NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Retractor
1238.7%
Anchorage
412.9%
Door
412.9%
Steering Wheel/Handle BAR
39.7%
Hoses, Lines/Piping, AND Fittings
26.5%
Alternator/Generator/Regulator
26.5%
Injectors
26.5%
Hose, Piping, AND Connections
26.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 1995peak 8Nov 2005
NHTSA investigations into the 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
2
investigations are
still open.
RQ99002Opened 4 Mar 1999Still openENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATION
ON APRIL 1, 1997, GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION FILED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO RECALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, REGISTERED IN 14 HIGH CORROSION STATES, TO REPLACE THE REAR ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.THE REAR ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS WOULD EITHER FRACTURER OR PULL THROUGH THE RETIANERS DUE TO CORROSION.AS OF SEPTEMBER 1998, THE SIXTH QUARTER, 59.3% OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAD BEEN REPAIRED.IN ADDITION TO THE COMPLAINTS OF FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLT FAILURES IN THE ABOVE FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY, ODI HAS RECEIVED SIX REPORTS OF POSSIBLE FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLT FAILURES, INCLUDING TWO CRASHES.AN RQ...
RQ97017Opened 2 Oct 1997Still openSTRUCTURE
CRADLE BOLT FAILURES
EA00011Opened 10 Apr 2000Closed 12 Jan 2001ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE CRADLE SEPARATION
THE ENGINE CRADLE FRONT BOLTS AND/OR RETAINERS MAY FAIL, ALLOWING THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE CRADLE TO FALL, POSSIBLY SEPARATING THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FROM THE STEERING GEAR, WITH COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL
EA97019Opened 30 Sep 1997Closed 8 Jun 1999SEATS
FRONT SEAT BACK COLLAPSE
ALLEGED FRONT SEAT BACK COLLAPSE DUE TO RECLINER BOLT
PE97016Opened 7 Apr 1997Closed 30 Sep 1997SEATS
FRONT SEAT BACK COLLAPSE
SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE ALLEGED TO EXPERIENCE INADVERTENT FRONT SEAT BACK COLLAPSE DUE TO FRACTURE OF FRONT SEAT RECLINER MOUNTING BOLTS.
PE96065Opened 15 Nov 1996Closed 8 Apr 1997ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ALLEGED ENGINE SUBFRAME MOUNT/INSULATOR
ALLEGED FAILURES OF ENGINE FRAME INSULATORS/MOUNTS TO UNIBODY FRAME MAY ALLOW SEPARATION OF ENGINE SUBFRAME, RESULTING IN COMPROMISE OR LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WITH THE VEHICLE IN MOTION.
EA92035Opened 30 Oct 1992Closed 30 Nov 1993VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
APV FUEL LINE FIRES
DP92012Opened 9 Jun 1992Closed 25 Jun 1992ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
APV FIRES
APV FIRES
Recalls on the 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
99I003000
SEATS
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH FRONT BUCKET SEATS. THE FRONT SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM LOWER BOLTS CAN LOOSEN. A LOOSE BOLT COULD FATIGUE AND BREAK, RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK FALLING REARWARD.
Risk: THE SEAT COULD SUDDENLY FALL BACKWARD, DISTRACTING THE DRIVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
97V058000
STRUCTURE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT AND WISCONSIN. THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINER. IF BOTH BOLTS PULL THROUGH, THE REAR CRADLE WOULD NOT LONGER BE SUPPORTED AT THESE MOUNTING LOCATIONS AND THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT CAN SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR.
Risk: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT.
92V012000
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT DOOR WILL NOT REMAIN CLOSED DURING CERTAIN LOAD FORCES ASSOCIATED WITH A VEHICLE CRASH. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 201.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT DOORMAY OPEN AND RESULT IN OCCUPANT(S) INJURIES FROM CONTACT WITH THE GLOVECOMPARTMENT DOOR.
91V046000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
A RIGHT HAND SEAT/SHOULDER BELT RETRACTOR MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IN THE SECOND ROW LEFT HAND SEAT POSITION (DIRECTLY BEHIND DRIVER).
Risk: THE INCORRECT RETRACTOR MAY CAUSE THE BELTS TO LOCK UPIF THE VAN IS PARKED ON A STEEP GRADE. AS A RESULT OF THIS, THE OCCUPANT COULDNOT EXTEND THE BELT FOR USE.
89V164000
SEATS
THE REAR MODULAR SEAT FRAME HOLD-DOWN HOOKS MAY NOT MEET THE REQUIRED PULL FORCE AT THE REAR SET ANCHORAGE.
