Engine
3.4L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 88 of 104 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Steering
22 complaint records
"THE RACK AND PINON STEERING IS LOOSE AND NEEDS TO BE TIGHTENED. THE STEERING COULD HAVE BEEN LOST UNEXPECTEDLY IN THE VAN. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →
Lighting
21 complaint records
"FRONT HEAD LIGHT LENS AND PARK LIGHTS HAD WATER IN THEM. SIDE PARK LIGHTS WERE LOOSE AND LEFT HEAD LIGHT COVER FELL OUT WHILE DRIVING. *JB PH..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse lighting parts in the directory →
Body & structure
15 complaint records
"OWNER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH THE HOOD BLEW PFF VEHICLE AND CRACKED WINDSHEILD.OWNER IS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse body & structure parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA03005 opened Apr 2003 | closed Jan 2004 | Suspension | 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... |
| EA02032 opened Nov 2002 | closed Nov 2003 | Seat Belts | SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLY FAILURE ODI IDENTIFIED 59 REPORTS WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT.ODI WAS ABLE TO CONTACT 44 OF THE 59 CONSUMERS IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THE SPECIFIC CAUSE OF THE LATCH PROBLEMS.OF THE 44 OWNERS CONTACTED, ODI DETERMINED THAT FOUR FAILURES WERE DUE TO AN OUT-OF-TOLERANCE LATCH... |
| EA02003 opened Apr 2002 | closed Dec 2002 | Steering | POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE - led to recall 02V286000 THE LOWER PINION BEARING IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING ASSEMBLY MAY FAIL.GM WILL RECALL 1997-98 GRAND PRIX BUILT BETWEEN 1-MAR-96 AND 31-OCT-97; AND 1996-98 U-VANS/J-CARS BUILT BETWEEN 1-JAN-96 AND 31-OCT-97.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY. |
| PE02017 opened Feb 2002 | closed Aug 2002 | Seat Belts | SHOULDER HARNESS CLIP |
| PE01038 opened Nov 2001 | closed Apr 2002 | Steering | STEERING RACK AND PINION ODI HAS RECEIVED 200 COMPLAINTS FROMT CONSUMERS AND 1,238 FROM GM ALLEGING FAILURE OR LOCKUP OF THE STEERING RACK AND PINION UNIT (R&P).THIS ALLEGED CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH CAN RESULT.GM HAS REPORTED SIX... |
Show 2 more closed investigations
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| SQ00014 opened Jul 2000 | closed Oct 2001 | Structure | UNEXPECTED OPENING OF SLIDING DOOR - led to recall 01V067000 There is no summary currently available |
| RQ00006 opened Feb 2000 | closed Apr 2001 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | TRACTION CONTROL - led to recall 98V072000 |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04V597000 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | 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... | Normally free |
| 02V286000 | Steering | CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. | Normally free |
| 01V264000 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | 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... | Normally free |
| 01V067000 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH PASSENGER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOORS. THE DOOR CLOSES BUT MAY NOT BE LATCHED. | Normally free |
| 98V145000 | Seats | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH BUCKET SEATS OR A SPLIT BENCH SEAT IN THE SECOND (MIDDLE) OR THIRD (BACK) ROW. | Normally free |
| 98V072000 | Visibility | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMS. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE ARM CAN CONTACT A BRAKE LINE WHICH IS CONNECTED TO THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM MODULATOR VALVE. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004446 2004-12-22 | Other | 105,755 | 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... |
| 2002199 2002-11-05 | Steering | 238,877 | On certain vehicles, the lower pinion bearings retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These and some other retainers used in vehicles assembled between January 1, 1996 and October 31, 1997 may fail and permit the ball bearings to escape. |
| 2001236 2001-09-24 | Other | 38,064 | 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. |
| 2001059 2001-03-09 | Structure | 54,759 | 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... |
| 2000080 2000-03-21 | Accessories | 200,580 | 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. |
Show 2 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998152 1998-07-22 | Seats And Restraints | 18,936 | NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH BUCKET SEATS OR A SPLIT BENCH SEAT IN THE MIDDLE OR BACK ROW. THE SEAT LATCH RELEASE MECHANISMS ON BUCKET SEATS AND ON THE 40% PORTION OF THE SPLIT BENCH SEAT IN THE SECOND AND THIRD ROWS DO NOT HAVE PROTECTIVE... |
