1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 19%of 104 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 9,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette, 19% of the 104 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 9,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When turning the vehicle off, the horn continuously sounded and all the doors automatically locked. The doors could not be manually opened. The consumer had to turn the vehicle on and wait for a period of five to ten minutes and then turn the vehicle off to get out of the vehicle. Also, power steering fluid had to be added every 10,000 miles and the vehicle overheated due to faulty gaskets. The engine had been replaced twice. …”
NHTSA complaint #10064708, filed 2004-05, 9,000 miles“The vehicle was taken to the shop for recall repairs to the rack and pinion bearing and the power steering. This recall required that the air bags,horn and cruise control be reset. The dealer refused to do this because it was not part of the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10009804, filed 2003-03“The consumer received a recall letter regarding the rack and pinion, an appointment was made, however the day before the appointment, consumer received a call from the dealer who stated they had no tools to correct the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10014639, filed 2003-03“While exiting off highway steering would not turn left. While driving with out prior warning, the steering broke where the steering column was attached to the rack and pinion.”
NHTSA complaint #8013570, filed 2002-07“Consumer attempted to make a left turn at very slow speed power steering would not work, and the left turn was not possible. Vehicle has not been taken to dealer yet.”
NHTSA complaint #8015131, filed 2002-07Related recalls
- 02V286000Nov 4, 2002Certain passenger vehicles and mini vans have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped…Covers: Oldsmobile Silhouette 1996–1998, Chevrolet Cavalier 1996–1998, Pontiac Sunfire 1996–1998 +4 more
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1 | 2% |
| 2001 | 5 | 6% |
| 2000 | 3 | 3% |
| 1999 | 3 | 2% |
| 1998 | 14 | 8% |
| 1997 | 20 | 19% |
| 1996 | 2 | 10% |
| 1995 | 2 | 4% |
| 1993 | 1 | 5% |
| 1992 | 3 | 11% |
| 1991 | 9 | 24% |
| 1990 | 9 | 21% |
Other parts of the 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette
18 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
13 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology