1997 Oldsmobile Bravada

Routine

Owners filed 104 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the transmission. It has been recalled 3 times.

Not among the Oldsmobile Bravada years to avoid. Which Oldsmobile Bravada years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
71,000 milesMedian miles at failure

33 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 50,000–60,000 miles.

Most common 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada problems

15 of the 104 complaints (14%) are about the transmission.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint8
000
Electrical System7
020
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer6
000
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor3
100
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration3
000
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft · transmission3
000
Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit · transmission3
013
Fuel System, Other · fuel system3
000
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags3
301
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint2
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly03V117000
Filed Mar 31, 2003312,715 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY THAT CONTAINS AN ENERGY-ABSORBING LOOP. SUSTAINED LOADS OF SUFFICIENT MAGNITUDE AND DURATION ON THE BELT IN SEVERE CRASHES COULD FULLY DEPLOY THE BUCKLE ENERGY-ABSORBING LOOP, INTRODUCING A TOTAL OF 10 ADDITIONAL INCHES OF WEBBING INTO THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM. THE FREE FALLING LATCH PLATE USED IN THIS SYSTEM MAY ALLOW WEBBING TO DYNAMICALLY DISTRIBUTE BETWEEN THE LAP AND SHOULDER BELT AS THE DRIVER'S POSITION CHANGES DURING A MULTIPLE ROLLOVER EVENT.

Risk. IF THE ENERGY-ABSORBING LOOP FULLY DEPLOYS IN A SEVERE MULTIPLE ROLLOVER CRASH, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT A BELTED DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE PARTIAL OR EVEN COMPLETE EJECTION FROM THE VEHICLE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENERGY-ABSORBING SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WITH ONE THAT DOES NOT HAVE THE ENERGY-ABSORBING LOOP. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 8, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint01I018000
Filed Dec 4, 2001General Motors Corp.

Defect. 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: 1996-1997 4-WHEEL DRIVE CHEVROLET BLAZER, GMC JIMMY, AND OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. SOME OWNERS HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE UPPER BALL JOINTS THAT HAVE SEPARATED. GM IS PROVIDING A SPECIAL POLICY TO THESE OWNERS TO COVER UPPER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT IF THE CUSTOMER FOLLOWED THE RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR THE CHASSIS LUBRICATION AND THE VEHICLE STILL REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE UPPER BALL JOINTS DUE TO SEPARATION.

Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy. GM HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE UPPER BALL JOINTS ON AFFECTED VEHICLES. THIS SPECIAL POLICY IS FOR A PERIOD OF 8 YEARS OR 100,000 MILES, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST, FROM THE DATE THE VHEICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PLACED IN SERVICE, REGARDLESS OF OWNERSHIP. THE UPPER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT, DUE TO SEPARATION, WILL BE MADE AT NO CHARGE TO THE CUSTOMER DURING THIS PERIOD. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-862-4389, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint01V200000
Filed Jun 28, 200148,600 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN, AND IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. FAILURE OF AN UPPER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY COULD OCCUR DUE TO CORROSION.

Risk. THIS CAN RESULT IN IMPAIRED STEERING OR STEERING LOSS, OR A PARTIAL OR COMPLETE COLLAPSE OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 4, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Jul 25, 2018MT

1997 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VOLTAGE DROPPING WHILE VEHICLE IN STOPPED CAUSING HEADLIGHTS TO DIM. *LD *JS

Electrical System
Filed Mar 12, 2014100,000 milesPA

WHILE DRIVING MY 1997 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA THE CAR SHUT OFF UNEXPECTEDLY AND CONTINUED TO STALL. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF OF THE ROAD AND RESTART THE CAR. I DROVE TO MY MECHANICS GARAGE AND HE REPLACED THE IGNITION HARNESS. THIS HAS HAPPED TO ME A TOTAL OF ( 4) FOUR TIMES. THE FREQUENCY HAS BEEN ABOUT EVERY 6 MONTHS TO 1 YEAR. THE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS ABOUT 100,000 THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USEDWITH ABOUT 95,000 MILES. PLEASE HELP. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 27, 2013160,000 milesCA

