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
- 20
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1996
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1996: 20 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
Only 20 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
8 of 20 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Coolant leak destroyed the engine - there was no warning - sudden stop on a busy highway was potentially dangerous.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-04-29
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, 2003-02-19
Visibility
5 of 20 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing motor and power window devices and controls.
Show complaint excerpts
The windshield wiper does not go down all the way to the bottom when the windshield wiper is off, and this creates a blind spot.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-10-21
Structure
3 of 20 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing door and tailgate.
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, 2002-10-25
Power sliding door failed. Qcaw
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-09-17
Steering
2 of 20 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing rack and pinion.
Vehicle speed control
1 of 20 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2003-01-24Steering02V286000 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…
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.…
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R
2007-04-27Fuel system, other07E021000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 02V286000 · Steering
- Recall 07E021000 · Fuel system, other
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 40% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette have?
- 2 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.