Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 13 | −86% | 2 | Fuel System | Good |
| 2003 | 27 | −76% | 7 | Electrical | Good |
| 2002 | 238 | 3.3× | 10 | Transmission | Avoid |
| 2001 | 33 | −55% | 1 | Transmission | Good |
| 2000 | 76 | typical | 3 | Electrical | Average |
| 1999 | 60 | −24% | — | Transmission | Average |
| 1998 | 98 | 1.4× | 2 | Window & Wiper | Caution |
| 1997 | 104 | 1.5× | 2 | Transmission | Caution |
| 1996 | 77 | typical | 3 | Brake | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median Bravada year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Oldsmobile Bravada problems
Latest Oldsmobile Bravada recalls
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
General motors is recalling 5,862 my 2000-2002 Chevrolet blazer, my 2000-2001 GMC jimmy, and my 2000 Oldsmobile bravada sport utility vehicles. The multifunction switch could develop an open circuit condition that results in the stop lamps and the rear hazard lamps becoming inoperative.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the hazard switch carrier. The recall began on June 17, 2008. Owners May contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463, or Oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, or through their website at…
Exterior lighting › Turn signal
On certain trucks and sport utility vehicles, the driver wishing to signal a turn by moving the directional signal lever, (up or down) May cause the front marker/turn lights and rear turn lights to flash in a manner similar to hazard warning, rather than flashing on the desired side only.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the suspect flasher modules with a new flasher module designed with sealed relays and more durable contact material inside of the relays free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2005.
Exterior lighting › Brake lights
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tail lamp/stop lamp assemblies, and if necessary, replace them. The recall began on November 22, 2004.
Engine and engine cooling
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.
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 belts
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driver and front passenger safety belt retractors, and replace them if necessary. Owner notification began on June 24, 2004.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Oldsmobile Bravada should you avoid?
2002, 1997 and 1998 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Bravada years at the same age, led by transmission & drivetrain problems in the 2002.
What is the best year for the Oldsmobile Bravada?
2004 has the fewest complaints compared with other Bravada years at the same age, followed by 2003 and 2001. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Oldsmobile Bravada problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the transmission & drivetrain (130), electrical system (127) and engine & cooling (116). Transmission complaints peak in the 2002 model year.
How many recalls has the Oldsmobile Bravada had?
21 recalls across 1996–2004. The model year with the most is 2002. See all Oldsmobile Bravada recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.