Most common 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette problems
Share of the 20 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Oldsmobile Silhouette complaints by model year
Best Silhouette years: 2004, 1996, 2003. Years to avoid: 1998, 1999, 2000, 1997. Compare all years →
1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette recalls (1)
Steering › Rack and pinion
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.
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.
What 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette owners say
Engine & cooling
Intake gasket leaked internaly and allowed oil and coolant to intermix and destroyed the engine. There was no warning. I\\\\\\'m still getting estimates for the engine repair/replacement but it looks to be $4000+.
Although I only reported six problems there are more just not enough room on the form. The windshiel cracked while being washed right after we purchased it. The seal still leaks over the passenger side. Both motors had to be replaced on the power windows. It was still under warranty so they were replaced. The transmission failed and also was replaced under warranty. The wiper motor had to be replaced. Not under warranty. Both the passenger and drivers side doors do not open from the outside. The power window on the drivers side is broke again. The back gate won't unlock, need to use a key each time. The engine went with no warning what so ever. No warning lights, nothing. The fuel pump went shortly after.
Windows, wipers & sunroof
The windshield wipers failed intermittently which caused poor visibility. A recall was issued on similar makes and models, however this vehicle was not included due to vehicle identification number. Dealer notified.
Intake gasket leaked internaly and allowed oil and coolant to intermix and destroyed the engine. There was no warning. I\\\\\\'m still getting estimates for the engine repair/replacement but it looks to be $4000+.
Body & structure
Door handle would not open the vehicle door from the inside on driver's side. This could cause a potential danger for the driver if unable to open door in an emergency situation.
Consumer states while driving water gets into the vehicle causing water build up on the floor of the vehicle. Ts
1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 24 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Minivan.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette a good car?
Based on 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 Silhouette rates better than average: 71% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Silhouette at the same age. It is one of the best Silhouette years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette?
The engine & cooling — 8 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › gasoline. Next are the windows, wipers & sunroof (4) and body & structure (3).
How many recalls does the 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette have?
There is 1 recall for the 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette, the most recent from November 4, 2002 (rack and pinion). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Oldsmobile Silhouette?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2004, 1996 and 2003. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1998, 1999, 2000 and 1997. See the full Oldsmobile Silhouette years comparison.
At what mileage do 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 118,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.