Owners have filed 186 complaints
about the 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette with NHTSA between 1999 and 2016.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 12 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 99
Against the median year of the Oldsmobile Silhouette. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 67
12.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 10
6% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1999 compares with every other Oldsmobile Silhouette
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.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1318.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2637.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1217.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
710.1%
150,000+ miles
1115.9%
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.
Jan 1999peak 12Jul 2016
NHTSA investigations into the 1999 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.
PE04064Opened 17 Sep 2004Closed 22 Dec 2004STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
POWER-SLIDING DOOR
SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE AVAILABLE WITH AN OPTIONAL POWER SLIDING DOOR.THE INTERIOR HANDLE IS ORIENTED IN THE VERTICAL POSITION IN THE DOOR PANEL AND LINES UP AT THE ELBOW LEVEL WHEN THE OCCUPANT IS SEATED IN THE 2ND-ROW OUTBOARD POSITION.IF THE OCCUPANT HOLDS THE INTERIOR HANDLE IN THE THUMB UP POSITION DURING POWER-ASSISTED OPENING, THE ARM/WRIST CAN BE PUSH BACK WITH FORCE AGAINST THE 2ND-ROW BUCKET SEAT OR CAPTAIN'S CHAIR SEAT BACK CREATING A RISK OF INJURY (OTHER SEATING CONFIGURATIONS HAVE AMPLE SEAT TO DOOR CLEARANCE TO AVOID ENTRAPMENT OF THE LOWER ARM).AMONG THE 103 TOTAL REPORTS, THERE W...
EA03005Opened 23 Apr 2003Closed 12 Jan 2004SUSPENSION
REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURE
ON NOVEMBER 18, 2002, ODI OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE02-086) TO EVALUATE ALLEGATIONS OF REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES (U-VAN) WHICH INCLUDED TWO REPORTING CRASHES.ON APRIL 9, 2003, ODI UPGRADED PE02-086 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA03-005) TO CONTINUE ITS EXAMINATION OF THE ISSUE. THE TRAILING ARM DESIGN IN THESE VEHICLES HAS BEEN USED IN THE U-VAN FROM MY 1997 THROUGH THE PRESENT.THE GM ANALYSIS CONCLUDED THAT THE SUBJECT TRAILING ARMS COULD CRACK OR BUCKLE IF THEY WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, PRE-DELIVERY HANDLING, OR SUBJECTED TO CERTAIN SERVICE RELATED A...
PE02086Opened 18 Nov 2002Closed 9 Apr 2003SUSPENSION
REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURE
ANALYSIS OF ODI AND GM DATA HAS IDENTIFIED 14 INCIDENTS OF REAR TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997 THROUGH 1999 GM U-VANS, INCLUDING TWO THAT ALLEGEDLY RESULTED IN CRASHES. THE TRAILING ARM DESIGN IN THESE VEHICLES IS USED IN THE U-VANS FROM MY 1997 THROUGH 2003.ACCORDING TO GM, THE SUBJECT TRAILING ARMS CAN CRACK OR BUCKLE IF THEY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, PRE-DELIVERY HANDLING, OR CERTAIN SERVICE RELATED ABUSE CONDITIONS (E.G., IMPROPER TOWING OR JACKING).GM IDENTIFIED A PARTS HANDLING CONCERN THAT WAS CAUSING SOME TRAILING ARMS TO BE DAMAGED PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.TO ADDR...
PE02017Opened 11 Feb 2002Closed 2 Aug 2002SEAT BELTS
SHOULDER HARNESS CLIP
PE00045Opened 3 Nov 2000Closed 11 Jan 2001AIR BAGS
AIR BAG TEAR DURING DEPLOYMENT
SQ00014Opened 25 Jul 2000Closed 22 Oct 2001STRUCTURE
UNEXPECTED OPENING OF SLIDING DOOR
RQ00006Opened 16 Feb 2000Closed 20 Apr 2001SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TRACTION CONTROL
Recalls on the 1999 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
09E005000
STEERING
DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.
Risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
08E050000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
04V597000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH SECOND-ROW BUCKET SEATS OR CAPTAIN'S CHAIRS AND A POWER SLIDING DOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, A PASSENGER USING THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR COULD BE INJURED.
Risk: IF A PASSENGER USES THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR AND HOLDS ONTO THE HANDLE WHILE IT IS BEING OPENED BY THE MOTOR, THE PASSENGER'S ARM MAY BE PUSHED INTO THE SEAT BACK OR ARMREST AND A WRIST OR LOWER ARM INJURY MAY RESULT.
01V264000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1997-2001 CHEVROLET VENTURE, PONTIAC MONTANA/TRANSPORT, AND OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH PASSENGER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOORS THAT WERE SERVICED IN CAMPAIGN 01013 (01V-067) FROM APRIL TO AUGUST 2001. ALSO 2001 CHEVROLET VENTURE, PONTIAC MONTANA, AND OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH PASSENGER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOORS ASSEMBLED IN JANUARY THROUGH APRIL 2001. THESE VEHICLES HAVE INADEQUATE FRONT WELDS. IF A FRONT WELD FAILS, THE ACTUATOR CAN JAM IN THE UNLATCHED POSITION AND, WHEN THE SLIDING DOOR CLOSES, IT WILL NOT BE LATCHED.
