1998 Oldsmobile Bravada
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Oldsmobile › Bravada › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada. Newest first.
Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicle equipped with 4-wheel drive or all-wheel-drive. one or both of the attaching nuts for the right-hand lower control arm are under torqued. this can allow the attachment bolt to loosen and subsequent break resulting in separation of the lower control arm from the frame.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can result in a loss of vehicle control.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and retighten the right-hand lower control arm nuts to the proper torque specification.
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. a fatigue fracture of the rear axle right-hand brake pipe can occur causing a slow brake fluid leak resulting in a soft brake pedal. if the brake pipe breaks, the driver would experience a sudden drop in the brake pedal, the instrument panel brake light would illuminate…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Partial loss of braking at a time when minimum stopping distance was required could result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pipe.
Owner complaints
98 complaints3 involved a crash2 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 1998 oldsmobile bravada. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the passengers side rear axle broke and the rear passenger wheel fell off. The contact stated that the vehicle flipped, causing the air bags to deploy. The contact sustained major injuries that required…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 oldsmobile bravada. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the passengers side rear axle broke and the rear passenger wheel fell off. The contact stated that the vehicle flipped, causing the air bags to deploy. The contact sustained major injuries that required medical condition. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited the same failures as listed in recall nhtsa campaign number: 98v053000 (suspension). However, the vin was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
- Electrical system · Engine · Exterior lighting
Vehicle has a complete loss of power while driving. It happens numerous times without warning while driving to work 3RD shift 55-60 mph on a country road... Vehicle would suddenly shut down. With no lights, power steering, ect... I would have to try and pull over in the pitch black of night. After…
Vehicle has a complete loss of power while driving. It happens numerous times without warning while driving to work 3RD shift 55-60 mph on a country road... Vehicle would suddenly shut down. With no lights, power steering, ect... I would have to try and pull over in the pitch black of night. After about 20 minutes it would start back up and on I would go, praying it wouldn't happen at the curves. After a couple of years of this and nobody having any answers, my husband discovered it IS a connector in the steering column that gets corroded and he has to clean it. As long as we clean the corrosion off of the connector about twice a year, the vehicle does fine. *tr
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
TL* the contact owns a 1998 oldsmobile bravada. The contact stated that while driving at 45-55 mph, the vehicle stalled numerous times without warning. The vehicle was taken toa dealer, who replaced the alternator. The repair failed to remedy the failure. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000 and the current mileage 42,000.
- Service brakes · Steering · Vehicle speed control
My vehicle had a complete loss of power while driving. It happened more than once prior to taking it in to the dealership. No dash board lighting, no power steering, no acceleration and braking was very difficult. If I tapped on the steering column the power would sometimes come back on. I do have…
My vehicle had a complete loss of power while driving. It happened more than once prior to taking it in to the dealership. No dash board lighting, no power steering, no acceleration and braking was very difficult. If I tapped on the steering column the power would sometimes come back on. I do have the paperwork from 2001 when the ignition switch was replaced at the dealership. I believe the ignition problem goes back further that gm knows. *tr
- Seats
TL* the contact owns a 1998 oldsmobile bravada. The contact stated that while reversing at unknown speeds, the driver's side front seat caught on fire. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
- Suspension
Complaint number description of the complaint: I own a 1998 oldsmobile bravada. After purchasing the vehicle in february 20008, a year and 3 months later my husband reported a whistling in the front right wheel. now when I was driving it I heard a whistling in the left back wheel. The vehicle was…
Complaint number description of the complaint: I own a 1998 oldsmobile bravada. After purchasing the vehicle in february 20008, a year and 3 months later my husband reported a whistling in the front right wheel. now when I was driving it I heard a whistling in the left back wheel. The vehicle was driven to the mechanic and stated that the wheel bearing assembly was coming loose and needed to be replaced. There IS also a general recall on this car for suspension and lower ball joints and the control arm. between this mechanical problem and this safety recall (although my vin# was not in it. I was told by my local mechanic that this car should not be driven on the highway because the wheel could come loose and cause a crash. this IS a safety issue. I just took the car today to GMC dealer in hazlet. they are going to do a diagnostic test costing me 48 - 90 dollars which I do not believe I should have to pay because this IS a complete safety issue complaint and all 1998 oldmobile bravada's should be recalled to check but of these items out. *tr
- Suspension › Front
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 oldsmobile bravada. immediately after purchasing the vehicle in may of 2007, the contact heard a noise coming from the front passenger side wheel. the vehicle was driven to the dealer and they stated that the wheel bearing assembly was defective and needed to be…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 oldsmobile bravada. immediately after purchasing the vehicle in may of 2007, the contact heard a noise coming from the front passenger side wheel. the vehicle was driven to the dealer and they stated that the wheel bearing assembly was defective and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. a few months later, while driving approximately 55 mph, she heard a grinding sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. the following day, the vehicle was driven to a local repair shop and the mechanic stated that the front axles were defective and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. in july of 2008, while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle shifted from left to right and the wheels were unstable. the vehicle was driven to a local repair shop for an alignment and the mechanic stated that the upper and lower ball joints and the control arm were defective. the vehicle has not been repaired since the last failure. the manufacturer has not been notified. the current mileage was 147,000 and failure mileage was 104,000.
