2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 14%of 57 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette, 14% of the 57 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,500 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.
“Slowly but surely, some of my electrical systems have been failing. It first started with lights burning out repeatedly, then went to turn signals not working properly, then went to power windows functioning improperly, then the temperature/mpg/oil display stopped functioning, then I had to replace the alternator and the problems got even worse. I have also had issues with the vehicle drifting up to 3 feet backwards if on a slight incline and in drive. Please check into these issues and resolve. I am scared for my family's safety due to the increasing electrical issues. …”
NHTSA complaint #10369410, filed 2010-12, 63,000 miles“Just prior to 40,000 miles, my service engine soon light came on and my ABS disabled light illuminated. After I stopped the car and restarted it, the lights went away. Then a few days later it happened again and I began to notice a rumbling sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The noise changed pitch depending on the speed of the car. It almost sounded like the transmission was roaring prior to changing gears, but it wasn't the transmission itself because the noise did not correlate to actual gear changes. …”
NHTSA complaint #10079132, filed 2004-07, 40,000 miles“Awd disable and ABS lights illuminated. Left rear wheel bearing and hub assembly failed and were replaced (four times). The evap solenoid, fuel sender and pump assembly were replaced. The heating element for the front driver's seat failed twice. The right rear seat belt failed. The right power sliding door actuator module failed. Rear wiper failed intermittently. A/c condenser failed. Engine failed.”
NHTSA complaint #10114146, filed 2005-08, 64,442 miles“2002 Silhouette, 39000 miles. Front wheel bearings failed. Had repaired, within 50 miles after picking up from dealership, there was a grinding when turning right. Both heated seats didn't heat. Driver's side window operated extremely slow. Intake manifold gasket needed replacement!, $1000!, 39000 miles folks! Air suspension did not operate crackled. Power doors did not open when something got in the way. Bruised shoulder because of this. Premature tire wear, replaced tires at 30,000 miles. All scheduled maintenance done. Stored in a garage more highway miles than city. …”
NHTSA complaint #10191801, filed 2007-05, 39,000 miles“My automatic transmission; Silhouette drifts backwards down a hill in when in drive. 1. Take the car to a medium to steep hill (preferably steep so you see the full effect). 2. Completely stop the car. 3. Take your foot off the brake but do not touch the accelerator. Notice that the car drifts backwards and if you are on a slight hill it will stop after about a foot. If you are on a steep hill it will drift all the way down the hill picking up speed as it goes. This is very much a safety problem and if it is acceptable behavior then I believe Oldsmobile will be in for law suites. …”
NHTSA complaint #758756, filed 2002-02Related 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…
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 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
7 complaintsSeats
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsEquipment
6 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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