1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 11%of 149 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 63,258miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette, 11% of the 149 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,258 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10733484, filed 2015-07, 199,000 miles“My 1999 olds Silhouette van has experienced a second transmission failure. The first with 35k miles, and the second one 27k miles later. I have researched numerous other complaints with this same type of GM transmission indicating transmission failures. This is unacceptable. Gm is trying to pass it off as an unusual misfortune on my behalf. Further investigation into these failures is needed for the consumer safety and vehicle reliability. I should not be having to put a third transmission into a 4 year old vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10013850, filed 2003-04, 63,258 miles“After reading the other complaints on power train, auto transmission I noticed all the same issues. We too experienced heavy jerking over the last two years at intermittent times and reported to the dealer who could not repeat the occurrence and took no action. Dreher holloway. At 48,000 miles, the transmission failed and the dealer closest to the incident, merrimack street garage, recommended replacement, not repair. Rental car and repair, almost $4000. Gm is not covering the cost or admitting any ownership of the problem. Dreher holloway is no longer an olds dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10008378, filed 2003-03, 48,000 miles“Hard shifting on multiple occurrences. Seems associated with rapid speed changes. After turning car off and waiting a few seconds, the problem goes away.”
NHTSA complaint #10058787, filed 2004-02, 50,000 miles“The vehicle did not move when the driver stepped on the accelerator, it shuttered. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who indicated that it was a known problem. It involved the pressure control solenoid valve assembly which needed immediate attention. There were two close calls while trying to accelerate from a stop to get into a merge lane in heavy traffic. Another incident occurred while going uphill when attempting to quickly accelerate, the vehicle shuttered and drifted backwards into another vehicle then suddenly shot forward.”
NHTSA complaint #10044630, filed 2003-12, 83,800 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10115081Nov 2, 2015This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about cooler line fittings that come with the 4T65E General Motors remanufactured transmission…
- 10135203Apr 15, 2014This preliminary bulletin provides a way to aid the technician in diagnosing transmission fluid leaking from the trans breather vent.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 2 | 6% |
| 2002 | 8 | 14% |
| 2001 | 9 | 12% |
| 2000 | 3 | 3% |
| 1999 | 16 | 11% |
| 1998 | 10 | 6% |
| 1997 | 7 | 7% |
| 1996 | 1 | 5% |
| 1995 | 4 | 9% |
| 1994 | 3 | 8% |
| 1993 | 3 | 14% |
| 1992 | 5 | 19% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
| 1990 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette
46 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
11 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsElectrical system
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 Nov 1, 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