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 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Both remote mirrors will not hold their memory. I have had my vehicle into service for this problem four times and the problem still exist. The mirrors move when the key is inserted into the ignition before starting the car. Also, both mirrors will not hold their position after being programed in either the normal driving mode or the "reverse-backing up" (curb view assist) mode. I have to manually move my mirrors each time I get into my car to drive, even if only leaving it for a few moments. I have had one minor accident due to the problem because of the mirrors moving. Please help. Thank you.
At 60K miles had to replace transmission and motor (with 2003 Chevy blazer). Mirrors don't recall and move when unlocking car. Passenger seat belt gets tight after braking and has to be undone, recoiled, and put back on. Backup lights blow every year. The AWD was fixed twice by dealer and messed up again so we had it removed. The air suspension blew & was replaced with springs. Terrible racket in the rear end. Driver heated seat quit working 2 years ago. This year, transmission has quit working (while driving) and I am over this car!
Consumer has had multiple, reoccuring problems with new vehicle since first purchased in October 2001. Car has been returned to dealer more than 12 times in 18 months and has placed significant burden on the owner. Vehicle now has new major mechanical problems with both the engine and transmission. Although the vehicle is still under warranty, the large number of persistent problems classifies this vehicle as unreliable and, more importantly, unsafe. Owner has contacted dealer regarding a replacement vehicle (lemon law), however the dealership has directed the owner to the maker company (GM/Oldsmobile). The maker has responded by insisting that the warranty was designed for such problems and they have referred the owner back to the dealer for continual repairs. In other words, neither the maker nor their representative dealer is willing to assist the owner in resolving the situation. …
Vehicle loses power to dash and all components controlled from dash including windshield wipers I have taken this into my dealer and he told me they couldn't find anything wrong, but they tightened some grounds. This almost caused me to have an accident during a heavy thunder storm when the windshield wipers quit for about 15 seconds at 65-70 miles an hour a vehicle can cover a lot of distance and I was blind for 15 seconds I managed to get over to the shoulder and actually was part way in the ditch when I got stopped. Then the wipers stared up again and will work again for awhile this has happened to me atleast 8 times only once did I almost wreck my vehicle though. The clock always has to be reset when this happens. Windshield wipers were on high setting when they stopped. Dash instruments backlight went dark and gauge needles all went to zero.
Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was at the car wash in 2003 there was a water leak on the passenger side. The right power window would not rollup or down and this occurred intermittently. The dealership could not duplicate the problem. Two-three weeks ago while trying to get the window to roll down, the engine died suddenly without warning. This was the third time the engine died suddenly. The first was while driving 60 MPH on a dry highway. The vehicle was towed to the dealership who could not duplicate the problem. The second time, the vehicle restarted after sitting a short while on the side of the road. The cvcs boots on the front wheels blew and were replaced twice. The headlights were replaced three times.
The all wheel drive has fallen twice in a year. Also stated that while driving on the snow the all wheel drive failed to respond which it caused an accident dealer was contacted and stated that the problem has been fix so there is nothing to worry about but consumer does not feel safe on the vehicle. Ts dealer checked and reset wheel alignment to specs. Inspected driveline and front end. Consumer also stated vehicle does not have steady idle. GM currently working on idle concern. Windshield moulding on passenger side coming off and replaced. Brake pedal fades at stop and cluck inside right rear door panel. No problem found. 4x4 light stayed on. 4wd switch replaced.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 04V046000 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs. The contact stated that after repairs, the windshield wipers would shutter abnormally as opposed to wiping smoothly across the windshield. In addition, the wipers would also sporadically fail completely in the middle of the windshield. The vehicle was repaired at a local mechanic shop. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000 and the current mileage was 78,000. The VIN was not available.
Olds Bravada stalled while driving at highway speeds (50-55 MPH), lost of steering and brakes. Engine would not start for approx 20 minutes. Tried calling olds 1 800 number for assistance and number out of service that day (Sunday). Vehicle was partially on roadway. This is one of many problems with the auto, mirror, heating, rear window washer blade, gauges not functional, engine replacement (piston ring problem). I would have to say that this is the most problematic vehicle that I have ever owned.
My main problem with this vehicle has been the paint. 2 paint jobs later on the lower half of car - paint still looks like crap. I can see the erosion beginning again on the driver's side on rear door lower where the body flares (design error I've been told). I've notified Oldsmobile who state that it's the environment I'm driving in, not the paint. Why then, does not every car in new england look like mine? I am planning on running boards - don't want to buy them - but trying to save the paint.
2002 Oldsmobile Bravada. The mirrors are adjustable to suit individual drivers. This occurs automatically depending on whether key #1 is used or key #2. The problem is the mirrors do not return to the set positions. This is extremely dangerous when entering high speed traffic from an on ramp. Incident date is daily. I did not fill in the date below as there is no "daily" choice.
Related recalls
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Certain sport utility vehicles have windshield wiper systems that will not turn on, cease operation while in use, fail to turn off/on by themselves (moisture sensitive wiper system), or have continuous windshield washer pump operation because the presence of water within the wiper modules can either cause a short circuit or can…
Remedy: Dealers will cover the windshield wiper module vent hole with a patch. Also, the wiper motor, circuit board, and electrical connector will be inspected to signs of water intrusion and/or corrosion and be replaced as…
NHTSA investigations
Windshield wiper failure
The subject vehicles (Chevrolet trailblazer (ext), GMC envoy (xl), and Oldsmobile bravada) are built on the gmt360 and gmt370 platforms and were originally equipped with a windshield wiper assembly referred to as the ?family? Design module (p/n 15171306 base, p/n 15171307 for vehicles equipped with rainsense automatic moisture sensitive wipers).the windshield wiper assembly is located inside the plenum at the base…
Windshield wiper failure
On September 17, 2003, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe03-042) to investigate alleged windshield wiper failure in certain model year (my) 2002 and 2003 Chevrolet trailblazer and trailblazer ext, GMC envoy and envoy xl, and Oldsmobile bravada vehicles.the investigation was upgraded to an engineering analysis on January 6, 2004, and the scope was expanded to include certain…
Window & Wiper complaints in other Bravada years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada, 13% of the model year's 238 complaints. The component named most often is rearview mirrors/devices › exterior (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-046 (windshield wiper/washer, Feb 4, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 20,000 miles, and 63% before 25,000 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.