MYRModel Year Report

1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette

▲ Better than typical
1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:47:03.584Z

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
36
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1994

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Visibility

25% of complaints

Complaints per year

1990: 43 complaints 1990 1991: 37 complaints 1992: 27 complaints 1992 1993: 22 complaints 1994: 36 complaints 1994 36 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 1991: 37 complaints 1991 1992: 27 complaints 1992 1993: 22 complaints 1993 1994: 36 complaints 1994 36 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 1991: 37 complaints 1991 1992: 27 complaints 1992 1993: 22 complaints 1993 1994: 36 complaints 1994 36 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

1994: 36 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.

Visibility

25% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and power window devices and controls.

Structure

14% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing door and tailgate.

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette. The contact stated that the frame separated from the insulator on the rear of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-04-26

Electrical system

14% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing horn and interior/under dash.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Dt: contact states while driving gradually lost engine power to where it would not go over 50 MPH. It continued to lose power. He saw and smelled smoke inside. He turned around and saw smoke coming from the floor right in front of the center seat.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-06-21

Consumer smelled fire then noticed smoke coming through the dashboard, she turned car off and got out, no injurires.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-11-19

Engine and engine cooling

8% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle fire, originating in the engine.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-08-07

Seat belts

8% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing retractor and warning light/devices.

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1993-12-16Seat belts93V212000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1994-02-21Seat belts94V015000 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…

    Remedy: Dealers will remove third row safety belt retractors and reinstall them properly.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    1994-06-30Seat belts94V100000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    1994-09-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 1995-01-18 Trnsaxl oil hose separates
  5. I
    1995-12-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 1996-04-10 Passenger side dash fires
  6. R
    1996-03-22Power train96V015000 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…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission oil cooler lines.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Visibility: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 93V212000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 94V015000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 94V100000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 96V015000 · Power train
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette have?
4 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.