1997 Oldsmobile Bravada
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada. Newest first.
Certain sport utility vehicles were built with a driver's seat belt buckle assembly that contains an energy-absorbing loop. sustained loads of sufficient magnitude and duration on the belt in severe crashes could fully deploy the buckle energy-absorbing loop, introducing a total of 10 additional inches of webbing into the seat belt system. the free…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the energy-absorbing loop fully deploys in a severe multiple rollover crash, it IS possible that a belted driver may experience partial or even complete ejection from the vehicle.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the energy-absorbing seat belt assemblies with one that does not have the energy-absorbing loop. owner notification began on august 8, 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.
Owner complaints
104 complaints6 involved a crash7 involved a fire6 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Power train
1997 oldsmobile bravada. Consumer writes in regards to voltage dropping while vehicle in stopped causing headlights to dim. *Ld *js
- Electrical system
While driving my 1997 oldsmobile bravada the car shut off unexpectedly and continued to stall. I was able to pull off of the road and restart the car. I drove to my mechanics garage and he replaced the ignition harness. This has happed to me a total of ( 4) four times. The frequency has been about…
While driving my 1997 oldsmobile bravada the car shut off unexpectedly and continued to stall. I was able to pull off of the road and restart the car. I drove to my mechanics garage and he replaced the ignition harness. This has happed to me a total of ( 4) four times. The frequency has been about every 6 months to 1 year. The mileage of the vehicle was about 100,000 the first time this happened. The vehicle was purchased usedwith about 95,000 miles. please help. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system · Service brakes · Suspension
While driving I would hear like a motor running sound that would last approx 5/10 sec. And during this time the brake pedal would rise and get hard and I would have to apply lots of pressure in order for vehicle to stop which does so with grind. I replaced both rotors,calipers,brake…
While driving I would hear like a motor running sound that would last approx 5/10 sec. And during this time the brake pedal would rise and get hard and I would have to apply lots of pressure in order for vehicle to stop which does so with grind. I replaced both rotors,calipers,brake pads,mastercylinder and brake booster.abs light would come on when hit bump and go off after awhile .finally I removed fuse from ABS and problem ceased.in processes of diognosing problem.discovered suspension in front falling apart replaced inner/outer tierods,pitman arm,both upper/lower ball joints,passenger upper control arm and wheel hub.rear windsheild wiper no longer works and windshield wiper freezes during rain which has caused wiper motor to be replaced.driver side door hinges replaced numerous times causing door not to shut properly and doesnt sit level,fuel gauge doesnt read properly when full it reads 1/2 tank and when reads empty its unknown how much gas IS really in tank have to rely on miles counter and carry extra gallon of gas. *tr
- Electrical system
1997 oldsmobile bravada became completely engulfed in flames after the driver pulled over after seeing smoke. *kb ohio traffic crash report # 10-0002-89 updated letter 04/29/10 *bf
- Electrical system
Bravada shuts down while driving. while on highway I was traveling at 70 mph. Then the truck IS completely dead. I was able to pull over and sat for 5 to 10 minutes trying to restart it. It finally started. (No check engine light came on) after I let it sit for a few month I decided to replace…
Bravada shuts down while driving. while on highway I was traveling at 70 mph. Then the truck IS completely dead. I was able to pull over and sat for 5 to 10 minutes trying to restart it. It finally started. (No check engine light came on) after I let it sit for a few month I decided to replace the egr valve gasket and clean the carbon out of the throttle body. A few months go by I was driving on a road off of a high way going 40 mph. Same thing occurred. I got it started in the same amount of time and it will run fine like nothing ever happened. After reading the other complaints I am going to replace the ignition switch even though the dealer said it could be numerous of other things and not the ignition switch. In fact they never heard of an ignition switch doing this. *Tr
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 oldsmobile bravada. he stated that the right front end of the vehicle collapsed. the mechanic stated that the control arm could have caused the failure. there IS a recall for the upper ball joints (nhtsa campaign #01v200000) however, the vin was not included as part of the recall. the current and failure mileages were 125,000. updated 02/08/08. *lj
- Fuel system, other › Delivery › Fuel pump