- Engine and engine cooling · Equipment · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Exterior lighting
I purchased a used 1998 olds bravada. It has been an ok car except. The heater/air conditioner doesn't work properly. My dealer says you have to switch it back and forth from heat to cool in the dash somewhere (my question was, what IS the thermostat button for then???). Also, the transmission or…
I purchased a used 1998 olds bravada. It has been an ok car except. The heater/air conditioner doesn't work properly. My dealer says you have to switch it back and forth from heat to cool in the dash somewhere (my question was, what IS the thermostat button for then???). Also, the transmission or motor at 3000 rpms cuts out bad and jumps and could cause an accident if you are in the passing zone when this happens. Also, the dimmer switch doesn't work anymore. The windshield wipers do and the signals do but not the dimmer?? *Jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 45 mph, the vehicle overheated and stalled. the consumer pulled over and after letting the vehicle cool off, he restarted it. the vehicle was driven to an independent repair shop, where it was determined the fuel injector was leaking. fuel was leaking…
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 45 mph, the vehicle overheated and stalled. the consumer pulled over and after letting the vehicle cool off, he restarted it. the vehicle was driven to an independent repair shop, where it was determined the fuel injector was leaking. fuel was leaking onto the wires for the main computer system. the repair shop suggested the fuel injector and all the wires be replaced. updated 05/23/06. *Jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Windshield wipers stopped working causing a major safety issue. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling · Exterior lighting · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump · Power train › Automatic transmission · Suspension · Suspension › Front › Control arm · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Transmission problems, windshield wipers not working, headlights not working, AWD problems, cooling system problems, fuel pump, control arm & ball joint problems are just some of the major safety issues on 96-99 gm blazers, bravada's, & jimmys. These problems should really be looked into and…
Transmission problems, windshield wipers not working, headlights not working, AWD problems, cooling system problems, fuel pump, control arm & ball joint problems are just some of the major safety issues on 96-99 gm blazers, bravada's, & jimmys. These problems should really be looked into and recalled. most problems starting right after warranty expired. Can't believe gm IS getting away with this. Transmission went bad at 71000 miles and dealer says that they know there was a defect with the transmissions also problem (code 1870) but they will not cover the repair. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission started slipping also no reverse. *jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Dt: the contact states the windshield wipers will not work properly. This happens intermittently. this started last winter. Oldsmobile told the contact that warranty expired. he cited a recall. *Ak *nm
- Electrical system · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
I have had numerous problems with my 1998 olds bravada. First the blinker sound won't shut off. When the ac IS on for more than 25 minutes the motor gets really loud and the speedometer needle starts jumping. Finally my brakes get sticky when it's hot outside then the ABS light comes on and it…
I have had numerous problems with my 1998 olds bravada. First the blinker sound won't shut off. When the ac IS on for more than 25 minutes the motor gets really loud and the speedometer needle starts jumping. Finally my brakes get sticky when it's hot outside then the ABS light comes on and it feels as if the brakes aren't going to engage and the speedometer needle starts going crazy again. This IS something that shuts off and starts all over again every time I start the vehicle. *Jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Dt: 1998 oldsmobile bravado, while driving in the rain windshield wipers stopped. took tvehicle to the dealer ,where consumer bought the car, and they didn't know what caused this, but it could be the module and they could replace the module at the cost, of $200.00. did not have the work…
Dt: 1998 oldsmobile bravado, while driving in the rain windshield wipers stopped. took tvehicle to the dealer ,where consumer bought the car, and they didn't know what caused this, but it could be the module and they could replace the module at the cost, of $200.00. did not have the work done because they could not duplicate the problem. this has not happened in the last 13 months and now it IS starting up again. talked to the manufacturer, and they could not help consumer. They checked to see if there was any recalls, and there were none.*ak
- Tires › Sidewall
Uniroyal laredo awr p235/70r15 tire sidewall blowout on SUV traveling at 40mph. Third time with this brand of tires on same vehicle in which a sidewall blowout has occured.
