1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 43 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is seat belts (34% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 1999
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 43 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jun 2005
“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”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2004
“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”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Nov 2002
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2002
“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”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2002
“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”Owner report · Structure · Jul 1999
“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”Owner report · Structure · May 1999
“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”Owner report · Seat Belts · May 1999
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 1998
“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”Owner report · Steering · Sep 1998
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 campaigns
THE REAR MODULAR SEAT FRAME HOLD-DOWN HOOKS MAY NOT MEET THE REQUIRED PULL FORCE AT THE REAR SET ANCHORAGE.
Remedy: REPLACE REAR HOLD DOWN HOOKS AND PIVOT RIVETS WITH HEAT TREATED HARDWARE.
A RIGHT HAND SEAT/SHOULDER BELT RETRACTOR MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IN THE SECOND ROW LEFT HAND SEAT POSITION (DIRECTLY BEHIND DRIVER).
Remedy: REPLACE SHOULDER BELT ASSEMBLY.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN OR REPLACE THE BOLTS AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNERS. THIS POLICY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL JUNE 30, 2002.
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.
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.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.
How other years compare
Check your exact Silhouette by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette reliable?
NHTSA has 43 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette. The most complained-about area is seat belts (34% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 130,464 miles or less.
Does the 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seats. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.