1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette
Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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
Only 20 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 20 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
COOLANT LEAK DESTROYED THE ENGINE - THERE WAS NO WARNING - SUDDEN STOP ON A BUSY HIGHWAY WAS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030429
INTAKE GASKET FAILED ALLOWING OIL AND COOLANT TO INTERMIX AND DESTROY THE ENGINE. THERE WAS NO WARNING. ENGINE HAD ONLY 84000 MILES ON IT AND WAS WELL MAINTAINED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030219
3 of 20 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
2 of 20 total reports mention: visibility.
2 of 20 total reports mention: visibility.
2 of 20 total reports mention: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING WATER GETS INTO THE VEHICLE CAUSING WATER BUILD UP ON THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE. TS
NHTSA ODI report, 20021025
POWER SLIDING DOOR FAILED. QCAW
NHTSA ODI report, 19980917
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE AND SOME OTHER RETAINERS USED IN
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOWER PINION BEARING UNLESS INSPECT OF THE EXISTING BEARING INDICATES THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GEAR ASSEMBLY IS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 24, 2003. OWNERS
Campaign 02V286000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNI
Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
Campaign 07E021000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02V286000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E021000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette have?
2 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.