1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette

▲ Better than typical
1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:16:21.323Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Oldsmobile Silhouette Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1990 highlighted. 1989: 0 complaints 1989 1990: 43 complaints 1990 1991: 37 complaints 1991 1992: 27 complaints 1993: 22 complaints 1993 1994: 36 complaints 1995: 46 complaints 1995 1996: 20 complaints 1997: 104 complaints 1997 1998: 170 complaints 1999: 149 complaints 1999 2000: 114 complaints 2001: 78 complaints 2001 2002: 57 complaints 2003: 36 complaints 2003 2004: 11 complaints 2004
1990: 43 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19890
199043
199137
199227
199322
199436
199546
199620
1997104
1998170
1999149
2000114
200178
200257
200336
200411

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

SEAT BELTS 28%

28% of complaints: seat belts — 12 distinct reports on file.

STRUCTURE 9%

9% of complaints: structure — 4 distinct reports on file.

SEAT BELTS 9%

9% of complaints: seat belts — 4 distinct reports on file.

STEERING 7%

7% of complaints: steering — 3 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

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

NHTSA ODI report, 20020918

VISIBILITY 5%

5% of complaints: visibility — 2 distinct reports on file.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

PASSENGER DOOR WINDOW FELL OUT.

NHTSA ODI report, 19970821

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19891002 — seats

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.

Campaign 89V164000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19920106 — seat belts

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.

Campaign 91V046000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19920604 — PE (closed 19921030)

APV FUEL LINE FIRES

I 19920609 — DP (closed 19920625)

APV FIRES

R 19920611 — structure

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.

Campaign 92V012000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19921030 — EA (closed 19931130)

APV FUEL LINE FIRES

I 19961115 — PE (closed 19970408)

ALLEGED ENGINE SUBFRAME MOUNT/INSULATOR

I 19970407 — PE (closed 19970930)

FRONT SEAT BACK COLLAPSE

R 19970611 — structure

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE,

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.

Campaign 97V058000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19970930 — EA (closed 19990608)

FRONT SEAT BACK COLLAPSE

I 19971002 — RQ (open)

CRADLE BOLT FAILURES

I 19990304 — RQ (open)

ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATION

I 20000410 — EA (closed 20010112)

ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATION

R Date not on file — seats

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.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN OR REPLACE THE BOLTS AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNERS. THIS POLICY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL JUNE 30, 2002.

Campaign 99I003000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (12 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 99I003000 (seats) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 89V164000 (seats) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 91V046000 (seat belts) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 92V012000 (structure) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 97V058000 (structure) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1994 ▲ 2003 ▲ 1991

WORST YEARS

■ 1998 ■ 1999 ■ 2000

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette?

The most-reported component is seat belts:front:retractor, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.