Risk: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE POWER SLIDING DOOR CAN OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE VEHICLE ASCENDS A HILL, MAKES A TURN, OR TRAVELS OVER A ROUGH ROAD SURFACE. AN UNRESTRAINED OCCUPANT COULD FALL OUT OF THE VAN AND BE INJURED.
01V067000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH PASSENGER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOORS. THE DOOR CLOSES BUT MAY NOT BE LATCHED. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE POWER SLIDING DOOR CAN OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE VEHICLE ASCENDS A HILL, MAKES A TURN, OR TRAVELS OVER A ROUGH ROAD SURFACE.
Risk: AN UNRESTRAINED OCCUPANT COULD FALL OUT OF THE VAN AND BE INJURED.
99V071000
STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI VANS. THE LEFT AND/OR RIGHT FRONT LOWER INSULATOR TO CRADLE CENTER METAL SLEEVE IS COLLAPSED, WHICH CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF CLAMP LOAD IN THE JOINT. IF THE CLAMP LOAD IS REDUCED OR LOST, THE BOLT CAN BE LOST OR BROKEN AND THE JOINT CAN SEPARATE.
Risk: IF NOT REPAIRED, SEPARATION OF THE OPPOSITE SIDE JOINT COULD OCCUR RESULTING IN STEERING SHAFT SEPARATION.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2004446105,755 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles equipped with second-row bucket seats or captain's chairs and power sliding door on the passenger side, if a passenger uses the interior handle to open the power sliding door and holds onto the handle while it is being opened by the motor, the passenger's arm may be pushed into the seat back or armrest and a wrist or lower arm injury may result. Correction: Dealers will replace the original interior power sliding door handle. The original handles are offset from the door panel and a passenger can wrap his or her fingers around them. The replacement door handles are essentially flush with the door trim, preventing a passenger from gripping them in the same fashion.
Recall 200123638,064 units in Canada
Other
Certain 1997-2001 Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana/ Trans Sport, and Oldsmobile Silhouette mini vans equipped with passenger side power sliding doors that were serviced in campaign 01013 (01v-067) from April to August 2001. Also 2001 Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, and Oldsmobile Silhouette mini vans equipped with passenger side power sliding doors assembled in January through April 2001. These vehicles have inadequate front welds. If a front weld fails, the actuator can jam in the unlatched position and, when the sliding door closes, it will not be latched. If this happens, the power sliding door can open while the vehicle is in motion, particularly when the vehicle ascends a hill, makes a turn, or travels over a rough road surface. An unrestrained occupant could fall out of the van and be injured. Correction: dealers will inspect the actuators for certain date codes and, if necessary, replace the actuators.
Recall 200105954,759 units in Canada
Structure
Certain vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the power sliding door closes, but is not latched, If this happens the power sliding door can open while the vehicle is in motion, particularly when the vehicle ascends a hill, makes a turn, or travels over a rough road surface. An unrestrained occupant could fall out of the vehicle and be injured. Correction: Dealers will install a new power sliding door un-latch actuator assembly.
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.
Recall 199906734 units in Canada
Steering
Certain vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the left and/or right front lower insulator to cradle centre metal sleeve is collapsed, which can result in loss of clamp load in the joint. If the clamp load is reduced or lost, the bolt can be lost or broken and the joint can separate. If not repaired, separation of the opposite side joint could occur and result in steering shaft separation. If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, a vehicle crash could result without prior warning. Correction: Dealers will replace the left and right front lower cradle to suspension insulators and the attaching bolts.