Most common 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette problems
Share of the 57 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 →
2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette recalls (2)
Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
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.
Remedy: 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…
Air bags › Frontal
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace, if necessary, the air bag module assembly on the driver's side. Owner notification began August 15, 2002.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette:
Power-sliding door
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…
What 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette owners say
Suspension
Slowly but surely, some of my electrical systems have been failing. It first started with lights burning out repeatedly, then went to turn signals not working properly, then went to power windows functioning improperly, then the temperature/mpg/oil display stopped functioning, then I had to replace the alternator and the problems got even worse. I have also had issues with the vehicle drifting up to 3 feet backwards if on a slight incline and in drive. Please check into these issues and resolve. I am scared for my family's safety due to the increasing electrical issues. I am beginning to think this May be a fire hazard. We have tried replacing the switches for the windows, the bulbs and tail light assembly. The issues with the windows get better when the switch is replaced and then get even worse than before in no time flat. …
AWD disable and ABS lights illuminated. Left rear wheel bearing and hub assembly failed and were replaced (four times). The EVAP solenoid, fuel sender and pump assembly were replaced. The heating element for the front driver's seat failed twice. The right rear seat belt failed. The right power sliding door actuator module failed. Rear wiper failed intermittently. A/C condenser failed. Engine failed.
Transmission & drivetrain
Slowly but surely, some of my electrical systems have been failing. It first started with lights burning out repeatedly, then went to turn signals not working properly, then went to power windows functioning improperly, then the temperature/mpg/oil display stopped functioning, then I had to replace the alternator and the problems got even worse. I have also had issues with the vehicle drifting up to 3 feet backwards if on a slight incline and in drive. Please check into these issues and resolve. I am scared for my family's safety due to the increasing electrical issues. I am beginning to think this May be a fire hazard. We have tried replacing the switches for the windows, the bulbs and tail light assembly. The issues with the windows get better when the switch is replaced and then get even worse than before in no time flat. …
AWD disable and ABS lights illuminated. Left rear wheel bearing and hub assembly failed and were replaced (four times). The EVAP solenoid, fuel sender and pump assembly were replaced. The heating element for the front driver's seat failed twice. The right rear seat belt failed. The right power sliding door actuator module failed. Rear wiper failed intermittently. A/C condenser failed. Engine failed.
Body & structure
The contact owns a 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette. The day she pulled out of the parking lot with the vehicle, the ABS light, and traction off light came on. When she drove off the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal both began to wobble and vibrate. The dealer told her that the accelerator pedal vibrating will stop if she turns the traction system off. That same day. When coming out of the driveway both the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal would vibrate and would not let her press the brakes or accelerate until it stops vibrating. The keyless remote worked the first times she examined the vehicle. Once off the parking lot it would not work, it would only lock the vehicle and it made the alarm system activate. She was told by the dealer to buy a battery for the keyless remote. When she did, it still did not work. …
2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette van the front doors are not properly sealed and allow water to intrude. This has caused water damage to the electrical components in the door. The window switches are failing and have had to be replaced, which olds service tech's stated was due to water damage. The repair person at the local dealership in sarasota said that it is a common problem for the model. I am worried about future body damage and corrosion. Also worried about door locks failing and related safety issues.
2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 24 / 20 |
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Minivan.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette a good car?
Based on 57 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Silhouette rates average: 24% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Silhouette at the same age. 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 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette?
The suspension — 9 complaints, 16% of all complaints for this model year, most often about front › wheel bearing. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (8) and body & structure (8).
How many recalls does the 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette, the most recent from December 22, 2004 (latch). 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 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 42,000 miles; 61% 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.