Head-to-head reliability
Oldsmobile Silhouette vs Toyota Camry
How the Oldsmobile Silhouette and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Oldsmobile Silhouette vs Toyota Camry: The Silhouette averaged 64 complaints per year over 5 years, while the Camry averaged 214 per year over 10 years. The Silhouette had 7 deaths and 42 injuries in complaints; the Camry had 1 death and 163 injuries. Both have about 30 recalls. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Oldsmobile Silhouette or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Oldsmobile Silhouette
The Oldsmobile Silhouette is a minivan that averaged about 64 complaints per year over five years, with 30 recalls. Owners frequently report engine misfires, electrical smoke from the A/C, and power sliding doors that open unexpectedly. The pattern suggests a vehicle that can be affordable but demands vigilance, especially with doors and electrics.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with about 214 complaints per year over ten years and 31 recalls. Common owner reports include transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, brake failure, and A/C odor. While the volume is higher, the longer period and larger sales volume mean per-vehicle rates may be lower, but the reported issues can be serious.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Oldsmobile Silhouette | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 321 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 30 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 19 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 64.2 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 42 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 7 | 1 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Oldsmobile Silhouette
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING56
- 02STRUCTURE38
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM36
- 04LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES26
- 05POWER TRAIN24
Owners report check engine lights and engine noise after acceleration, often traced to a stripped rocker arm bolt or no compression in a cylinder. This can lead to costly engine repairs.
Power sliding doors may open unexpectedly or fail to stop when obstructed, as described in complaints. This is a safety concern, especially with children, and may require repeated dealer visits.
Drivers have smelled burning odors and seen smoke from air vents when using the A/C, plus malfunctions of radios, locks, and instrument panels. These issues can be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
Complaints include sliding doors opening without warning and door chimes sounding while driving. Such failures can compromise security and indicate worn or faulty door mechanisms.
“AFTER ACCELERATING TO PASSING GEAR, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON .. AND THE ENGINE SOUNDED LIKE THE SPARK PLUG FAILED. THE DIAGNOSTIC CHECK SAID THERE WAS NO COMPRESSION IN THE #2 CYLINDER. THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE ROCKER ARM BOLT HAD STRIPPE…”
“THERE IS A VERY FOUL ODOR THAT EMITS FROM THE A/C UNIT ON MY 2003 OLDS SILHOUETTE VAN. I'M CONCERNED THAT THIS MAY BE SOME SORT OF BACTERIAL/FUNGUS GROWTH THAT MAY BE MAINIFESTING ITSELF IN THE A/C UNIT. I DON'T WANT PEOPLE GETTING SERIOUSLY ILL BEFORE SOME S…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners describe grinding noises from the front during acceleration, with dealers confirming transmission replacement is needed. Some note recalls for similar issues but VIN exclusions, leaving them with expensive repairs.
Reports include uncontrollable sudden acceleration leading to crashes, and coolant bypass valve failures triggering maintenance codes. These can be dangerous and costly if not addressed.
Drivers have experienced no brake response when pressing the pedal, such as on steep hills. This is a critical safety issue that requires immediate inspection.
Common complaints involve A/C condenser damage from road debris and persistent mildew or vinegar odors from the vents. These affect comfort and may indicate design vulnerabilities.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Oldsmobile Silhouette — 30 recalls
The defect: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN…
The risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-24…
The defect: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND A…
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
The defect: 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 INJURED.
The risk: IF A PASSENGER USES THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR AND HOLDS ONTO THE HANDLE WHILE IT IS BEING OPENED BY THE MOTOR, THE PASSENGER'S ARM MAY BE PUSHED INTO THE SEAT BACK OR ARMREST AND A WRIST OR LOWER ARM INJURY MAY RES…
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER SLIDING DOOR INTERIOR HANDLE ON THE PASSENGER-SIDE. IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A POWER OR MANUAL SLIDING DOOR ON THE DRIVER-SIDE, THE INTERIOR HANDLE WILL ALSO BE REPLACED FOR APPEARANCE REASONS. NOTE: B…
The defect: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
The risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Oldsmobile Silhouette or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Oldsmobile Silhouette has far fewer complaints per year (about 64) than the Toyota Camry (about 214), but the Camry's data covers twice as many years. In practice, the Silhouette may have fewer reported issues annually, but the Camry's higher volume could reflect its popularity; both have serious safety-related complaints.
Key differences
- The Silhouette has 321 complaints over 5 years, while the Camry has 2143 over 10 years, but the Camry's annual average is higher.
- Silhouette owners frequently report power sliding door malfunctions and electrical smoke, while Camry owners report transmission grinding and sudden acceleration.
- The Silhouette has 7 deaths and 42 injuries in complaints, compared to 1 death and 163 injuries for the Camry, though these are raw counts not rates.
- Both have about 30 recalls, but the Silhouette's recalls include steering and air bags, while the Camry's include air bag sensors and seats.
- Test the power sliding doors multiple times to ensure they stop when obstructed and do not open unexpectedly.
- Check for burning smells or smoke from the A/C vents and have the electrical system inspected for shorts.
- Listen for grinding noises during acceleration and have the transmission checked, especially if recalls are mentioned.
- Test the brakes on a downhill slope to ensure firm pedal response and no delay.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the Silhouette's sliding doors, electrical system, and engine compression.
- For the Camry, have the transmission, brakes, and acceleration response thoroughly tested.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake repairs.
- Test drive both vehicles in conditions that mimic your daily routine, including parking and braking.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Oldsmobile Silhouette or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Oldsmobile Silhouette vs Toyota Camry
- Oldsmobile Silhouette total complaints
- 321
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Oldsmobile Silhouette total recalls
- 30
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Oldsmobile Silhouette avg complaints/year
- 64.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Oldsmobile Silhouette
- Oldsmobile Silhouette top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN