1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette steering problems

14 complaints (8% of all complaints for this car).

owner complaints: 14
of this car's complaints: 8%
crashes: 0
recalls: 1

Which part fails

Hydraulic power assist system
5
Rack and pinion
3
Steering wheel/handle bar
2
Hydraulic power assist: pump
2
Rack and pinion: rack
1
Column
1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Oldsmobile Silhouette steering problems in other years

Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette steering

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Power steering loss 6

Related recalls

Steering: rack and pinionReported November 4, 2002 · 1,159,156 vehicles affected

What is wrong: 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 vehicles assembled between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.
Risk: If this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel is moved back and to the right. If the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, similar to a vehicle without power assisted steering. If the pinion shaft moves even further, the driver will require much higher effort to turn left and may not be able to turn the wheel as much as intended. With the maximum pinion shaft movement, which requires internal gear component damage, the driver can encounter high resistance to turning left, followed by unintended power assist to the right. In any of these conditions, a crash could occur.
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 who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020, pontiac at 1‑800‑762‑2737, or oldsmobile at 1‑800‑442‑6537.

Recall number 02V286000 · Recall details

What 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 19, 2012 · Steering · 107,519 miles · KY

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 oldsmobile silhouette. The contact stated that while exiting a parking space, the steering wheel failed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was informed of the federal safety agency campaign id number: 02v286000 (steering:rack and pinion) but was advised that his vehicle was not part included in the recall. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 107,519.

Filed Nov 4, 2004 · Steering · 80,000 miles · NJ

While driving at 65 MPH vehicle suddenly lost power steering. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled off the road. Vehicle was towed to dealership. A bearing blew through the lower casing, resulting in loss of power fluid. The power steering rack was repaired. This failure occurred because of the defect described in recall 02v286000 concerning power steering assembly. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.

Filed Nov 3, 2004 · Steering · IL

Recall for steering, difficulty turning left,power steering inoperative. Replaced rack and pinion. *bf left turns could only be done at a low rate of speed and at a wide angle. Consumers vehicle was not covered under the recall and was charged for service. Mechanic left the recall paperwork on the passenger seat and it was found by the consumer showing that he used the paper work determine how to fix the problem.

Filed Jun 3, 2004 · Steering · NY

The driver's vehicle was running while inside of a parking lot. The driver turned the steering wheel to the left and the steering column locked up. The driver tried to unlock it but was unable. The driver had the vehicle towed to a mechanic's shop for repair. Please provide any additional information.

Filed Jan 27, 2004 · Steering · 110,000 miles · TX

The vehicle's power steering experienced the same defect as stated in recall 02 v 286 000, but the vehicle identification number not included in the recall. *ak there was a popping sound and a slight effect to the right. *sc

Filed Jan 17, 2003 · Steering · 75,000 miles · PA

When attempting to make a left turn, consumer states the steering wheel gets really stiff. Took vehicle to dealer and there is a recall describing the same problem recall # 02 v 286 000. Consumers vehicle was not affected. Please provide any further information. Ts

Filed Aug 7, 2002 · Steering · FL

When vehicle is driven through a small puddle, and any amount of water enters the engine compartment, vehicle loses power steering, and steering wheel locks up.

Filed Jul 23, 2001 · Steering · FL

Rel. Claims: 731603, 848089, 870477, 871178, 890098 steering fails when going through puddle at any speed, even 20 MPH. I barely missed hitting someone. I have never seen anything like this in my 20 years of driving. Is their patch or fix available since this was first found out almost three years ago? This problem creates a dangerous loss of steering control on wet roadways. Please advise [email protected].

Filed Jun 11, 2001 · Body, Engine · FL

During wet road/weather conditions power assisted steering failed. Dealership installed a water deflector plate to prevent water from contacting power steering belt. However, while traveling at approximately 25 to 30 MPH in a rain storm, power steering failed, and belt for alternator slipped which caused light for battery on the dash board to come on. Dealership has been contacted, and owner was informed that nothing could be done for this problem. *ak the dealer indicated that the wet conditions caused a belt to slip from the alternator and disabled the alternator.

Filed Sep 21, 2000 · Steering · FL

When traveling and water goes through, water splashes up to the serpentine belt/the steering cuts off. Problem started when traveling between 20 to 35mph. This incident happened, and steering is lost. Consumer said that he will call the dealership. *ak the dealer said replace belt should correct this problem.

Questions about the 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette steering

Does the 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette have steering problems?

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette, 8% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette steering problems start?

Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette steering?

Yes, 1 recall: 02V286000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Oldsmobile Silhouette have bad steering?

The Oldsmobile Silhouette model years with the most steering complaints are 1997 (20 complaints) and 1998 (14 complaints).