1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette

▲ Better than typical

1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:16:23.633Z

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

1994: 36 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

VISIBILITY 11%

11% of complaints: visibility — 4 distinct reports on file.

STRUCTURE 8%

8% of complaints: structure — 3 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 8%

8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 3 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE FIRE, ORIGINATING IN THE ENGINE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19970807

VISIBILITY 6%

6% of complaints: visibility — 2 distinct reports on file.

SEATS 6%

6% of complaints: seats — 2 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19931216 — seat belts

THE SAFETY BELT RETRACTORS FOR THE REAR CENTER POSITION ARE MISSING A PAWL SPRING AND IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT, WILL ALLOW THE SAFETY BELT WEBBING TO EXTEND BEYOND THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY AND REPLACE THE RETRACTOR IF THE PAWL SPRING IS MISSING.

Campaign 93V212000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19940221 — seat belts

THE THIRD ROW SAFETY BELT RETRACTORS MAY BE INSTALLED INCORRECTLY AND MAY LOCK-UP WHEN THE VEHICLE IS ON SLOPES OF LESS THAN 15 DEGREES, WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THIRD ROW SAFETY BELT RETRACTORS AND REINSTALL THEM PROPERLY.

Campaign 94V015000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19940630 — seat belts

THE SECOND ROW, RIGHT HAND SHOULDER BELT CAN BECOME "PINCHED" BETWEEN THE SEAT AND THE DOOR FRAME PILLAR TRIM. THE SHOULDER BELT MAY NOT RETRACT PROPERLY, WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS O

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DOOR FRAME PILLAR TRIM PANEL WITH A REDESIGNED TRIM PANEL. ALSO, A CAUTION LABEL WILL BE APPLIED TO THE CHILD SEAT ADVISING THE OWNER NOT TO INSTALL THE SEAT TO THE PASSENGER

Campaign 94V100000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19940915 — PE (closed 19950118)

TRNSAXL OIL HOSE SEPARATES

I 19951209 — PE (closed 19960410)

PASSENGER SIDE DASH FIRES

R 19960322 — power train

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 1991 THROUGH JULY 1995. THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE CAN SEPARATE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN LOW TEMPERATURES IN COMBINATIO

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES.

Campaign 96V015000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for visibility issues (4 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for structure issues (3 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 93V212000 (seat belts) has been completed.
Verify recall 94V015000 (seat belts) has been completed.
Verify recall 94V100000 (seat belts) has been completed.
Verify recall 96V015000 (power train) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2003 ▲ 1991 ▲ 1990

WORST YEARS

■ 1998 ■ 1999 ■ 2000

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette?

The most-reported component is visibility:windshield wiper/washer, accounting for 11% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette have?

4 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.