I own a 1999 oldsmobile silhouette with about 55,000 miles. I took the van to a local mechanic because of a knocking noise on cold startup and continual overheating. The mechanic diagnosed the problem as a failed intake manifold gasket. The total bill about $600. The van had regular maintenance. This seems to be a common problem with gm vehicles with the 3.4l engines.
1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette engine complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 48, newest first, as owners wrote them.
My 1999 oldsmobile silhouette only has 69,000 miles and has a leaking intake manifold gasket. It is obvious by the outraged community online that this is a problem with gm's design and a recall should be forced upon them.
Coolant is leaking on top of engine, resulting from failed lower intake manifold gasket. The gasket was replaced at 34,000 miles, now failing again at 88,000 miles. Water pump was recently replaced. Believe dex-cool antifreeze is at fault.
Intake manifold gasket - no warning of any problems before finding myself stranded at a gas station due to my van overheating.
While driving coolant light appeared on the dashboard and remained on until vehicle was turned off. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic replaced a sensor, but problem recurred.
Oil leaking into the coolant system. Problem was fixed by replacing the intake manifold gasket. Resulted in replacing all coolant/heater system hoses and a large repair bill. The leaking intake manifold gasket seems to be a common problem.
Water pump failed, then radiator failed, now engine failed. All seem to be related to dex-cool.
At 35,000 my '99 olds burns 2 quarts of oil every 1000 miles! I just purchased the vehicle with a 60 day 100% engine and drive train coverage so the dealer is going to "fix" the problem. I have heard the gm 3.4 l engine is famous for poor pistons in all years. This engine is already shot at 35k miles and I feel can't possibly be repaired adequately...it should be replaced but the dealer won't do it.
I own a 1999 oldsmobile silhouette with 64,000 miles. I took the van to a local dealer because of a knocking noise on cold startup. The dealer diagnosed the problem as a failed intake manifold gasket. The failed gasket ruined the hydraulic lifters and had to be replaced. The total bill was $1500. The van had regular maintenance (oil, filters, anitfreeze checked) every 3000 miles. This seems to be a common problem with gm vehicles and dexcool systems. This could have been a major safety issue had the engine failed while driving.
Lower intake manifold gasket failure. This problem has also occured to a friend of mine who owns a 1999 olds silhouette.
Intake manifold gasket failed allowing dexcool coolant into the engine and mix with the oil. Total engine failure. Manifold gasket replaced at 58,000 miles. Engine rebuilt at 62,000 miles. Apparently this is happening on thousands of gm vehicles and gm will not cover the cost. In no way should a 1999 van need a new engine.
Car went to dealer to diagnose a knocking sound on cold startup. Diagnosed as a failed intake manifold gasket, cost to repair approx $900.00. On disassembly, dealer contacted me and stated that the engine internals were so badly fouled (sludge and deposits) that hydraulic lifters needed replacement, cost approx $450.00. I asked how this could have happened, van has always had engine oil changed at 3000 mile intervals, with new filter and correct oil, and I don't know what to do differently to avoid this happening again. No advice offered, and no suggestions for why the gasket had failed.
Coolant level low light came on. Took it in for servicing and oil change. Tech said the intake gasket was leaking and that the radiator was full of mud. Took it to a gm dealer the next day and found the gaskets were leaking and that it would require at least 1 radiator flush, possibly 2.
Leaking intake manifold gasket cause oil to be contaminated with coolant. Engine failed.
Intake manifold coolant leak caused by defective gasket. Related tsb mentions "new gasket design" implying that original design was defective. Oldsmobile refuses to offer any warranty coverage for failure, repair bill is $950.00 so far. Seems to be a common problem with this model at this age. Very disappointed with gm's attitude of customer dissatisfaction.
I own a 1999 oldsmobile silhouette with 65,000 miles. I took the van to a local dealer after antifreeze started leaking from the top of the engine. The problem was a failed intake manifold gasket. The failed gasket fouled the hydraulic lifters and had to be replaced. The total bill was $1255. Same probelm happended to a relative's pontiac. This is all too common of a problem. Gm should recall this model. This will be the last of 5 gm products I have owned.
During the summer, the low coolant light came on. The owner took the vehicle to the g.m. Dealer. The coolant was low and it was suggested that a pressure check be done for the radiator coolant. The manifold intake gasket failed causing the engine to over heat. Provide further details.............................
While driving noticed smoke coming from under the hood. Moved to side of road. Checked under the hood ,and noticed coolant was leaking onto the intake manifold. Took vehicle to dealership to check out leakage problem.
Intake gasket leak - radiator full of "mud" at 72,000 miles.
Head gasket failure
Noticed leaks that have appeared under the car. Leaks had a consistency of antifreeze and oil mixed. Constantly topping off antifreeze and oil. Intake manifold has been verified by mechanic to have leak resulting in a $600.00 dollar bill.
An engine diagnosis revealed there was no oil pressure, a blown head gasket, and a leaking intake manifold gasket. *ts
Known problem with gm engine v6 3800, leaking antifreeze into engine. Intake manifold gasket failure.
The intake manifold was cracked and leaked antifreeze.
The intake manifold gasket failed.
The intake manifold cracked, which caused fluid to leak.
I own a 1999 oldsmobile silhouette with 62,000 miles. I took the van to a local dealer because of a knocking noise on cold startup. The dealer diagnosed the problem as a failed intake manifold gasket. The failed gasket ruined the hydraulic lifters and had to be replaced. The total bill was $1500. The van had regular maintenance (oil, filters, anitfreeze checked) every 3000 miles. This seems to be a common problem with gm vehicles and dexcool systems. This could have been a major safety issue had the engine failed while driving.
Leaking and cracked lower intake manifold gaskets from coorosion at 30,777 miles. With radiator cracked.
Leaking intake manifold gasket cause engine failure
I own a 1999 oldsmobile silhouette with 52,000 miles. I brought it to the local dealer because of a knocking noise on cold startup. Diagnosed as a failed intake manifold gasket, cost to repair approx $900.00. On disassembly, dealer contacted me with information that the engine internals were so badly fouled (sludge and deposits) that the hydraulic lifters required replacement. I asked what could have caused this situation, since the van has always gotten regular oil changes every 3000 miles, with new filter and correct oil, and I don't know what to do differently to avoid this same problem again. No information or advice was offered on why the gasket failed, or why the engine was so badly fouled.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history