1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette

▲ Better than typical

1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:53:55.140Z

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

1990: 43 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1989	0
1990	43
1991	37
1992	27
1993	22
1994	36
1995	46
1996	20
1997	104
1998	170
1999	149
2000	114
2001	78
2002	57
2003	36
2004	11

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

SEAT BELTS 42%

42% of complaints: seat belts — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing retractor and anchorage.

STEERING 26%

26% of complaints: steering — 11 distinct reports on file, 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. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020918

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. *MR

NHTSA ODI report, 20020926

STRUCTURE 16%

16% of complaints: structure — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing door and frame and members.

SERVICE BRAKES 12%

12% of complaints: service brakes — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12%

12% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file, 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, 19991019

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 (18 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for steering issues (11 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for structure issues (7 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, 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.