POSITION THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED. THE CONSUMER INDICATED THAT WHEN READING THE OWNERS MANUAL IT NEVER MENTIONED MAINTENANCE OF THE SPARE TIRE CABLE. THE DEALER REFUSED ANY ASSISTANCE. *NM
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-09-01
- VIN: 1GHDU06L4RT
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: FIRST ISSUE: THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL TO OPERATE CORRECTLY. I REPLACED THE BLADES AND THERES NO IMPROVEMENT. THEY MIGHT GO UP/DOWN 2 OR 3 TIMES THEN GET STUCK IN UP POSITION, SOON DISCOVERED THAT HITTING BUMPS CORRECTED FOR FEW SECONDS THEN AGAIN, THEY WOULD FAIL TO WORK PROPERLY. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP & THEY SAID THAT IT LOOKED LIKE THE BEARING WAS LOOSE & LATER I REPLACED THE WIPER MOTOR. #2: THE FUEL GAUGE IS INACCURATE & FLOATS WITH ACCELERATION OR TURNS. THE FUEL WARNING LIGHT ONLY ILLUMINATES AFTER YOU'VE RAN OUT OF GAS, YOU ARE OUT OF GAS WHEN NEEDLE IS SLIGHTLY ABOVE 1/4 TANK MARK. #3: THE FRONT DRIVER SEATBELT FAILS TO RETRACT & OFTEN IS SHUT IN DOOR B/C OF FAILURE. ALSO THE SEATBELT WARNING LIGHT/SIGNAL WILL ONLY OPERATE AFTER YOU WIGGLE FLOOR ATTACHED BUCKLE. #4: THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATES & REMAINS LIT. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RETRIEVE TROUBLE CODE THE PCM DOES NOT COMMUNICATE W/ SCOPE DIAGNOSTER OR WHEN USING ALDL JUMPER WIRE METHOD THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT NEVER FLASHES THE CODES. #5: THE DRIVER ELECTRIC WINDOW JUMPS WHEN LOWERING & OFTEN FALLS FROM 1/2 UP POSITION & THE PASSENGER WINDOW ROOLS ONLY 1/2 DOWN THEN MUST BE PULLED UP BY HAND. ALSO, IT MAKES A LOUD VIBRATING NOISE. #6: DRIVER EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE IS BROKEN & LIFTGATE LOCK/LATCH DOES NOT LOCK & IS LOOSE. #7: TRANSMISSION JUST SUDDENLY WENT INTO NEUTRAL WHILE EXITING HIGHWAY @55MPH. WHEN I KILL THE ENGINE MOMENTARILY, THE RESTARTING PROBLEM SUBSIDED TEMPORARILY & ALSO SAFETY SWITHCHES DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY (WOULD NOT START IN NEUTRAL). I REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION & REPLACED ALL ASSOCIATED SWITCHES/MODULES.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-15
- VIN: 1GHDU06L5RT
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: IN MAY 2000, THE VEHICLE DRIVEN BY MY HUSBAND JUST STOPPED MOVING ON THE HIGHWAY - ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING BUT TRANSMISSION WAS NOT WORKING. VEHICLE RECOVERED AFTER PULLING TO SIDE OF ROAD. BROUGHT TO COTTMAN TRANSMISSION. THEY TOOK APART AND REBUILT TRANSMISSION. RETURNED TO COTTMAN SEPTEMBER 2, 2003 FOR AUTO TRANSMISSION FLUID SERVICE DUE TO MECHANIC TELLING US TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS BROWN AND WHINING NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING. COTTMAN TRANS MECHANIC SHOWED ME SOME SMALL METAL FLAKES IN FILTER AND SLUDGE ON MAGNET INSIDE PAN AND TOLD ME THERE WAS ALSO VARNISHING INSIDE PAN. COTTMAN MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THEY'D HAVE TO TAKE TRANSMISSION APART TO SEE WHAT PROBLEM IS AND MIGHT BE TORQUE CONVERTER (WHICH THEY REBUILT IN MAY 2000). ONLY 21,000 MILES IN 3 YEARS AND AUTO TRANS GOES AGAIN?! I DON'T GET IT. IN ADDITION, WE HAD PURCHASED A USED 1994 CHEVY LUMINA APV IN JANUARY 2002, BECAUSE 94 OLDS HAD BEEN STOLEN (WAS RECOVERED WITH A LITTLE BODY DAMAGE). THE AUTO TRANSMISSION ON THE 1994 CHEVY LUMINA MINIVAN ALSO FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH A REBUILT ONE IN FEB 2002. ODOMETER MILES WERE 61029. VIN ON 94 CHEVY IS [XXX]. COST $1,754.30 AFTER WRANGLING WITH COTTMAN TRANSMISSION ON PRICE. IS THIS A COINCIDENCE THAT TWO BROTHER/SISTER VEHICLES HAD TRANSMISSIONS FAIL AT APPROXIMATELY THE SAME MILEAGE? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-27