Risk: VEHICLES WOULD NOT CONFORM TO FMVSS 207.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2000080200,580 units in Canada
Accessories
On certain vehicles operated in areas of high salt use, the spare tire hoist cable may corrode and eventually break. This would allow the spare tire to fall off the vehicle possibly resulting in a road hazard for other vehicles. Correction: A letter will be sent to owners of affected vehicles with maintenance and inspection instructions for spare tire hoist cable assemblies. Additionally, the letter will advise the owner that, if the cable breaks during that inspection, their dealer will repair the assembly. This policy will be in effect until December 31, 2002.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
ST Paul, MNCrash
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITH NO WARNING STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK UP, AND CONSUMER WILL LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE. IT COULD HAVE CAUSED CONSUMER TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. DEALER NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #8018923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntington, WVFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH A FAULTY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; A REPLACEMENT OF THREE ALTERNATORS AND THREE BATTERIES WITHIN THREE MONTHS. ALSO, A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH CAUSED A FIRE UNDER THE DASH. ASKING NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER, BECAUSE DEALER REFUSED TO HELP UNLESS COST GO TO CONSUMER.
NHTSA complaint #851137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntington, WVFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH A FAULTY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; A REPLACEMENT OF THREE ALTERNATORS AND THREE BATTERIES WITHIN THREE MONTHS. ALSO, A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH CAUSED A FIRE UNDER THE DASH. ASKING NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER, BECAUSE DEALER REFUSED TO HELP UNLESS COST GO TO CONSUMER.
NHTSA complaint #851137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntington, WVFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH A FAULTY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; A REPLACEMENT OF THREE ALTERNATORS AND THREE BATTERIES WITHIN THREE MONTHS. ALSO, A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH CAUSED A FIRE UNDER THE DASH. ASKING NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER, BECAUSE DEALER REFUSED TO HELP UNLESS COST GO TO CONSUMER.
NHTSA complaint #851137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntington, WVFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH A FAULTY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; A REPLACEMENT OF THREE ALTERNATORS AND THREE BATTERIES WITHIN THREE MONTHS. ALSO, A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH CAUSED A FIRE UNDER THE DASH. ASKING NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER, BECAUSE DEALER REFUSED TO HELP UNLESS COST GO TO CONSUMER.
NHTSA complaint #851137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milwaukee, WI1 injured
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
PASSENGER DOOR WINDOW FELL OUT.
NHTSA complaint #519265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Clarkston, MI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
DT: THE CONTACT PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND WAS HEADING FOR INTERSECTION WHEN HE REALIZED THAT ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS STUCK. HE HAD TO TURN RIGHT TO AVOID HITTING ONCOMING TRAFFIC. HE THEN TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, AND THE VEHICLE KEPT GOING. HE DID NOT CONTACT THE DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #10142177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,464 milesEdinburg, TX
STEERING:COLUMN
THE STEERING WHEEL SEVERED FROM THE STEERING RACK, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER. NEITHER WAS ABLE TO LOCATE THE CORRECT VIN TO IDENTIFY THE VEHICLE, AND TO BE ABLE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE RECALL WORK HAS BEEN DONE.
NHTSA complaint #10103678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bell, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
SPEEDOMETER ISN'T FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. WHEN I GOT THIS VAN FROM MY GRANDFATHER (WHO WAS THE ORIGINAL OWNER) THE SPEEDOMETER HAD NOT BEEN WORKING FOR A LONG TIME AND IS STILL NOT WORKING.
NHTSA complaint #10049559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bell, FL
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
FRONT AND MIDDLE SEAT BELTS WON'T RETRACT.
NHTSA complaint #10049557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST Paul, MN
STEERING
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS PULLED THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORRISON OF THE RETAINER. AS STATED IN RECALL # 97 V 058 000, BUT VEHICLE DOES NOT FALL WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #8019520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST Paul, MNCrash
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITH NO WARNING STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK UP, AND CONSUMER WILL LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE. IT COULD HAVE CAUSED CONSUMER TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. DEALER NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #8018923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Sparta, OH
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
STEERING COLUMN BROKE WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING, AND VEHICLE BECAME MORE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE FRONT MOTOR MOUNT ON DRIVERS SIDE PULLED OUT OF THE FRAME DUE TO RUST CUSING THE BACK MOUNT BOLT TO BREAK OFF. THE STEERING GEAR BOX IS LOCATED ON THE SAME SIDE. HAS NOT CONTACTED A DEALER. *AK
NHTSA complaint #8004585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mcmurray, PA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
SEAT BELT RETRACTOR COIL SPRINGS COME OFF OF RETRACTOR ASSY. THIS HAPPENS BECAUSE THERE IS JUST A SOFT PLASTIC COVER CAP ON THE RETRACTOR ASSY. BELT IS THEN UNUSABLE. IVE HAD BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS COME APART AND ONE IN THE REAR.