WHILE DRIVING I WOULD HEAR LIKE A MOTOR RUNNING SOUND THAT WOULD LAST APPROX 5/10 SEC. AND DURING THIS TIME THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD RISE AND GET HARD AND I WOULD HAVE TO APPLY LOTS OF PRESSURE IN ORDER FOR VEHICLE TO STOP WHICH DOES SO WITH GRIND. I REPLACED BOTH ROTORS,CALIPERS,BRAKE PADS,MASTERCYLINDER AND BRAKE BOOSTER.ABS LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHEN HIT BUMP AND GO OFF AFTER AWHILE .FINALLY I REMOVED FUSE FROM ABS AND PROBLEM CEASED.IN PROCESSES OF DIOGNOSING PROBLEM.DISCOVERED SUSPENSION IN FRONT FALLING APART REPLACED INNER/OUTER TIERODS,PITMAN ARM,BOTH UPPER/LOWER BALL JOINTS,PASSENGER UPPER CONTROL ARM AND WHEEL HUB.REAR WINDSHEILD WIPER NO LONGER WORKS AND WINDSHIELD WIPER FREEZES DURING RAIN WHICH HAS CAUSED WIPER MOTOR TO BE REPLACED.DRIVER SIDE DOOR HINGES REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES CAUSING DOOR NOT TO SHUT PROPERLY AND DOESNT SIT LEVEL,FUEL GAUGE DOESNT READ PROPERLY WHEN FULL IT READS 1/2 TANK AND WHEN READS EMPTY ITS UNKNOWN HOW MUCH GAS IS REALLY IN TANK HAVE TO RELY ON MILES COUNTER AND CARRY EXTRA GALLON OF GAS. *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Feb 18, 2010IL

1997 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA BECAME COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES AFTER THE DRIVER PULLED OVER AFTER SEEING SMOKE. *KB OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0002-89 UPDATED LETTER 04/29/10 *BF

Electrical System
Filed Nov 6, 200997,000 milesIL

BRAVADA SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING. WHILE ON HIGHWAY I WAS TRAVELING AT 70 MPH. THEN THE TRUCK IS COMPLETELY DEAD. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND SAT FOR 5 TO 10 MINUTES TRYING TO RESTART IT. IT FINALLY STARTED. (NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON) AFTER I LET IT SIT FOR A FEW MONTH I DECIDED TO REPLACE THE EGR VALVE GASKET AND CLEAN THE CARBON OUT OF THE THROTTLE BODY. A FEW MONTHS GO BY I WAS DRIVING ON A ROAD OFF OF A HIGH WAY GOING 40 MPH. SAME THING OCCURRED. I GOT IT STARTED IN THE SAME AMOUNT OF TIME AND IT WILL RUN FINE LIKE NOTHING EVER HAPPENED. AFTER READING THE OTHER COMPLAINTS I AM GOING TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH EVEN THOUGH THE DEALER SAID IT COULD BE NUMEROUS OF OTHER THINGS AND NOT THE IGNITION SWITCH. IN FACT THEY NEVER HEARD OF AN IGNITION SWITCH DOING THIS. *TR

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint
Filed Aug 7, 2007125,000 milesMI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. HE STATED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CONTROL ARM COULD HAVE CAUSED THE FAILURE. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE UPPER BALL JOINTS (NHTSA CAMPAIGN #01V200000) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED AS PART OF THE RECALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 125,000. UPDATED 02/08/08. *LJ

Fuel System, Other › Delivery › Fuel PumpFire
Filed Jul 25, 2007156,000 milesIA

WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON MY 1997 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA BEGAN FLASHING THEN THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION AT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. WE PULLED OVER AND I PULLED MY CHILDREN FROM THE VEHICLE. THE ENTIRE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE AND FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF THE GAS CAP. MY HUSBAND USED TWO FULL FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ON THE FIRE AND WAS UNABLE TO PUT IT OUT. FOLLOWING THE ATTEMPT TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES THERE WERE TWO MORE EXPLOSIONS. THE SHERIFFS AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS CAME AND PUT IT OUT. EACH FILED REPORTS ON THE INCIDENT. IT IS BELIEVED THAT THE FUEL PUMP (LOCATED INSIDE THE GAS TANK) SHORTED OUT CAUSING A SPARK THAT IGNITED THE GAS TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 16, 200681,957 milesFL