- Crash: 1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: FIRESTONE TIRE FR410 TREAD SEPARATION.*MR THE TREAD OF THE TIRE WRAPPED ITSELF AROUND THE REAR AXLE OF THE VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY AT 70+ MILES. THIS RESULTED IN A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE FLIPPED AND LANDED ON ITS TOP WHEN IT CAME TO REST. THE CONSUMER LATER LEARNED THE TIRE WAS RETURNED TO FIRESTONE BECAUSE OF FEAR WITH THE FIRESTONE DEBACLE AND THEN SOLD TO THE CONSUMER FOR $25.00 A TIRE. CONSUMER FILLED A CLAIM AND A YEAR LATER WAS INFORMED BY FIRESTONE THAT THE TIRE WASN'T A RECALLED TIRE NOR WAS IT ON A WATCH LIST SO THERE WOULD BE NO SETTLEMENT. *PH *PH * CB
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-22
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GHDU06L6RT
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: FIRESTONE TIRE FR410, DOT HY M3 41 A 349, P215 70R15 97S PURCHASED ON 5-22-02 WITH TIRE FAILURE BECAUSE OF TREAD SEPARATION ON 5-27-02. THIS RESULTED IN A VERY SERIOUS AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT. THE TREAD OF THE TIRE WRAPPED ITSELF AROUND THE REAR AXLE OF THE AUTOMOBILE WHILE WE (ME AND MY DAUGHTER) WERE TRAVELLING ON THE FREEWAY AT 70+ MILES PER HOUR. THE CAR FLIPED AND LANDED ON ITS TOP WHEN IT CAME TO REST! I LATER FOUND OUT THIS WAS A TIRE THAT HAD BEEN RETURNED TO FIRESTONE BECAUSE OF FEAR WITH THE FIRESTONE DEBACLE AND THEN SOLD TO ME FOR $25.00 PER TIRE. I THROUGH AN ATTORNEY FILED A CLAIM WITH FIRESTONE AND AFTER A YEAR OF EXCHANGES I WAS TOLD BY FIRESTONE THIS WAS NOT A RECALLED TIRE NOR WAS IT ON ANY WATCH LISTS THEREFORE THERE WOULD BE NO SETTLEMENT. FIRESTONE HAD THEIR FIELD PEOPLE EXAMINE THE TIRE THOUGH THE RESULTS OF THE EXAMINATION HAVE NOT BEEN SHARED WITH ME AND MY ATTORNEY. THIS WAS OBVIOUSLY A FAULTY TIRE. THE FACT THAT THIS PRACTICE IS HAPPENING IS APPALLING AND THE MANNER IN WHICH FIRESTONE IS DEALING WITH IT IS EVEN MORE OF A CONCERN. THE TIRES SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN RESOLD. I WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST THAT ONE OF YOUR FIELD REPRESENTATIVES IN THE AREA PLEASE EXAMINE THE TIRE. THE TIRE WAS PRODUCED AT A PLANT WHERE SOME OF THE RECALLED TIRES HAVE BEEN MADE. IF THIS TIRE HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED AND IS NOT ON ANY WATCH LISTS IT IS TIME THAT IT SHOULD BE RECALLED OR ADDED TO THE WATCH LIST. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT YOUR OFFICE HAS THE ABILITY TO MAKE CHANGES AND HAVE AN EFFECT. MY STRONG STATEMENT TO YOU WOULD BE LET'S AVOID SENSELESS DEATHS BECAUSE OF THE TIRE AND TAKE IT OUT OF CIRCULATION. PLEASE HELP!*AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-24
- VIN: 1GHDU06L5RT
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD WIPER WILL SUDDENLY NOT BE OPERATIONAL. NEITHER THE WIPER "MIST SWITCH" OR THE "WASHER SWITCH" OR THE REGUALR WIPER SWITCH WILL GET THE WIPERS TO WORK. THE PROBLEM WILL "HEAL" ITSELF BY THE NEXT DAY AND CAN NOT BE DUPLICATED. THIS IDENTICAL PROBLEM WAS OBSERVED ON MY 1993 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE. THE DEALER WAS ABOSLUTELY NO HELP. THIS LACK OF WIPER FUNCTION IS A CRITICAL PROBLEM. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-31
- VIN: 1GHDU06L4RT
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: MRS. PARKER PULLED ON THE LATCH TO OPEN THE DOOR AND THE LATCH BECAME DISCONNECTED FROM THE ROD WHICH CONNECTS TO THE MECHANISM. IT APPEARS THAT THE WELD OR GLUE OR WHATEVER FAILED. THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE AND I AM HESITANT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE SINCE I AM 6'31/2" TALL AND WEIGH 235 LBS.. EXITING QUICKLY OUT THE RIGHT DOOR IS NOT AN OPTION FOR ME IN CASE OF ACCIDENT OR FIRE. OUR VAN HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY SORT OF ACCIDENT. IS THIS CONSIDERED A NORMAL FAILURE DUE TO THE VEHICLE AGE? THANK YOU.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1GHDU06L4RT
