1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 7%of 149 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 132,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the electrical system of the 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette, 7% of the 149 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 132,500 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“I was driving in town when a car pulled out of a parking spot right in front of me giving me two feet to stop at 25 MPH. I stopped but my brakes blew. Total failure of two brakes. The engine. According to your complaints I might have a gasket to replace because I have a coolant light on and it doesn't need any. The repairman said I needed a new sensor. Hmmm. Electrical. Fuel gauge is inoperable. Coolant light wrong. Airbag lights can't make up their mind if they work or not. The car locks me out repeatedly. The power windows won't work..dangerous here with all the rivers and waterways. …”
NHTSA complaint #10670025, filed 2015-01, 185,000 miles“Just pulling out of the driveway when smoke started coming out of interior vents. Turned off van got out and flames started coming from under the hood. Total loss of vehicle and contents. No injuries sustained. Miles high but not actual,replaced motor with 80,000 mile motor when we bought the vehicle. Newer engine came from another olds Silhouette that had a dash fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10326059, filed 2010-04, 180,000 miles“While vehicle was parked it caught on fire. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. The engine burnt up due to an electrical fire. The vehicle was a total loss.”
NHTSA complaint #10079798, filed 2004-07, 31,000 miles“My family and I were traveling when there was an explosion under the front passenger seat. There were sparks and smoke and the smell of something burning. I lost control temporarily and then I pulled over and we all got out of the car. The instrument panel went haywire meaning that some lights went out while other lights came on. The airbag and service engine soon lights came on. The compass when out. I took the car in to be serviced.at that time I was informed of another car like ours was brought in for the same problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #712808, filed 1999-10“I have had this vehicle since 3/99. In which time I have had to bring it back for transmission problems, electrical problems, leaking fuel injectors, brakes, non working cruise control which LED to the dealer replacing the compressor. Front end leaked anti freeze which LED to another major job. I am not a happy motorist here. The steering column squeeked. They greased it. Turned out there was a problem with the rackinpinion. I know something about cars and I know that for the amount I pay for this vehicle, I shouldn't be having these major problems. Bandade fixes don't cut it with me. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #760804, filed 2002-04Related service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10017152Oct 26, 2005Power door lock inoperative.
- 10016464Jul 1, 2003Wire harness may be stretched, or the pcs may not be oriented in the same position, after installing a service replacement valve body assembly. Gm tech link.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 2 | 18% |
| 2003 | 1 | 3% |
| 2002 | 4 | 7% |
| 2001 | 8 | 10% |
| 2000 | 18 | 16% |
| 1999 | 10 | 7% |
| 1998 | 11 | 6% |
| 1997 | 7 | 7% |
| 1995 | 4 | 9% |
| 1994 | 5 | 14% |
| 1993 | 3 | 14% |
| 1991 | 2 | 5% |
| 1990 | 2 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette
46 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
11 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 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