Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Sometimes the windshield wipers work and sometimes they don't. When they do work they usually stop working in the middle of raining. I think this is very dangerous. I know another person that owns a Bravada that has the same problem. The windshield wipers has stopped working while I was riding on the freeway before in the middle of a storm, I could have gotten into a serious accident. I am almost scared to drive when the forecast says rain because you never know when the windshield wipers are going to work.
I bought my vehicle used (about 30,000 miles on it). Roughly 4 months after I bought it the windshield wipers were not working correctly. I would turn them off and they would continue to go, sometimes I would use my sprayers to clean the windshield and the wipes would wipe 14 times (I counted). Sometimes I would turn them on and they wouldn't come on and other times I would turn them off and they would stop right in my viewing area of the windshield. Happened quite frequently.
Windshield wipers experienced the same defect as stated in recall 03V159000. This vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vehicle identification number the windshield wipers were inoperable, they never worked on fast or high. There was an intermittent failure above 75 percent or three out of four tries. GM refused repair.
Windshield wipers stopped working during rainstorm. Had to pull off road due to lack of visibility. Wipers worked again after weather cleared and vehicle sat for an hour. Conversations with other Bravada owners indicate this is a prevalent problem. Are there any recalls for this problem? Is the accessory connection box problem related to this too?
Windshield wipers come on and off intermittently in inclement weather. The check engine light illuminates and when it does the transmission doesn't shift. The front of the vehicle bounces and pulls to one side. Wipers would fail while driving, but by the time the consumer got home and tried them again, they worked.
Consumer stated that without any indication, the windshield wipers stopped working, which resulted in poor visibility. Dealer had been contacted. In heavy rain , the wipers had been on for about 10 minutes and had suddenly gone off. When the vehicle was started again about 15 minutes later thee wipers worked again.
Windshield wipers suddenly stop without warning, causing you to not be able to see during rain. I am lucky I have not had an accident already. I contacted Oldsmobile because they issued a recall for other years of bravadas having the same problem, but they refuse to issue a recall for this year model.
Windshield wipers fail to operate. Has happened multiple times in the past. Sometimes have to turn car off and back on to get them to work. Extreme hazard when driving in rain. Don't ever know when it will happen. Same problem on GM s-10 (1989) where there are too many devices on the wiper stem.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Bravada years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada, 32% of the model year's 98 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer › motor (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada, though it has 2 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 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.