I own two very similar gm made vans, a 1996 oldsmobile silhouette, and a 1994 chevrolet lumina apv van. Both had sudden brake failure due to the rear brake line bursting, in exactly the same place! Both had current inspections. This is very dangerous. I had to replace the rear brake lines on both vans. The fact that they failed at exactly the same point in the rear brake line makes me think this is a design flaw. When the line failed and was repaired, I also replaced the same line on the other side and found it weak and ready to burst. I still see many of these gm vans on the road and feel this is a safety hazard. I am filing this complaint twice, one for each car.
Oldsmobile Silhouette brake failure problems
18 of the 950 owner complaints about the Oldsmobile Silhouette describe brake failure, most of them for the 1990 model year.
- owner complaints
- 18
- worst model year
- 1990
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below
By model year
- 20012
- 20002
- 19992
- 19983
- 19973
- 19961
- 19951
- 19904
Often reported together
What owners say
Intermittent and ongoing brake problem. When applying the brakes brake pedal went to the floor, causes pulsation and extended stopping distance. Vehicle had been to the dealer on nine different occasions. Dealer replaced many parts of the ABS system, but extended stopping distance recurred.
Brakes failed without warning (no indicator light) and no warning lights lit now. I have checked all brake pads, shoes, wheel cylinders and calipers and didn't find any indication of a problem. I have checked for leaks on the power booster and brake lines and didn't find any leaks. The local dealer hasn't observed a failure of this nature, I also called oldsmobile (1‑800‑222‑1020) and they were unaware of any cause for this failure.
Experience engine power surge while backing out of parking space. Foot was on brake, transmission in reverse and engine surged. Firm application of brake failed to completely stop vehicle, had to shift gear to neutral. Dealer evaluation 3/13/03 revealed no problem. Similar occurrence while spouse driving 01/14/03 resulting in broken air dam from parking curb.
When driving on wet pavement and when attempting to stop, consumer applied brake pedal and brakes failed to respond, causing extended stopping distance. Also, when brakes were applied there was a squeaking noise coming from the front brakes. Consumer has contacted the dealer. *ak
The accelerator was applied to enter the garage. After removing pressure from the accelerator it continued to accelerate.. The brakes failed to stop the car and it hit an interior storage area. No injuries resulted.
Total brake failure without a warning while trying to park. This caused vehicle to go over a curb and run into bushes.
Fuel pump harness terminals corroded and fuel pump sender failed causing the vehicle to stop without warning, loss of brakes and steering. Nlm
Front brakes failed. Nlm
Trailer harness was incorrectly installed causing consumer to recieve brake warning light to illuminate when there was no brake failure. Nlm
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages
- What is wrong
- Improperly manufactured brake pedal arm causes the brake pedal arm to fracture during braking.
- Risk
- This condition can result in a loss of brake operation increasing braking distance and the potential for a vehicle accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace all suspect brake pedal assemblies.
Recall number 95V048000 · Recall details
Questions about the Oldsmobile Silhouette brake failure
Which Oldsmobile Silhouette years have brake failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1990 (4 complaints), 1997 (3 complaints) and 1998 (3 complaints).
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