2002 Oldsmobile Bravada

Above average

Owners filed 238 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the transmission. It has been recalled 10 times.

Avoid One of the Oldsmobile Bravada years to avoid: 3.5× the complaints of a typical Bravada year. Which Oldsmobile Bravada years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
43,500 milesMedian miles at failure

108 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada problems

44 of the 238 complaints (18%) are about the transmission.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System21
030
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine16
000
Power Train › Transfer Case (4-wheel Drive) · transmission12
300
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine12
101
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission11
000
Steering9
102
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior8
100
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices7
000
Suspension7
000
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine7
000

10 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights04V527000
Filed Nov 1, 2004871,473 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, VIBRATION AND HEAT MAY CAUSE THE TAIL LAMP/STOP LAMP BULB TO LOOSEN IN ITS SOCKET. IF THIS OCCURS, THE BULB MAY FLICKER AND EVENTUALLY BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Risk. AN INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMP WILL NOT CONVEY THE DRIVER'S INTENTION OF STOPPING TO DRIVERS IN FOLLOWING VEHICLES, AND AN INOPERATIVE REAR TURN SIGNAL LAMP WILL NOT CONVEY THE DRIVER'S INTENTION TO TURN TO DRIVERS IN FOLLOWING VEHICLES. BOTH OF THESE FAILURES CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TAIL LAMP/STOP LAMP ASSEMBLIES, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 22, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

Engine and Engine Cooling04V289000
Filed Jun 23, 200429,951 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. SOME SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED AIR SUSPENSION (ECAS) HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE ECAS MAY PRODUCE A BRIEF ELECTRICAL SPIKE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS OPERATING. THIS ELECTRICAL SPIKE CAN DISRUPT THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL.

Risk. IF THE SPIKE DAMAGES THE PCM, THE VEHICLE MAY NOT RESTART. IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON AUGUST 19, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

Seat Belts04V201000
Filed Apr 28, 2004261,801 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." ONE OF THE TWO SENSORS IN THE DRIVER'S AND FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT RETRACTORS COULD BE INOPERATIVE. THE SEAT BELT RETRACTORS WILL LOCK WHEN THE BELT WEBBING IS EXTRACTED DURING A CRASH; HOWEVER, THE MECHANISM THAT LOCKS THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR WHEN THE VEHICLE DECELERATES QUICKLY, SUCH AS HEAVY BRAKING, MAY NOT OPERATE AS INTENDED.

Risk. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE SAFETY BELT MAY NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT AS INTENDED DURING A CRASH, AND COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SAFETY BELT RETRACTORS, AND REPLACE THEM IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 24, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer04V046000
Filed Feb 4, 2004581,394 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEMS THAT WILL NOT TURN ON, CEASE OPERATION WHILE IN USE, FAIL TO TURN OFF/ON BY THEMSELVES (MOISTURE SENSITIVE WIPER SYSTEM), OR HAVE CONTINUOUS WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP OPERATION BECAUSE THE PRESENCE OF WATER WITHIN THE WIPER MODULES CAN EITHER CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT OR CAN LEAD TO THE CORROSION OF COMPONENTS WITHIN THE MODULE.

Risk. DEPENDING ON THE OCCURRENCE AND WEATHER SITUATION, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL COVER THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE VENT HOLE WITH A PATCH. ALSO, THE WIPER MOTOR, CIRCUIT BOARD, AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WILL BE INSPECTED TO SIGNS OF WATER INTRUSION AND/OR CORROSION AND BE REPLACED AS REQUIRED. THE RECALL BEGAN JULY 6, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual03V250000
Filed Jul 15, 20031,707,825 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE SYSTEM.

Risk. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS SUPPLEMENT DESCRIBES AND SHOWS THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE VEHICLE AND ON THE CHILD RESTRAINT OR BOOSTER CUSHION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash03V096000
Filed Mar 19, 2003314,300 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS NO. 101, "CONTROL LOCATION, IDENTIFICATION, AND ILLUMINATION" AND NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN INTERMITTENT CONDITION DURING VEHICLE START-UP IN WHICH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER MAY NOT PROPERLY POWER UP, RESULTING IN MOST OF THE DISPLAYS, TELLTALE LIGHTS, AND FUNCTIONS (EXCEPT THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT, TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS, AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER BACKLIGHTING) BEING INOPERATIVE.

Risk. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE STANDARD.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 29, 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.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission03V075000
Filed Mar 6, 2003511,167 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A MECHANICAL OVERRIDE THAT COULD ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED WITH THE SHIFT LEVER IN A POSITION OTHER THAN PARK. IN ADDITION, THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN OVERRIDE THAT CAN ALLOW THE TRANSMISSION TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK WITH THE IGNITION IN THE OFF POSITION.

