Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Oldsmobile Bravada owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Multiple occasions if applying brakes pedal will go to the floor, not responding to pedal application which resulted in a rear collision. Failure is intermittent, making difficult to duplicate. Consumer states that brakes simply do not apply, no matter what amount of pressure is applied to the brake pedal, consumer also states that it feels as though vehicle is skidding on ice, one person was injured in the accidnt mentioned above.
Ea94-038/ABS braking system: ongoing problem with ABS brake failure. When applying brakes intermittently pedal would go to the floor. Dealer notified, and informed consume rthat they were unable to duplicate the problem. Vehicle was involved in two accidents because of ABS failure.
ABS system - in my opinion, the ABS is too sensitive. On several occasions the ABS activated causing my stopping distance to increase. Twice on bumpy surfaces while hard braking I came close to a collision, and in my 20 years of driving experience I know that I would not have that scare with vehilces not equiped with ABS. Contacted manufacturer on best way to disconect, their only comment was, "we don't recommend disconnecting the ABS system." you have a case #ea94038 on ABS. Transmission - on 3 occasions I had my engine light come on and each time the code retrieved was p1870, transmission slippage. I spoke to a transmission repair shop and they gave me an estimate of $1,600.00 to repair of $2,300.00 to replace with GM 3 year/36,000 mile warranty. I found a service bulletin NHTSA# sb052584 with similar discussion. …
On numerous occasions the brakes have failed to engage. This happens on wet, snow-covered, gravel, and other road conditions. I see that the NHTSA has investigated the sensors on these vehicles in the past, but has not recalled the Oldsmobile. I have reported this to both my local dealer and the selling dealer, grand olds in grand rapids, mi. The local dealer, demaagd Oldsmobile of battle creek, mi, has acknowledged several complaints of similar nature. Grand olds says they have never heard of this. I consider this to be very dangerous, as I, and numerous other Bravada owners have told me they have slid into many intersections. I have had numerous problems with this vehicle, I.e. Oxygen sensors (3), antifreeze coolant (necessitating a 4-step, and costly, flush), as well as other problems. I am seriously considering selling it, however, because of the brake problem. …
The brakes, when applied on any uneven surface (gravel, small pothole, wet surface, etc.) fail to engage. It feels as though you have no brakes for a few seconds. The brakes eventually do operate, but usually after you are into the intersection. I have asked the local dealer (demaagd Oldsmobile, in battle creek, mi) about this repeatedly, and they say that they know that there is a defect, but that no recall has been done. They even offered to disconnect the ABS to make it safer. I am very afraid to be approaching the winter months with these brakes.
Brake pedal is extremely hard to press, it goes low to the floor and causes extended stopping distance. Problem gets better when they put new pads on. Then 5,000 to 8,000 miles it happens all over again. Mechanic found rotors to be hard they were removed and cleaned and readjusted and also cleaned rear drums, also consumer states a light was on, oxygen sensor was replaced.
Vehicle have been experiencing intermittent problem with erratic braking. Whenever brake are applied in an emergency situation, vehicle would have a delayed stopping distance. During normal conditions, brake pedal feels spongy when applied. Can NHTSA help in this matter before a potential accident May occur.
ABS sensors sending false input to ABS computer/ car is fine on dry road, but under panic stop on wet road car dives to right and pedal goes to floor. At speeds of 15mph same situation on snow & ice. Dealer will not correct problem. Six tries. Refused to pick car up from dealers lot.
While driving through a drive through, applied brakes and pedal went to floorboard, causing extended stopping distance. Dealer contacted and repairwork to be done at owners expense. Problem still exist. Provided further information.
Pulling off from a stop consumer heard a loud pop. Consumer proceeded to drive vehicle, heard another pop, and ABS kicked in. While turning a curve right front passenger's tire flopped inward. Please provide any further information.
NHTSA investigations
ABS braking system
This investigation resulted in a safety recall, 99v-193, and a service campaign, 99i-006.
Brake complaints in other Bravada years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1996 Oldsmobile Bravada?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Oldsmobile Bravada, 40% of the model year's 77 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (21 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Oldsmobile Bravada brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1996 Oldsmobile Bravada, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 Oldsmobile Bravada brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 89,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.