THE THROTTLE VALVE IN THE THROTTLE BODY HAS A SHIELD RIVETED TO IT AND THE SHIELD STICKS TO THE THROTTLE BODY HOUSING. WHEN YOU STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL IT CAUSES THE SHIELD TO BE PULL AWAY FROM THE THROTTLE VALVE,THIS CAUSES METAL FATIGUE AT THE RIVETS THE SHIELD THEN BRAKES LOOSE AND FALLS INTO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CAUSING THE ENGINE TO RUN AT ABOUT 4000 RPM AND VERY FAST DOWN THE ROAD. A NEW THROTTLE BODY FROM GM COST ABOUT$739.00 PLUS LABOR. *NM

Seat Belts › Front › Retractor1 injured
Filed Jan 13, 2006NH

97 OLDS BRAVADA RETRACTABLE SEAT BELTS HAVE NEVER WORKED PROPERLY, NOW DO NOT WORK ON EITHER DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE. SEATBELTS DO NOT "CATCH" DURING COLLISION AND JUST KEEP PULLING OUT OF HOUSING. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY NUMEROUS DEALERSHIPS THAT THIS IS A CHRONIC PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS, WHICH PROBABLY ALSO INCLUDE CHEVY BLAZERS AND GMC JIMMY'S. GM DID A RECALL IN '04 WHICH I WAS PROMISED WOULD RESOLVE THE PROBLEM, BUT IN A RECENT INCIDENT, MY SEATBELT DID NOT "CATCH" AND I HIT MY CHIN ON THE STEERING WHEEL. DEALER HAS VERIFIED THAT BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS ARE NONFUNCTIONAL. THIS PROBLEM CANNOT BE EASILY RECOGNIZED UNTIL THERE IS AN ACCIDENT. HOW MANY BRAVADA, BLAZER, AND JIMMY OWNERS ARE DRIVING AROUND WITH THEIR SEATBELTS BUCKLED, NOT KNOWING THAT THEY DO NOT WORK AND WILL NOT PROTECT THEM IN A CRASH? HOW MANY COMPLAINTS HAS NHTSA GOTTEN, WRONGLY ASSUMING THOSE WERE REPAIRED BY THE RECALL? *NM

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 2, 2005IN

ON JULY 31, 2005 MY FAMILY AND I WERE TRAVELING HOME FROM MICHIGAN WE WERE 29 MILES FROM HOME WHEN OUR 1997 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA CAUGHT FIRE. WE HAD BEEN TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH A FIRE UNDER OUR SUV FOR SOME TIME AND WAS NOT AWARE OF IT. PARTS LITERALLY BEGAN TO FALL FROM UNDER THE TRUCK WHEN WE STOPPED THE TRUCK TO SEE WHAT HAD WENT WRONG WE NOTICED THE FIRE. EYE WITNESSES SAID THEY SAW FLAMES COMING FROM OUR VEHICLE BEFORE WE EVEN STOPPED. WHEN WE GOT OUT AND SAW THE FIRE WE BEGAN REMOVING OUR CHILDREN AS FAST AS WE COULD. WHEN THE LAST CHILD WAS REMOVED WE BEGAN TO RUN AWAY FROM THE TRUCK. BY THIS TIME THE TRUCK WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THERE WAS NO SMELL OF GAS OR ANY WARNING TELLING US THAT ANYTHING WAS WRONG. WE WERE BLESSED TO COME OUT OF THIS ALIVE, BUT THAT MAY NOT BE THE CASE FOR OTHER FAMILIES. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT CONSUMERS NEED TO BE AWARE OF IT COULD SAVE LIVES. ITS NOT RIGHT FOR MANUFACTURES TO PUT PEOPLES LIVES AT RISK FOR THE SAKE OF A FEW DOLLARS. I CAN NOT OR WILL NOT PUT THIS OUT OF MY MIND AS IF IT DIDN'T HAPPEN. PLEASE HELP ME GET THIS INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC SO THAT THEY ARE AWARE. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 22, 2005MD

TEMP GAUGE SHOWED THAT ENGING WAS OVERHEATING. FOLLOWED PROCEDURES IN OWNER'S MANUAL FOR OVERHEATING. CONTINUED TO OVERHEAT WHEN DRIVING LONGER DISTANCES. TOOK IT TO DEALER WHO FLUSHED OUT RADIATOR/COOLING SYSTEM TWICE. 3RD TIME INFORMED THAT COOLANT HAD TURNED TO BROWN SLUSH AND ENTIRE RADIATOR SYSTEM NEEDED REPLACING

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint
Filed Jun 7, 2005135,105 milesOH