Was driving on the highway when the check engine light on my 1997 oldsmobile bravada began flashing then there was an explosion at the rear of the vehicle. We pulled over and I pulled my children from the vehicle. The entire underside of the vehicle was on fire and flames were coming out of the…
Was driving on the highway when the check engine light on my 1997 oldsmobile bravada began flashing then there was an explosion at the rear of the vehicle. We pulled over and I pulled my children from the vehicle. The entire underside of the vehicle was on fire and flames were coming out of the gas cap. My husband used two full fire extinguishers on the fire and was unable to put it out. Following the attempt to extinguish the flames there were two more explosions. The sheriffs and fire departments came and put it out. Each filed reports on the incident. It IS believed that the fuel pump (located inside the gas tank) shorted out causing a spark that ignited the gas tank. The vehicle was a total loss. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
The throttle valve in the throttle body has a shield riveted to it and the shield sticks to the throttle body housing. when you step on the gas pedal it causes the shield to be pull away from the throttle valve,this causes metal fatigue at the rivets the shield then brakes loose and falls into…
The throttle valve in the throttle body has a shield riveted to it and the shield sticks to the throttle body housing. when you step on the gas pedal it causes the shield to be pull away from the throttle valve,this causes metal fatigue at the rivets the shield then brakes loose and falls into the intake manifold causing the engine to run at about 4000 rpm and very fast down the road. A new throttle body from gm cost about$739.00 plus labor. *nm
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
97 olds bravada retractable seat belts have never worked properly, now do not work on either driver or passenger side. Seatbelts do not "catch" during collision and just keep pulling out of housing. I have been told by numerous dealerships that this IS a chronic problem with these cars, which…
97 olds bravada retractable seat belts have never worked properly, now do not work on either driver or passenger side. Seatbelts do not "catch" during collision and just keep pulling out of housing. I have been told by numerous dealerships that this IS a chronic problem with these cars, which probably also include chevy blazers and GMC jimmy's. gm did a recall in '04 which I was promised would resolve the problem, but in a recent incident, my seatbelt did not "catch" and I hit my chin on the steering wheel. Dealer has verified that both front seat belts are nonfunctional. This problem cannot be easily recognized until there IS an accident. How many bravada, blazer, and jimmy owners are driving around with their seatbelts buckled, not knowing that they do not work and will not protect them in a crash? How many complaints has nhtsa gotten, wrongly assuming those were repaired by the recall? *nm
- Electrical system
On july 31, 2005 my family and I were traveling home from michigan we were 29 miles from home when our 1997 oldsmobile bravada caught fire. We had been traveling down the highway with a fire under our SUV for some time and was not aware of it. Parts literally began to fall from under the truck when…
On july 31, 2005 my family and I were traveling home from michigan we were 29 miles from home when our 1997 oldsmobile bravada caught fire. We had been traveling down the highway with a fire under our SUV for some time and was not aware of it. Parts literally began to fall from under the truck when we stopped the truck to see what had went wrong we noticed the fire. Eye witnesses said they saw flames coming from our vehicle before we even stopped. When we got out and saw the fire we began removing our children as fast as we could. When the last child was removed we began to run away from the truck. By this time the truck was fully engulfed in flames. There was no smell of gas or any warning telling us that anything was wrong. We were blessed to come out of this alive, but that may not be the case for other families. This IS very important information that consumers need to be aware of it could save lives. Its not right for manufactures to put peoples lives at risk for the sake of a few dollars. I can not or will not put this out of my mind as if it didn't happen. Please help me get this information to the public so that they are aware. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling
Temp gauge showed that enging was overheating. followed procedures in owner's manual for overheating. continued to overheat when driving longer distances. took it to dealer who flushed out radiator/cooling system twice. 3RD time informed that coolant had turned to brown slush and entire radiator system needed replacing
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
Dt: recalls 01i018000 and 01v200000 was issued but not on caller's car. Upper ball joint broke without warning and while driving. Dealer and manufacturer said callers vehicle was not included in recalls due to vin. manufacturer said if there was injury or death they would have done something.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
