Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada. While driving 30 MPH, there was an burning odor under the passenger seat. The contact noticed that the seat was melting from the bottom and was dripping onto the carpet. The contact pulled the fuse box wires from under the passenger seat to prevent the seat from burning; however, the seat was still getting hot. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. In addition, the engine warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 215,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada. The contact stated that the service engine warning light illuminated and the reduced engine power warning light flashed. The vehicle had a drastic reduction in speed while traveling approximately 40 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer more than twice and they were not able to replicate the failure. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign id number: 04V527000 (exterior lighting) and was waiting on the part for months to receive the recall repair and was unable to confirm when the recall would be completed. The approximate failure mileage was 151,000. Ma 10/15/2015
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. …
Purchased 96 grand am in 98 found it to be wrecked after I traded in 02 for old's Bravada with mileage roll back at bad dealership multiple problems several wrecks due to manufactures defect let go back to gmac financing because bad dealers could finance bad deals through them. Please contact me asap!!!!!
I have had many mechanical problems with my vehicle since the day I purchased it (new!). I have had several occasions where the oxygen snesor was bad, I currently have a problem with the dome override switch. If I have it activated, pushed in, it will cause my lights to stay on and also causes my personal alarm (like the one on my remote keyless entry) to go off quite often. When the dome override is disengaged, all seems fine. The most recent issue that I have is with the heating system. This one's a winner, especially because this is winter and snow and freezing temperature season, here in the northeast. I have little or no heat. I drive an average of 110 miles per day. We have flushed the system, replaced the thermostat and I am lucky to have heated seats, because I'd probably have hypothermia by the time I got to work if I didn't. …
As I was on the way home from work driving on a city street and I came to a stop I downed my windows. I realized a burning smell. A little later, as I pulled up to my house the smell seemed to had gotten worse and I got out of the car and upped my hood. There had seem to be oil leakage but I'm not sure it was late. I'm not a mechanic but I kind of know a bit. From my inspection I May have oil leaking on a hot exhaust manifold. The burning smell is not the strongest but its sensible. I am very scared to drive my vehicle and I hope for it not to catch fire. I service my vehicle for regular oil changes and things and I don't understand the issue. May it be my valve cover gasket? I'm scared for my life to drive my nieces to school now. Unfortunately, they have been catching the carta bus. It hurts my heart I have this problem with such a reliable GM car. Please help. …
I have a 1999 Oldsmobile Bravada that has developed a serious leak in the oil lines (hoses) going to the oil cooler. I also owned a 2000 GMC sonoma that developed the same leaks while under warranty. My mechanic said they have replaced the oil lines on several vehicles with the 4.3 and 350 engines. They have also replaced 3 engines where the oil lines failed and the engine lost all oil. It seems this problem exists on nearly all if not all of GM's products using the rubber oil lines. Can anything be done to correct this problem or reimburse our repair costs due to an apparent defect? Not to mention the damage to the engines and garage floors. Thank you ron.
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling
Some sport utility vehicles equipped with an electronically controlled air suspension (ecas) have a condition in which the ecas May produce a brief electrical spike while the vehicle is operating. This electrical spike can disrupt the powertrain control module (PCM) causing the vehicle to stall.
Remedy: Dealers will install a wiring harness. The recall will begin on August 19, 2004. Owners should contact Oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
NHTSA investigations
ENGINE STALL
Of the 697 total complaints, 240 were received for theenvoy and 457 for the bravada.GM has identified about 5,000 warranty claims related to stalling in the subject vehicles.GM reports that a transient voltage spike generated in the ecas degrades the performance of the PCM resulting in engine stall.GM modified the ecas wiring bundle and the PCM for vehicles built after December 6, 2001 to address the stalling…
ENGINE STALL
Model year (my) 2002 bravada and certain my 2002 envoy vehicles with optional electronically controlled air suspension (ecas) May be subject to engine stall caused by an errant voltage spike transmitted to the powertrain control module (PCM).in addition to engine stall, if the spike damages the PCM, the vehicle May not restart.on October 31, 2001 GM introduced into production a wiring harness containing an inductor…
Frequently asked questions
Which Oldsmobile Bravada years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2002 (51), 1997 (15), 1999 (12), 1996 (11) and 2000 (10) model years. Engine complaints make up 21% of all complaints for the 2002.
Is there a recall for Oldsmobile Bravada engine problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 04V-289 (engine and engine cooling, Jun 23, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Oldsmobile Bravada engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles; 42% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (32 mentions), followed by the engine › gasoline (31).
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.