Model year record

2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette recalls & problems

The 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette has 5 safety recalls and 57 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is suspension (12 complaints).

Recalls5safety recalls

Complaints57filed by owners

Crashes · fires1 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths8 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

SteeringFeb 17, 2009

Steering

Recall 09E005000979 vehicles

Problem: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.
Risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.

Exterior lightingAug 11, 2008

Headlights

Recall 08E0500001,921 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

Fuel system, otherMar 12, 2007

Storage › Tank assembly › Pressure relief devices

Recall 07E021000742 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

Latches/locks/linkagesDec 22, 2004

Doors › Latch

Recall 04V597000717,302 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: ON CERTAIN MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH SECOND-ROW BUCKET SEATS OR CAPTAIN'S CHAIRS AND A POWER SLIDING DOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, A PASSENGER USING THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR COULD BE INJURED.
Risk: IF A PASSENGER USES THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR AND HOLDS ONTO THE HANDLE WHILE IT IS BEING OPENED BY THE MOTOR, THE PASSENGER'S ARM MAY BE PUSHED INTO THE SEAT BACK OR ARMREST AND A WRIST OR LOWER ARM INJURY MAY RESULT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER SLIDING DOOR INTERIOR HANDLE ON THE PASSENGER-SIDE. IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A POWER OR MANUAL SLIDING DOOR ON THE DRIVER-SIDE, THE INTERIOR HANDLE WILL ALSO BE REPLACED FOR APPEARANCE REASONS. NOTE: BEFORE THE VEHICLE IS SERVICED, GM ADVISES OWNERS TO NOT USE THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. THE DRIVER CAN OPEN AND CLOSE THE DOOR FROM SWITCHES AT THE DRIVER'S POSITION OR BY USING THE REMOTE KEY FOB. THE DRIVER SHOULD TELL PASSENGERS TO USE THE SWITCH LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE DOOR TO OPEN OR CLOSE IT. THE DRIVER SHOULD USE THE OVERRIDE SWITCH TO PREVENT OPERATION OF THE POWER DOOR BY CHILDREN OR BY OTHERS WHO ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH ITS USE. THE OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER MAILING WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASES WITH THE FIRST PHASE BEGINNING ON MAY 31, 2005. THE SECOND PHASE MAILING BEGAN ON JULY 18, 2005. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 31, 2005. PHASE 2 BEGAN ON JULY 18, 2005. PHASE 3 (FINAL PHASE) BEGAN ON AUGUST 24, 2005, TO ALL REMAINING CUSTOMERS. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668; OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

Air bagsAug 9, 2002

Frontal

Recall 02V222000133,221 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
Risk: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. 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 BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette w/SAB

