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1997 Oldsmobile BravadaProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 104 owner complaints about the 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada, most often about the power train. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

40
CarFlaw IndexUse caution1.5× the Bravada median · #2 of 13 years by complaints
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints10417 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage60kPower train, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 25, 2018. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada has problems

104 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Power train181
Electrical system183
Suspension170
Engine and engine cooling150
Visibility141
Fuel system, gasoline82
Fuel system, other71
Air bags64
Structure60
11 other systems313

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

1997 Oldsmobile Bravada recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Front: buckle assembly

Recall 03V-117 · Mar 31, 2003 · 312,715 vehicles

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…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Control arm: upper ball joint

Recall 01V-200 · Jun 28, 2001 · 48,600 vehicles

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Oldsmobile.

Best & worst years

1997 vs. every other Bravada year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Bravada median. How we score

'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

1997 Oldsmobile Bravada safety ratings

1997 Oldsmobile Bravada 4-DR. 4x4 in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada, and the recalls they led to.

  1. ABS BRAKING SYSTEMEA94038 · closed Feb 28, 2000
    Led to recall 99I006000
In owners' words

What Bravada owners report

Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

1997 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VOLTAGE DROPPING WHILE VEHICLE IN STOPPED CAUSING HEADLIGHTS TO DIM. *LD *JS
Complaint 11113750 · Jul 25, 2018
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.
Complaint 10069578 · Jan 15, 2004 · 50,000 miles
I JUST HAD THE TRANSFER CASE AND DIFFERENTIAL ON MY 1997 OLDS BRAVADA REPAIRED AND WAS DRIVING WHEN I HEARD A POP SOUND AND SAW FLAMES SHOOTING OUT FROM THE BOTTOM CENTER AND REAR OF MY VEHICLE. I STOPPED IMMEDIATELY AND GOT EVERYONE OUT JUST BEFORE THE WHOLE THING WENT UP IN FLAMES. *NLM
Complaint 10018998 · May 20, 2003 · 96,210 miles

Own a 1997 Bravada?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.