2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette
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.
- Complaints
- 36
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2003
Opened by NHTSA
17% of complaints
Complaints per year
2003: 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
17% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
I was eastbound on a two lane road, and an escalade ran the stop sign on the driver side , as I was continuing driving I t-boned the SUV, my whole front end was completely ripped and damaged, and dashboard cracked and lifted, my daughter was on the...
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-01-08
On two separate occasions the driver and passenger side air bags inadvertently deployed. As a result the driver sustained injuries and a torn ligament to the hand and arms. Prior to these incidents the air bag warning light came on.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-11-20
Wheels
11% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing lugs/nuts/bolts/studs.
Equipment
11% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift and air conditioner.
Latches/locks/linkages
8% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing latch.
Show complaint excerpts
While holding a child the electric sliding door closed on the child's arm, breaking it. The key remote had to be used to unlock the door . There was also another close case with an older child.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-10-06
Engine and engine cooling
8% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing engine and cooling system.
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2002-08-15Air bags02V222000 Certain passenger, mini vans, and sport utility vehicles have an air bag inflator on the driver's side that could fracture at a weld during a deployment.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace, if necessary, the air bag module assembly on the driver's side. Owner notification began August 15, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer…
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2004-09-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 2004-12-22 Power-sliding door
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2005-05-31Latches/locks/linkages04V597000 On certain minivans equipped with second-row bucket seats or captain's chairs and a power sliding door on the passenger side of the vehicle, a passenger using the interior handle to open the power…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the power sliding door interior handle on the passenger-side. If the vehicle is equipped with a power or manual sliding door on the driver-side, the interior handle will also…
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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.
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2008-12-17Exterior lighting08E050000 K2 motor is recalling 1,921 aftermarket headlamps of various models sold for use on the above listed vehicles. These headlamps are missing the amber side reflex reflector which fails to conform…
Remedy: K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. The recall began on decemeber 17, 2008. Owners may contact K2 motor at 1-909-839-2992.
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2009-02-23Steering09E005000 Dorman is recalling 979 steering knuckles, dorman p/nos. 697-902 and 697-903, sold under dorman's "Oe solutions<sup>tm</sup>" Brand name, and napa p/nos. 7-8502 and 7-8503 which were sold for…
Remedy: Dorman will notify owners and replace the defective steering knuckles free of charge and reimburse the repair facility or owner for labor. The recall began on February 23, 2009. Owners may contact…
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Wheels: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Equipment: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 02V222000 · Air bags
- Recall 04V597000 · Latches/locks/linkages
- Recall 07E021000 · Fuel system, other
- Recall 08E050000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E005000 · Steering
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette have?
- 5 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.