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 100,000 milesRound Rock, TXCrashFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I AM IN ARMY & WHILE DRIVING TO WORK ONE MORNING AT 5:30 AM MY VAN SLOWLY STARTED ACCELERATING THE MORE I PRESSED THE BRAKE THE FASTER THE VAN WENT, BY THE TIME I REACHED THE STREET THE VAN WAS UP TO 50 MPH I WAS AFRAID SO I CALL MY HUSBAND, TOLD HIM THE SITUATION & THE STREET I WAS TRAVELING, HE WAS ON THE WAY. BY THEN I WAS UP TO 60-65 MPH, I CALLED 911 STATED THE SITUATION, ASKING FOR HELP & TO HAVE SOMEONE ON THE PHONE JUST IN CASE. I ALMOST HIT A BUS, LOOKING AHEAD A FEW BLOCKS I SAW BACK-TO-BACK TRAFFIC STARTING TO BUILD-UP, I DID NOT WANT TO HURT MYSELF OR ANYONE ELSE, THEN GOING 65-70 MPH I LOOKED OVER AND SAW A PARK I TURNED THE VAN INTO THE PARK & TO STOP IT I DECIDED TO CRASH THE VAN INTO A TREE. I TURNED TOWARD THE TREE AND JUMPED OUT; THE VAN CRUSHED INTO THE SIDE OF THE TREE & CONTINUED TO KEEP GOING. I RAN AFTER IT AS I SAW THE VAN JUMP THE CURB AND GOING 70MPH TOWARDS THE ROW OF HOMES ACROSS THE STREET CRUSHED INTO A TREE HEAD ON. THE VAN ENGINE AFTER ALL THAT CONTINUED TO ROAR AS IF TRYING TO KEEP GOING. I FLAGGED DOWN A VAN AND RECALLED THE POLICE TO LET THEM KNOW WHERE THE VAN HAD STOPPED. WHEN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME & TURNED THE VAN OFF I WAS TOLD THE VAN HAD BEEN ON FIRE IT WAS TRYING TO STOP ITSELF BUT WAS BEING OVER POWERED, THE TOW GUY CAME & TOWED THE VAN AWAY. THIS IS A BLESSING KNOW ONE WAS HURT, BUT SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS, & FOR THE AUTO COMPANY NOT TO INVESTIGATE IS A TRAGEDY. WHAT ARE THEY SAYING NUMEROUS PEOPLE WILL HAVE TO DIE, BEFORE THEY WILL ADMIT THERE MAYBE A PROBLEM? JUST TO SAVE MONEY IF THAT IS THE CASE SHAME ON THEM? I AM HERE BY GRACE, BUT I CAN'T HELP BUT THINK OF THOSE POSSIBLY IN THE SAME SITUATION BUT NOT ALIVE TO TELL THEIR STORY. IF THIS IS WHAT IS HAPPENING GOD BLESS THE ROADS WE DRIVE ON THAT THE NEXT PERSON MIGHT THINK TO DO WHAT I DID. THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME POSTS MY STORY.
NHTSA complaint #10327245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesMontpelier, OHFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesDepere, WI1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
OUR DAUGHTER GOT HER HAND CAUGHT IN THE AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOOR, INSIDE HANDLE, WHEN SHE WENT TO OPEN THAT DOOR TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DOOR DOES NOT HAVE ANY WAY OF SENSING THAT SOMETHING MAY BE CAUGHT IN THE HANDLE WHILE IT IS OPENING SO IT KEPT GOING WHILE HER HAND WAS STUCK THERE. HER WRIST WAS BROKEN AS A RESULT OF THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10104758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 31,000 milesBrooksville, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK THE ENGINE BURNT UP DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS.
NHTSA complaint #10079798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesNEW Castle, KYCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH CONSUMER TOOK THE WRONG ROAD AND ENDED UP ON A DEAD END ROAD. CONSUMER SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES TO AVOID CRASHING INTO THE GUARD RAIL, BUT CRASHED INTO IT ANYWAY. UPON IMPACT, NONE OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED DUE TO THE OCCUPANTS BEING RETRAINED IN THE SEAT BELTS.
NHTSA complaint #10079693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Essex Junction, VTFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. MOVED TO SIDE OF ROAD. CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD ,AND NOTICED COOLANT WAS LEAKING ONTO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP TO CHECK OUT LEAKAGE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10042804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Sterling, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAR WON'T START UNLESS YOU WIGGLE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. CAN DIE AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #10882811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 199,000 milesWoodhull, IL
POWER TRAIN
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. AND THE SEAT BELT CLICKS IN BUT SOMETIMES SLIPS OUT IF I STOP QUICKLY IF SOMEONE CUTS ME OFF. NOT GOOD AT ALL.THE POWER TRAIN IS ERRATIC AT BEST. I WONDER IF I'M GOING TO MAKE IT HOME QUITE A LOT AND I AM DISABLED. IT SHUDDERS WHEN IT STARTS OUT, MAKING IT DANGEROUS IN TIGHT DRIVING SITUATIONS(CHICAGO).IT SLIDES OR SLIPS. I'VE BEEN TOLD TIME AND TIME THERE'S NOTHING WRONG. BUT WHEN YOU TELL A CAR TO GO, IT SHOULD GO...ITS NOT SUPPOSED TO ACT LIKE A STUBBORN DUMB MULE! AND THE DOORS QUIT WORKING AS DID THE AC AND IT EATS TIRES EVEN THOUGH ITS ALIGNED AND BALANCED. I FIXED THE SHOWER WITH 25 YEAR SILICONE. I DIDN'T NEED MY HAIR WASHED WHILE I DROVE. ITS ONLY 15 YEARS OLD AND HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF AND ITS A PIECE OF JUNK. A VERY EXPENSIVE PIECE OF JUNK. COOLANT LOW ALWAYS STAYS ON AND IT ISN'T. GAS GAUGE IS ALWAYS EMPTY WHEN YOU FILL IT AND FULL IF ITS EMPTY. I TELL HOW MUCH GAS I HAVE BY HOW MANY MILES I'VE GONE DIVIDED INTO HOW MANY GALS OF GAS I PURCHASED. KEEP THE BOOKS OR WALK!!!!! GARBAGE. CAR!!!!!!!!!