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Silhouette 2WD

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

Silhouette AWD

18mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Injuries	Typical mileage*
SuspensionFront › Wheel bearing; Front › Hub	12	1	44,072 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Axle hubs	8	1	51,500 mi
StructureBody › Door; Body › Door › Hinge and attachments	8	4	27,000 mi
SeatsFront assembly › Seat heater/cooler; Front assembly › Head restraint	7	1	44,500 mi
Engine and engine coolingCooling system; Engine	7	1	39,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkagesDoors › Latch	7	2	12,000 mi
Exterior lightingTurn signal; Headlights	7	0	63,000 mi
EquipmentAppliance › Air conditioner; Electrical	6	1	51,000 mi
TiresTread/belt	4	0	30,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	4	0	70,171 mi
Electrical system	4	0	64,442 mi
VisibilityPower window devices and controls; Glass, side/rear	4	1	37,500 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Unknown or other
I COULD NOT GET MY VAN INSPECTED LAST OCT AS THE CODE CAME UP PO 446, WE WERE TOLD TO DRIVE 50 MILES, THEN 100 MILES, DIDN`T CORRECT THIS WE TRIED FOR 2 WEEKS . WE WERE GOING TO FLORIDA FOR THE WINTER,AND STOPPED IN WAVERLY NY TO SEE IF THE 150 MILES TO THERE WOULD CORRECT THIS NO, WHILE WE WERE IN FL. IN FEB. I HAD A MECHANIC CHECK OUT THE CAR , HE CHANGED THE OIL AND ALL FILTERS ,NEW PLUGS AND WIREING AND A .A.I.R. CHECK VALVE. PART # 911004... THE PO446 STILL CAME UP .IN APRIL HE PUT IN A CANISTER VENT SOLEOID PART # CVP124 AND PURGE VALVE PART # 9110117 WE HAVE HAD THIS IN FOR INSPECTION TWICE AND TODAY THE FAILED REPORT SAID I HAVE A 10 DAY EXTENTION TO GET IT FIXED AND NO OTHER…
Jun 22, 2017 · 129,000 miles
Unknown or other
MY 2002 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF I'M GOING 30MPH OR 65MPH. EVERYTHING STOPS. THIS IS A SCARY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHILE HIGHWAY DRIVING! THE CAR IS OTHERWISE PERFECT AND HAS 47K MILES. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER LAST NOVEMBER, AND WAS TOLD THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS. I CONTACTED GM THREE WEEKS AGO, AND NOW IT'S BACK AT THE DEALER. HELP, PLEASE
Oct 28, 2016 · 47,000 miles
Fuel/propulsion system
MY VEHICLE PLUS MANY OTHER MULTIPLE YEAR AND MAKE EXPENDED BASE GM MINI VANS ARE DEVELOPING GASOLINE LEAKS AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK DUE TO WORN PLASTIC SEAL. THE ONLY REPAIR IS REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL TANK, THAT RETAILS AROUND $800. THERE IS NOT A REPLACEMENT TANK IN THE UNITED STATES AND NO PARTS BEING MANUFACTURED... MY CAR IS A LOW MILEAGE VEHICLE IN EXCELLENT SHAPE BUT DANGEROUS TO DRIVE DUE TO LEAKING FUEL.. MUST I HAVE TO DISPOSE OF CAR BECAUSE NO PARTS AVAILABLE? CAN GM START REPRODUCING THE NEEDED PART.?
Aug 10, 2016 · 90,000 miles
Electronic stability control (esc)
THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUTS DOWN AND IT HAS SECURITY LIGHT COME ON. IT SHUTS THE ENGINE AND ALL POWER OFF. THE VAN WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENED. A REAL SAFETY HAZARD.
Nov 4, 2015 · 143,000 miles
Air bags
THE NEWS HAD THE AIR BAG RECALL AND THE GM PEOPLE SAY WE HAVE TO WAIT A MIN. OF 60 DAYS FOR THE NOTICE. THE GM DEALER HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF AIRBAG RECALL !! ALSO,THE FUEL GAUGE HAS GONE BAD ON SEVERAL OLDSMOBILE VANS AND YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW MUCH GAS CAR HAS THAT CAN BE DANGEROUS ON A HIGHWAY AND A RECALL WAS NEVER DONE ON FUEL GAUGES. *TR
Jun 10, 2010
Latches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SLIDING DOORS ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FAILED TO UNLOCK. THE DOORS ALSO FAILED TO UNLOCK VIA THE MANUAL OVERRIDE FUNCTION. THE FAILURE PREVENTED THE PASSENGERS FROM EXITING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Aug 1, 2012 · 12,000 miles
Service brakes, hydraulic
GAS GAUGE NOT WORKING, REGISTERS FULL EVEN WHEN NOT FULL. LOW FUEL LIGHT WILL COME ON IF YOU IDLE FOR A FEW MINUTES. AT THE SAME TIME THIS STARTED THE ABS LIGHT SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM CAME ON. THIS HAS ALSO OCCURRED WITH OUR 2002 BUCK CENTURY AT APPROXIMATELY THE SAME # OF MILES AND AGAIN BOTH THE GAS GAUGE READS INACCURATELY AND THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON.***
Nov 18, 2010 · 130,000 miles
Electrical system
IT JUST ALL OF A SUDDEN STOP WORKING THIS IS A CONSTANT PROBLEM NON STOP I BOUGHT FUSE AND THAT DIDN'T WORK I GOT NEW LIGHTS PARK AID STOP WORKING, BOTH HEATED SEATS STOP WORKING, ELECTRICAL GONE BAD IN THE WHOLE. *TR
Feb 22, 2011

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

POWER-SLIDING DOORClosedLed to recall 04V597000
SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE AVAILABLE WITH AN OPTIONAL POWER SLIDING DOOR.THE INTERIOR HANDLE IS ORIENTED IN THE VERTICAL POSITION IN THE DOOR PANEL AND LINES UP AT THE ELBOW LEVEL WHEN THE OCCUPANT IS SEATED IN THE 2ND-ROW OUTBOARD POSITION.IF THE OCCUPANT HOLDS THE INTERIOR HANDLE IN THE THUMB UP POSITION DURING POWER-ASSISTED OPENING, THE ARM/WRIST CAN BE PUSH BACK WITH FORCE AGAINST THE 2ND-ROW BUCKET SEAT OR CAPTAIN'S CHAIR SEAT BACK CREATING A RISK OF INJURY (OTHER SEATING CONFIGURATIONS HAVE AMPLE SEAT TO DOOR CLEARANCE TO AVOID ENTRAPMENT OF THE LOWER ARM).AMONG THE 103 TOTAL REPORTS, THERE WERE 102 ALLEGED INJURIES INCLUDING ARM/WRIST, THUMB AND SHOULDER INJURIES.A COUNT OF INJURIES REVEALS THAT 76 INJURIES WERE A FRACTURED OR A BROKEN ARM/WRIST REQUIRING AN IMMOBILIZING CAST FOR FOUR-TO-SIX WEEKS.ALL INJURIES INVOLVE THE RIGHT SIDE POWER SLIDING DOOR.THE LEFT SIDE POWER SLIDING DOOR…
PE04064 · opened Sep 17, 2004 · closed Dec 22, 2004