1991 Oldsmobile Silhouette: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 37 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is structure (24% 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 37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Dt: contact stated rear cradle bolts and retainers rusted and disconnected the steering while they were driving. Contact noticed this around june. Was at a stop sign and started to make a right hand turn and noticed there was no steering. Dealer said that cradle bolts rusted and fixed it. Gm stated consumer's vehicle was not included in recall 97v058000 due to VIN although it had the same failure as mentioned in the recall.*ak”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2005
“Problem #1 - on the front passenger door the door shuts around a metal knob that is part of the door. The metal knob comes off of the vehicle making the door impossible to shut. This has happened twice. Problem #2 - the front passenger seatbelt will not retract into the holder and so it is loose and will not protect the passenger adequately. Nlm”Owner report · Seat Belts · Aug 2001
“Frame separated from vehicle while driving, pulling the steering shaft out, resulting in loss of steering. Dealer has been notified.*ak”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2000
Show 7 more owner reports
“The sliding door on the right side will not open from inside, leaving the back and rear passengers no way to quickly escape in an emergency. I understand this a widespread problem on gm minivans, and I would like to know what is being done about it. *ak”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Nov 1999
“While driving @ 30mph, smelled something burning. Fire originated under the hood. Fire department put fire out, determined that carburetor/t had too much gas. Repairwork not done. Problem still exists. Provide further information. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 1999
“Tread separated off right rear kelly tire causing van to lose control and roll, killing all three passengers on board, on 7/16/99, where legal speed limit was 75 mph. *ak( dot number: c2t9k far tire size: 20570r14 )”Owner report · Tires · Jul 1999
“In a parking lot went to open the sliding door and the door would not slide open. Was trying to get inside the driver's side door and was not able to. Made the necessary repairs themselves. It appear that the lock mechanism broke off inside the door. *ak”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Jul 1999
“15 inch tires, original equipment with oldsmobile silhoutte 1991. Consumer was driving at approximately 80 mph when front passenger tire blew out ,tread completely shredded,and caused damage to side of vehicle. Next day front driver's tire experienced the same defect. It also caused damage to the side of vehicle. Consumer had all four tires replaced with firestone st70c. *ak”Owner report · Tires · Aug 1997
“While driving on highway right rear wheel disconnected, lost control, vehicle flipped over three times, resulting in an accident/injuries. *ak”Owner report · Wheels · Jun 1997
“Recall #97v058: received recall notice june 11, 97. Made an appointment the same day. Took vehicle in for repair and was told that they do not have the parts. Took in again on 7-10-97, still no parts and was told that they do know when they will have the parts. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 1997
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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 1991 Oldsmobile Silhouette reliable?
NHTSA has 37 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 Oldsmobile Silhouette. The most complained-about area is structure (24% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1991 Oldsmobile Silhouette problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 150,000 miles or less.
Does the 1991 Oldsmobile Silhouette have open recalls?
3 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.