Manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe Problems of Oldsmobile Silhouette - part 1

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. . Read more...

See all problems of the 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette 🔎.

My 1998 old Silhouette had intake manifold gasket replaced at 69, 000 miles and then 8 months at 73 000 mile my cam broke in half while I was driving at 25 to 30 mph unknown why or how much more damage is done at this time. Investigator is coming out to check what had happen .

See all problems of the 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette 🔎.

We purchased a van in good working order in 04/2006. It was used previously by one owner since being purchased new. In November 2007- it began overheating and losing coolant. The diagnosis is now replacement of head gasket and possible intake manifold gasket. This is a very common problem with this particular engine. Gm has refused to help their consumers in any way if there is no warranty. As with all problems these could fail due to normal wear and tear, mileage, and or age. I do not believe this to be the case in numerous complaints including my own!.

2002 Silhouette, 39000 miles. Front wheel bearings failed. Had repaired, within 50 miles after picking up from dealership, there was a grinding when turning right. Both heated seats didn't heat. Driver's side window operated extremely slow. Intake manifold gasket needed replacement!, $1000!, 39000 miles folks! air suspension did not operate crackled. Power doors did not open when something got in the way. Bruised shoulder because of this. Premature tire wear, replaced tires at 30,000 miles. All scheduled maintenance done. Stored in a garage more highway miles than city. How did gm want to help me? dealer did paperwork when purchasing, tried to push off a cheaper model on an elderly women, and changed the promised 5 year warranty to a 3 year warranty. Mother was just so happy she got the right vehicle to take home, she never noticed the change in the warranty. Tried to work with the dealer on repairs since there were only 39000 miles, and we got a 'gee, really sorry MA'am, I understood, but there wasn't anything we could do about it. Went to the gm service line, and did not get any help there either, but she had a real purdy first name! seemed to me these were all recurring premature known failures , yet gm did not care to stand behind their product! it was a shame they pushed the 5 year warranty so extensively when they had all these vehicles on their lots. People, we've been had. I grew up in Oldsmobile, but the more I read about gm - the more likely I am to buy Toyota! the good news is that I found a dealer (not close to home though) that was willing to at least repair the first set of wheel bearings for $100. Got that on my own, not through gm service help. I just hope they will be as nice for the next set of wheel bearings that need replacement and for the gasket that was just discovered. Still waiting to hear from gm on the other issues. (not as an immediate need as the wheel bearings) I'm not holding my breath.

See all problems of the 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette 🔎.

2000 olds Silhouette 1 owner with 43000 miles, intake manifold leaking coolant, had to have it replaced before coolant in oil damaged engine beyond repair, also noisy lifters. Discovered this is very common problem with gm ignoring a defect in the gasket/design of engine. Consumer pays price.

See all problems of the 2000 Oldsmobile Silhouette 🔎.

Our 2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette has had numerous issues. The issues are placed in a close chronological order. All events have occurred after 50k miles with the exception of the power door locks. The dealer took care of all recalls. The power door locks intermittently lock and unlock. This problem has been to the dealer over 4 times. The first time the dealer replaced ignition switch wiring harness and the last time the dealer replaced a chafed wire under the passenger seat. The other times the dealer could not isolate. The problem still occurred. We got tired of bringing it to the dealer. The drivers side seat heater had failed. At 66k miles, the transmission went out. It was due to a faulty sun gear. I had to replace tie rods on the vehicle twice on each side. Once around 70k and once around 115k. The fuel ascending unit failed around 90k. On the passenger side I had to replace the wheel bearings and the cv axle. Lights in the heater controls have blown and the only way to replace them is to solder new bulbs onto the control module. The blower motor failed on 1st and 2nd speed. We experienced the same engine overheating issues as seen by other individuals at mycarstats. Com. This relates to the cooling system. I had three separate issues stemming from this. The first failure was a blown head gasket. About 8 months later the upper manifold gasket blew. Six months later another cooling system failure blamed on the lower intake manifold. Many of the repairs where costly. The lower intake manifold failure was never fixed. We decided to pass this gm piece of junk on. It had 137k miles. Most of the miles driven where highway, very few city and stop-and-go.

See all problems of the 2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette 🔎.

: the contact stated the low coolant light illuminated and the vehicle was not warming up properly. The dealership determined the antifreeze was leaking into the oil. The manifold gasket was replaced. When the problem returned the manifold gasket was replaced a second time. Two other members of contact's family had the same things go wrong with their vehicles. The dealer won't help the contact to defray the expenses because he used an independent mechanic that once worked at the dealership. There weren't too many dealerships in the contact's area. Also, the contact knew many people who had similar engine problems.

