Electrical complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
Drivers side seat heating pad malfunctioned by burning its wire, which is a heating component. Occurrence caused a fire inside a seat that have burned a part of heating pad itself (heating pad appears to be made out of flammable material) and some of the seat foam stuffing (again appears to be flammable as well).luckily the fire starved itself out of oxygen. The issue was previously corrected twice under the warranty by the dealership.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette. The contact stated that the key failed to turn in the ignition. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileage was 126,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Oldsmobile Silhouette. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle, fuel started pouring out of the filler neck. The contact stated that refueling the vehicle took an extended amount of time to accomplish. Additionally, there were several unknown warning lights flashing on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the o-ring and retainer needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 154,000.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving in normal conditions, the electrical wiring in the rear of the vehicle smoldered. However, no flames were visually seen. Prior to this incident, the smell of smoke was present while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local independent repair shop. The repair personnel discovered the receptor board was damaged and the ground wire had completely burned. The manufacturer was informed although no repairs were made.
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? …
Just pulling out of the driveway when smoke started coming out of interior vents. Turned off van got out and flames started coming from under the hood. Total loss of vehicle and contents. No injuries sustained. Miles high but not actual,replaced motor with 80,000 mile motor when we bought the vehicle. Newer engine came from another olds Silhouette that had a dash fire.
Frequently asked questions
Which Oldsmobile Silhouette years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (18), 1998 (11), 1999 (10), 2001 (8) and 1997 (7) model years. Electrical complaints make up 16% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Oldsmobile Silhouette electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for any Oldsmobile Silhouette model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Oldsmobile Silhouette electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 103,000 miles; 29% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the wiring (9 mentions), followed by the wiring › interior/under dash (6).
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.