| 1998066 1998-04-08 | Brakes | 9,103 | NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TRACTION CONTROL. WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE TURNED ON, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE ARM MAY CONTACT A BRAKE LINE CONNECTED TO THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) MODULATOR. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIP4723F Jan 2022 | Fuel System | 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 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIP4723D Jan 2020 | Electrical System | 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 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIC4696E Nov 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 17NA073 Sep 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIC4696D Sep 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17NA073 Feb 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIC4696C May 2018 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIP4723C Sep 2017 | Equipment | 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 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 17-NA-073 Mar 2017 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIP4723B Feb 2017 | Electrical System | 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 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 17-NA-016 Feb 2017 | Wheels | This informational bulletin provides information on wheel bearing P/N 13582664 being received new with visible rust and no action is needed as this does not affect the part performance. | |
| 17-NA-016 Jan 2017 | Wheels | This informational bulletin provides information on wheel bearing P/N 13582664 being received new with visible rust and no action is needed as this does not affect the part performance. | |
| 16NA260 Aug 2016 | Equipment | THIS TECHNICAL BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO REPROGRAM THE MEDIA DISC PLAYER WITH THE LATEST CALIBRATIONS TO CORRECT A CONDITION OF THE REAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM NOT OPERATING AS INTENDED IN COLDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AREAS DUE TO CALIBRATION CONCERNS. | |
| PIC4696B Dec 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIC4696A Oct 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| Recalls Jun 2014 | Equipment | Vehicle Recalls | |
| 05-06-04-035D May 2014 | Fuel System | This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle. | |
| 130089009 Sep 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules | |
| 03-06-01-010 Apr 2008 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE OIL OR COOLANT LEAK. *TT GM REMINDER. *TT INSTALL NEW LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. UPDATED 7/18/08 *PE | |
| 000940001B Feb 2005 | Child Seat | EXCESSIVE LATERAL MOVEMENT (SIDE TO SIDE) WHEN USING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET CHILD SEATS. THIS CONDITION OCCURS IN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SECOND AND THIRD ROW BUCKET SEATS. INCLUDING THE 1997 - 1999 OPEL SINTRA. *TT | |
| 010844005A Oct 2004 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON ERROR CODES ON RADIO DISPLAY THEIR CAUSE AND CORRECTIVE ACTION. *EH | |
| 01507 Jan 2004 | Seat Belts | SECOND ROW SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT PASSENGERS SIDE. SIT BULLETIN 1403282. *TT | |
| 01854 Jan 2004 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | POWER DOOR LOCKS INOPERATIVE. *MR | |
| 01880 Jan 2004 | Power Train | NO TCC APPLY, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON, TCC SURGE, POSSIBLE P0740, P1870, OR 39 AFTER INSTALLATION OF A REMAN (SRTA) 4T60/4T60E. *TT | |
| 01933 Jan 2004 | Structure | WATER LEAKS AT OVERHEAD CONSOLE MAP. *TT | |
| 3136 Jan 2004 | Exterior Lighting | DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS (DRL) DISABLE OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT VEHICLES ONLY. *TC | |
| 030232049 Nov 2003 | Steering | RELEASE OF NEW OUTER TIE ROD ENDS FOR SERVICE. *TT | |
| 020867006B Mar 2003 | Structure | ROOF PERFORATION. *TT | |
| 030601010 Mar 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE OIL OR COOLANT LEAK. *TT | |
| 010851004A Jan 2003 | Structure | PREMATURE ALUMINUM HOOD CORROSION / BLISTERING. *TT | |
| 020864006A Dec 2002 | Structure | ROOF PERFORATION. *TT | |
| 000730002B Jul 2002 | Power Train | CONCERNS WITH SLIPS, HARSH UPSHIFT OR GARAGE SHIFTS, LAUNCH SHUDDERS, FLARES, ERRATIC SHIFTS AND INTERMITTENT CONCERNS, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1811 OR P0748 SET. *TT | |
| 020730014A Jul 2002 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION ON SERVICING 4T65-E TRANSAXLE SPACER PLATE AND GASKETS FOR VARIOUS MODELS FROM 1997 THROUGH 2002. *TT | |
| 020858003 Jun 2002 | Structure | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT ROAD NOISE CAN BE HEARD COMING FROM THE AREA BEHIND THE FRONT SEATS. *TT | |