NHTSA complaint #10733484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 199,000 milesWoodhull, IL
SEAT BELTS
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. AND THE SEAT BELT CLICKS IN BUT SOMETIMES SLIPS OUT IF I STOP QUICKLY IF SOMEONE CUTS ME OFF. NOT GOOD AT ALL.THE POWER TRAIN IS ERRATIC AT BEST. I WONDER IF I'M GOING TO MAKE IT HOME QUITE A LOT AND I AM DISABLED. IT SHUDDERS WHEN IT STARTS OUT, MAKING IT DANGEROUS IN TIGHT DRIVING SITUATIONS(CHICAGO).IT SLIDES OR SLIPS. I'VE BEEN TOLD TIME AND TIME THERE'S NOTHING WRONG. BUT WHEN YOU TELL A CAR TO GO, IT SHOULD GO...ITS NOT SUPPOSED TO ACT LIKE A STUBBORN DUMB MULE! AND THE DOORS QUIT WORKING AS DID THE AC AND IT EATS TIRES EVEN THOUGH ITS ALIGNED AND BALANCED. I FIXED THE SHOWER WITH 25 YEAR SILICONE. I DIDN'T NEED MY HAIR WASHED WHILE I DROVE. ITS ONLY 15 YEARS OLD AND HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF AND ITS A PIECE OF JUNK. A VERY EXPENSIVE PIECE OF JUNK. COOLANT LOW ALWAYS STAYS ON AND IT ISN'T. GAS GAUGE IS ALWAYS EMPTY WHEN YOU FILL IT AND FULL IF ITS EMPTY. I TELL HOW MUCH GAS I HAVE BY HOW MANY MILES I'VE GONE DIVIDED INTO HOW MANY GALS OF GAS I PURCHASED. KEEP THE BOOKS OR WALK!!!!! GARBAGE. CAR!!!!!!!!!
NHTSA complaint #10733484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 199,000 milesWoodhull, IL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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. AND THE SEAT BELT CLICKS IN BUT SOMETIMES SLIPS OUT IF I STOP QUICKLY IF SOMEONE CUTS ME OFF. NOT GOOD AT ALL.THE POWER TRAIN IS ERRATIC AT BEST. I WONDER IF I'M GOING TO MAKE IT HOME QUITE A LOT AND I AM DISABLED. IT SHUDDERS WHEN IT STARTS OUT, MAKING IT DANGEROUS IN TIGHT DRIVING SITUATIONS(CHICAGO).IT SLIDES OR SLIPS. I'VE BEEN TOLD TIME AND TIME THERE'S NOTHING WRONG. BUT WHEN YOU TELL A CAR TO GO, IT SHOULD GO...ITS NOT SUPPOSED TO ACT LIKE A STUBBORN DUMB MULE! AND THE DOORS QUIT WORKING AS DID THE AC AND IT EATS TIRES EVEN THOUGH ITS ALIGNED AND BALANCED. I FIXED THE SHOWER WITH 25 YEAR SILICONE. I DIDN'T NEED MY HAIR WASHED WHILE I DROVE. ITS ONLY 15 YEARS OLD AND HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF AND ITS A PIECE OF JUNK. A VERY EXPENSIVE PIECE OF JUNK. COOLANT LOW ALWAYS STAYS ON AND IT ISN'T. GAS GAUGE IS ALWAYS EMPTY WHEN YOU FILL IT AND FULL IF ITS EMPTY. I TELL HOW MUCH GAS I HAVE BY HOW MANY MILES I'VE GONE DIVIDED INTO HOW MANY GALS OF GAS I PURCHASED. KEEP THE BOOKS OR WALK!!!!! GARBAGE. CAR!!!!!!!!!
NHTSA complaint #10733484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 199,000 milesWoodhull, IL
ENGINE
THE ENGINE. THE COOLANT LOW LIGHT STAYS ON EVEN THOUGH IT ISN'T.. HAVE HAD IT CHECKED. THEY SAID ITS ALL OK. THEN I READ THESE COMPLAINTS. WHY AREN'T THEY BEING HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR A DEFECT!!!!! ITS THEIR DEFECT, NOT OURS. WE DIDN'T SIGN UP FOR $1200 IN REPAIRS OR MORE!!! ARE YOU GETTING PAID TO SIT THERE AND JUST PUT THESE UP HERE TO APPEASE US? NO WONDER THIS NATION IS GOING YOU KNOW WHERE IN A BASKET. LACK OF INTEGRITY. MY BRAKES ALSO BOTH WENT OUT COMPLETELY WHEN SOMEONE GAVE ME LESS THAN A FOOT TO STOP WHEN THEY PULLED OUT OF A PARKING SPOT DOWNTOWN. NO ACCIDENT BUT COMPLETELY BLEW MY BRAKE. THIS ALSO SEEMS TO BE A COMMON FAILURE POINT IN THIS SO CALLED VEHICLE. THE ENGINE DOES WHAT IT WANTS WHEN IT WANTS. IT MOANS AND SHUDDERS WHEN IT TAKES OFF..KIND OF LIKE ME WHEN I GET UP IN THE MORNING. COULD KILL ME THOUGH. AIRBAG LIGHT CAN'T DECIDE IF IT ALIVE OR NOT. ONE HEADLIGHT IS FROSTED.WILL COST $325.00 TO FIX IT. WHO HAS THIS MONEY??!!THAT IS HALF OF MY MONTHS INCOME!!!!!!!!!ARE YOU CRAZY????? AND NO, THERE IS NO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION WHERE I LIVE. SEAT BELTS DON'T WORK RIGHT.DANGER!!! BODY IS RUSTING. DOORLOCKS LOCK ME OUT ALL THE TIME. WINDOW DON'T WORK.DANGZER!!!! I LIVE WHERE THERE'S LOTS OF WATER.. BACK WIPER QUIT. BACK LIGHTS QUIT. FUEL GAUGE QUIT..MAKES ME WANT TO QUIT. :( HOW CAN THEY GET AWAY WITH THE MAJOR SAFETY ITEMS..HOW????!!!!! PLEASE TELL ME. I NEED TO KNOW. THIS HEAP OF JUNK NEEDS TO LAST ME AT LEAST 20..YES TWENTY MORE YEARS.:(
