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1996 Oldsmobile SilhouetteProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 20 owner complaints about the 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints200 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage118kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 27, 2010. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette has problems

20 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling80
Visibility40
Structure30
Steering20
Tires10
Vehicle speed control10
Seats10
Power train10
Service brakes, hydraulic10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Steering: rack and pinion

Recall 02V-286 · Nov 4, 2002 · 1,159,156 vehicles

Risk. IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Oldsmobile.

Best & worst years

1996 vs. every other Silhouette year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Silhouette median. How we score

'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette safety ratings

1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What Silhouette owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

1) VEHICLE STARTED STALLING 2) COOLANT LEAKED INTO OIL 3) HAD TO HAVE REPAIRED AT MY OWN COST $780.00 AND NOT SURE THAT THIS WILL TAKE CARE OF IT. *NM
Complaint 10168666 · Sep 19, 2006 · 120,000 miles
INTAKE GASKET LEAKED INTERNALY AND ALLOWED OIL AND COOLANT TO INTERMIX AND DESTROYED THE ENGINE. THERE WAS NO WARNING. I\\\\\\'M STILL GETTING ESTIMATES FOR THE ENGINE REPAIR/REPLACEMENT BUT IT LOOKS TO BE $4000+.
Complaint 10069985 · Jan 15, 2004 · 83,000 miles
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT SHOP, AND TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE ENGINE. BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
Complaint 10065023 · Mar 26, 2004 · 118,000 miles

Own a 1996 Silhouette?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.