VehicleVerdict

1991 Oldsmobile Silhouette problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 1991 Oldsmobile Silhouette carries two red flags at once: 57 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: CRADLE BOLT FAILURES). It is one of the Silhouette years to avoid. Reports tied to this model year include 6 deaths and 8 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (11), steering (10), and seat belts (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

57

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

7

Investigations · 1 open

5

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

8

Injuries

6

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other Silhouette years?

Silhouette NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted225 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 68 complaints1991: 57 complaints1992: 29 complaints1993: 24 complaints1994: 43 complaints1995: 60 complaints1996: 24 complaints1997: 155 complaints1998: 225 complaints1999: 186 complaints2000: 139 complaints2001: 113 complaints2002: 102 complaints2003: 40 complaints2004: 12 complaints
Silhouette NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Silhouette years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Oldsmobile Silhouette problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure1119%
Steering1018%
Seat Belts916%
Latches & Locks611%
Tires & Wheels47%
Brakes35%
Electrical System35%
Suspension35%
Visibility & Wipers35%
Seats24%
Transmission12%
Engine12%
Fuel System12%

Does the 1991 Oldsmobile Silhouette have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

99I003000SeatsJune 8, 1999 · 187,459 units

Defect

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH FRONT BUCKET SEATS. THE FRONT SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM LOWER BOLTS CAN LOOSEN. A LOOSE BOLT COULD FATIGUE AND BREAK, RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK FALLING REARWARD.

Consequence

THE SEAT COULD SUDDENLY FALL BACKWARD, DISTRACTING THE DRIVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN OR REPLACE THE BOLTS AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNERS. THIS POLICY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL JUNE 30, 2002.

97V058000Body & StructureApril 8, 1997 · 676,535 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

92V012000Body & StructureJanuary 28, 1992 · 95,897 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Open NHTSA investigations

RQ97017

CRADLE BOLT FAILURES

There is no summary currently available

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“PROBLEM #1 - ON THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR THE DOOR SHUTS AROUND A METAL KNOB THAT IS PART OF THE DOOR. THE METAL KNOB COMES OFF OF THE VEHICLE MAKING THE DOOR IMPOSSIBLE TO SHUT. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE. PROBLEM #2 - THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELT WILL NOT RETRACT INTO THE HOLDER AND SO IT IS LOOSE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 22, 2001

“FRAME SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING, PULLING THE STEERING SHAFT OUT, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 12, 2000

“PROBLEM #1 - ON THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR THE DOOR SHUTS AROUND A METAL KNOB THAT IS PART OF THE DOOR. THE METAL KNOB COMES OFF OF THE VEHICLE MAKING THE DOOR IMPOSSIBLE TO SHUT. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE. PROBLEM #2 - THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELT WILL NOT RETRACT INTO THE HOLDER AND SO IT IS LOOSE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · August 22, 2001

“IN A PARKING LOT WENT TO OPEN THE SLIDING DOOR AND THE DOOR WOULD NOT SLIDE OPEN. WAS TRYING TO GET INSIDE THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND WAS NOT ABLE TO. MADE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS THEMSELVES. IT APPEAR THAT THE LOCK MECHANISM BROKE OFF INSIDE THE DOOR. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · July 5, 1999

“TREAD SEPARATED OFF RIGHT REAR KELLY TIRE CAUSING VAN TO LOSE CONTROL AND ROLL, KILLING ALL THREE PASSENGERS ON BOARD, ON 7/16/99, WHERE LEGAL SPEED LIMIT WAS 75 MPH. *AK( DOT NUMBER: C2T9K FAR TIRE SIZE: 20570R14 )”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 6, 1999 · crash

1991 Oldsmobile Silhouette — common questions

Is the 1991 Oldsmobile Silhouette reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 57 complaints put the 1991 model at #9 of 16 Silhouette years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Silhouette years to avoid.

What are the most common 1991 Silhouette problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (11 complaints), steering (10 complaints), seat belts (9 complaints).

Does the 1991 Oldsmobile Silhouette have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 Oldsmobile Silhouette. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 Oldsmobile Silhouette under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (CRADLE BOLT FAILURES). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Oldsmobile Silhouette years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Silhouette years to avoid are 1998, 1999, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 1990, 1991. The cleanest record among Silhouette years belongs to 1989.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.