Dt: the contact put the vehicle in drive and was heading for intersection when he realized that accelerator pedal was stuck. He had to turn right to avoid hitting oncoming traffic. He then turned the vehicle off, and the vehicle kept going. He did not contact the dealer.
The worst 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Seat belts17
- Steering9
- Body7
- Brakes5
- Acceleration2
- Electrical2
- Engine2
- Fuel system2
- Seats2
- Visibility2
- Locks1
- Suspension1
- Tires1
- Transmission1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette
Recalls 4
Structure
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and mini vans originally sold or currently registered in the following states: connecticut, illinois, indiana, maine, massachusetts, michigan, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont and wisconsin. The rear cradle bolts pull through the retainers due to corrosion of the retainer. If both bolts pull through, the rear cradle would not longer be supported at these mounting locations and the steering intermediate shaft can separate from the steering gear.
- Risk
- If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, a vehicle crash could result.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the rear cradle bolts and retainers.
Recall number 97V058000 · Recall details
Structure: body
- What is wrong
- The glove compartment door will not remain closed during certain load forces associated with a vehicle crash. This does not comply with the requirements of fmvss 201.
- Risk
- In the event of an accident, the glove compartment doormay open and result in occupant(s) injuries from contact with the glovecompartment door.
- Remedy
- Replace the current upper glove compartment door with a redesigned upper glove compartment door which incorporates a positive latch to keep the door closed should a vehicle crash occur.
Recall number 92V012000 · Recall details
Seat belts: front: anchorage
- What is wrong
- A right hand seat/shoulder belt retractor may have been installed in the second row left hand seat position (directly behind driver).
- Risk
- The incorrect retractor may cause the belts to lock upif the van is parked on a steep grade. As a result of this, the occupant couldnot extend the belt for use.
- Remedy
- Replace shoulder belt assembly.
Recall number 91V046000 · Recall details
Seats
- What is wrong
- The rear modular seat frame hold-down hooks may not meet the required pull force at the rear set anchorage.
- Risk
- Vehicles would not conform to fmvss 207.
- Remedy
- Replace rear hold down hooks and pivot rivets with heat treated hardware.
Recall number 89V164000 · Recall details
See all 4 recalls for the 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette
Defect investigations
Engine cradle separation
The engine cradle front bolts and/or retainers may fail, allowing the front of the engine cradle to fall, possibly separating the steering intermediate shaft from the steering gear, with complete loss of steering control
EA00011
Engine cradle separation
On april 1, 1997, general motors corporation filed a defect information report to recall the subject vehicles, registered in 14 high corrosion states, to replace the rear engine cradle bolts and retainers.the rear engine cradle bolts would either fracturer or pull through the retianers due to corrosion.as of september 1998, the sixth quarter, 59.3% of the subject vehicles had been repaired.in addition to the complaints of front engine cradle bolt failures in the above failure report summary, odi has received six reports of possible front engine cradle bolt failures, including two crashes.an rq is warranted to determine the extent of failures of the front engine cradle bolts and retainers on the subject vehicles.
RQ99002
Cradle bolt failures
There is no summary currently available
RQ97017
Front seat back collapse
Alleged front seat back collapse due to recliner bolt
EA97019
Front seat back collapse
Subject vehicles are alleged to experience inadvertent front seat back collapse due to fracture of front seat recliner mounting bolts.
PE97016
Alleged engine subframe mount/insulator
Alleged failures of engine frame insulators/mounts to unibody frame may allow separation of engine subframe, resulting in compromise or loss of steering control with the vehicle in motion.
PE96065
Apv fuel line fires
There is no summary currently available
EA92035
Apv fires
Apv fires
DP92012
Apv fuel line fires
There is no summary currently available
PE92052
Technical service bulletins for the 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette 4
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1L 6‑cyl | FWD | 16 | 21 | 18 |
What 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The steering wheel severed from the steering rack, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Consumer contacted the dealer and the manufacturer. Neither was able to locate the correct VIN to identify the vehicle, and to be able to determine whether the recall work has been done.
Speedometer isn't functioning properly. When I got this van from my grandfather (who was the original owner) the speedometer had not been working for a long time and is still not working.
Front and middle seat belts won't retract.
Consumer states that while driving the rear cradle bolts pulled through the retainers due to corrison of the retainer. As stated in recall # 97 v 058 000, but vehicle does not fall within the scope of the recall.
While driving at any speed and with no warning steering wheel will lock up, and consumer will lose control of vehicle. It could have caused consumer to have an accident. Dealer notified.
Steering column broke while consumer was driving, and vehicle became more difficult to control. The front motor mount on drivers side pulled out of the frame due to rust cusing the back mount bolt to break off. The steering gear box is located on the same side. Has not contacted a dealer. *ak
Seat belt retractor coil springs come off of retractor assy. This happens because there is just a soft plastic cover cap on the retractor assy. Belt is then unusable. Ive had both front seat belts come apart and one in the rear.
A bolt from the engine cradle broke, wheels could flop to the side because of bad engine cradle mount.
Seat belts on driver's side and passenger's side do not retract. Retractor mechanism on the passenger's side was replaced on feb 5, 1999. Vehicle was taken to the dealership. Seat belts have not been repaired. Driver's side seat belt retractor has been broken for over a year, and passenger's side retractor has been broken for about 4 months. Dealer will try to repairs seatbelts, but will charge owner for replacement. *ak
Compare the 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette
Other model years
199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001200220032004
Questions about the 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette
Is the 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette reliable?
Owners have filed 43 complaints about the 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette, fewer than a typical Silhouette model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette?
Seat belts, with 17 complaints. Next is steering (9).
How many recalls does the 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette have?
4 recalls, covering structure, seat belts and seats.
Was there a recall on the 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette seat belts?
Yes, 1 recall: 91V046000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What gas mileage does the 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette get?
Official estimates for the 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette range from 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.1L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 16 city and 21 highway.
VIN decoder
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