- Steering · Suspension · Tires
Consumer had front steering components on oldsmobile bravada replaced. *mr three ball joints, idler arm, and pitman arm were all replaced. the tires had to be replaced. the consumer requested reimbursement. *sc *jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
I bought my vehicle used (about 30,000 miles on it). Roughly 4 months after I bought it the windshield wipers were not working correctly. I would turn them off and they would continue to go, sometimes I would use my sprayers to clean the windshield and the wipes would wipe 14 times (i counted).…
I bought my vehicle used (about 30,000 miles on it). Roughly 4 months after I bought it the windshield wipers were not working correctly. I would turn them off and they would continue to go, sometimes I would use my sprayers to clean the windshield and the wipes would wipe 14 times (i counted). Sometimes I would turn them on and they wouldn't come on and other times I would turn them off and they would stop right in my viewing area of the windshield. Happened quite frequently.*ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Sometimes the windshield wipers work and sometimes they don't. When they do work they usually stop working in the middle of raining. I think this IS very dangerous. I know another person that owns a bravada that has the same problem. The windshield wipers has stopped working while I was riding on…
Sometimes the windshield wipers work and sometimes they don't. When they do work they usually stop working in the middle of raining. I think this IS very dangerous. I know another person that owns a bravada that has the same problem. The windshield wipers has stopped working while I was riding on the freeway before in the middle of a storm, I could have gotten into a serious accident. I am almost scared to drive when the forecast says rain because you never know when the windshield wipers are going to work.*ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring
Windshield wipers stopped working during rainstorm. had to pull off road due to lack of visibility. wipers worked again after weather cleared and vehicle sat for an hour. conversations with other bravada owners indicate this IS a prevalent problem. are there any recalls for this problem? IS the accessory connection box problem related to this too? *ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Windshield wipers failed intermittently. People having this problem need to contact general motors (oldsmobile), I spoke with a woman there, she said they weren't even aware of the problem. Everybody experiencing this problem should contact them because this IS a severe hazard and the vehicle needs…
Windshield wipers failed intermittently. People having this problem need to contact general motors (oldsmobile), I spoke with a woman there, she said they weren't even aware of the problem. Everybody experiencing this problem should contact them because this IS a severe hazard and the vehicle needs to be recalled. I had the wiper module replaced (my expense) and the same thing was wrong with it that was wrong with the blazers they had recalled for defective wipers. You can contact them by the following: email: cac@oldsmobile.com or call customer service (ask for the manager)@ 1-800-442-6537 monday through friday 8:00 to 11:00 eastern time. Please call and let the manufacturer now about this, they said if more people call then maybe it will be recalled!!!! Thanks gw
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring
The windshield wipers would fail without warning. The motor would be running but the wiper would not move. This also occured when trying to wash the windshield and while driving the vehicle in the rain creating a very dangerous situation. *la
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Windshield wipers suddenly stop without warning, causing you to not be able to see during rain. I am lucky I have not had an accident already. I contacted oldsmobile because they issued a recall for other years of bravadas having the same problem, but they refuse to issue a recall for this year model.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Dear sir or madam, I am the owner of a 1998 oldsmobile bravada with a 4.3L vortec engine. upon having my vehicle inspected, the mechanic at the dealership told me that my oil cooler lines were leaking, and that I needed to have them fixed ($433). I asked him about this problem, and was told…