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN A FIRE STARTED IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-12-01
- VIN: 1GHDU0616RT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT HORN BLOWS BY ITSELF, DEALER STATES THE CAUSE IS SHRINKING PLASTIC IN COLD WEATHER, BECAUSE THIS IS HOOKED UP TO THE AIRBAG, THE COST TO FIX THE PROBLEM IS $600. *SLC
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-03
- VIN: 1GHDU06L1RT
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CONSUMER FOUND TRANSMISSION FLUID ON DRIVEWAY. HOWEVER, TRANSMISSION FLUID WILL LEAK ONLY WHEN ENGINE IS RUNNING.*AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: SIDE WINDOW ON THE LEFT SIDE OF VAN FLEW OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. CAUSE UNKNOWN . PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-10
- VIN: 1GHDU06L1RT
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AFTER SHOPPING OPENED UP THE BACK TAILGATE TO GET GROCERIES OUT AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE. SPARE TIRE BROKE. CABLE RUSTED, CAUSING TIRE TO FALL OFF. CONSUMER STATED THAT IF TIRE WOULD HAVE FALLEN OFF ON THE HIGHWAY IT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. SPARE TIRE HAS NEVER BEEN USED OR DISMOUNTED. *AK *ML
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-29
- VIN: 1GHDU06L8RT
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: SINCE PURCHASING THE VAN IN LATE 1994 NEW WE HAVE EXPERIENCED A MULTITUDE OF INCIDENTS WHERE THE FRONT WIPERS FREEZE WHEN WORKING OR WONT TURN ON...THE FIRST PERSON TO EXPERIENCE IT WAS MY WIFE AT ABOUT 20000 MILES ...I DIDNT TAKE IT SERIOUS AT FIRST ...THE WIPERS WOULD EVENTUALLY COME BACK ON AFTER HITTING A BUMP OR AFTER A WHILE FOR NO APPARENT REASON...WHEN MY WIFE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY WOULD SAY THAT THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG...THIS HAPPENED TO HER SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE I EXPERIENCED IT ...WE DROVE RIGHT INTO THE DEALERS AND THEY REACHED UNDER HOOD AND HITTHE WIPER MOTOR WHICH KICKED IT ON ...THEY SHOWED US WHAT TO DO AND THEY INDICATED THEY WOULD CHECK WITH OLDSMOBILE ON ITABOUT CORRECTION ...NOW WE HAD A 100,000 MILE WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE ..BUT THEY KEPT PUTTING US OFF ON REPAIRING IT... EVENTUALLY NEAR ABOUT 95000 MILES WE TOOK IT IN AND DEMANDED THAT THEY DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT...THEY REFUSED EVEN THOUGH IT WAS STILL DOING IT .....WE SEEMED TO BE IN A MEXICAN STANDOFF ...BUT NEITHER MY WIFE OR I HAD TIME TO SET DOWN AND FIGHT WITH THEM ABOUT IT VIA SNAIL MAIL...WE HAVE NOW STARTED CARRYING A LONG HEAVY BRUSH IN THE VAN AND WHEN IT FREEZES UP WE PULL OVER ASAP, OPEN THE HOOD AND TAP THE ASSEMBLY SHARPLY ..USUALLYY IT STARTS TO GO ...SOME DAY , WE ARE GOING TO BE RIDING IN HEAVY RAINSTORM AND IT WILL SEIZE UP IN THE MIDDLE OF A PASSING MANUEVER OR SOME SUCH THING. SINCE WE FIRST EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM BEFORE EVEN THE BASIC 36000 MILE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY EXPIRED I HAVE REFUSED TO PAY FOR FIXING IT ..IT IS A DANGEROUS FUNCTIONAL DEFECT AND THEY SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO HAVE FIXED IT EARLY ON....I DOUBT THEY WILL DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS EVEN NOW BUT I WOULD LIKE IT DOCUMENTED IN CASE AN ACCIDENT DOES OCCUR. WE DO HAVE COPIES THEIR PROBLEM WRITEUPS OF A FEW OF THE TIMES WE TOOK IT IN TO BE LOOKED AT WHEN THE WIPERS FAILED TO WORK. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-01
- VIN: 1GHDU06L5RT