Risk. THESE OVERRIDES ARE NOT PERMITTED UNLESS THE VEHICLE HAS A LOCKING STEERING COLUMN.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL ELIMINATE THESE CONDITIONS BY DISABLING THE OVERRIDES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 29, 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, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings02V121000
Filed Aug 23, 2002136,511 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A FUEL FILTER FITTING CAN BECOME DISCONNECTED. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENGINE, A NO-START CONDITION WOULD RESULT AND FUEL WOULD BE PUMPED OUT THE FUEL FILTER ONTO THE GROUND.

Risk. IF THE FITTING BECOMES DISCONNECTED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE ENGINE WOULD STOP DUE TO INADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLY AND CAUSE A LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, FUEL LEAKAGE FROM A DISCONNECTED FUEL FILTER FITTING COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER QUICK CONNECT RETAINERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 20, 2002. 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.

Air Bags › Frontal02V222000
Filed Aug 9, 2002133,221 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.

Risk. PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. 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 BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm01V126000
Filed Apr 12, 200130,476 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKETS MAY FRACTURE. THIS FRACTURE COULD RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM FROM THE FRAME.

Risk. A SEPARATION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKETS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN BY TELEPHONE ON APRIL 4, 2001. THE FOLLOWUP LETTER TO CONSUMERS WAS MAILED MAY 3, 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, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.

All 10 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Structure › Body
Filed Mar 21, 2022OH

Front Control arm broke at the frame. There is a recall for this control arm issue for a 2002 Bravada but, my vin was not included. 01V126000 is the NHTSA. The control arms fractured causing separation from the frame. Bravada is at service shop and they have confirmed the frame separation from control arm. This is very dangerous and has caused it to be unsafe and deadly.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 28, 2022MN

I was merging onto the interstate going approximately 35 mph, I spun out on black ice across three lanes of traffic and smashed into the guard rail. The airbags DID NOT deploy during this accident, even when the car rolled back and hit the wall again. Since the airbags did not deploy, I suffered trauma to my chin and inside my mouth. I have facial cellulitis, and I needed to receive 3 stitches inside my mouth to stop the bleeding. This happened because my face hit the steering wheel, rather than being protected by the airbag. There were no warning lights on the vehicle prior to failure. The airbags not deploying could have potentially injured me greatly if I had been going any faster.

Suspension
Filed Aug 11, 2020129,300 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL NOISE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN GEAR AND THERE WAS LATERAL MOVEMENT OF BOTH REAR WHEEL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT BOTH DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR SUSPENSION OUTER LINK BRACKETS WERE SEVERELY CORRODED, AND THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS TAKEN. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V126000 (SUSPENSION) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE FOR THE FRONT SUSPENSION HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 129,300. *LN *AS

Electrical System
Filed Feb 3, 2019SC

SIDE MIRRORS BEING ADJUSTED INCORRECTLY BOTH WHEN BACKING AND ALTERING WHEN GOING FORWARD

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jan 14, 2018110,000 milesIL

PASSENGER SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM SEAT HEATER WHILE CAR WAS OFF AND NO ONE IN IT. THE SEAT HEATER HAD NOT BEEN USED FOR DAYS. MY CAR WAS PARKED AFTER GOING TO THE STORE ABOUT 3PM. FOUND THE NEXT MORNING ABOUT 10;30 AM .GM DENIED MY CLAIM. SAFETY ISSUE,DEFINITELY A MANUFACTURED DEFECT ,THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. WHOLE INSIDE OF THE CAR IS TRASHED . THE FIRE OBVIOUSLY STARTED FROM THE SEAT MUST HAVE BEEN A BLAZE THE HEADLINER AND VISOR ALSO BURNT. MUST HAVE EXTINGUISHED ITSELF DUE TO LACK OF OXYGEN. I CONTACTED GM THEY NEVER SENT ANYONE TO LOOK AT IT. I EMAILED THEM PHOTOS AND THROUGH THAT THEY ARE DENYING THAT IT IS A DEFECT OR A SAFETY ISSUE. THROUGH RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON THIS HAS HAPPENED TO AND YET THERE IS STILL NOT A RECALL FOR THIS

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 19, 2017MI

TAKATA RECALL. I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL A COUPLE YEARS AGO AT THE TIME MY BRAVADA WAS NOT DOING WHAT IT SAID WHICH WAS THE SMELL OF GASOLINE WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE. NOW I AM SELLING GAS EVERYONE I START HER UP. I CAN NOT FIND THE LETTER I RECEIVED ABOUT THISSTYER SO THOUGH T I WOULD TRY THIS AND HOPEFULLY GET SOME ANSWERS. THANK YOU :)

Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices
Filed Feb 2, 2017248,000 milesTN