DT: RECALLS 01I018000 AND 01V200000 WAS ISSUED BUT NOT ON CALLER'S CAR. UPPER BALL JOINT BROKE WITHOUT WARNING AND WHILE DRIVING. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER SAID CALLERS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALLS DUE TO VIN. MANUFACTURER SAID IF THERE WAS INJURY OR DEATH THEY WOULD HAVE DONE SOMETHING.*AK

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Apr 4, 200580,000 milesNC

MY 1997 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA HAD A PROBLEM WHERE THE CAR WOULD "DIE" ANYTIME AND THEN OUTOMATICALLY TURN BACK ON WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE SAME WOULD HAPPEN DURING CITY DRIVING BUT I WIOULD HAVE TO RE-START THE CAR. A VERY DANGEROUS OCCURRENCE IF I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF MAKING A TURN WHEN THE CAR WOULD SUDDENLY STOP. IT TURNED OUT TO BE THE IGNITION SWITCH THAT NEEDED REPLACEMENT AND THE DEALER SAID THAT THIS WAS BECOMING A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS KIND OF AUTOMOBILE (BRAVADA, BLAZER, JIMMY). I WAS FORTUNATE NOT TO HAVE HAD AN ACCIDENT BEFORE I TURNED INTO THE DEALERSHIP.*AK

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Jan 26, 2005NC

THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AT LEAST FOUR TIMES FOR STALLING AND CUTTING OFF. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. *JB *NM

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint
Filed Nov 3, 200480,100 milesWI

I HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING EXCESSIVE VIBRATION ON THE FRONT END OF MY 1997 OLD'S BRAVADA. I TOOK IT IN AND WAS TOLD IT REQUIRED BALL JOINTS BUT APPARENTLY THERE IS A NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID # OF 01I018000 IN REFERENCE TO IT AND THAT GM HAD DECIDED TO CONDUCT A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THEM FOR A PEIOD OF 8YR'S OR 100,000 MILES WHICHEVER COMES FIRST FROM THE DATE THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN SERVICE. WELL, I DID THAT AND WAS TOLD AFTER A TOTAL RUN AROUND AS WELL AS THE SERVICE GARAGE GOING THRU THE RUN AROUND AS WELL CALLING ON IT, THAT IT DOES NOT AFFECT MY 97' OLD'S BRAVADA. SO HERE I AM WITH A TRUCK THAT IS UNDER THE STATED TIME OF REPAIR BY GM WITH FRONT END WORK THAT WILL COST ME OVER $800.00 TO FIX AND GM DOES NOT CARE. SO WHAT WAS THE PURPOSE OF HAVING A CAMPAIGN ON THE VEHICLE IF GM HAD NOT INTENTION OF DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT? THE SERVICE GUY AT THE GARAGE EVEN ASKED THE REP. FROM GM, "SO AM I SUPPOSED TO LET THE GUY DRIVE OFF WITH THE BAD BALLJOINTS SO HIS WHEELS FALL OFF AND POSSIBLY CREATING AN ACCIDENT?" SHE DID NOT RESPOND AND SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY WILL DO. SO IN THE MEANTIME I HAVE A TRUCK THAT I CAN NOT DRIVE MUCH FOR FEAR OF THE WHEELS FALLING OFF, UNLESS I PAY FOR THE WORK TO DO SO. SO WHAT WAS THE POINT OF THE COMPAINT WHEN GM INTENDED ON DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT? I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM THE DEALER A COUPLE OF MONTHS BACK AND WILL NEVER BUY A GM PRODUCT AS LONG AS I LIVE AGAIN. I SHOULD HAVE JUST STAY

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 20, 2004115,000 milesFL

MY 1997 OLDS BRAVADA IS EXPERIENCING A FAILURE OF THE HAZARD AND BRAKE LIGHT, SIMILAR TO THE RECALL ISSUED FOR THE 2000-2001 MODELS.*AK

