1991 Oldsmobile Silhouette: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1991 Oldsmobile Silhouette: 2 recalls, 37 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.

Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #92V012000 · 1992 · 95,897 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: In the event of an accident, the glove compartment doormay open and result in occupant(s) injuries from contact with the glovecompartment door.
The fix: Replace the current upper glove compartment door with a redesigned upper glove compartment door which incorporates a positive latch to keep the door closed should a vehicle crash occur.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #97V058000 · 1997 · 676,535 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, a vehicle crash could result.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rear cradle bolts and retainers.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Seats Recall #99I003000 · 1999 · 187,459 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: The seat could suddenly fall backward, distracting the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten or replace the bolts at no charge to the owners. This policy is in effect until June 30, 2002.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 8 injuries and 3 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Body & structure (11): the most common themes are door / lock issues (6), rust / corrosion (3).
- Steering (9): the most common themes are steering problems (8).
- Seat belts (9): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Latches & locks (4): the most common themes are door / lock issues (4).
The 1991 Oldsmobile Silhouette has 37 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 15 Silhouette model years for complaints (well below the 63 average). Complaints peaked in 1996 (8 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 150,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1990 (43 complaints, 4 recalls), 1992 (27 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 L 6-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1991 Oldsmobile Silhouette.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1991 Oldsmobile Silhouette have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1991 Oldsmobile Silhouette, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1991 Oldsmobile Silhouette problems?
Owners have filed 37 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are body & structure (11), steering (9), seat belts (9).
What gas mileage does the 1991 Oldsmobile Silhouette get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (3.1 L, Automatic 3-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1991 Oldsmobile Silhouette repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.