1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 8%of 170 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 93,760miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette, 8% of the 170 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,760 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When attempting to make a left turn, consumer states the steering wheel gets really stiff. Took vehicle to dealer and there is a recall describing the same problem recall # 02 v 286 000. Consumers vehicle was not affected. Please provide any further information. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #10004169, filed 2003-01, 75,000 miles“While driving at 65 MPH vehicle suddenly lost power steering. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled off the road. Vehicle was towed to dealership. A bearing blew through the lower casing, resulting in loss of power fluid. The power steering rack was repaired. This failure occurred because of the defect described in recall 02v286000 concerning power steering assembly. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #10099390, filed 2004-11, 80,000 miles“The vehicle's power steering experienced the same defect as stated in recall 02 v 286 000, but the vehicle identification number not included in the recall. There was a popping sound and a slight effect to the right.”
NHTSA complaint #10046110, filed 2004-01, 110,000 miles“The contact owns a 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette. The contact stated that while exiting a parking space, the steering wheel failed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was informed of NHTSA campaign id number: 02v286000 (steering:rack and pinion) but was advised that his vehicle was not part included in the recall. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 107,519.”
NHTSA complaint #10466669, filed 2012-07, 107,519 miles“The driver's vehicle was running while inside of a parking lot. The driver turned the steering wheel to the left and the steering column locked up. The driver tried to unlock it but was unable. The driver had the vehicle towed to a mechanic's shop for repair. Please provide any additional information.”
NHTSA complaint #10075678, filed 2004-06Related 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 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette
35 complaintsExterior lighting
32 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsBody and structure
16 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
15 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsSeats
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsTires
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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