Dear sir or madam, I am the owner of a 1998 oldsmobile bravada with a 4.3L vortec engine. upon having my vehicle inspected, the mechanic at the dealership told me that my oil cooler lines were leaking, and that I needed to have them fixed ($433). I asked him about this problem, and was told that it was an inherent problem with gm's -- the lines may eventually fail and cause engine seizure. *ak I wanted to do some price checking and find out just how widespread this problem was. needless to say, I was shocked at the sheer number of owners who have had to replace these lines -- regardless of mileage. gm pretends as though they're not aware of the problem, and they are not offering any help with these faulty parts. the costly replacements are just as bad -- some people have experienced failures two or three times. I was told that they were not covered, even under the extended warranty I had purchased. if it IS as bad as they say, and it seems to be, the vehicle shouldn't even have been sold to me without being fixed first. I have a major issue with gm when they deny that there IS a problem; for the oil cooler lines to fail in such widespread numbers indicates that there IS a potential hazard on the roadways. the threat of engine seizure, combined with oil spillage on the highways IS a dangerous recipe, indeed. I urge you to please investigate the oil cooler lines issue on the 1998 oldsmobile bravada/chevy blazer/gmc jimmy -- the results of such an investigation will turn up much evidence and make our roads safer. thank you in advance for reading this submission. sincerely, scott luhrs
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Automatic transmission skips in lower gears, causing vehicle to lurch forward. "service needed" light IS illuminated. dealer indicates that due to a milling error in the transmission, casing, transmission will need to be replaced soon at a minimum cost of $2500. current odometer reading IS…
Automatic transmission skips in lower gears, causing vehicle to lurch forward. "service needed" light IS illuminated. dealer indicates that due to a milling error in the transmission, casing, transmission will need to be replaced soon at a minimum cost of $2500. current odometer reading IS 120,000. I feel the subcontractor for the milled casing should be required to replace the transmission at their cost. *nm
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Front control arm ball joints
See attached page.
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.
- 10114443This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an inaccurate fuel gauge. Technician should drive the vehicle to duplicate the concern. The fuel gauge will have a tendency to falsely indicate a lower fuel level than what is actually present. The fuel gauge will take a few minutes to show the correct fuel level. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission no buffering takes place when the transmission is in park or neutral. This is a normal characteristic and no repairs are necessary. On vehicles equipped with a manual transmission the fuel gauge is buffered in all gears and neutral. There is a timer which starts to count up when the clutch is depressed. When this timer reaches its calibrated value the buffering stops. This is a normal characteristic and no repairs are necessary.
- 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.
- 10026704GMC: fuel gauge fluctuation in park or neutral, causing the low fuel light to illuminate.
- 10020462Clunk noise felt through the floor pan.
- 10018585Fuel and temperature gauge inoperative, low fuel and battery light on, prndl inoperative.
- 10016473Water leak in front floor carpet area. Gm tech link.
- 10015013High intensity discharge (hid) headlamps - disposal instructions. *Ttt
- 10012745Information on error codes on radio display their cause and corrective action.
- 10012703Diagnostic information for intermittent vehicle no crank dead battery.
- 10010270Heat coming from vents with hvac off.
- 10010053Instrument cluster prndl inoperative and or battery light on.
- 10009647Driver information center (dic) stays in bulb check.
- 10009382Fuel gauge fluctuation in park or neutral.
- 10008806The nvg 136 all wheel drive (AWD) transfer case and the 236 and 246 nvg selectable transfer cases operating in the auto mode may exhibit a condition of a vibration/shudder during low speed turns such as a parking lot maneuver, up to approximately 5 mph. 3012A not yet received.
- 10007905Daytime running lamps (drls) turn off temporarily while the turn signals are activated.
- 10007838Diagnostic information for intermittent transmission downshift, slip, busy/cycling tcc or noisy cooling fan.
- 10007776Repeat hvac actuator replacement.
- 10007765No start with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p1626 or p1631. Also includes 1998-2004 chevrolet, GMC full size trucks/ utilities/ vans.
- 10007717Engine coolant leak at intake gasket. * mj
- 10006961Pop snap noise in the front suspension when braking.
- 10006115Rear parking brake shoe retaining spring clip service kit for drum-in-hat (dih) equipped vehicles. Update.
- 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.
Every Oldsmobile Bravada model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.