Oldsmobile / Silhouette / 1999
1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette problems
Owners have filed 186 complaints about the 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 25.3% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of structure at 9.7%.
Complaints186
Crashes11
Fires4
Injuries21
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 25.3% · 47
Structure 9.7% · 18
Power train 8.6% · 16
Air bags 6.5% · 12
Latches/locks/linkages 5.9% · 11
Electrical system 5.4% · 10
Seat belts 4.3% · 8
Exterior lighting 4.3% · 8
Severity
Of those complaints, 11 describe a crash, 4 describe a fire and 21 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 6 model years of the Oldsmobile Silhouette in this data, 1999 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 1998 draws the most.
Filings are rising — 12 in the last three years against 9 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 69,000 miles.
In owners' own words
At 35,000 my '99 olds burns 2 quarts of oil every 1000 miles! I just purchased the vehicle with a 60 day 100% engine and drive train coverage so the dealer is going to "fix" the problem. I have heard the gm 3.4 L engine is famous for poor pistons in all years. This engine is already shot at 35k miles and I feel can't possibly be repaired adequately...It should be replaced but the dealer won't do it. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 35,000 miles
- The contact stated that she brought he 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette to dealer in costa mesa, ca for an oil change. The dealer stated that the plug booths melted, and that the spark plugs, and plug wires melted as well, and the head gasket failing. The contact stated that this is a safety hazard since she never got any prior warning about the failures on her vehicle. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 75,416 miles
Vehicle overheated on congested highway with no prior warning of any problem. Manifold gasket failure at 45,000 miles. The vehicle was repaired at a cost of $831 with the possibility that the engine may seize at any time due to coolant/oil contmination. Intake manifold gasket replaced with new gm design and new installation proceedure. I have retained the old parts. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 45,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…