Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Consumer states that while driving the passenger side headlight lens cracked allowing water to enter the component, and blowing out the headlight bulb. While visually inspecting headlights, the driver's side lens fell out and the bulb blew. Nlm the consumer states that it is hard to see while driving. Scc
The headlamps on this vehicle and the Chevrolet and Pontiac equivilants fill with water or get moisture in them. This causes the headlights to short out. Both headlights have failed on two occasions and one headlight at present on my vehicle. Voss village has said they have seen this problem on numerous occasions. Danielle garwin of GM Oldsmobile said that GM is aware of the problem, but have not corrected the situation on vehicles they are currently manufacturing. GM dealers want $600.00 to replace the headlights with the same healights that the problem exists in. I am told customers are correcting the problem by drilling a hole in the bottom of the headlights. I maintain that this is a safety hazard as you do not know when this May occur as you are driving in the dark. GM is not concerned with the safety issue they only want to know if your car is under warranty. …
I have had numerous problems with this car since I purchased it. The power sliding side door has benn repaired 2 or 3 times and still works intermittently. The headlights have been repaced once and repaired once and they now have water inside causing the lights to perform poorly. The air bag warning light was repaired at a cost of $80 due to corrosion causing the light to come on. The check engine light comes on if you drive over 100 miles then eventually goes off. Now, the major problem is that I have been told by my mechanic that I have a blown head gasket or cracked block which is causing antifreeze to leak into my oil. There is a possibility that the engine needs replaced. I noted numerous instances of blown head gaskets on GM message boards. This seems to be an ongoing problem. I contacted GM and received no offer of help. The request # given to me was 06214553. …
I have two 1998 olds Silhouette's and both have moisture build up in them. I have replaced the two lens housing on one of the vehicles only to have the moisture build up again. This was done after a bulb went out due to the moisture. On the second vehicle I brought this to the attention of the dealer and they stated it was a common problem on this vehicle and was not a safety hazard. Now I am thinking of contacting my attorney to look into this matter. I don't want to wait for an accident to occur or a death to result from such a defect. I feel this is a safety hazard because when I take the vehicle in for the annual state safety inspection they always check the head light condition. So headlight condition is a safety concern. Just like the tire incident with Ford...does Oldsmobile/GM want numerous law suits over this major problem...I think not!
Headlight lens cover fell off. Adhesive holding covers has dried and cracked. Headlights frequently have moisture problems due to leaks in adhesive holding covers. I have been told this is a common problem with 1997-current general motors Mini vans. Dealer declined to replace headlight assembly. Contacted Oldsmobile [phone]. Oldsmobile customer service offered 50% discount on purchase of replacement parts. I believe product itself is defective. I have found numerous complaints on this website citing this same problem. I do not foresee replacing current headlights as solution to problem. I believe replacement lenses will also fall off when adhesive deteriorates.
Water is leaking down into headlights and fog lights. Head lights have been replaced twice. Lining to seal unit is being destroyed. Water damage is causing lights not to reflect. Dealer has been contacted, but no response to the problem. Consumer states there is a design defect, the light modules are not sealed and moisture gets in and can not escape through small drain holes, resulting in electric connections failing and the reflective material in the module fails, consumer also feels the high humidity in the area exaggerates the problem, Oldsmobile refuses to make an adjustment.
The consumer states that the head light cover fell off while driving, which could cause the lights to be inopertive due to mositure build up from exposure. Dealer contacted. Nlm the consumer states that this is common in the 1997 & 1998 models and has had several requests for the part, and a certified mechanic stating that this is a manufacturer defect/faulty part.
Headlamps and fog lamps get condensation in them and is removing the reflective coating. I have another vehicle, same year, make and model that has done and is doing the same thing again. I replaced all of the front end lenses (headlamp and foglamp) on this vehicle at a substantial cost. The dealer states that this is common for this vehicle?
While driving, the headlights were dim. This caused poor visibility. Also, dirty water was leaking into the headlight lens. The consumer contacted the dealer. The mechanic told the consumer to bring the vehicle in for inspection to determine the cause of the problem. Dirty water caused the headlights to become dim.
The consumer stated that both of the head lamps fell out. She stateed that one fell out a year ago. Now just recently the other fell out. The headlight began to smoke when it was placed on high beams. Both incidents required the headlights to be completely replaced.
Headlight complaints in other Silhouette years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the lights of the 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette, 19% of the model year's 170 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (27 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 52,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 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.