2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette problems & reliability
57 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette, alongside 2 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
8 complaints report injuries (8 injured).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette vehicles were involved in 4 fatal crashes with 3 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 9 | 16% |
| Power Train | 8 | 14% |
| Structure | 8 | 14% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 7 | 12% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 7 | 12% |
| Seats | 7 | 12% |
| Equipment | 6 | 11% |
| Exterior Lighting | 6 | 11% |
| Electrical System | 4 | 7% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 4 | 7% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 42,786 miles (middle 50% between 26,167 and 65,500 miles), based on 36 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“I could not get my van inspected last oct as the code came up po 446, we were told to drive 50 miles, then 100 miles, didn`t correct this we tried for 2 weeks . We were going to florida for the winter,and stopped in waverly ny to see if the 150 miles to there would correct this no, while we were in fl. In feb. I had a…”
Unknown OR Other · filed Jun 22, 2017
“My 2002 oldsmobile silhouette completely shuts down while driving. It doesn't matter if I'm going 30mph or 65mph. Everything stops. This is a scary dangerous situation while highway driving! The car is otherwise perfect and has 47k miles. I brought it to the dealer last november, and was told they don't know what it…”
Unknown OR Other · filed Apr 18, 2017
“My vehicle plus many other multiple year and make expended base gm mini vans are developing gasoline leaks at the top of the fuel tank due to worn plastic seal. The only repair is replacement of the fuel tank, that retails around $800. There is not a replacement tank in the united states and no parts being…”
Fuel/propulsion System · filed Aug 17, 2016
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- POWER-SLIDING DOOR
Preliminary Evaluation PE04064 · opened Sep 17, 2004 · closed Dec 22, 2004 · led to recall 04V597000
Technical service bulletins
412 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette. The 10 most recent:
This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
PIP5601C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 18, 2025
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or…
PIP5358D · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 20, 2025
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8…
PIP4723J · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 25, 2024
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician…
PIT5099H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 12, 2024
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician…
PIT5099H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 12, 2024
Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to…
General Communication · Service Campaign · issued Aug 26, 2024
This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
18-NA-099 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 17, 2024
This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and…
24-NA-098 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 6, 2024
This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
10-08-45-001H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 28, 2024
This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains…
16-NA-383 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 13, 2024
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 42,786 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.