NHTSA complaint #10733492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 199,000 milesWoodhull, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
THE ENGINE. THE COOLANT LOW LIGHT STAYS ON EVEN THOUGH IT ISN'T.. HAVE HAD IT CHECKED. THEY SAID ITS ALL OK. THEN I READ THESE COMPLAINTS. WHY AREN'T THEY BEING HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR A DEFECT!!!!! ITS THEIR DEFECT, NOT OURS. WE DIDN'T SIGN UP FOR $1200 IN REPAIRS OR MORE!!! ARE YOU GETTING PAID TO SIT THERE AND JUST PUT THESE UP HERE TO APPEASE US? NO WONDER THIS NATION IS GOING YOU KNOW WHERE IN A BASKET. LACK OF INTEGRITY. MY BRAKES ALSO BOTH WENT OUT COMPLETELY WHEN SOMEONE GAVE ME LESS THAN A FOOT TO STOP WHEN THEY PULLED OUT OF A PARKING SPOT DOWNTOWN. NO ACCIDENT BUT COMPLETELY BLEW MY BRAKE. THIS ALSO SEEMS TO BE A COMMON FAILURE POINT IN THIS SO CALLED VEHICLE. THE ENGINE DOES WHAT IT WANTS WHEN IT WANTS. IT MOANS AND SHUDDERS WHEN IT TAKES OFF..KIND OF LIKE ME WHEN I GET UP IN THE MORNING. COULD KILL ME THOUGH. AIRBAG LIGHT CAN'T DECIDE IF IT ALIVE OR NOT. ONE HEADLIGHT IS FROSTED.WILL COST $325.00 TO FIX IT. WHO HAS THIS MONEY??!!THAT IS HALF OF MY MONTHS INCOME!!!!!!!!!ARE YOU CRAZY????? AND NO, THERE IS NO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION WHERE I LIVE. SEAT BELTS DON'T WORK RIGHT.DANGER!!! BODY IS RUSTING. DOORLOCKS LOCK ME OUT ALL THE TIME. WINDOW DON'T WORK.DANGZER!!!! I LIVE WHERE THERE'S LOTS OF WATER.. BACK WIPER QUIT. BACK LIGHTS QUIT. FUEL GAUGE QUIT..MAKES ME WANT TO QUIT. :( HOW CAN THEY GET AWAY WITH THE MAJOR SAFETY ITEMS..HOW????!!!!! PLEASE TELL ME. I NEED TO KNOW. THIS HEAP OF JUNK NEEDS TO LAST ME AT LEAST 20..YES TWENTY MORE YEARS.:(
NHTSA complaint #10733492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 199,000 milesWoodhull, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE ENGINE. THE COOLANT LOW LIGHT STAYS ON EVEN THOUGH IT ISN'T.. HAVE HAD IT CHECKED. THEY SAID ITS ALL OK. THEN I READ THESE COMPLAINTS. WHY AREN'T THEY BEING HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR A DEFECT!!!!! ITS THEIR DEFECT, NOT OURS. WE DIDN'T SIGN UP FOR $1200 IN REPAIRS OR MORE!!! ARE YOU GETTING PAID TO SIT THERE AND JUST PUT THESE UP HERE TO APPEASE US? NO WONDER THIS NATION IS GOING YOU KNOW WHERE IN A BASKET. LACK OF INTEGRITY. MY BRAKES ALSO BOTH WENT OUT COMPLETELY WHEN SOMEONE GAVE ME LESS THAN A FOOT TO STOP WHEN THEY PULLED OUT OF A PARKING SPOT DOWNTOWN. NO ACCIDENT BUT COMPLETELY BLEW MY BRAKE. THIS ALSO SEEMS TO BE A COMMON FAILURE POINT IN THIS SO CALLED VEHICLE. THE ENGINE DOES WHAT IT WANTS WHEN IT WANTS. IT MOANS AND SHUDDERS WHEN IT TAKES OFF..KIND OF LIKE ME WHEN I GET UP IN THE MORNING. COULD KILL ME THOUGH. AIRBAG LIGHT CAN'T DECIDE IF IT ALIVE OR NOT. ONE HEADLIGHT IS FROSTED.WILL COST $325.00 TO FIX IT. WHO HAS THIS MONEY??!!THAT IS HALF OF MY MONTHS INCOME!!!!!!!!!ARE YOU CRAZY????? AND NO, THERE IS NO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION WHERE I LIVE. SEAT BELTS DON'T WORK RIGHT.DANGER!!! BODY IS RUSTING. DOORLOCKS LOCK ME OUT ALL THE TIME. WINDOW DON'T WORK.DANGZER!!!! I LIVE WHERE THERE'S LOTS OF WATER.. BACK WIPER QUIT. BACK LIGHTS QUIT. FUEL GAUGE QUIT..MAKES ME WANT TO QUIT. :( HOW CAN THEY GET AWAY WITH THE MAJOR SAFETY ITEMS..HOW????!!!!! PLEASE TELL ME. I NEED TO KNOW. THIS HEAP OF JUNK NEEDS TO LAST ME AT LEAST 20..YES TWENTY MORE YEARS.:(