AT 60K MILES HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION AND MOTOR (WITH 2003 CHEVY BLAZER). MIRRORS DON'T RECALL AND MOVE WHEN UNLOCKING CAR. PASSENGER SEAT BELT GETS TIGHT AFTER BRAKING AND HAS TO BE UNDONE, RECOILED, AND PUT BACK ON. BACKUP LIGHTS BLOW EVERY YEAR. THE AWD WAS FIXED TWICE BY DEALER AND MESSED UP AGAIN SO WE HAD IT REMOVED. THE AIR SUSPENSION BLEW & WAS REPLACED WITH SPRINGS. TERRIBLE RACKET IN THE REAR END. DRIVER HEATED SEAT QUIT WORKING 2 YEARS AGO. THIS YEAR, TRANSMISSION HAS QUIT WORKING (WHILE DRIVING) AND I AM OVER THIS CAR! *TR

SeatsFire
Filed Aug 16, 2016215,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THERE WAS AN BURNING ODOR UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SEAT WAS MELTING FROM THE BOTTOM AND WAS DRIPPING ONTO THE CARPET. THE CONTACT PULLED THE FUSE BOX WIRES FROM UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT TO PREVENT THE SEAT FROM BURNING; HOWEVER, THE SEAT WAS STILL GETTING HOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 215,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 12, 2016SC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V121000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
Filed Dec 4, 201579,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PCM FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Nov 3, 2015162,000 milesIN

I RECENTLY HAD A BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION INSTALLED. TRUCK WAS DRIVING GREAT, HAD NO TELL TALE SIGNS OF ANY PROMBLEMS AND ALL OF A SUDDEN TRUCK CUTS OFF AND WOULD NOT START, HARNESS REPLACED, CAR STARTED NOW GAS PEDAL NOT WORKING AND REDUCE ENGINE LIGHT APPEARS, NEVER BEEN PROMBLEMATIC. TRUCK WAS LOCATED ON CITY STREET NOT MOVEABLE. THE GAS PEDAL MALFUNCTIONED SUDDENLY.

Engine
Filed Aug 24, 2015151,000 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE REDUCED ENGINE POWER WARNING LIGHT FLASHED. THE VEHICLE HAD A DRASTIC REDUCTION IN SPEED WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MORE THAN TWICE AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V527000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) AND WAS WAITING ON THE PART FOR MONTHS TO RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR AND WAS UNABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE RECALL WOULD BE COMPLETED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,000. MA 10/15/2015 *CN

Engine
Filed Aug 2, 2015108,600 milesMD

TRAVELING APX 5-10 MPH DOWN A HWY SLOWING DOWN AND APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION WITH TRAFFIC LIGHT THE ENGINE STALLED/QUIT COMPLETELY AND WOULD NOT RESTART. I HAD TO PUSH THE VEHICLE WITH HELP TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUTES THE ENGINE RESTARTED. THIS VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR THIS ISSUE SEVERAL YEARS AGO (RC 04048) AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BY MYSELF ON 1/21/05 AS SOON AS I WAS NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL. LOOKING AT THE INVOICE THAT I STILL HAVE IN MY FILES TODAY IT CLAIMS A WIRE JUMPER HARNESS AND STRAP WAS INSTALLED. SEEMS LIKE THIS FIX HAS FAILED.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 2, 2015108,500 milesMD

WHILE SITTING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT I NOTICED THE SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ON. I HAD SEEN THIS BEFORE WHILE I WAS DRIVING BUT IT WAS ONLY A FLICKERING LIGHT AND NOT A STEADY LIGHT. AFTER DRIVING HOME I NOTICED THE LIGHT WAS AGAIN OFF. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN A FEW DAYS LATER, AND THE LIGHT CONTINUED TO BE ON FOR ABOUT A WEEK (WHEN THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING) AND THEN IT WENT OFF AGAIN. THIS TIME IT WAS OFF FOR ONLY ONE DAY. NOW THE LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME WHEN THE SUV IS RUNNING. I TOOK THE SUV INTO OUR MECHANIC AND HE TRIED TO PULL UP AN ERROR CODE. HE SAID THAT IT COULD BE A CORRODED WIRE OR IT COULD BE THE ENTIRE AIR BAG(S) NEED TO BE REPLACED. HE ALSO STATED THAT IF ONE AIR BAG IS NOT WORKING THAT NONE OF THE OTHERS WILL EITHER. THE PRICE QUOTED TO FIX THIS IS FROM $150 JUST TO SEE WHAT IS WRONG, AND UP TO $1200 TO REPLACE AIRBAG.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Jun 15, 201550,000 milesSC

VEHICLE HYDROPLANED AND RAN OFF THE ROAD. IT THEN CAME BACK ON THE ROAD AND ENDED UP T-BONING THE TRAILER OF AN 18-WHEELER BEFORE SKIDDING BACK AROUND AND COMING TO A STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED BUT THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. THE SPEED AT IMPACT WAS SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 35-50 MPH SO IT DEFINITELY SHOULD HAVE CAUSED THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 12, 2015115,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE MAGNETIC PICK UP SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 10, 2014135,000 milesMI

