1996 Oldsmobile Bravada
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Oldsmobile › Bravada › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Oldsmobile Bravada. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1996 Oldsmobile Bravada. Newest first.
Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from october 18, 2005, through march 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
Remedy
Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. the recall began on october 18, 2006. owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (option 1).
On certain minivans, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles with certain model-engine combinations, the windshield wiper motor may fail due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. the windshield wipers could work intermittently or not at all.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this were to occur during bad weather, driver visibility would be reduced, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover. owner notification began on june 19, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, GMC at 1-800-462-8782, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
This IS not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. however, it IS deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. vehicle description: 1996-1997 4-wheel drive chevrolet blazer, GMC jimmy, and oldsmobile bravada sport utility vehicles. some owners have had to pay for replacement of the upper ball joints that have separated. gm IS…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could cause a loss of steering control of the vehicle.
Remedy
Gm has decided to conduct a customer satisfaction campaign to replace the upper ball joints on affected vehicles. this special policy IS for a period of 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the date the vheicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. the upper ball joint replacement, due to separation, will be made at no charge to the customer during this period. owners can contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, GMC at 1-800-862-4389, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, concerning this program.
On certain sport utility vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin, and in the district of columbia. failure…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This can result in impaired steering or steering loss, or a partial or complete collapse of the front suspension, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace both upper ball joints. owner notification began september 4, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, GMC at 1-800-462-8782, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
Vehicle description: 4-door, 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive multi-purpose passenger vehicles. during development testing, the prop shaft contacted the inboard side of the fuel tank allowing fuel leakage. this leakage was in excess of the amount permitted by fmvss 301, "fuel system integrity."
Risk and remedy
Risk
If an ignition source IS present, and there IS a fuel leak, a fire could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will install additional shielding of the fuel tank. this will be added without removing or disassembling the fuel system.
Owner complaints
77 complaints5 involved a crash1 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Engine · Unknown or other
My vehicle will not start having trouble getting engine to start I was at a gas station when it first happened then managed to start it made it home then died at my house and has not moved since.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module · Visibility › Rear window wiper/washer › Motor
ABS sensors failed causing brake pulsation and failure. rear wiper motor failed (still on vehicle). *nm
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
I had a failure of the upper and lower ball joints in the front end of my vehicle - I had replacement done which cost $1326.00. *nm
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
The windshield wiper on my 1996 olds bravada started to work intermittently. The problem, as diagnosed by a gm dealer was a faulty wiper control board/module. This IS the fault described on gm recall 03023. But I was told that only some of the 1996 bravadas are covered by this recall (and mine IS…
The windshield wiper on my 1996 olds bravada started to work intermittently. The problem, as diagnosed by a gm dealer was a faulty wiper control board/module. This IS the fault described on gm recall 03023. But I was told that only some of the 1996 bravadas are covered by this recall (and mine IS not). when I first encountered it in june of 2005, I replaced the fuse and everything worked fine for a week or two. Then the problem occurred again, replaced the fuse and everything worked fine for a while. This cycle kept occurring until christmas day 2005 when even replacing the fuse did not help. I do not understand how the same exact problem can be covered on some 96 bravadas but not on others. *nm
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Dt*: the contact states there IS a nhtsa recall campaign 03v159000 regarding the windshield wipers. this vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall, but it IS not included in the recall due to the vin. In addition, the windshield wipers fuse was replaced multiple times. *ak
- Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Dt: the contact was referred to nhtsa by consumer affairs. She purchased the vehicle OCT.1 2004. The contact was in las vegas and her car broke down. she had to have a new driveshaft. The mechanics from three different shops told her that the front end should have been salvadged. The mechanic…