No floor heat in 1997 olds Silhouette. Mechanic did not find cause of problem but did note that an un associated problem was occuring. The original plastic intake manifold gasket was failing. After investigating and researching I have found that both the lack of heat in the front of this vehicle and worse yet the failing of the gasket are common problems with this vehicle. I am scheduled to have both problems taken care of on 12/28/2005. The estimate (no tellsing the cost to repair the heat until they get into it) will run at least $700. Based on the past intake manifold gasket repairs this shop has done on gm vehicles the shop estimates this repai alone will cost at least $500.

See all problems of the 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette 🔎.

The intake manifold gasket in our 1997 Silhouette went bad. After speaking with the repair facility and performing several searches across the internet, it was obvious that gm had a defective part. The original gaskets were made out of plastics, while now gm is constructing them of a more normal / acceptable material. We were lucky and caught this early, but if someone were to have this happen on a highway trip, oil could leak out or mix with coolant causing the engine to seize up at highway speeds. This repair averages around $800 to $1200 from what I could find.

Intake manifold gasket failed April 2004. Gm replaced gasket with new improved gasket. Gasket fails again after only 22000 miles. New gasket installed along with new fuel injector. Spent a few thousand dollars in repairs.

Transmission failure-three times in as many years also electrical problems with rear lights and also intake manifold leaking. Both window switches failed. Passenger front wheel hub had to be replaced.

I have a 2002 olds Silhouette minivan which had to have the intake manifold gasket replaced. In talking to the mechanic who fixed it, this is so common with these gm vehicles that it is laughable.

Leak in the defective intake manifold gasket , which has been diretly related to engine failure,which I now have with my 1999 olds silouette - cost to replace engine - $4,500 - having collant leak into the oil can not be good for any engine! gm will not own problem.

Contact took vehicle to a service dealer for routine maintenance and they replaced the lower intake manifold to stop the coolant leak. The consumer stated vehicle was still leaking gasoline and coolant. The consumer did not want to have this problem repaired at the time of the routine visit. The consumer stated the service dealer had to keep the vehicle for about a month.

Dealer reported that upper manifold gasket leaks coolant. This is a common complaint on this gm 3. 4 l engine. The vehicle has 60,000 miles.

Intake manifold gasket leaking on 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette with 64,000 miles. $900 repair. Apparently this is a common problem that gm will not accept any responsibility for a design defect.

This Oldsmobile Silhouette has had so many many problems over the past 3. 5 years, I have finally had enough. I noticed an occasional engine "whine" or rattle while driving, but it was so sporadic I wasn't sure if it was really happening. Then last week it seemed as though the heat wasn't working well in the van. . . The temperature wasn't below freezing, but the heat just wasn't warming up sufficiently. I mentioned this to my husband and he noticed it the next time he put the heat on, too. At the same time he noticed that the engine termperature was fluctuating as he drove and stopped. He thought at that point that it might be the water pump and immediately (yesterday) took the van to a firestone center for repair. Turns out the water pump was fine, but the mechanic diagnosed the problem as the lower intake manifold and said it would be a very pricey repair and that there was probably engine damage because of the failure of the lower intake manifold. The mechanic said that it was an inherant problem with this engine. We had no work done at that point. I contacted my local gm dealer and was told that the problem was not widespread and olds/gm was not doing anything to help the consumer with this repair. The van is now sitting in the driveway, unable to be used because of this mechanical problem.

Began to see coolant pooling on the intake manifold assembly, took the vehicle in to find that the intake manifold gasket needed to be replaced. Should have been a warranty item. Did not damage engine, I was lucky and spotted the situation early.

I have leaky intake valve gaskets on a 2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette van which has ruined the ehgine. Gm will not do anything. I have many friends who have had the same problem. There are thousands on the internet who report the same problem in the 3. 4 v6 gm engine.

The consumer is experiencing a problem with the vehicle overheating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and a local repair shop and both confirmed that the problem is a leak in the intake manifold gasket.

The "low coolant" light came on but there was no evidence of a leak. We finally discovered that the hot coolant was leaking onto the camshaft and into the engine through faulty lower intake manifold gaskets. The gasket was replaced at our expense but we do not know the damage or condition of the camshaft and engine bearings from coolant mixed with oil to lubricate. There remains a coolant odor we cannot identify. We later learned of gm service bulletin 03-06-01-010 dated March 2003 that identifies this problem but vehicle owners have not been alerted. There will be complete engine failure without early detection of problem and repair.

The consumer stated the intake manifold gasket failed without warning. As a result the transmission fluid and oil began to mix together, which caused the engine to stall. Please provide additional information.

