Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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.
On an incline (while in drive wiht the engine running) my 2001 olds Silhouette van will roll backwards when my foot is taken off the brake (as it is transitioning to the gas pedal). If the inclince is steep enough, I actually have to put my left foot on the brake and increase the engine speed to around 900 RPM to prevent the car from rolling backwards when my foot is taken off the brake. The dealer tells me they have received a lot of complaints about this, but that is the way it was designed.
Transmission control module replace due to hard shifting of gears. A few weeks after replacement noticed transmission not shifting into 4th gear. Found 4th gear shaft stripped. Service tech said replacement shaft GM part 24207289 seemed to have a more hardened metal construction.
Have had various problems with passenger automatic sliding door. Has been in shop 4 or more times for door alone. Problems have included door not wanting to close all of the way, closing and reopening constantly for minutes at a time, and door closing on people. If anything obstructs power sliding door while it is closing it is suppose to automatically reverse to open position. On many occasions it will continue to close on a grown adult. Transmission has many problems with it. Our transmission has been replaced yet problems still occuring. The various problems are not consistent. Sometimes I can drive the van and it seems fine while at other times it acts up alot. Sometimes going between reverse and drive it hesitates then shifts hard. Sometimes while taking off from stop it is slow to change gears and then shifts hard. …
At any stop where the road is on a slight incline, the van will begin to roll backwards when the brake is released. Accordingly, you have to have your foot on the brake and gas at the same time to avoid a rollback at a stop light. Accordingly, an accident can occur if the car rolls back or too much gas is given while the break is being depressed. GM dealer said this is normal for this model. My Ford winstar does not do this on the same hills.
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. …
Transmission totally failed at about 45,000 miles. Car was being driven up a small hill and it sounded like the transmission fell out. Was unable to go more than 20 MPH to drive to safety. Dealer had vehicle for 1 week. Transmission was totally overhauled. At the time, a mechanic at the dealer mentioned that GM was aware that this model and year Silhouette had a history of this type of problem. That repair was over $1,000. Car again had the problem at 75,000 miles - conveniently when the warranty ran out but despite numerous attempts, the dealer could not replicate the problem. The car will run fine for about 25 miles and then transmission will begin to whine and will jerk when shifting up through the gears. When the car is parked the problem will then not return until the car is driven again for some time.
Related recalls (2)
Power train › Automatic transmission
Vehicle description: Mini vans. These vehicles May have (1) a broken shift cable fitting or (2) loose shift linkage. Consequently, moving the shift lever to a 'park' position May not shift the transmission to 'park'.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace if necessary, the automatic transaxle range selector cable.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles manufactured from August 1991 through July 1995. The transmission oil cooler line can separate when the vehicle is operated in low temperatures in combination with high transmission loads.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission oil cooler lines.
Frequently asked questions
Which Oldsmobile Silhouette years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (16), 1998 (10), 2001 (9), 2002 (8) and 1997 (7) model years. Transmission complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for Oldsmobile Silhouette transmission problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 98V-131 (automatic transmission, Jun 11, 1998); 96V-015 (cooling unit and lines, Jan 23, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Oldsmobile Silhouette transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles; 25% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (42 mentions), followed by the manual transmission (5).
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.