1991 Oldsmobile Silhouette

▲ Better than typical

1991 Oldsmobile Silhouette
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:56:51.611Z

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

1991: 37 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.

STRUCTURE 30%

30% of complaints: structure — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing door and frame and members.

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20021009

Also filed under SEAT BELTS

STEERING 27%

27% of complaints: steering — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rack and pinion and steering wheel/handle bar.

Show complaint excerpts

WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 45MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, GOING AROUND IN CIRCLE.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20030620

SEAT BELTS 24%

24% of complaints: seat belts — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing retractor and anchorage.

INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RESTRAIN, CAUSING INJURY. *SD

NHTSA ODI report, 19960404

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 11%

11% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing latch and lock.

VISIBILITY 8%

8% of complaints: visibility — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing power window devices and controls and windshield wiper/washer.

SAFETY TIMELINE

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 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 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

1991 Oldsmobile Silhouette — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for structure issues (11 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for steering issues (10 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for seat belts issues (9 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 99I003000 (seats) 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 ▲ 1990

WORST YEARS

■ 1998 ■ 1999 ■ 2000

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1991 Oldsmobile Silhouette reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 Oldsmobile Silhouette is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1991 Oldsmobile Silhouette?

The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1991 Oldsmobile Silhouette have?

3 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.