THE CAR IS ACTING JUST LIKE THE OTHER IGNITION SWITCH RECALLS GENERAL MOTORS HAS ISSUED. IF THERE IS ANY WEIGHT ON THE KEY CHAIN THE CAR HAS A TENDENCY TO STALL. SOMETIMES IT WILL START UP RIGHT AWAY WHILE OTHER TIMES IT MAY NEED TO SIT FOR UP TO 30 MINUTES BEFORE STARTING AGAIN. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 18, 201470,000 milesMA

ENGINE STALLS DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. LOST BRAKES, STEERING, NO CONTROL OF VEHICLE. LUCKILY WAS ON SMALL HIGHWAY, ABLE TO COAST TO STOP AND HAVE CAR TOWED. MECHANIC UNABLE TO REPLICATE PROBLEM AFTER KEEPING AND DRIVING VEHICLE FOR 10 DAYS. SEARCHED ISSUE ONLINE. HORRIFIED TO READ HUNDREDS OF SAME COMPLAINT; SAME VEHICLE, SAME YEAR. HORRIBLE STORIES OF RESULTING ACCIDENTS. NOW NEWS FULL OF "IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE" ISSUES. BELIEVE THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED TO ME. GM NOT OFFERING ADVICE AND CLAIMS NO RESPONSIBILITY. SAYS "TOO MANY KEYS ON KEY CHAIN." 2 KEYS ON MINE. VEHICLE NOT ON GM RECALL LIST. BOUGHT SECOND HAND IN 2011. NOW TOO SCARED TO DRIVE IT. STILL OWE $5,000 ON CAR. CANT AFFORD TO ADD THAT TO NEW LOAN. WILL NOT SELL IT TO UNSUSPECTING SOUL WHO MAY BE KILLED. *TR

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 18, 2014198,000 milesNC

ON JAN.8,2013 MY VEHICLE WAS WRECKED. LOCAL POLICE AND THE STATE TROOPER INFORMED ME THE BRAVADA HAD FLIPPED OVER SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS TOTALED. WHEN I WENT TO THE TOW COMPANY TO CLAIM MY BELONGS FROM THE VEHICLE I NOTICED THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. MY HUSBAND HAD TO CLIMB OUT OF THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. HE WASN'T HURT BAD BUT HE COULD HAVE DIED.THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO. I HAD THIS VEHICLE SERVICED FOR SEVERAL PROBLEMS,BUT I WAS NEVER TOLD THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T WORK. *TR

Steering
Filed Feb 7, 2014104,000 milesTN

WAS DRIVING AND LOST CONTROL WITH INABILITY TO STEER. STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. I STOPPED IMMEDIATELY AND FOUND THAT STEERING FLUID WAS DRAINING FROM MY CAR. TOOK IT TO THE BODY SHOP & THEY SAID THE STEERING PUMP BLEW. IM GLAD I WASN'T TRAVELING FASTER AND THAT NO ONE WAS STRUCK. *TR

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jul 18, 2013165,444 milesSC

ON THE 17JULY 2013, AT APPROXIMATELY 4:30PM, I WAS DRIVING AND WINDSHIELD WASHERS STOP WORKING. PLEASE NOTE , THE NOAA NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ISSUED A SEVERE WEATHER FLASH FLOOD WARNING. *TR

Power Train › Driveline
Filed Apr 15, 2013139,289 milesIN

IT ALL BEGAN WHEN I WENT TO WALMART TO GET SOME TIRES ON MY 2002 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA ALL-WHEEL DRIVE...WELL I DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY FOR ALL 4 TIRES,SO I ASKED THEM IF I COULD PUT TIRES ON IT? AND THEY SAID YES..SO THAT IS WHAT WE DID..WELL 1 MONTH AFTER I HAD THOSE 2 TIRES PUT ON THE FRONT,THE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK STARTED MAKING NOISE AND WAS HARD TO TURN...I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID WALMART SHOULD HAVE NEVER PUT JUST 2 TIRES ON THE TRUCK..CAUSE ALL 4 TIRES HAVE TO BE THE SAME OR IT WILL MESS THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE UP..WELL IT MESSED THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL UP ON MY TRUCK..I TOLD WALMART ABOUT IT AND THEY PAID TO FIX MY TRUCK AND PAID FOR 2 MORE TIRES FOR THE TRUCK MAKING ALL THE TIRES THE SAME...WELL ITS NOT BEEN A YEAR AND ITS STARTING TO DO THE SAME THING AGAIN!!!! SO I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM ON THESE ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES BUT IT HAS BEEN FOR ME!! NOW I SIT HERE WITH A WIFE AND THREE KIDS WITH NO VEHICLE!!!! *TR