My 1997 oldsmobile bravada had a problem where the car would "die" anytime and then outomatically turn back on while driving on the highway. the same would happen during city driving but I wiould have to re-start the car. a very dangerous occurrence if I was in the middle of making a turn when…
My 1997 oldsmobile bravada had a problem where the car would "die" anytime and then outomatically turn back on while driving on the highway. the same would happen during city driving but I wiould have to re-start the car. a very dangerous occurrence if I was in the middle of making a turn when the car would suddenly stop. it turned out to be the ignition switch that needed replacement and the dealer said that this was becoming a very common problem with this kind of automobile (bravada, blazer, jimmy). I was fortunate not to have had an accident before I turned into the dealership.*ak
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
I had been experiencing excessive vibration on the front end of my 1997 old's bravada. I took it in and was told it required ball joints but apparently there IS a nhtsa campaign ID # of 01i018000 in reference to it and that gm had decided to conduct a customer satisfaction campaign to replace…
I had been experiencing excessive vibration on the front end of my 1997 old's bravada. I took it in and was told it required ball joints but apparently there IS a nhtsa campaign ID # of 01i018000 in reference to it and that gm had decided to conduct a customer satisfaction campaign to replace them for a peiod of 8YR'S or 100,000 miles whichever comes first from the date the vehicle was placed in service. well, I did that and was told after a total run around as well as the service garage going thru the run around as well calling on it, that it does not affect my 97' old's bravada. so here I am with a truck that IS under the stated time of repair by gm with front end work that will cost me over $800.00 to fix and gm does not care. so what was the purpose of having a campaign on the vehicle if gm had not intention of doing anything about it? the service guy at the garage even asked the rep. From gm, "so am I supposed to let the guy drive off with the bad balljoints so his wheels fall off and possibly creating an accident?" she did not respond and said there IS nothing they will do. So in the meantime I have a truck that I can not drive much for fear of the wheels falling off, unless I pay for the work to do so. so what was the point of the compaint when gm intended on doing nothing about it? I have had nothing but problem after problem since I bought this car from the dealer a couple of months back and will never buy a gm product as long as I live again. I should have just stayed with my toyota.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
The vehicle was serviced at least four times for stalling and cutting off. the ignition switch was replaced. *jb *nm
- Exterior lighting
My 1997 olds bravada IS experiencing a failure of the hazard and brake light, similar to the recall issued for the 2000-2001 models.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline · Fuel system, gasoline › Carburetor system
Consumer stated vehicle caught on fire and burned. earlier consumer smelled gas, but drove the vehicle for about 7 miles. he pulled off the freeway into a way station and checked the vehicle. he did not see any gas or any leak. Vehicle remained parked for about 15-20 minutes. consumer…
Consumer stated vehicle caught on fire and burned. earlier consumer smelled gas, but drove the vehicle for about 7 miles. he pulled off the freeway into a way station and checked the vehicle. he did not see any gas or any leak. Vehicle remained parked for about 15-20 minutes. consumer called 911, the police came and examined the vehicle, an did not find any leaks or smelled any gas. he was advised by the police not to drive the vehicle but to have it checked. consumer towed vehicle to a cadillac dealer, who checked the vehicle, and did not find any gas smell. after keeping the vehicle for 2 days it was returned to consumer, who let the vehicle sit for approximately 3 days before driving it again. then, on his way back from a trip consumer looked in the rear view mirror and saw flames coming from the rear of the vehicle. then it exploded. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasoline · Steering · Suspension
Ac compressor replaced twice. Flush cooling system (dexcool). Idler arm replaced 48222. Lower ball joints.48222 recalled left rear axle leak.48222 oil cooler lines replaced,48222. Charging system failer replaced alternater 47577 replaced battery 47577 frnt brakes and rotors 45631 fuel sender…
Ac compressor replaced twice. Flush cooling system (dexcool). Idler arm replaced 48222. Lower ball joints.48222 recalled left rear axle leak.48222 oil cooler lines replaced,48222. Charging system failer replaced alternater 47577 replaced battery 47577 frnt brakes and rotors 45631 fuel sender unit39434 driver side door pin 39434 ses light on oxygen sensor replace ac compressor 35338 clean egr valve 35338 ac compressor 33196 51000 lower ball joints are worn again (dealer replaced original because of recall) put junk back on vehicle.
