Oldsmobile Silhouette Headlight Problems

Headlight complaints by model year

Which parts fail

• Headlights
  56
• Headlights › Concealment devices
  8
• Brake lights
  3
• Tail lights
  3
• Turn signal
  2
• Tail lights › Switch
  1
• Fog lights
  1
• Headlights › Switch
  1

Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  623%
• 25k–50k
  519%
• 50k–75k
  935%
• 75k–100k
  14%
• 100k–150k
  415%
• 150k+
  14%

What owners report

Head lamps on this vehicle have started to haze. The haze has been getting progressively worse restricting the amount of light. I have found that it is getting increasingly difficult to see the road at 40mph or higher in the evening. The turn signals have a clear lens over them and do not appear to have the same condition. I have contacted GM. With multiple calls, e-mails and a trip to the dealer over a two week time frame, I was contacted by GM and told that although it was a safety hazard, there was nothing that they could do. My contention to GM was I'm sure when this vehicle was released for production they had no idea this condition existed and has for several years since. I felt that the lenses should be replaced under warranty.

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. …

Brakes, air conditioning, wheel hub & ABS, fuel pump. Wheel bearings disable AWD. Been replaced 8 times. Fuel pump went out at 52000 part alone $400. Air conditioning out when bought it. They scammed me and put a sealant in the condeser and sold it in the winter. These item should be replaced by GM because its an on giong problem with the bearing hubs and a bad design on the condenser. My father inlaw works for GM along with other family members. I will not buy another GM product again!!! P.s. Who ever was the bright one to design tail light that plug in from the top and let water fill you tail light should be fired!!!dk

Tl contact owns a 2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette. The contact observed that both headlights were dimmer than normal. There was frost covering the lens that made it difficult to see the road. General motors issued case number 71-565553437 and advised him to have the vehicle diagnosed by a dealer. The dealer stated that they had never seen frost on the headlights; however, they would replace them at the contact's expense. The replacement would cost $643. The dealer also stated that they would notify the contact on October 23, 2007. The dealer informed him that the vehicle was too old and they could sell him the parts for $465. The current and failure mileages were 64,000.

Dt*: the contact stated the front indicator lights bulb socket is getting hot that it is smoking and putting out a film that is clouding the inside of the blinder lens, which is supposed to be clear. It is a safety issue. Updated on 06/08/2006.

I was driving my 2 children (ages 3 and 5) and my brother in my 2000 Oldsmobile Silhouette. I was traveling at 40 MPH. With absolutely no warning, my van lost all power. I tried several times to put on my hazard warning flashers but they would not work. I put my van in park and turned off the ignition. We tried to exit through the front doors and through the passenger side rear door but all three doors were locked and would not open even after pressing the unlock power door locks several times. I attempted to open the rear hatch but was unable to do so. I managed to crawl over my 3 year old who was in a full size car seat next to the driver side rear door. After feeling around in the dark, I finally found a door handle that would open.

Headlights unsafe for nighttime driving. Excessive moisture buildup in the headlight since the vehicle was new has LED to excessive clouding of the headlight lens. Also, the plastic lens has begun to disintegrate and feels "rough" to the touch (I.e. No longer smooth when touching the exterior surface of the lens). Nighttime lighting capability has been reduced by about 60% due to faulty headlight lens. Vehicle unsafe for nighttime driving.

I was backing out of my place at worship when a friend told me I had no backup lights. I went straight to the auto supply store. Replacing the bulbs did not work. They told me it had to do with the transmission. I went elsewhere. Same story. Went to the he transmission store. They said my transmission was going out and it would cost me $1897.00 to fix it. Two little bulbs. That was a year ago and I'm still driving it. I try to back into spaces so I don't have to back out. I went to the dealer and they said to replace the wiring assembly would cost more than the car is worth. And the seat belt clicks in but sometimes slips out if I stop quickly if someone cuts me off. Not good at all.the power train is erratic at best. I wonder if I'm going to make it home quite a lot and I am disabled. …