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Nov 15, 2012170,000 milesOH

2002 OLDS BRAVADA (WHICH WE HAVE OWNED SINCE 9/2004) WAS BEING DRIVEN BY MY TEENAGE SON (WITH 3 OTHER KIDS IN THE VEHICLE), AS HE LEFT A STOP SIGN, THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE BROKE LOOSE FROM THE BODY, SEPARATING THE CONTROL ARMS FROM THE FRAME AND DROPPING THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. HE WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 20MPH AT THE TIME OF INCIDENT. HE MANAGED TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE VEHICLE CAME TO REST IN A DITCH, A SEMI-SAFE DISTANCE FROM TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED 11/10/12AM TO A NEARBY GM DEALERSHIP. THE ESTIMATED COST OF REPAIR BEGINS AT NEARLY $7000., WHICH WOULD EXCEED THE VEHICLES VALUE. THE GM DEALERSHIP, TO WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED, HAS ADVISED US NOT TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AS IT WOULD BE TOO EXTENSIVE. TO FURTHER THAT STATEMENT, THE GM DEALERSHIP HAS DISCOURAGED US TO EVEN OBTAIN A FULL AND ACCURATE QUOTE AS THIS WOULD TAKE TOO MUCH TIME FOR A VEHICLE THAT SHOULD NEVER SEE THE ROAD AGAIN, AGREEABLY. TO QUOTE BOTH THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER AND THE GENERAL SERVICE MANAGER OF THE GM DEALERSHIP; "THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN A VEHICLE WITH AN ISSUE SUCH AS THIS." REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO REPORT THIS TO GM HAVE FAILED. IN EFFORTS TO MINIMIZE PERSONAL OPINIONS FROM THIS POST, I WILL ONLY SAY THIS IS UTTERLY UNACCEPTABLE ON THE PART OF GM, AND A SAFETY HAZARD TO UNSUSPECTING CUSTOMERS. *TR

Steering
Filed Jul 3, 2012134,000 milesDE

POWER STEERING WENT OUT... *JS

Electrical System
Filed Sep 6, 2011130,000 milesMI

THE CAR SHUTS OFF SUDDENLY AND ALL OF THE GAUGES LIGHT UP. THE CAR MUST BE RESTARTED, SOMETIMES MULTIPLE TIMES. THIS PRESENTS A DANGER AS THE CAR MAY SUDDENLY LOSE MOBILITY ON A HIGHWAY. IT SEEMS THAT THIS MAY BE RELATED TO MULTIPLE POSTINGS ON THE INTERNET THAT CLAIM THIS SYMPTOM IS CAUSED BY A VOLTAGE SPIKE TO THE COMPUTER GENERATED BY THE AIR SHOCKS. THIS CAR WAS BUILT SEPTEMBER 1,2001 AND WAS SUPPOSEDLY INCLUDED IN A RECALL BUT THE DEALER CLAIMS THAT THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS CAR AND IF IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL, ONCE THE REPAIR IS DONE IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND IT ON THE GM COMPUTERS AND THE RECALL WOULD THEN NOT BE IN EFFECT FOR THIS VEHICLE. IF IT WAS REPAIRED AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS, THESE VEHICLES SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM THE ROAD. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jun 23, 201160,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AT 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TURNED OFF AND ON BEFORE RESETTING INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THAT THEY SHOULD TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Steering
Filed Jun 3, 201197,000 milesKS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 20 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED ABNORMALLY, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASH THROUGH A FENCE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED AND IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CRASH, THE STEERING WHEEL UNLOCKED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE FAILURE AND THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed May 12, 201150,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V046000 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER) AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REPAIRS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD SHUTTER ABNORMALLY AS OPPOSED TO WIPING SMOOTHLY ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD. IN ADDITION, THE WIPERS WOULD ALSO SPORADICALLY FAIL COMPLETELY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT A LOCAL MECHANIC SHOP. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler
Filed Feb 8, 2011WV

2002 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. CONSUMER STATES HEATED SEAT SUDDENLY IGNITED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNOCCUPIED *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HIS WIFE OPENED THE DOOR TO THE VEHICLE, SHE WAS IMMEDIATELY OVERTAKEN BY A CHEMICAL ODOR. *JB

Visibility
Filed Aug 21, 20101 milesIL

WHILE WIPERS ARE ON DELAY THEY SKIP WHEN THEY ARE ON THEIR DOWNWARD PATH NOT REMOVING ALL THE WATER, IMPAIRING MY VISIBILITY, WHEN THEY ARE ON CONSTANT THEY ARE FINE SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED IN 2004. *TR

