Most common 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada problems
Share of the 98 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Oldsmobile Bravada complaints by model year
Best Bravada years: 2004, 2003, 2001. Years to avoid: 2002, 1997, 1998. Compare all years →
1998 Oldsmobile Bravada recalls (2)
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicle equipped with 4-wheel drive or all-wheel-drive. One or both of the attaching nuts for the right-hand lower control arm are under torqued. This can allow the attachment bolt to loosen and subsequent break resulting in separation of the lower control arm from the frame.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and retighten the right-hand lower control arm nuts to the proper torque specification.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. A fatigue fracture of the rear axle right-hand brake pipe can occur causing a slow brake fluid leak resulting in a soft brake pedal.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pipe.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada:
Front control arm ball joints
See attached page.
What 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada owners say
Windows, wipers & sunroof all 31 →
Transmission problems, windshield wipers not working, headlights not working, AWD problems, cooling system problems, fuel pump, control arm & ball joint problems are just some of the major safety issues on 96-99 GM blazers, Bravada's, & jimmys. These problems should really be looked into and recalled. Most problems starting right after warranty expired. Can't believe GM is getting away with this. Transmission went bad at 71000 miles and dealer says that they know there was a defect with the transmissions also problem (code 1870) but they will not cover the repair.
Dt: 1998 Oldsmobile bravado, while driving in the rain windshield wipers stopped. Took tvehicle to the dealer ,where consumer bought the car, and they didn't know what caused this, but it could be the module and they could replace the module at the cost, of $200.00. Did not have the work done because they could not duplicate the problem. This has not happened in the last 13 months and now it is starting up again. Talked to the manufacturer, and they could not help consumer. They checked to see if there was any recalls, and there were none.
Electrical system
Vehicle has a complete loss of power while driving. It happens numerous times without warning while driving to work 3rd shift 55-60 MPH on a country road... Vehicle would suddenly shut down. With no lights, power steering, ect... I would have to try and pull over in the pitch black of night. After about 20 minutes it would start back up and on I would go, praying it wouldn't happen at the curves. After a couple of years of this and nobody having any answers, my husband discovered it is a connector in the steering column that gets corroded and he has to clean it. As long as we clean the corrosion off of the connector about twice a year, the vehicle does fine.
I have had numerous problems with my 1998 olds Bravada. First the blinker sound won't shut off. When the ac is on for more than 25 minutes the motor gets really loud and the speedometer needle starts jumping. Finally my brakes get sticky when it's hot outside then the ABS light comes on and it feels as if the brakes aren't going to engage and the speedometer needle starts going crazy again. This is something that shuts off and starts all over again every time I start the vehicle.
Steering
The upper and lower ball joints on my 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada with AWD smartrack wear at a very accelerated rate. They, along with the tie rods were replaced soon after I purchased the vehicle at approx 86000 miles with all GM parts, and now at 93000 miles need replacing again. They have been properly lubricated, and the front end has been aligned several times, all by a GM dealer. The vehicle is not used off road or for plowing. Having spoke to several other Bravada owners, I am finding this to be a rather common problem. These components are critical, and should last much longer than they have, especially on an all wheel drive vehicle that never goes off road. No recall is noted, however front suspension components directly related to these have been investigated by the NHTSA. The vehicle is fitted with quality name brand standard size tires in good condition.
My vehicle had a complete loss of power while driving. It happened more than once prior to taking it in to the dealership. No dash board lighting, no power steering, no acceleration and braking was very difficult. If I tapped on the steering column the power would sometimes come back on. I do have the paperwork from 2001 when the ignition switch was replaced at the dealership. I believe the ignition problem goes back further that GM knows.
1998 Oldsmobile Bravada engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada a good car?
Based on 98 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 Bravada rates use caution: 1.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the Bravada at the same age. It is one of the Bravada years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada?
The windows, wipers & sunroof — 31 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year, most often about windshield wiper/washer › motor. Next are the electrical system (19) and steering (12).
How many recalls does the 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada, the most recent from March 9, 1998 (lower arm). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Oldsmobile Bravada?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2004, 2003 and 2001. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2002, 1997 and 1998. See the full Oldsmobile Bravada years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 71,000 miles; 28% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.