Fuel System, GasolineFire
Filed May 11, 2004GA

CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED. EARLIER CONSUMER SMELLED GAS, BUT DROVE THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT 7 MILES. HE PULLED OFF THE FREEWAY INTO A WAY STATION AND CHECKED THE VEHICLE. HE DID NOT SEE ANY GAS OR ANY LEAK. VEHICLE REMAINED PARKED FOR ABOUT 15-20 MINUTES. CONSUMER CALLED 911, THE POLICE CAME AND EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, AN DID NOT FIND ANY LEAKS OR SMELLED ANY GAS. HE WAS ADVISED BY THE POLICE NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BUT TO HAVE IT CHECKED. CONSUMER TOWED VEHICLE TO A CADILLAC DEALER, WHO CHECKED THE VEHICLE, AND DID NOT FIND ANY GAS SMELL. AFTER KEEPING THE VEHICLE FOR 2 DAYS IT WAS RETURNED TO CONSUMER, WHO LET THE VEHICLE SIT FOR APPROXIMATELY 3 DAYS BEFORE DRIVING IT AGAIN. THEN, ON HIS WAY BACK FROM A TRIP CONSUMER LOOKED IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR AND SAW FLAMES COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THEN IT EXPLODED. *AK

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint
Filed Apr 19, 200483,000 milesMI

AT 80,000 MILES I HAD TO HAVE THE TRASMISSION REPLACED. AT THE TIME I INQUIRED ABOUT THE BALL JOINTS RECALL. DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THERE WAS NO SUCH RECALL. 6 MONTHS LATER I TOOK IT IN BECAUSE OF A CLUNKING SOUND UNDER THE CAR. THEY TOLD ME I NEED A NEW DRIVE SHAFT, TRANSFER CASE AND BALL JOINTS FOR A TOTAL OF $3747.00! IT'S NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND I DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY TO FIX IT. HAS BEEN A LEMON FROM THE START.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages
Filed Jan 22, 200449,000 milesPA

WHILE DRIVING FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED. THIS CAUSED A DISTRACTION TO THE CONSUMER'S VIEW WHILE DRIVING IN RAINY WEATHER. *AK

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 15, 200465,000 milesNJ

OTHER: REPLACING THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR ENGINE: A CYCLINDER ON THE VEHICLE CRACKED AND NEEDED A NEW MOTOR. THIS IS ABSURD. WITH A REGULARLY MAINTAINED VEHICLE, WITH ONLY 5 1/2 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP THERE SHOULD BE NO REASON OTHER THAN IMPROPER CASTING, METAL FATIGUE, DEFAULT FROM THE FACTORY THAT A NEW MOTOR SHOULD HAVE BEEN NEEDED WITH THIS KIND OF MILEAGE.

Power Train
Filed Jan 15, 200450,000 milesNC

TRANSMISSION_ WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE AND WHEN IN DRIVE MAKES A WINEING SOUND. OTHER - RADIATOR- HEAVY RUST FLUSHED OUT RADIATOR 5 TIMES AND STILL HAVE RUST ALONG WITH RUSTY FLUIDS.

Steering
Filed Jan 15, 2004PA

AC COMPRESSOR REPLACED TWICE. FLUSH COOLING SYSTEM (DEXCOOL). IDLER ARM REPLACED 48222. LOWER BALL JOINTS.48222 RECALLED LEFT REAR AXLE LEAK.48222 OIL COOLER LINES REPLACED,48222. CHARGING SYSTEM FAILER REPLACED ALTERNATER 47577 REPLACED BATTERY 47577 FRNT BRAKES AND ROTORS 45631 FUEL SENDER UNIT39434 DRIVER SIDE DOOR PIN 39434 SES LIGHT ON OXYGEN SENSOR REPLACE AC COMPRESSOR 35338 CLEAN EGR VALVE 35338 AC COMPRESSOR 33196 51000 LOWER BALL JOINTS ARE WORN AGAIN (DEALER REPLACED ORIGINAL BECAUSE OF RECALL) PUT JUNK BACK ON VEHICLE.

Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Filed Dec 24, 2003IL

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 03V117000 CONCERNING SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY. DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND STATED THAT REPAIRS COULD NOT BE DONE BECAUSE THE PARTS WERE ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER. THE DEALER WAS NOT SURE WHEN THE PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE. *AK *PH *NM

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Oct 24, 200359,500 milesOR

FUEL GAUGE IS DEFECTIVE. FUEL GAUGE WILL SHOW THAT THERE IS A FULL TANK WHEN THERE IS ACTUALLY A HALF A TANK. DEALER WILL NOT ADMIT THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WILL BE INFORMED.*AK ON ONE OCCASION THE GAUGE INDICATED THERE WAS A HALF A TANK BUT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF GAS AND SHUT OFF. *TS *NLM

Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Filed Oct 8, 200363,182 milesNM

