Most common 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada problems
Share of the 33 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 →
2001 Oldsmobile Bravada recalls (1)
Exterior lighting › Hazard flashing warning lights › Switch
Vehicle description: 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. The center high mounted stop lamp and turn signal functions are not affected.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the hazard switch carrier. Owner notification will be conducted in two phases. The first phase began April 15, 2002, with mailings to owners of 2000 and early 2001 vehicles.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada:
Hazard light switch failure
On November 30, 2001, general motors (GM) conducted safety recall 01v-364 for the subject vehicles built between September 16, 1999 and August 28, 2001 to remedy a defective hazard switch that would cause a loss of hazard and stop lamp illumination.the hazard switch is contained within the vehicle multifunction switch.odi opened this investigation based on reports that some consumers were not notified of the…
Loss of stop lamp illumination
What 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
I am the owner of a 2001 olds Bravada and recently my complete transmission has failed. Last year I took my vehicle to the olds dealer complaining of straining to change gears. They told me that it was not my transmission, but a part of the emmission and they were fixing the problem because I had purchased the gmpp (good thing I did). A year later, the same problem occured and I took my vehicle back to the olds dealer and because it had been "a few days" past the warranty expiration date, they said that they couldn't do anything. So, I had to take my vehicle to an outside dealer who had to replace my entire transmission for $1700! Now, my oxygen sensor has gone out and my gas gauge doesn't work. Since, I am still recovering from the $1700 to replace my transmission, I am unable to get these to necessities fixed right away. …
1. Oldsmobile Bravada with smartrak at 48,000 miles and good condition developed drivetrain binding / locking up over several months. 2. The problem started as a minor binding when backing out or in tight forward turns. Now drivetrain actually locks up in tight turning position. Have to play with forward/backward gears and wheel direction to allow movement. This has become a serious safety problem if merging onto or backing into a traffic lane. 3. Initial service at GM dealer was to flush and fill transfer case fluid, $140. Instructed to drive for a while to obtain improvement. After three weeks, condition has gotten worse. Am debating next step and service provider.
Engine & cooling
I was traveling on the highway at the posted 55mph speed limit when all of the sudden, the vehicle completely shut off. There was no power as if the ignition for the vehicle was completely turned off. With there being no power to the vehicle, I could only allow the momentum of the vehicle roll to the shoulder of the highway away from traffic. I had no use of turn signals or hazard signals. Once I was able to get over safely, I looked at the dashboard and cold only see the battery indicator light on, no other lights were illuminated. I turned the key to the off position, removed the key from the steering column, reinserted the key and tried to restart the vehicle. …
The automobile over heated because the thermostat in the engine bloc rusted through and water boiled out. According to the mechanic or supervisor, raymond roper, many components needed to be replaced. I had my car maintained at a GMC service as long as I had the car. Although I had not had it serviced for two years or 17 thousand miles, I find it difficult to believe that the cooling system would suffer a complete rust through. Every component in the cooling system needed to be replaced. It cost $2000.00 to repair it. Also seaside Buick maintenance had only changed my oil each time I brought it in to them. Seaside began maintaining my car at about 28,000 mile before that it was well maintained by hollier Oldsmobile in orlando, florida. Car was not driven from florida to california. But if this had happened on a long trip, it could have a major problem. …
Brakes
My 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada had a spontaneous brake failure. The left rear brake line was found to be extremely corroded. The brake fluid escaped and the brakes failed without warning. Fortunately, I had stopped at a store on my way to work, upon leaving, I started the engine, pressed on the brake to shift into reverse to back out of the parking space, and the pedal collapsed to the floor. Upon examination, there was brake fluid all over the ground and dripping from the suspension. The towing charge was $55.00 and the repair to replace the corroded brake line was approximately $200.00 I have in my possession the section of corroded brake line. I hope that someone takes my frightening experience seriously. [redacted]
Subject: gross mechanic error , possible fire / explosive situation while in palm bay fl, I had my fuel filter changed at tire kingdom for about $90. Their mechanic installed a fuel filter that rattled / defective and he destroyer the fuel line it mounted to. The tire kingdom mechanic, threw out the plastic fuel filter bracket and brake line holder because it was too rusty. I was told this a week later by the manager. I lost about two tanks of fuel getting to atlanta, ga. I stopped for lunch and noticed a 4 foot circle of fuel under my Bravada. I looked under the vehicle and couldn't believe what a hack job tire kingdom did. My vehicle could have caught on fire and blew up!! There should be fines for such a gross incompetence and causing a dangerous condition. If the fuel would have sprayed on the exhaust pipe the vehicle would have caught on fire. …
2001 Oldsmobile Bravada engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada a good car?
Based on 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 Bravada rates better than average: 55% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Bravada at the same age. It is one of the best Bravada years by this measure. 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 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada?
The transmission & drivetrain — 10 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the engine & cooling (6) and brakes (6).
How many recalls does the 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada have?
There is 1 recall for the 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada, the most recent from December 3, 2001 (switch). 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 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 38% 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.