Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The engine. The coolant low light stays on even though it isn't.. Have had it checked. They said its all OK. Then I read these complaints. Why aren't they being held responsible for a defect!!!!! Its their defect, not ours. We didn't sign up for $1200 in repairs or more!!! Are you getting paid to sit there and just put these up here to appease us? No wonder this nation is going you know where in a basket. Lack of integrity. My brakes also both went out completely when someone gave me less than a foot to stop when they pulled out of a parking spot downtown. No accident but completely blew my brake. This also seems to be a common failure point in this so called vehicle. The engine does what it wants when it wants. It moans and shudders when it takes off..kind of like me when I get up in the morning. Could kill me though. Airbag light can't decide if it alive or not. …
I was driving in town when a car pulled out of a parking spot right in front of me giving me two feet to stop at 25 MPH. I stopped but my brakes blew. Total failure of two brakes. The engine. According to your complaints I might have a gasket to replace because I have a coolant light on and it doesn't need any. The repairman said I needed a new sensor. Hmmm. Electrical. Fuel gauge is inoperable. Coolant light wrong. Airbag lights can't make up their mind if they work or not. The car locks me out repeatedly. The power windows won't work..dangerous here with all the rivers and waterways. The sliding doors don't work. None of the power controls in the key fob work(yes, I checked the battery). Oh..and it has a indoor shower when it rains. Roof failure, fault in design. Could you please tell me if past service bulletins I just found on your site still pertain? …
I own a 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette with 52,000 miles. I brought it to the local dealer because of a knocking noise on cold startup. Diagnosed as a failed intake manifold gasket, cost to repair approx $900.00. On disassembly, dealer contacted me with information that the engine internals were so badly fouled (sludge and deposits) that the hydraulic lifters required replacement. I asked what could have caused this situation, since the van has always gotten regular oil changes every 3000 miles, with new filter and correct oil, and I don't know what to do differently to avoid this same problem again. No information or advice was offered on why the gasket failed, or why the engine was so badly fouled.
The "low coolant" light came on but there was no evidence of a leak. We finally discovered that the hot coolant was leaking onto the camshaft and into the engine through faulty lower intake manifold gaskets. The gasket was replaced at our expense but we do not know the damage or condition of the camshaft and engine bearings from coolant mixed with oil to lubricate. There remains a coolant odor we cannot identify. We later learned of GM service bulletin 03-06-01-010 dated March 2003 that identifies this problem but vehicle owners have not been alerted. There will be complete engine failure without early detection of problem and repair.
Car went to dealer to diagnose a knocking sound on cold startup. Diagnosed as a failed intake manifold gasket, cost to repair approx $900.00. On disassembly, dealer contacted me and stated that the engine internals were so badly fouled (sludge and deposits) that hydraulic lifters needed replacement, cost approx $450.00. I asked how this could have happened, van has always had engine oil changed at 3000 mile intervals, with new filter and correct oil, and I don't know what to do differently to avoid this happening again. No advice offered, and no suggestions for why the gasket had failed.
I own a 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette with 62,000 miles. I took the van to a local dealer because of a knocking noise on cold startup. The dealer diagnosed the problem as a failed intake manifold gasket. The failed gasket ruined the hydraulic lifters and had to be replaced. The total bill was $1500. The van had regular maintenance (oil, filters, anitfreeze checked) every 3000 miles. This seems to be a common problem with GM vehicles and dexcool systems. This could have been a major safety issue had the engine failed while driving.
I own a 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette with 64,000 miles. I took the van to a local dealer because of a knocking noise on cold startup. The dealer diagnosed the problem as a failed intake manifold gasket. The failed gasket ruined the hydraulic lifters and had to be replaced. The total bill was $1500. The van had regular maintenance (oil, filters, anitfreeze checked) every 3000 miles. This seems to be a common problem with GM vehicles and dexcool systems. This could have been a major safety issue had the engine failed while driving.
I own a 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette with 65,000 miles. I took the van to a local dealer after antifreeze started leaking from the top of the engine. The problem was a failed intake manifold gasket. The failed gasket fouled the hydraulic lifters and had to be replaced. The total bill was $1255. Same probelm happended to a relative's Pontiac. This is all too common of a problem. GM should recall this model. This will be the last of 5 GM products I have owned.
At 35,000 my '99 olds burns 2 quarts of oil every 1000 miles! I just purchased the vehicle with a 60 day 100% engine and drive train coverage so the dealer is going to "fix" the problem. I have heard the GM 3.4 l engine is famous for poor pistons in all years. This engine is already shot at 35K miles and I feel can't possibly be repaired adequately...it should be replaced but the dealer won't do it.
Tl* - the contact stated that she brought he 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette to dealer in costa mesa, ca for an oil change. The dealer stated that the plug booths melted, and that the spark plugs, and plug wires melted as well, and the head gasket failing. The contact stated that this is a safety hazard since she never got any prior warning about the failures on her vehicle.
Engine complaints in other Silhouette years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette?
NHTSA has 48 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette, 32% of the model year's 149 complaints. The component named most often is engine (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette, though it has 4 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 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.