MYRModel Year Report

1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette

▲ Better than typical
1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:56:56.360Z

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
43
Recalls
5

Campaigns on file for 1990

Investigations
9

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Seat belts

42% of complaints

Complaints per year

1990: 43 complaints 1990 43 1991: 37 complaints 1992: 27 complaints 1992 1993: 22 complaints 1994: 36 complaints 1994 1995: 46 complaints 1996: 20 complaints 1996 1997: 104 complaints 1998: 170 complaints 1998 1999: 149 complaints 2000: 114 complaints 2000 2001: 78 complaints 2002: 57 complaints 2002 2003: 36 complaints 2004: 11 complaints 2004
1990: 43 complaints 1990 43 1991: 37 complaints 1991 1992: 27 complaints 1992 1993: 22 complaints 1993 1994: 36 complaints 1994 1995: 46 complaints 1995 1996: 20 complaints 1996 1997: 104 complaints 1997 1998: 170 complaints 1998 1999: 149 complaints 1999 2000: 114 complaints 2000 2001: 78 complaints 2001 2002: 57 complaints 2002 2003: 36 complaints 2003 2004: 11 complaints 2004
1990: 43 complaints 1990 43 1991: 37 complaints 1991 1992: 27 complaints 1992 1993: 22 complaints 1993 1994: 36 complaints 1994 1995: 46 complaints 1995 1996: 20 complaints 1996 1997: 104 complaints 1997 1998: 170 complaints 1998 1999: 149 complaints 1999 2000: 114 complaints 2000 2001: 78 complaints 2001 2002: 57 complaints 2002 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

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Seat belts

42% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing retractor and anchorage.

Steering

26% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar and hose, piping, and connections.

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-18

Consumer states that while driving the rear cradle bolts pulled through the retainers due to corrison of the retainer. As stated in recall # 97 v 058 000, but vehicle does not fall within the scope of the recall.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-26

Structure

16% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing door and frame and members.

Service brakes

12% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

Electrical system

12% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and switch.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-10-19

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 9 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1989-10-02Seats89V164000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1992-01-06Seat belts91V046000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    1992-06-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 1992-10-30 Apv fuel line fires
  4. I
    1992-06-09Defect petitionClosed 1992-06-25 Apv fires
  5. R
    1992-06-11Structure92V012000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. I
    1992-10-30Engineering analysisClosed 1993-11-30 Apv fuel line fires
  7. I
    1996-11-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 1997-04-08 Alleged engine subframe mount/insulator
  8. I
    1997-04-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 1997-09-30 Front seat back collapse
  9. R
    1997-06-11Structure97V058000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and mini vans originally sold or currently registered in the following states: Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, new…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear cradle bolts and retainers.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  10. I
    1997-09-30Engineering analysisClosed 1999-06-08 Front seat back collapse
  11. I
    1997-10-02Recall queryOpen Cradle bolt failures
  12. I
    1999-03-04Recall queryOpen Engine cradle separation
  13. I
    2000-04-10Engineering analysisClosed 2001-01-12 Engine cradle separation
  14. R
    Date not on fileSeats99I003000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Seat belts: 18 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 11 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 7 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 99I003000 · Seats
  • Recall 89V164000 · Seats
  • Recall 91V046000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 92V012000 · Structure
  • Recall 97V058000 · Structure
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-20 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.