2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 12%of 78 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,100miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette, 12% of the 78 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,100 miles.
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.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10002734, filed 2003-01, 31,000 miles“The transmission on this vehiclewill not hold on a hill it drifts back when on a uphill and drifts forward when on an downhill and the dealer said that this happens with all GM vehicles.we drove other models of olds and they did the same thing I hope this problem can be fixed it is a nice vehicle but we had to return it we paid for a automatic transmission and it feels like we got a standard.I hope to here from you soon about this.”
NHTSA complaint #732516, filed 2000-09“Our 2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette has had numerous issues. The issues are placed in a close chronological order. All events have occurred after 50k miles with the exception of the power door locks. The dealer took care of all recalls. The power door locks intermittently lock and unlock. This problem has been to the dealer over 4 times. The first time the dealer replaced ignition switch wiring harness and the last time the dealer replaced a chafed wire under the passenger seat. The other times the dealer could not isolate. The problem still occurred. We got tired of bringing it to the dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10163466, filed 2006-07“In september of 2002, the van would not go forward or backward, the van was taken to dealer and they stated that they could not find anything. On december 5th, the van totally quit going forward and backward, it was towed in and the mechanic asked if we had towed anything with the van or did we use it as a "hotrod", that all the gears were stripped. Also, upon taking the van back for the recall of the sliding door, we had to take it back twice and the door still does not operate properly. There are times that it won\\'t unlock from the inside and you can open it from the outside. …”
NHTSA complaint #10069781, filed 2004-01“While proceeding from a stop transmission went out, was unable to move forward. Dealership was aware of warning since engine check light came on before, however found no problem until transmission failed. Transmission had noise and slips while driving, dealer fixed the vehicle but consumer is still experiencing transmission problem.”
NHTSA complaint #8006298, filed 2002-03Related service bulletins
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10224273Sep 1, 2022This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 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 2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette
12 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsTires
7 complaintsWheels
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 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