NHTSA complaint #10733492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 185,000 milesWoodhull, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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. THE SLIDING DOORS DON'T WORK. NONE OF THE POWER CONTROLS IN THE KEY FOB WORK(YES, I CHECKED THE BATTERY). OH..AND IT HAS A INDOOR SHOWER WHEN IT RAINS. ROOF FAILURE, FAULT IN DESIGN. COULD YOU PLEASE TELL ME IF PAST SERVICE BULLETINS I JUST FOUND ON YOUR SITE STILL PERTAIN? THERE ARE MANY FOR THIS VEHICLE AND ITS ISSUES. PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10670025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 185,000 milesWoodhull, IL
ENGINE
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. THE SLIDING DOORS DON'T WORK. NONE OF THE POWER CONTROLS IN THE KEY FOB WORK(YES, I CHECKED THE BATTERY). OH..AND IT HAS A INDOOR SHOWER WHEN IT RAINS. ROOF FAILURE, FAULT IN DESIGN. COULD YOU PLEASE TELL ME IF PAST SERVICE BULLETINS I JUST FOUND ON YOUR SITE STILL PERTAIN? THERE ARE MANY FOR THIS VEHICLE AND ITS ISSUES. PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10670025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 185,000 milesWoodhull, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
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. THE SLIDING DOORS DON'T WORK. NONE OF THE POWER CONTROLS IN THE KEY FOB WORK(YES, I CHECKED THE BATTERY). OH..AND IT HAS A INDOOR SHOWER WHEN IT RAINS. ROOF FAILURE, FAULT IN DESIGN. COULD YOU PLEASE TELL ME IF PAST SERVICE BULLETINS I JUST FOUND ON YOUR SITE STILL PERTAIN? THERE ARE MANY FOR THIS VEHICLE AND ITS ISSUES. PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10670025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Staten Island, NY
POWER TRAIN
COULD NOT ENGAGE DRIVE GEAR BUT WOULD ENGAGE IN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR AND REVERSE.
NHTSA complaint #10432184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,430 milesBessemar, AL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT INTO DRIVE GEAR AND IT FAILED TO MOVE FROM PARK TO DRIVE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PLACE SHIFT CABLE BACK IN PLACE AND SHIFT INTO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE AUTOMATIC TRANS AXLE RANGE SELECTOR CABLE ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,430.
NHTSA complaint #10402235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Livermore, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
LEFT SIDE BRAKE / TAIL LIGHT MELTS. BULB BASE MELTS THEN CAUSES AN OPEN SHORT. BULB HAS BEEN REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. LAST 3 TO 4 MONTHS BEFORE FAILURE (MELTED BASE) AND BULB REPLACEMENT. IT ALSO CAUSES THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) TO SHOW AN INTERMITTENT FAULT OR BE INOPERATIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10353878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Livermore, CA
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