Visibility
Filed Aug 21, 20101 milesIL

OUTSIDE REVIEW MIRRORS DO NOT STAY IN POSITION WHEN YOU USE THE REMOTE ENTRY OR RETURN TO THE PROGRAMED POSITION. WHEN YOU ARE IN VEHICLE AND PRESS EITHER POSISTION FOR DRIVER 1 OR 2 THEY MOVE TO A DIFFERENT POSITION EVERY TIME. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Feb 2, 2010121,900 milesFL

PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKS AFTER BEING SECURED, CAUSING PASSENGER TO NOT BE ABLE TO MOVE. *TR

Suspension › Rear
Filed Feb 2, 2010123,000 milesFL

AIRBAG SUSPENSION RELEASES AIR UNEVENLY AS YOU ARE DRIVING, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE BACK AND FORTH, FEELING LIKE IT IS GOING TO FLIP. THE AIRBAGS SHOULD NOT RELEASE AIR AT ALL WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING. MY VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE OVER 30 MPH. AND SOMETIMES UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THEY WON'T AIR UP AT ALL, SOMETIMES FOR DAYS AT A TIME, OR ONE SIDE AIRS UP AND THE OTHER DOESN'T. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Nov 3, 200971,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. THE GAS TANK LEAKS AT THE TOP OF THE SENDING UNIT BECAUSE OF CORROSION. A TECHNICIAN FROM THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MEDAL FILLING AT THE TOP OF THE SENDING UNIT WAS CORRODED. HE THEN ADDED THAT HE WAS INELIGIBLE FOR A FREE REMEDY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000.

Suspension › Front › Shock Absorber
Filed Jul 24, 2009162,433 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SHOCK SYSTEM FAILED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD BOUNCE AROUND SIMILAR TO A BOUNCING BABY. THE AIRSPRING ON THE VEHICLE WOULD CONTINUE TO CRACK. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD COST OVER $1,000. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD REPAIRS MADE TO THE SHOCKS AND SPRINGS. NO ADDITIONAL REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 162,433.

Suspension › Rear
Filed Apr 12, 200980,000 milesMN

ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED AIR SUSPENSION DOES NOT WORK. THE RIDE IS ROUGH AND BOUNCY. THERE IS NO SUSPENSION ON THE BACK END AS A RESULT WHICH COULD CAUSE A SEVERE ACCIDENT ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR

Power Train › DrivelineCrash
Filed Jan 21, 200957,500 milesMN

ON FRIDAY, 01/16/09 AT 7:45 AM I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK. AS I WAS DRIVING THE "SERVICE ALL WHEEL DRIVE" LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS ONLY A COUPLE OF BLOCKS FROM WORK SO FIGURED I WOULD CONTINUE MY DRIVE AND CALL A MECHANIC WHEN I GOT THERE. ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WAS LIKE THE VEHICLE BECAME POSSESSED AND I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IT SPUN ME AROUND 3 TIMES SLAMMED ME HEAD ON INTO A SNOWBACK, THREW ME BACK OUT SPUN ME AROUND AGAIN AND THREW ME BACKWARDS INTO THE SNOWBANK AGAIN BEFORE THROWING ME BACK OUT ONTO THE HIGHWAY. I WAS VERY SHAKEN BUT THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO STRAIGHTEN OUT AND LET ME DRIVE, SO I VERY SLOWLY CONTINUED ON TO WORK. WHEN I GOT TO WORK I CALLED KORONIS MOTORS IN PAYNESVILLE AND EXPLAINED TO THEM WHAT HAD HAPPENED. THEY CAME AND PICKED UP THE VEHICLE AND CHECKED IT OUT. THEY SAID IT WAS A MALFUNCTION OF THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE AND THAT THE TRANSFER CASE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. I WAS VERY FORTUNATE THAT ON THAT PARTICULAR MORNING, FOR SOME REASON THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC, HAD THERE BEEN IT WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH MORE SERIOUS. KORONIS MOTORS IS IN THE PROCESS FIXING MY VEHICLE NOW, THE MECHANICAL AS WELL AS THE PHYSICAL DAMAGE THAT WAS DONE. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT AUTO MAKERS ARE ALLOWED TO EQUIP VEHICLES WITH MECHANICS THAT CAN FAIL IN THAT WAY, I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, I OR SOMEONE ELSE COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. I DIDN'T THINK THAT THE MINUTE THE LIGHT CAME ON THAT IT MEANT THAT YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY STOP DRIVING!!!! THIS NEEDS TO BE L

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Dec 23, 2008102,000 milesWI

IN SNOWY WEATHER THE AWD FAILED. THE TRUCK VIBRATES WHEN TURNING IN BOTH DRY AND WET CONDITIONS. *TR

Suspension
Filed Nov 27, 2008MI

WORN OUT SUSPENSION-ALL FOUR SWAY BAR LINKS WORN OUT LOOSE SOCKETS FRT SWAY BAR BUSHING SLOOPY REPLACE RT FT SHOCKS, ALL FLUID LEAKED OUT VERY BOUNCY REPLACE FRONT SHOCK REPL WORN FRT LOWER BALL JOINTS LT AND RT NOTE ABOVE PARTS WERE WORN LINKS AND FRT SHOCKS WERE WORN. THERE HAS BEEN ON GOING PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT END OF THIS CAR. *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Nov 20, 2008IL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR. IN ADDITION, THE HEADLIGHTS OPERATED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN ACTIVATED AT NIGHT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE WIRING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC EIGHT TIMES FOR IDENTICAL FAILURES, BUT THEY STILL PERSIST. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.

