Oldsmobile Silhouette Engine Problems

Engine complaints by model year

Which parts fail

• Engine
  42
• Cooling system
  24
• Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
  24
• Engine › Gasoline
  17
• Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
  6
• Exhaust system
  1
• Exhaust system › Emission control
  1

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  66%
• 25k–50k
  1919%
• 50k–75k
  4039%
• 75k–100k
  1818%
• 100k–150k
  1717%
• 150k+
  22%

What owners report

Tl contact owns a 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was restarted and operated as normal. The failure occurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

After accelerating to passing gear, the check engine light went on .. And the engine sounded like the spark plug failed. The diagnostic check said there was no compression in the #2 cylinder. The mechanic at the dealership said the rocker arm bolt had stripped out. That this type of problem is not covered by warranty. There are 95,000 miles on this vehicle. However, I consider this a manufacturing default .. The bolt should not have stripped out of the engine block. I question whether the other rocker arm bolts will strip ... GM denied any responsibility .. Because it didn't show at the 35,000 mile bumper to bumper check.

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.

While driving down the highway at about 45 MPH, the vehicle lost all power and stalled. Had to manuver the vehicle to the shoulder with out power steering and power brakes. Once vehicle was restarted the idle was very sparatic. When reved to ensure enough RPM's to alternator to charge battery (in case that was the problem), fuel shut off occured at 3500 RPM and would resume when RPM's fell below 3000.

This Oldsmobile Silhouette has had so many many problems over the past 3.5 years, I have finally had enough. I noticed an occasional engine "whine" or rattle while driving, but it was so sporadic I wasn't sure if it was really happening. Then last week it seemed as though the heat wasn't working well in the van...the temperature wasn't below freezing, but the heat just wasn't warming up sufficiently. I mentioned this to my husband and he noticed it the next time he put the heat on, too. At the same time he noticed that the engine termperature was fluctuating as he drove and stopped. He thought at that point that it might be the water pump and immediately (yesterday) took the van to a Firestone center for repair. …

Engine knock on cold start - we have brought our 2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette in several times complaining of an engine knock on cold start. Sometimes the knock will go away in a few minutes, other times it lasts much longer. The most recent visit we were told that GM is aware of the problem, but does not believe this engine knock will cause long term damage. We believe otherwise. We purchased the vehicle knew and began reporting the problem when there was only 20,000 miles on the vehicle. We are continuously told that they are aware of the problem, expect the problem, but do not consider it necessary to fix the problem at this time.

I have a 2000 Oldsmobile Silhouette that recently suffered engine damage caused from a faulty intake manifold gasket. My van only had 48,000 miles on it at the time and I was hoping to keep it for well over 100,000 miles. I purchased it new. This faulty intake manifold gasket problem is not an isolated case but is a very common problem and often occurs around 35-45,000 miles on GM 3.1l, 3.4l and 3.8l v6 engines. GM issued a service bulletin to their dealers warning them of this problem but never warned the car owners. Bulletin #03-06-01-010. A warning would have prevented my problem as I was still under warranty when the bulletin was issued. GM has refused to offer any assistance toward the cost of this repair which often costs between $650 to $2000 depending on severity of the damage to the engine. Many GM owners have had to replace the engines even after the gasket was replaced. …

I own a 2000 Oldsmobile silohette van that has 40,000 miles. It was leaking coolant fluid and I brought it into my local service center. The technician advised me that the intake manifold gasket is leaking. Cost to repair $700+. After researching on the internet, I discovered that there are numerous (over 2500) complaints regarding this component in GM vehicles. As of April 10, 2002, there is a nationwide backorder of the intake manifold gasket. I am demanding accountability from general motors. A nationwide backorder should be reason enough for GM to assemble a recall. I can only hope that the manufacturer who has been the world's automotive sales leader since 1931 will stand up and claim responsibility for a problem that is so prevalent among their vehicles. Recalls should be mandated in all cases of incompetence, not solely when it affects public safety. …