LEFT SIDE BRAKE / TAIL LIGHT MELTS. BULB BASE MELTS THEN CAUSES AN OPEN SHORT. BULB HAS BEEN REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. LAST 3 TO 4 MONTHS BEFORE FAILURE (MELTED BASE) AND BULB REPLACEMENT. IT ALSO CAUSES THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) TO SHOW AN INTERMITTENT FAULT OR BE INOPERATIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10353878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesRound Rock, TXCrashFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I AM IN ARMY & WHILE DRIVING TO WORK ONE MORNING AT 5:30 AM MY VAN SLOWLY STARTED ACCELERATING THE MORE I PRESSED THE BRAKE THE FASTER THE VAN WENT, BY THE TIME I REACHED THE STREET THE VAN WAS UP TO 50 MPH I WAS AFRAID SO I CALL MY HUSBAND, TOLD HIM THE SITUATION & THE STREET I WAS TRAVELING, HE WAS ON THE WAY. BY THEN I WAS UP TO 60-65 MPH, I CALLED 911 STATED THE SITUATION, ASKING FOR HELP & TO HAVE SOMEONE ON THE PHONE JUST IN CASE. I ALMOST HIT A BUS, LOOKING AHEAD A FEW BLOCKS I SAW BACK-TO-BACK TRAFFIC STARTING TO BUILD-UP, I DID NOT WANT TO HURT MYSELF OR ANYONE ELSE, THEN GOING 65-70 MPH I LOOKED OVER AND SAW A PARK I TURNED THE VAN INTO THE PARK & TO STOP IT I DECIDED TO CRASH THE VAN INTO A TREE. I TURNED TOWARD THE TREE AND JUMPED OUT; THE VAN CRUSHED INTO THE SIDE OF THE TREE & CONTINUED TO KEEP GOING. I RAN AFTER IT AS I SAW THE VAN JUMP THE CURB AND GOING 70MPH TOWARDS THE ROW OF HOMES ACROSS THE STREET CRUSHED INTO A TREE HEAD ON. THE VAN ENGINE AFTER ALL THAT CONTINUED TO ROAR AS IF TRYING TO KEEP GOING. I FLAGGED DOWN A VAN AND RECALLED THE POLICE TO LET THEM KNOW WHERE THE VAN HAD STOPPED. WHEN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME & TURNED THE VAN OFF I WAS TOLD THE VAN HAD BEEN ON FIRE IT WAS TRYING TO STOP ITSELF BUT WAS BEING OVER POWERED, THE TOW GUY CAME & TOWED THE VAN AWAY. THIS IS A BLESSING KNOW ONE WAS HURT, BUT SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS, & FOR THE AUTO COMPANY NOT TO INVESTIGATE IS A TRAGEDY. WHAT ARE THEY SAYING NUMEROUS PEOPLE WILL HAVE TO DIE, BEFORE THEY WILL ADMIT THERE MAYBE A PROBLEM? JUST TO SAVE MONEY IF THAT IS THE CASE SHAME ON THEM? I AM HERE BY GRACE, BUT I CAN'T HELP BUT THINK OF THOSE POSSIBLY IN THE SAME SITUATION BUT NOT ALIVE TO TELL THEIR STORY. IF THIS IS WHAT IS HAPPENING GOD BLESS THE ROADS WE DRIVE ON THAT THE NEXT PERSON MIGHT THINK TO DO WHAT I DID. THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME POSTS MY STORY.
NHTSA complaint #10327245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesMontpelier, OHFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,526 milesCincinnati, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
LEFT BRAKE KEEPS GOING OUT. UPON REPLACING NOTICE THAT THE CONTACTS ARE GETTING COVERED UP BY MELTING PLASTIC. I HAVE REPLACED THE BULB NUMEROUS TIME AND EVEN REPLACED THE CIRCUIT BOARD. STILL THE BULBS KEEP MELTING. THIS HAS STARTED IN MID JUNE OF 2008. I AM AT THE POINT NOW OF DRIVING WITHOUT A LEFT REAR BRAKE LIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10296127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesTrimble, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BRAKE LIGHT PLUG INS ARE MELTING AND BRAKE LIGHT WILL NOT WORK.
NHTSA complaint #10292525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesTrimble, MO
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
BRAKE LIGHT PLUG INS ARE MELTING AND BRAKE LIGHT WILL NOT WORK.
NHTSA complaint #10292525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesOrlando, FL
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE. THE RIGHT PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR WOULD AUTOMATICALLY OPEN PARTIALLY, AND THEN CLOSE. IF A PASSENGER ATTEMPTS TO ENTER THE VEHICLE, HE OR SHE MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO RECALL NUMBERS 01V264000 & 04V597000 ( LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH). THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAILURES. THE DEALER STATED THAT TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY A DIAGNOSTICS FEE OF $125.00. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,326. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 112,000.