2000 Oldsmobile Silhouette: intake manifold leaking coolant. Understand it is a defect. Requires constant attention, oil changes and addition of coolant. Understand electrical problems are a defect as well. Have been experiencing them since purchase.

I own a 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette with about 55,000 miles. I took the van to a local mechanic because of a knocking noise on cold startup and continual overheating. The mechanic diagnosed the problem as a failed intake manifold gasket. The total bill about $600. The van had regular maintenance. This seems to be a common problem with gm vehicles with the 3. 4l engines.

My 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette only has 69,000 miles and has a leaking intake manifold gasket. It is obvious by the outraged community online that this is a problem with gm's design and a recall should be forced upon them.

Coolant is leaking on top of engine, resulting from failed lower intake manifold gasket. The gasket was replaced at 34,000 miles, now failing again at 88,000 miles. Water pump was recently replaced. Believe dex-cool antifreeze is at fault.

Intake manifold malfunctioned. As a result, oil and coolant leaked into the engine compartment.

I have a 2000 Oldsmobile Silhouette that recently suffered engine damage caused from a faulty intake manifold gasket. My van only had 48,000 miles on it at the time and I was hoping to keep it for well over 100,000 miles. I purchased it new. This faulty intake manifold gasket problem is not an isolated case but is a very common problem and often occurs around 35-45,000 miles on gm 3. 1l, 3. 4l and 3. 8l v6 engines. Gm issued a service bulletin to their dealers warning them of this problem but never warned the car owners. Bulletin #03-06-01-010. A warning would have prevented my problem as I was still under warranty when the bulletin was issued. Gm has refused to offer any assistance toward the cost of this repair which often costs between $650 to $2000 depending on severity of the damage to the engine. Many gm owners have had to replace the engines even after the gasket was replaced. Here is the name of the gm representative that is aware of these engine problems. Kathy sawyer, customer relationship manager, Oldsmobile customer assistance at 1-800-442-6537, service request number 1-184274674. I want to know how many of these gaskets have been repaired and why gm has not recalled these engines for repair. . Read more...

Vehicle overheated on congested highway with no prior warning of any problem. Manifold gasket failure at 45,000 miles. The vehicle was repaired at a cost of $831 with the possibility that the engine may seize at any time due to coolant/oil contmination. Intake manifold gasket replaced with new gm design and new installation proceedure. I have retained the old parts.

Intake manifold coolant leak caused by defective gasket. Related TSB mentions "new gasket design" implying that original design was defective. Oldsmobile refuses to offer any warranty coverage for failure, repair bill is $950. 00 so far. Seems to be a common problem with this model at this age. Very disappointed with gm's attitude of customer dissatisfaction.

I own a 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette with 65,000 miles. I took the van to a local dealer after antifreeze started leaking from the top of the engine. The problem was a failed intake manifold gasket. The failed gasket fouled the hydraulic lifters and had to be replaced. The total bill was $1255. Same probelm happended to a relative's pontiac. This is all too common of a problem. Gm should recall this model. This will be the last of 5 gm products I have owned.

Oil leaking into the coolant system. Problem was fixed by replacing the intake manifold gasket. Resulted in replacing all coolant/heater system hoses and a large repair bill. The leaking intake manifold gasket seems to be a common problem.

I own a 2000 Oldsmobile silohette van that has 40,000 miles. It was leaking coolant fluid and I brought it into my local service center. The technician advised me that the intake manifold gasket is leaking. Cost to repair $700+. After researching on the internet, I discovered that there are numerous (over 2500) complaints regarding this component in gm vehicles. As of April 10, 2002, there is a nationwide backorder of the intake manifold gasket. I am demanding accountability from general motors. A nationwide backorder should be reason enough for gm to assemble a recall. I can only hope that the manufacturer who has been the world's automotive sales leader since 1931 will stand up and claim responsibility for a problem that is so prevalent among their vehicles. Recalls should be mandated in all cases of incompetence, not solely when it affects public safety. If the problem is not detected, the coolant may mix with the oil and cause major engine problems and failures. I have 2 small children and I can't imagine what I would do if something happened to me on the road. Please address this serious issue immediately. Thank you in advance for your attention.

10/27/01 - had to replace motor do to intake manifold gasket failure internally at 62139 miles. 08/27/03 - again van is at the garage with intake manifold gasket problems the mileage is now 102000.

The intake manifold gasket is leaking the car only has 44000 mile on it the dealership says ther is on recall on mine because it is a 3. 4 if it was the 3. 8 they would fix it. But because it is not it will cost me $916 to fix.