- Power train · Unknown or other
Transmission_ will not go into reverse and when in drive makes a wineing sound. other - radiator- heavy rust flushed out radiator 5 times and still have rust along with rusty fluids.
- Engine and engine cooling · Unknown or other
Other: replacing the windshield wiper motor engine: a cyclinder on the vehicle cracked and needed a new motor. this IS absurd. with a regularly maintained vehicle, with only 5 1/2 years of ownership there should be no reason other than improper casting, metal fatigue, default from the factory that a new motor should have been needed with this kind of mileage.
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
At 80,000 miles I had to have the trasmission replaced. At the time I inquired about the ball joints recall. Dealership told me there was no such recall. 6 months later I took it in because of a clunking sound under the car. They told me I need a new drive shaft, transfer case and ball joints for a…
At 80,000 miles I had to have the trasmission replaced. At the time I inquired about the ball joints recall. Dealership told me there was no such recall. 6 months later I took it in because of a clunking sound under the car. They told me I need a new drive shaft, transfer case and ball joints for a total of $3747.00! It's not safe to drive and I don't have that kind of money to fix it. Has been a lemon from the start.
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
While driving front windshield wipers failed. This caused a distraction to the consumer's view while driving in rainy weather. *Ak
- Electrical system · Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Faulty driver's side seat belt.*mr the consumer received recall 03v-117000 related to a faulty driver's side seat belt. the dealer was contacted and an appointment was scheduled but the part was not available. the consumer returned at a later date to have it done. the vehicle was working fine…
Faulty driver's side seat belt.*mr the consumer received recall 03v-117000 related to a faulty driver's side seat belt. the dealer was contacted and an appointment was scheduled but the part was not available. the consumer returned at a later date to have it done. the vehicle was working fine when it was dropped off. when departing the facility after repair, the drivers side front seat would not move forward or backwards. the driver's door locks would not open or lock automatically. the interior lights flickered on and off. the service rep was contacted and requested that the vehicle be returned to the dealer. upon inspection the technician indicated that the malfunctions were not the dealers problem and that they would be billed for any repairs made. *nlm
- Fuel system, gasoline
Fuel gauge IS defective. fuel gauge will show that there IS a full tank when there IS actually a half a tank. dealer will not admit that there IS a problem. the manufacturer will be informed.*ak on one occasion the gauge indicated there was a half a tank but the vehicle was out of gas and shut off. *ts *nlm
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Consumer received recall notice 03v117000 concerning seat belt buckle assembly. dealer was contacted, and stated that repairs could not be done because the parts were on national back order. the dealer was not sure when the parts will be available. *Ak *ph *nm
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- 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.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 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.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 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.
- 10082506This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest calibrations to correct a condition of the rear entertainment system not operating as intended in colder ambient temperature areas due to calibration concerns.
- 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.
- 10009647Driver information center (dic) stays in bulb check.
- 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.
- 100055664L60-e automatic transmission oil pump first and second design identification.
- 10004371Rattle noise in engine.
- 10004354Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) IS on; the transmission IS stuck in third gear; and / or the instrument cluster IS inoperative.
- 10004301Rattle noise in engine.
- 10004129Supplement tool - drivers safety belt buckle 03020.
- 10002567Windshield wiper failure due to cracked boulder joints on the controller circuit board. This special policy covers the condition for a period of seven years or 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service regardless of ownership or for these vehicles currently outside of this coverage until february 29, 2004.
- 10001298Rough idle after start, and/or a service engine soon (ses) light. Various models including the 1995 chevrolet and GMC s/t models.
- 10001125Special policy adjustment - windshield wiper motor failures.
- 10000749Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds on various models including the 1995 and 1996 envoy.
- 10000062Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds.
- 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.
- 6088752Concerns with insufficient rear seat lighting.
- 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.
- 634729Some customers may comment on an exhaust boom / groan noise in the passenger compartment.
Every Oldsmobile Bravada model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.