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TAILGATE HANDLE FAILED TO OPEN IN 1998. DEALER REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. EXTERIOR DRIVER'S DOOR HANDLE FAILS TO OPEN SINCE JULY, 1998. DOOR MUST BE OPEN FROM INSIDE VEHICLE, OR THROUGH OPEN VEHICLE.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-20
- VIN: 1GHDU06L2RT
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCING ONGOING PROBLEM WITH OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES BREAKING. ON TWO OCCASIONS DOOR HANDLES WERE REPLACED, ONE ON EACH DRIVER'S SIDE AND /PASSENGENER'S SIDE. PRESENTLY, PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE NEEDS REPLACEMENT AGAIN. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-09
- VIN: 1GHOU06LXRT
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG ON DRIVER'S SIDE DEPLOYED WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-01
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DASHBOARD ON THE VEHICLE IS FALLING OFF. MJS
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-01
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: MOLDING AROUND THE DOORS ARE LOOSE. MJS
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-03
- VIN: 1GHDU06L6RT
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP INTERMITTENTLY, AT ANY SPEED. THEY MAY START AGAIN IMMEDIATELY, IN A FEW SECONDS, OR A FEW MINUTES. IT APPEARS TO BE RANDOM. MY MECHANIC HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE. I AM SUBMITTING THIS SINCE I RECENTLY HEARD OF OTHER GM VEHICLES OF SIMILAR AGE HAVING THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM. *AK
1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1994 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:FRONT:RETRACTOR
- Summary: THE THIRD ROW SAFETY BELT RETRACTORS MAY BE INSTALLED INCORRECTLY AND MAY LOCK-UP WHEN THE VEHICLE IS ON SLOPES OF LESS THAN 15 DEGREES, WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
- Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: PASSENGERS SEATED IN THESE POSITON MAYBE UNABLE TO EXTRACT AND FASTEN THEIR SEAT BELTS UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS MOVED TO A MORE LEVEL SURFACE. UNBELTED OCCUPANTS ARE MORE AT RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION THAN THOSE USING SAFETY BELTS.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THIRD ROW SAFETY BELT RETRACTORS AND REINSTALL THEM PROPERLY.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
- Summary: THE SAFETY BELT RETRACTORS FOR THE REAR CENTER POSITION ARE MISSING A PAWL SPRING AND IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT, WILL ALLOW THE SAFETY BELT WEBBING TO EXTEND BEYOND THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT THE SAFETY BELT WOULD NOTRESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT, SUBJECTING THE OCCUPANT TO INCREASED RISK OF INJURIES.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY AND REPLACE THE RETRACTOR IF THE PAWL SPRING IS MISSING.
Negative 1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette car reviews
Positive 1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette car reviews
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While the early design GM vans were ahead of their time with aerodynamic design, the rewards paid back in fuel efficiency and road handling. After 10 years, I have experienced no major mechanical problems other than normal wear. The van has transported soccer babies, soccer kids and towed lightweight trailers.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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Other years of Oldsmobile Silhouette
Are you having problems with your 1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette?
Rahul Reilly 2024-10-18
I've owned quite a few minivans, and while this one isn't at the top of my list, it's definitely not as bad as Chrysler and its transmission issues. Let's take a look at some of my favorites and areas for improvement.