Power Train › Driveline
Filed Oct 9, 2008WI

MY MOTHER'S 2002 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA HAS A BASEBALL SIZE HOLE IN THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL, SHE WAS DRIVING AND EVERYTIME SHE WOULD TURN OR JUST TURN SLIGHTLY SHE WOULD HEAR A GRINDING NOISE. SHE TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER WHERE SHE HAD PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND THE DEALER TOLD HER WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS AND HOW MUCH IT WOULD BE TO FIX IT. THE VEHICLE IS NOW IN MY GARAGE WHERE WE ARE WAITING FOR THE PARTS TO COME IN. I WENT ONLINE TO FIND OUT IF THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM AND COME TO FIND OUT IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND IT HAPPENS ALOT TO THE BRAVADA. DO PEOPLE HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE IS HURT OR INJURED FOR THIS TO BE RECALLED? SO WITH THIS KNOWLEDGE THAN WHY IS IT NOT ON THE RECALL LIST THIS IS NOT JUST HAPPENING TO A COUPLE OF PEOPLE IT HAS HAPPENED TO THOUSANDS AND WHY HASN'T ANYTHING BEEN DONE ABOUT THIS? THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, JENNIFER HARRIS *TR

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Sep 22, 200870,000 milesTN

AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY WHEN HIT HEAD ON! *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 15, 200890,000 milesMI

GM HAS A KNOWS ISSUE ON 02,03 AND 04 BRAVADAS, TRAILBLAZERS, ENVOY'S AND RANIERS. THE TRANSMISSION COOLER LINES HAVE A HARD INTERFERENCE WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. ONCE IT WEARS THROUGH A STEADY STREAM OF FLUID LEAK ONTO THE CONVERTER. THIS ISSUE IS DOCUMENTED IN SERVICE BULLETIN PI01573. THEY DO NOT FEEL IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE EVEN THOUGH I SEE OTHER VEHICLES HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME THING. *TR

Power Train › Transfer Case (4-wheel Drive)
Filed Mar 10, 200874,103 milesMI

TRANSMISSION AND ALL-WHEEL DRIVE PROBLEM WHEN BEGINNING TO MOVE, THE CAR JERKS 3 OR 4 TIMES AND THERE IS A METAL CLINKING NOISE UNDER THE FRONT. THE ALL-WHEEL DRIVE FAILS TO ENGAGE. THERE IS ALSO A PROBLEM WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL SHARPLY AT REDUCED SPEEDS. THE CAR WILL JERK AND THERE IS A WEIRD NOISE. I JUST TOOK MY CAR IN AND THIS REPAIR IS GOING TO COST BETWEEN $2000 - $4000 DOLLARS. *TR

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/CoolerFire
Filed Mar 6, 2008101,000 milesMN

ON 2/19 I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ONE NIGHT AND THERE WAS A SMELL IN THE CAR AND I THOUGHT IT WAS THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AS I KEPT DRIVING IT GOT WORSE. I STOPPED AND PULLED OVER AND CHECKED UNDER THE SEATS AND I DID NOT SEE ANYTHING, AS I DROVE FURTHER IT GOT WORSE. I THEN HAPPENED TO LOOK OVER AT THE PASSENGER SEAT AND IT WAS SMOKING, AND A BLACK HOLE WAS STARTING ON THE SEAT. I PULLED OVER AND PUT SOME SNOW IN THE HOLE AND IT STILL WAS SMOKING, SO I FLAGGED SOMEONE DOWN AND GOT A BOTTLE OF WATER TO POUR IN THE HOLE. I CALLED MY CAR INS AND GENERAL MOTORS ON 2/20, MY CAR INSURANCE WAS VERY HELPFUL, BUT GM, NOT! AFTER TALKING TO 3 DIFFERENT PEOPLE AND NO ONE EVER CALLING ME BACK GM CASE NUMBER CASE FILE NUMBER - 71-604440275, FINALLY ON APRIL 29TH, I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING GM COULD DO FOR ME. THE FIRST EXCUSE WAS THAT MY INSURANCE WAS INVOLVED THEY WILL NOT BE HANDLING ANYTHING, AND THEN THEY SAID THAT THEY WILL NOT PAY FOR ANYTHING BECAUSE "THERE WERE NO FLAMES" THEY DID OFFER ME A $2000 LOYALTY VOUCHER TO USE ON A NEW CAR TO BE USED IN 1 YEAR. I AM PICKING UP THE CAR (IT HAS BEEN FIXED BY A GM DEALER) TOMORROW AND THE BURNED SEAT (TO KEEP) AND AM VERY UPSET THAT THEY WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE DAMAGE OF $638 (MY INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE AND A PART (THE PART THAT CAUSED THE FIRE). I WAS WONDERING IF YOU COULD BE OF ASSISTANCE TO ME. I HAVE THE SEAT AT HOME. *TR