| 020867006 Jun 2002 | Structure | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THERE IS RUST FORMING AROUND THE FRONT OR REAR PORTION OF THE ROOF. *TT | |
| 020858005 Jun 2002 | Visibility | CONCERNS WITH WIND NOISE AT THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD. *TT | |
| 020864011 May 2002 | Structure | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE POWER SLIDING DOOR WILL REVERSE ON CLOSING OR THE DOOR WILL APPEAR CLOSED, BUT THE ALARM WILL COME ON WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS MOVED OUT OF PARK. *TT | |
| 050402 Apr 2002 | Structure | ISSUE REGARDING EXCESSIVE ROAD NOISE MOST PREVALENT IN THE SLIDING DOOR AREAS, LEFT, RIGHT OR BOTH. *TT | |
| 040402 Apr 2002 | Structure | SUBJECT REGARDING WIND NOISE WHILE DRIVING. *TT | |
| 020601014 Apr 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING REVISED LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD INSTALLATION. *TT | |
| 000138011B Apr 2002 | Visibility | SUBJECT REGARDING POOR HEAT WITH COLD OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES AT LOW ENGINE RPM. *TT | |
| 000138011A Apr 2002 | Visibility | SUBJECT REGARDING POOR HEAT WITH COLD OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES AT LOW ENGINE RPM. *TT | |
| 020730014 Apr 2002 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION ON SERVICING 4T65E TRANSAXLE SPACER PLATE AND GASKETS. *TT | |
| 200202 Feb 2002 | Exterior Lighting | CUSTOMERS MAY EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS WITH LEAKING HEADLAMPS OR LENSES FALLING OFF. *TT | |
| 070102 Jan 2002 | Structure | SUBJECT REGARDING RECALL 01013 AND 01059 POWER SLIDING DOORS. *TT | |
| 141101 Nov 2001 | Visibility | INFORMATION ON WIND NOISE FROM OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRRORS. *TT | |
| 010857006 Nov 2001 | Structure | THIS BULLETIN CONTAINS INFORMATION ON VARIOUS WATERLEAK CONDITIONS. *TT | |
| 010851004 Oct 2001 | Structure | INFORMATION REGARDING PREMATURE ALUMINUM HOOD CORROSION. *YH | |
| 190901 Sep 2001 | Structure | CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF A WATER LEAK AT THE CENTER OF THE WINDSHIELD OR FROM THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE. *SLC | |
| 072301 Jul 2001 | Seat Belts | ON SOME VEHICLES THE SECOND ROW PASSENGER SEAT BELTS MAY EXPERIENCE A CONDITION WHERE THE SECOND ROW PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT RELEASE. *TT | |
| 130701 Jul 2001 | Seat Belts | SUBJECT REGARDING PROPER FUNCTIONING OF THE CHEST STRAP AND THE INTEGRAL CHILD SEATS. *TT | |
| 990604005A Apr 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT ON DRIVEABILITY SYMPTONS OF LONG OR HARD STARTS, CHUGGLE, ROUGH IDLE AND LIGHT OR INTERMITTENT MISFIRE DUE TO CLOGGED FUEL INJECTORS. *TT | |
| 990730030A Apr 2001 | Power Train | OWNERS OF SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRA-MATIC 3T40, 4T60, 4T60-E OR 4T65-E TRANSAXLES MAY COMMENT ON A GRINDING AND / OR GROWLING NOISE THAT IS NOTICEABLE WHEN STANDING IN PARK ON A HILL OR SLOPE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE PARKING BRAKE NOT APPLIED. *TT | |
| 000138011 Dec 2000 | Visibility | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ON POOR HEAT IN THE VEHICLE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AT LOW ENGINE RPM. THIS CONDITION IS MOST PREVALENT AT OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES BELOW 0 DEGREES C (32 DEGREES F). *TT | |
| 181000 Oct 2000 | Exterior Lighting | BRIEF INFORMATION ON VEHICLES EXHIBITING LEAKY HEADLIGHTS. *TT | |
| 000864007 Jun 2000 | Visibility | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE FRONT DOOR GLASS IS SLOW OR NOISY WHEN MOVING UP OR DOWN OR THE WINDOW IS INOPERATIVE. *TT | |
| 000940001 Mar 2000 | Seat Belts | EXCESSIVE LATERAL MOVEMENT (SIDE TO SIDE) WHEN USING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET CHILD SEATS. THIS CONDITION OCCURS IN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SECOND AND THIRD ROW BUCKET SEATS. *TT | |
| 990730030 Dec 1999 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRA-MATIC 3T40, 4T60 OR 4T60-E TRANSXALES MAY COMMENT ON A GRINDING AND / OR GROWLING NOISE THAT IS NOTICEABLE WHEN IN PARK ON INCLINE. *TT | |
| 990864017 Sep 1999 | Structure | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THEIR SLIDING SIDE DOOR RATTLES AT THE TOP. *TT | |
| 990604005 Feb 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME OWNERS MAY EXPERIENCE A DRIVEABILITY SYMPTOM OF LONG OR HARD STARTS, CHUGGLE, ROUGH IDLE AND LIGHT OR INTERMITTENT MISFIRE. *TT |
Showing 60 of 96 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- Do a full walk-around with every light on.Condensation inside a lens, a dim side, or a flickering tail light match this vehicle's lighting cluster.
- Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Oldsmobile Silhouette →