NHTSA complaint #10288932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,652 milesWellesley, MA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
REPEATED INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAK / FAILURE - HAD TO REPLACE TWICE IN LESS THAN 100,000 MILES - FIRST TIME AT JUST OVER 36,000 MILES. NEVER OWNED A CAR WHERE I HAD TO REPLACE AN INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET ONCE, LET ALONE TWICE AND VIRTUALLY EVERY CAR MY FAMILY HAS OWNED HAS BEEN MAINTAINED AND DRIVEN OVER 100,000 MILES. SEARCHING THE INTERNET YOU SEE THE GM 3.4 LITER ENGINE IN 1999 ERA THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT/PROBLEM. ALSO THE ORIGINAL OLDSMOBILE DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS ENGINE. THERE IS ALSO A LAWSUIT WWW.DEXCOOLSETTLEMENT.COM SHOWING HOW PREVALENT THIS ISSUE IS - YET GM REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT IS A DEFECT AND TAKE CARE OF THEIR CUSTOMERS AND VEHICLE OWNERS BY REPAIRING THESE VEHICLES AND CHANGING THE GASKET DESIGN. IT WAS BAD ENOUGH HAVING TO SPEND CLOSE TO $500 TO REPAIR THIS ON MY OLDSMOBILE WITH JUST OVER 36,000 MILES ON IT, NOW I AM TOLD TO PAY CLOSE TO $1,000 TO HAVE IT REPLACED AGAIN! GM CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE INSISTS THERE IS NO DEFECT, THERE IS NOTHING ABNORMAL ABOUT THIS THAT REQUIRES ANY CORRECTIVE ACTION OR "ASSISTANCE" FROM GM. THEY FURTHER CLAIM GM ENGINEERS HAVE REVIEWED THE INCOMING DATA TO CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE AND THERE IS NO PROBLEM / NO TREND WITH INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS ON THE 3.4 LITER ENGINE - THAT CAN NOT BE THE TRUTH. THIS IS NOT A NORMAL WEAR ITEM, AN INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE ENGINE AND IF NOT, GM SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT AND REPLACE IT FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS. OTHER CUSTOMERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM HAVE HAD ENGINE SEIZURES AND SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEMS BECAUSE THEY DID NOT NOTICE OR CATCH THE PROBLEM SOON ENOUGH AND COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE OIL CAUSED ENGINE SEIZURE AND/OR OVERHEATING. ORIGINAL PROBLEM WAS FEBRUARY 2003, PROBLEM HAS RE-OCCURRED OCTOBER 2008 SO CLEARLY GM DID NOTHING TO CHANGE THE GASKET DESIGN AND DOES NOT EVEN STAND BEHIND THEIR SERVICE / REPLACEMENT PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #10246446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Peoria, IL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
THE ACCELERATOR CABLE SNAPPED WHILE PULLING OUT OF A STOP SIGN IN HEAVY TRAFFIC LEADING TO LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL. THIS ALMOST LED TO THE CAR GETTING REAR ENDED. QUICK THINKING BY MY WIFE WHO WAS DRIVING, ENABLED HER TO GET INTO THE LEFT TURN LANE, CUT ACROSS INCOMING TRAFFIC AND THEN DRIVE OVER THE CURB AND INTO A VACANT LOT TO AVOID BEING STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD DURING RUSH HOUR. THIS DAMAGED THE FRONT WHEELS, SCRAPED THE UNDERCARRIAGE AREA AND KNOCKED THE FRONT WHEELS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. THE CABLE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. IT APPEARS THIS MAY BE A POTENTIAL DESIGN DEFECT SINCE THE CABLE MAY BE RUBBING AGAINST THE HOUSING AS IT EXITS THE FIREWALL AND CONNECTS TO THE PEDAL LINKAGE. THE CABLE WAS FRAYED SUGGESTING IT WAS RUBBING AGAINST SOMETHING.
NHTSA complaint #10211904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Peoria, IL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
THE ACCELERATOR CABLE SNAPPED WHILE PULLING OUT OF A STOP SIGN IN HEAVY TRAFFIC LEADING TO LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL. THIS ALMOST LED TO THE CAR GETTING REAR ENDED. QUICK THINKING BY MY WIFE WHO WAS DRIVING, ENABLED HER TO GET INTO THE LEFT TURN LANE, CUT ACROSS INCOMING TRAFFIC AND THEN DRIVE OVER THE CURB AND INTO A VACANT LOT TO AVOID BEING STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD DURING RUSH HOUR. THIS DAMAGED THE FRONT WHEELS, SCRAPED THE UNDERCARRIAGE AREA AND KNOCKED THE FRONT WHEELS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. THE CABLE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. IT APPEARS THIS MAY BE A POTENTIAL DESIGN DEFECT SINCE THE CABLE MAY BE RUBBING AGAINST THE HOUSING AS IT EXITS THE FIREWALL AND CONNECTS TO THE PEDAL LINKAGE. THE CABLE WAS FRAYED SUGGESTING IT WAS RUBBING AGAINST SOMETHING.
NHTSA complaint #10211904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
ON MY 1999 OLDSMOBILE SILLOETTE THE HEADLIGHTS (LEFT & RIGHT) LEAK VERY BAD. AFTER DRIVING IN THE RAIN I MAY HAVE A INCH OF WATER IN THE BOTTOM OF MY HEADLIGHTS. BECAUSE OF THIS THE HEAT & MOISTURE HAVE DISCOLLERED THE PLASTIC LENSES ON THE HEADLIGHTS NOW MAKING IT HARD TO SE AT NIGHT, AND THE BULB HAVE TO BE REPLACED ABOUT EVERY MONTH OR SO. NO ACCIDENTS HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THIS PROBLEM YET!
NHTSA complaint #10198236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES
ON MY 1999 OLDSMOBILE SILLOETTE THE HEADLIGHTS (LEFT & RIGHT) LEAK VERY BAD. AFTER DRIVING IN THE RAIN I MAY HAVE A INCH OF WATER IN THE BOTTOM OF MY HEADLIGHTS. BECAUSE OF THIS THE HEAT & MOISTURE HAVE DISCOLLERED THE PLASTIC LENSES ON THE HEADLIGHTS NOW MAKING IT HARD TO SE AT NIGHT, AND THE BULB HAVE TO BE REPLACED ABOUT EVERY MONTH OR SO. NO ACCIDENTS HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THIS PROBLEM YET!
NHTSA complaint #10198236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.