1992 Oldsmobile Silhouette

Introduction:

The 1992 Oldsmobile Silhouette is a minivan that was available with two engine options: a 3.1L V6 with 160 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.8L V6 with 185 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 3-speed automatic and a 4-speed automatic. The Silhouette was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and powerful V6 engines. However, it was also criticized for its poor fuel economy and unreliable build quality.

Engine

3.1L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking coolant or oil from the intake manifold area, loss of coolant, rough idle, engine overheating
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.8L V6

• Head Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Blowing white smoke from the exhaust, overheating, coolant loss, oil in the coolant
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

3-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Slippage:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping out of gear, delayed engagement
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic

• Overdrive Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to engage overdrive gear, loss of power
  • Solution: Repair or replace the overdrive solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Strut Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking or worn struts, rattling noise, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace the struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Shock Absorber Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Poor ride quality, bottoming out, excessive body roll
  • Solution: Replace the rear shock absorbers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, loss of electrical power
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Motor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the vehicle, grinding noise when starting
  • Solution: Replace the starter motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Body Panels:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust spots on the exterior body panels, especially in areas exposed to road salt
  • Solution: Repair or replace the rusted panels
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the severity
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows not functioning properly, stuck in the up or down position
  • Solution: Repair or replace the window motor or switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking:
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks and splits on the dashboard
  • Solution: Replace or repair the dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Track Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty adjusting the driver’s seat position, seat moving unexpectedly
  • Solution: Repair or replace the seat track
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1992 Oldsmobile Silhouette is a spacious and comfortable vehicle with powerful V6 engines. However, it is also known for its reliability issues, especially with the engine, transmission, and electrical components. Repairs can be costly, so potential buyers should carefully consider the potential expenses before purchasing one.