FAULTY DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT.*MR THE CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 03V-117000 RELATED TO A FAULTY DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED BUT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER RETURNED AT A LATER DATE TO HAVE IT DONE. THE VEHICLE WAS WORKING FINE WHEN IT WAS DROPPED OFF. WHEN DEPARTING THE FACILITY AFTER REPAIR, THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT SEAT WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARDS. THE DRIVER'S DOOR LOCKS WOULD NOT OPEN OR LOCK AUTOMATICALLY. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKERED ON AND OFF. THE SERVICE REP WAS CONTACTED AND REQUESTED THAT THE VEHICLE BE RETURNED TO THE DEALER. UPON INSPECTION THE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT THE MALFUNCTIONS WERE NOT THE DEALERS PROBLEM AND THAT THEY WOULD BE BILLED FOR ANY REPAIRS MADE. *NLM

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Aug 26, 200345,000 milesTX

AIR BAG MODULE DEFECTIVE ON VEHICLE.*MR *TS *JB

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint
Filed Aug 25, 200385,000 milesGA

PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM, UPPER BALL JOINT BROKE WHILE GOING DOWN DRIVEWAY AT LOW SPEED. WHEEL WAS THEN COMPLETELY UNSTABLE, VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY PARKED IN DRIVEWAY AS IT WAS TOO RISKY TO ATTEMPT TO RETURN TO RESIDENCE.*AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › MotorCrash
Filed Aug 20, 2003KY

WHEN DRIVING IN THE RAIN WINDSHIELD WIPERS QUIT WORKING. THERE WAS NO WARNING. DRIVER STOPPED VEHICLE, GOT OUT, AND WIGGLED THE WIPER ARM, AND WIPERS STARTED AGAIN. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND DEALER REPLACED THE WIPER MOTOR. *AK

Seat Belts › Rear/Other
Filed Jul 20, 200365,175 milesCA

BACK SEATBELT. *AK

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 2, 2003DC

THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY MALFUNCTIONED AND JAMMED WHILE THE CONSUMER'S SON WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHICH CAUSED UNWANTED ACCELERATION. THE DRIVER PUT THE GEAR INTO NEUTRAL, SECURED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. THE FAILED PART REMAINED IN THE CONSUMER'S POSSESSION. *PH THE RIVETS ON THE HALF MOON DEFLECTOR ATTACHED TO THE LOWER THROTTLE BODY BUTTERFLY CRACKED AND CAUSED THE BUTTERFLY TO JAM OPEN, WHICH KEPT THE VEHICLE AT HIGH SPEED. THE DEALER STATED THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY METAL FATIGUE. *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jun 12, 200350,800 milesNC

TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 50,800 MILES. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Fuel System, Other › Storage › Fuel Gauge System
Filed May 27, 200389,000 milesMD

THE FUEL SENSOR IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONING. BECAUSE OF WHERE IT IS LOCATED, I AM CHOOSING NOT TO PULL THE FUEL TANK AND SPEND THE MONEY TO REPLACE THE GAUGE. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS CAR GETS SUCH BAD GAS MILEAGE (12 - 13 MILES PER GALLON) I CAN NOT LET IT GO OVER 200 MILES BEFORE REFUELING. *TT

Power Train › Driveline › Differential UnitFire3 injured
Filed May 20, 200396,210 milesNC

I JUST HAD THE TRANSFER CASE AND DIFFERENTIAL ON MY 1997 OLDS BRAVADA REPAIRED AND WAS DRIVING WHEN I HEARD A POP SOUND AND SAW FLAMES SHOOTING OUT FROM THE BOTTOM CENTER AND REAR OF MY VEHICLE. I STOPPED IMMEDIATELY AND GOT EVERYONE OUT JUST BEFORE THE WHOLE THING WENT UP IN FLAMES. *NLM

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 12, 200389,500 milesMD

THE METAL PLATE ON THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY CRACKED CAUSING MY 1997 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA TO ACCELERATE CONTINUOUSLY TO A SPEED OF 100 MILES PER HOUR. THE MECHANIC DESCRIBED THE RESULT AS RED LINING. THIS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. BREAKING ONLY SLOWED THE CAR DOWN MOMENTARILY. *NLM

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint
Filed Apr 17, 200359,598 milesMT