NHTSA complaint #734776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edina, MN
STRUCTURE
A BOLT FROM THE ENGINE CRADLE BROKE, WHEELS COULD FLOP TO THE SIDE BECAUSE OF BAD ENGINE CRADLE MOUNT.
NHTSA complaint #867434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Florence, KY
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
SEAT BELTS ON DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE DO NOT RETRACT. RETRACTOR MECHANISM ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WAS REPLACED ON FEB 5, 1999. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. SEAT BELTS HAVE NOT BEEN REPAIRED. DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR HAS BEEN BROKEN FOR OVER A YEAR, AND PASSENGER'S SIDE RETRACTOR HAS BEEN BROKEN FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS. DEALER WILL TRY TO REPAIRS SEATBELTS, BUT WILL CHARGE OWNER FOR REPLACEMENT. *AK
NHTSA complaint #862350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
FRONT DOOR HANDLES BROKE OFF ON TWO OCCASION. FIRST TIME ON DRIVER'S SIDE ,AND A YEAR LATER ON PASSENGER SIDE. UNABLE TO OPEN DOORS FROM OUTSIDE. REPAIRS WERE MADE AT CONSUMER'S COST. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #854697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lothian, MD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
FRONT BRAKES FAILED. NLM
NHTSA complaint #549668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lothian, MD
SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT
FRONT STRUT FAILED. NLM
NHTSA complaint #549668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lothian, MD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
EXHAUST SYSTEM FAILED. NLM
NHTSA complaint #549668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lothian, MD
TIRES
RIGHT FRONT TIRE BLEWOUT. NLM
NHTSA complaint #549668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lothian, MD
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
A HOLE RUBBED INTO THE POWER STEERING HOLE BECAUSE IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY CAUSING FLUID TO LEAK. NLM
NHTSA complaint #549668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lothian, MD
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
RACK AND PINIONS SYSTEM FAILED. NLM
NHTSA complaint #549668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lothian, MD
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER
REAR SHOCKS BROKE IN HALF WHILE CONSUMER WAS ON THE WAY TO WORK. NLM
NHTSA complaint #549668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lothian, MD
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
A/C COMPRESSOR LOCKED UP AND BURNED THE FAN BELT CAUSING THE A/C UNIT TO ONLY BLOW HOT AIR. NLM
NHTSA complaint #549668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rush, NY
EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:CARRIER/RACK
WHEN SHUTTING THE LIFTGATE IN REAR OF VEHICLE, THE SPARE TIRE FELL OFF THE VEHICLE. DEALER REPLACED THE CABLE. *AK
NHTSA complaint #852867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntington, WVFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH A FAULTY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; A REPLACEMENT OF THREE ALTERNATORS AND THREE BATTERIES WITHIN THREE MONTHS. ALSO, A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH CAUSED A FIRE UNDER THE DASH. ASKING NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER, BECAUSE DEALER REFUSED TO HELP UNLESS COST GO TO CONSUMER.
NHTSA complaint #851137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntington, WVFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH A FAULTY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; A REPLACEMENT OF THREE ALTERNATORS AND THREE BATTERIES WITHIN THREE MONTHS. ALSO, A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH CAUSED A FIRE UNDER THE DASH. ASKING NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER, BECAUSE DEALER REFUSED TO HELP UNLESS COST GO TO CONSUMER.
NHTSA complaint #851137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntington, WVFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH A FAULTY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; A REPLACEMENT OF THREE ALTERNATORS AND THREE BATTERIES WITHIN THREE MONTHS. ALSO, A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH CAUSED A FIRE UNDER THE DASH. ASKING NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER, BECAUSE DEALER REFUSED TO HELP UNLESS COST GO TO CONSUMER.
NHTSA complaint #851137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntington, WVFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH A FAULTY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; A REPLACEMENT OF THREE ALTERNATORS AND THREE BATTERIES WITHIN THREE MONTHS. ALSO, A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH CAUSED A FIRE UNDER THE DASH. ASKING NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER, BECAUSE DEALER REFUSED TO HELP UNLESS COST GO TO CONSUMER.
NHTSA complaint #851137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Parkersburg, WV
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
THE DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT WILL NOT RETRACT, LEAVING THE LAP BELT LOOSE. DEALER HAS SEEN VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #844319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.