Suspension
Filed Mar 4, 200874,000 milesMI

WHILE GOING HOME THE OTHER DAY, IT FELT AS THOUGH MY SHOCKS WENT OUT WHEN I DROVE OVER A LITTLE BUMP. WHEN I GOT HOME, THE BACK END OF MY CAR HAD DROPPED. MY CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 74,000 MILES. I TOOK IT TO A GARAGE AND FOUND THAT THE AIR COMPRESSOR IN THE BACK END HAD FAILED. *TR

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights
Filed Jan 11, 2008MN

THE TERMINAL OF THE REPLACEMENT (EIKO) TAIL BRAKE LIGHT MELTED IN THE SOCKET. THE BRAKE LIGHT ON MY 2002 OLDS BRAVADA WENT OUT SEVERAL DAYS AGO. WHEN I REPLACED THE BULB, I NOTICED IT WAS NOT BURNT OUT BUT LOOSE IN THE SOCKET. I COULD NOT GET IT TO FIT PROPERLY IN THE SOCKET SO DECIDED TO REPLACE IT. WHEN I PULL THE BULB OUT I FOUND THAT THE TERMINAL WAS MELTED. I FEEL THIS IS A SEVERE FIRE RISK. I DON'T FEEL CONFIDENT ALLOWING MY WIFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. I HAVE DIGITAL PICTURES OF THE BULB IN QUESTION AS WELL AS THE BULB ITSELF. I DID ALSO HAVE THE RECALL PERTAINING TO THIS : NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 04V527000 COMPLETED ON THE VEHICLE. *TR

Power Train
Filed Jan 5, 2008VA

THE DRIVE TRAIN NEEDS REPLACING AT 64K MILES. THE CAR IS BASICALLY IN CONSTANT 4WD, WHICH MAKES TURNING AT SLOW SPEEDS VERY DIFFICULT WITHOUT LOTS OF GAS AND IT IS NOISY. THIS CAR IS TOO YOUNG TO BE FACING THIS TYPE OF ISSUE AND WITH LOW MILES (USUALLY 100K FOR THIS SORT OF THING). *CN

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Dec 3, 200762,480 milesPA

LAST MONTH MY OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA'S GAUGES AND INSTRUMENT WARNING LIGHTS STARTING OPERATING ERRATICALLY AND AT TIMES DID NOT WORK AT ALL (I.E. THE GAUGES READ ZERO). SEARCHING THE RECALLS FOR MY BRAVADA I FOUND 3013. 3013 CONCERNS INOPERATIVE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTERS. THE FAILURE IMPACTED MY BRAVADA'S ABILITY TO MEET FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS NO. 101 AND NO. 208. BACKGROUND. I BOUGHT MY BRAVADA...USED IN JANUARY 2005 FROM EVERETT CHEVROLET IN EVERETT, WA. IT HAD 25671 MILES. CURRENT MILEAGE IS 62600. PRIOR TO MY PURCHASE, MY BRAVADA HAD SEVERAL RECALLS PERFORMED WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME OFF LEASE...IN SEPTEMBER 2004. RECALL 3013 (INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES INOPERATIVE) WAS PERFORMED ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2004...AT 25,184 MILES. I MADE APPOINTMENT AND TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE ON 20 NOVEMBER 2007. THE DEALER WE USED WAS: FREYSINGER PONTIAC, GMC, BUICK 6251 CARLISLE PIKE MECHANICSBURG, PA 17050 717-766-8422 THE DEALER STATED THAT SINCE 3013 WAS ALREADY PERFORMED ON MY VEHICLE THAT THE NEXT STEP WAS REPLACEMENT OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER...AT MY COST. REPAIR WAS COMPLETED ON 21 NOVEMBER 2007. DOUG NEWELL *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Oct 24, 200782,365 milesNY

FUEL PUMP FAILURE AND GAS LEAK. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 238, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2002
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
200413220Routine
200327710Routine
2002 — this page2381070Above average
200133110Routine
200076340Routine
199960010Routine
199898220Routine
1997104370Routine
199677510Routine
19952100Routine
199491331Fatalities reported
199343260Routine
199256220Routine
199144320Routine

Compare every Bravada year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

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: Nov 1, 2004. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.