WHILE GETTING THE TIRES ROTATED AND ALIGNED THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINT WAS LOOSE IN THE CONTROL ARMS. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO FOUND INDICATED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WORE OUT. THE CONSUMER FELT THAT THE FAILURE OF THE UPPER BALL JOINT, RECALL NUMBER 01V-200000, SHOULD ALSO COVER THE WEAR OF THE LOWER BALL JOINTS. *NLM *NLM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Cooling Unit and Lines
Filed Apr 8, 200368,508 milesGA

THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED DUE TO FAILED COOLING LINE WHICH LEAKED. TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED BY A GM MANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Apr 8, 2003GA

THE VEHICLE OVER HEATED, DUE TO A FAILED WATER PUMP. *JB

Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit
Filed Apr 2, 2003TN

THERE WAS A BURNED GREASE ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SEAL LEAKED FLUID. *JB

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal
Filed Apr 2, 2003TN

THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK. *JB

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Apr 2, 2003TN

THE DRIVER'S DOOR FRAME/STRUCTURE DROPPED, WHICH RESULTED IN THE DOOR BEING OFF TRACK. CONSUMER HAD TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE TO CLOSE THE DOOR IN ORDER FOR IT TO LATCH AND LOCK. *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Apr 2, 2003TN

THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MALFUNCTIONED. *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Mar 31, 200358,000 milesIL

FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT REGISTER PROPERLY, SHOWS 1/2 TANK WHEN EMPTY, MILES TO EMPTY READOUT WRONG, FUEL SENDER WENT BAD AT 58000 MILES. *NLM

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Mar 31, 200340,872 milesIL

WIPERS ARE INOPERATIVE WHEN IT RAINS, WIPER DELAY BOARD FAULTY AT 40872 MILES. *NLM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Mar 31, 200371,724 milesIL

THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AT 72000 MILES, COST ME $2400 TO GET A NEW ONE INSTALLED. I BABIED THIS CAR FROM THE MOMENT I BOUGHT IT OFF THE LOT AT A CERTIFIED GM DEALERSHIP, ONLY 32000 MILES WHEN I PURCHASED IT. I FEEL THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS A LEMON. *NLM

Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed Mar 31, 200358,824 milesIL

ALTERNATOR BLEW OUT AT 58524 MILES, NEEDED TO REPLACE. THIS IS WAY TOO SOON FOR AN ALTERNATOR TO GO OUT. *NLM

Power Train › Transfer Case (4-wheel Drive)
Filed Mar 26, 200343,000 milesAL

THE VEHICLES FOUR WHEEL DRIVE PULLED WHILE DRIVING. *NLM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Mar 26, 200371,000 milesIN

PREMATURE FAILURE OF CONNECTING ROD BEARING ON 1997 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA 4.3L V-6 ENGINE. *JB

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed Mar 12, 200360,000 milesNY

THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER, THE DEALER DETERMINED THE FRONT BALL JOINTS HAD SEPARATED AND THE FRONT AXLE WAS READY TO FALL OFF. (BOTH SIDES).*JB *TS

Electrical System
Filed Feb 27, 2003VA

INTERIOR LIGHTS FLASH AND FLICKER. ANYTIME THE DRIVERS POWER SEAT CONTROLS OR LUMBAR SWITCH'S ARE PRESSED THE FLASHING AND FLICKERING INCREASES AS WELL AS BATTERY VOLTAGE DROPPING. TESTED BY REMOVING THE FUSE FOR THE POWER SEATS, FLICKER STILL REMAINS AND VEHICLE STILL LOSES BATTERY VOLTAGE RANDOMLY. VEHICLE ALSO RESPONDS LIKE IT HAS A DEAD BATTERY EVERYTIME IT'S STARTED (REPLACED BATTERY WITH NEW ONE AND HAD SAME PROBLEM).*JB

Power Train › Transfer Case (4-wheel Drive)
Filed Feb 27, 2003IN

TRANSFER CASE CRACKED, IT HAPPENED TWICE AND WILL GO OUT AGAIN IN 2 1/2 YEARS. IT COULD CAUSE ME TO WRECK AND HURT SOMEONE OR EVEN MYSELF.*JB

Complaints 1-50 of 104, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2002
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
200413220Routine
200327710Routine
20022381070Above average
200133110Routine
200076340Routine
199960010Routine
199898220Routine
1997 — this page104370Routine
199677510Routine
19952100Routine
199491331Fatalities reported
199343260Routine
199256220Routine
199144320Routine

Compare every Bravada year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 31, 2003. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.