Dt: the contact was referred to nhtsa by consumer affairs. She purchased the vehicle OCT.1 2004. The contact was in las vegas and her car broke down. she had to have a new driveshaft. The mechanics from three different shops told her that the front end should have been salvadged. The mechanic told her that the car had been welded together. The vehicle while she was driving she noticed that one part of the car would go one way and another part another way. When she got back from las vegas she contacted the person she bought the car and they wouldn't do anything about the driveshaft because it was not covered on her warrenty. A previous owner of the car said that he was having the same problems with the front end that she was having. The contact put another driveshaft in the vehicle and three weeks later the driveshaft went out again. This made the second driveshaft in the vehicle. The alignment of the front end IS crooked. The second driveshaft was installed on may 5, 2005.*ak
- Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Support device/strut
After coming to a complete stop the tailgate glass exploded without warning or cause. vehicle will be taken to the dealership for inspection, and repaired later on. *ak
- Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
While driving on the highway vehicle vibrated. driver pulled the vehicle to the side of the road and found that only one lug, nut was holding the right rear tire on the vehicle. the other lugs, nuts sheared off. this was the third time this happened to the right rear section of the vehicle. *Ak
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
Oldsmobile, bravada, 1996. Had to replace both upper ball joints on the front suspension. GMC has a recall for these components. Nhtsa campaign ID # 01v200000. GMC refused to repair. Their recall IS for vehicles with vin #'s t2705034-t2708364 (last eight digits) my vin # IS t2710395. The ball joints are obviously failing in other vehicles than those they listed.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Engine overheating ud-like coolant (dex-cool). *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
The vehicle began overheating. The check engine light appeared. It was taken to the dealer and said that the coolant became muddy and that happens a lot when the coolant gets a little low. the thermostat was replaced along with a flush and fill on the radiator and cooling system. the dealer…
The vehicle began overheating. The check engine light appeared. It was taken to the dealer and said that the coolant became muddy and that happens a lot when the coolant gets a little low. the thermostat was replaced along with a flush and fill on the radiator and cooling system. the dealer wanted to put the same coolant in the radiator and this was unusual to me. I had them put in preston and had no problems since. *la
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
The 1996 oldsmobile bravada contains a fuel injection system which can cause the poppet valves to lock-up. there was a completely redesigned system for the fuel injection system which does not have poppet valves. this redesign IS the significant admission of this being a design flaw. the records…
The 1996 oldsmobile bravada contains a fuel injection system which can cause the poppet valves to lock-up. there was a completely redesigned system for the fuel injection system which does not have poppet valves. this redesign IS the significant admission of this being a design flaw. the records of the company need to be examined to determine the number of problems. the mechanics which I have interviewed view this as a significant persistent and widespread problem. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
Driver stopped at toll booth to pay toll and saw smoke coming from rear of vehicle. Consumer got out of vehicle to investigate where the smoke was coming from, and determined that vehicle caught on fire from the exhaust.driver had vehicle towed to the dealership.*ak
- Visibility › Rear window wiper/washer › Motor
While driving, the front and rear windshield wipers worked intermittently. the failure increased with the wipers not functioning at all. the problem seemed to have been caused by an electrical circuit board or motor. The rear wipers still were not functional. *ak the front wipers were repaired. *ph *jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Fuel pump - vehicle presented as a failed fuel pump. Hursh replaced, $700+. When we got home, vehicle would not start. Another gm dealer closer to home looked at problem, determined that the reason it wouldn't start was a wiring harness. Hursh wouldn't honor their warranty at that point, so I took…
Fuel pump - vehicle presented as a failed fuel pump. Hursh replaced, $700+. When we got home, vehicle would not start. Another gm dealer closer to home looked at problem, determined that the reason it wouldn't start was a wiring harness. Hursh wouldn't honor their warranty at that point, so I took the vehicle to my regular mechanic. Repaired harness for $140. They also tested the "replaced" part and determined that there IS nothing wrong with it. In that ase certified mechanic's professional opinion, hursh never bothered to test the fuel pump to determine if it was defective. They just got lucky when they put the wiring harness together and it worked when they gave it back to me. When I drove it home, it failed again. - I want my $700+ bill for their repair refunded. I also want gm to address a poor design of a fuel pump placement (that I believe they still use) that requires $400 of labor to drop the fuel tank to access. There's no reason this part couldn't be designed to have access from the side of the tank rather than the top. Built in complexity to steal money from the consumer.*ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
The windshield wipers worked only intermittently. the windshield wiper motor was replaced. *nlm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
The master cylinder leaked fluid, which caused brakes to fail.*jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic
The vehicle experienced extended stopping distance.*jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Consumer states that there IS oil leaking onto the brakes which IS causing the consumer to have trouble stopping because the brakes will become slippery. Contacted dealer and the dealer IS not willing to do anything. mr
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
After starting vehicle will lose all power. Unable to operate windows, radio,windshield wipers etc,.contacted dealer, they replaced ignition switch, but problem reoccurred. *ak
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Seats · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
The windshield wipers worked intermittently or stopped working during operation. Manufacturer was contacted. Feel free to provide any further information. *ak the bravada's were recalled for faulty windshield wipers. the consumer was not aware that the motor had to be replaced. also, the rear…
The windshield wipers worked intermittently or stopped working during operation. Manufacturer was contacted. Feel free to provide any further information. *ak the bravada's were recalled for faulty windshield wipers. the consumer was not aware that the motor had to be replaced. also, the rear windshield wiper motor had to be replaced recently. recall# 98v150000. the drivers seat had come loose due to the pin coming out of the motor bracket, and steam had come from the windshield and there was wetness on the right side floor, and the a/c was replaced. *scc *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
While driving, vehicle would stall, dealer replaced the fuel filter, coil and module, fuel pump, crank sensor and ignition switch, however problem continued, consumer has since traded vehicle in for a 2002 bravada. *slc
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Suspension › Front › Control arm
Pulling off from a stop consumer heard a loud pop. consumer proceeded to drive vehicle, heard another pop, and ABS kicked in. While turning a curve right front passenger's tire flopped inward. Please provide any further information.*ak
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Seat belts are not working properly. Seat belts do not keep consumer in place. Please provide further information.*ak
- Suspension › Rear
The vehicle began to smoke and lose power while driving(the cruise control was set at 64mph), the consumer exited the vehicle and found fire coming from the rear wheel wells, possible rear suspension failure. (Ohio crash report) nlm
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Windshield wiper failure
As a result of this, and the precedinginvestigation, rq99-003, gm has expanded the population of safety recall 98v-150 (replacement of the windshield wiper control module) to include an additional 1.77 million vehicles.included are various 1994-1997 my M/L vans, s/t trucks and suvs, & c/k trucks and suvs.see attached technical report for details.
- Upper and lower control arm ball joint
There is no summary currently available
- ABS braking system
This investigation resulted in a safety recall, 99v-193, and a service campaign, 99i-006.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10208027This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10114947This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10017164Power door mirror inoperative after replacing mirror.
- 10012745Information on error codes on radio display their cause and corrective action.
- 10010270Heat coming from vents with hvac off.
- 10007838Diagnostic information for intermittent transmission downshift, slip, busy/cycling tcc or noisy cooling fan.
- 10007717Engine coolant leak at intake gasket. * mj
- 10006961Pop snap noise in the front suspension when braking.
- 10004371Rattle noise in engine.
- 10004301Rattle noise in engine.
- 10001298Rough idle after start, and/or a service engine soon (ses) light. Various models including the 1995 chevrolet and GMC s/t models.
- 10000749Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds on various models including the 1995 and 1996 envoy.
- 10000062Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds.
- 6092571Some customers may comment on an illuminated ses light with diagnostic trouble code p1441 revealed.
- 6091427Some customers may comment on hard, no, or slow start, backfire or kickback during crank / start, grinding or unusual noises during crank, diagnostic trouble code p0338.
- 6089191A condition with a rusty transmission fluid level indicator / transmission oil filler tube.
- 634999Diagnosis of cracked or broken transmission case. 2006 and prior cars and light duty trucks.
- 634823Technical information - some customers may comment that the rear portion of the roof has some rust forming.
- 634815Some customers may comment on a harsh 1-2 upshift and the check engine light or service engine soon indicator IS illuminated and diagnostic trouble code p1870 set.
- 634506Subject regarding general waterleak guide.
- 634218Subject regarding rust in cooling system, heater inoperative, blows cold air, engine overheats (flush cooling system). Nlm
- 629470Some customers may comment that the rear portion of the roof has some rust forming.
- 628938Information used when diagnosing noise conditions such as engine rattle noise, spark knock at 2000 - 2500 rpm range, under a moderate to heavy load with a warmed up engine.
- 628913Special policy adjustment 01049 for upper ball joint replacement.
- 628905Some customers may comment on rough idle after start up, especially after setting overnight.
- 628854Subject regarding rear roof perforation.
- 628527Special policy adjustment for four-wheel and all-wheel utility vehicles that may have front suspension upper ball joints that separate at a lower mileage than expected by customers.
- 628512Subject regarding rear roof perforation (install new rear roof section) including 1995-1997 GMC blazer.*jg
- 628393Subject regarding exhaust system rumble / rattle noise.
Every Oldsmobile Bravada model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.