Owners have filed 158 complaints
about the 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada with NHTSA between 1997 and 2018.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 11 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 71
Against the median year of the Oldsmobile Bravada. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 62
12% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1997 compares with every other Oldsmobile Bravada
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Upper Ball Joint
923.1%
Windshield Wiper/Washer
717.9%
Differential Unit
512.8%
Motor
410.3%
Alternator/Generator/Regulator
410.3%
Engine
410.3%
Lower Ball Joint
37.7%
Driveshaft
37.7%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
410.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1846.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
923.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
410.3%
150,000+ miles
410.3%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
1997 Oldsmobile Bravada 4-DR. 4x4
—
—
—
—
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 1997peak 12Jul 2018
NHTSA investigations into the 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA94038Opened 31 Oct 1994Closed 28 Feb 2000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
ABS BRAKING SYSTEM
THIS INVESTIGATION RESULTED IN A SAFETY RECALL, 99V-193, AND A SERVICE CAMPAIGN, 99I-006.
Recalls on the 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
03V117000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
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 FALLING LATCH PLATE USED IN THIS SYSTEM MAY ALLOW WEBBING TO DYNAMICALLY DISTRIBUTE BETWEEN THE LAP AND SHOULDER BELT AS THE DRIVER'S POSITION CHANGES DURING A MULTIPLE ROLLOVER EVENT.
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.
01I018000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT
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 PROVIDING A SPECIAL POLICY TO THESE OWNERS TO COVER UPPER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT IF THE CUSTOMER FOLLOWED THE RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR THE CHASSIS LUBRICATION AND THE VEHICLE STILL REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE UPPER BALL JOINTS DUE TO SEPARATION.
Risk: THIS COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
01V200000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT
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 OF AN UPPER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY COULD OCCUR DUE TO CORROSION.
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200308719,223 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, sustained loads of sufficient magnitude and duration on the seat 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 falling latch plate used in this system may allow webbing to dynamically distribute between the lap and shoulder belt as the driver's position changes during a multiple rollover event. If the energy-absorbing loop fully deploys in a severe multiple rollover event, it is possible that a belted driver may experience partial or even complete ejection from the vehicle. Correction: Dealer will replace the driver's safety belt buckle assembly.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Batavia, ILFire
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
NHTSA complaint #10312115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,000 milesBurlington, IAFire
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10197461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Meredith, NH1 injured
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 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?
NHTSA complaint #10147693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, INFire
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10131205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sparta, GAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10073495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sparta, GAFire
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10073495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Missoula, MT
POWER TRAIN
1997 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VOLTAGE DROPPING WHILE VEHICLE IN STOPPED CAUSING HEADLIGHTS TO DIM. *LD
NHTSA complaint #11113750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Missoula, MT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1997 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VOLTAGE DROPPING WHILE VEHICLE IN STOPPED CAUSING HEADLIGHTS TO DIM. *LD
NHTSA complaint #11113750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesWest Mifflin, PA
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10568755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesVisalia, CA
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10500580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesVisalia, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10500580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesVisalia, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10500580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Batavia, ILFire
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
NHTSA complaint #10312115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesELK Grove Village, IL
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10291189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesSouthfield, MI
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.
NHTSA complaint #10198749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,000 milesBurlington, IAFire
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10197461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,957 milesPensacola, FL
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10152891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Meredith, NH1 injured
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 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?
NHTSA complaint #10147693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, INFire
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10131205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gaithersburg, MD
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
NHTSA complaint #10126238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,105 milesChardon, OH
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.
NHTSA complaint #10124479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesCharlotte, NC
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10116338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,100 milesLomira, WI
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10098216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greensboro, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AT LEAST FOUR TIMES FOR STALLING AND CUTTING OFF. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. *JB
NHTSA complaint #10099243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesOrlando, FL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10091333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sparta, GAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10073495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sparta, GAFire
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10073495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesLittleton, NC
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #10069578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warren, PA
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10069943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesMilford, NJ
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.
NHTSA complaint #10069353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesLittleton, NC
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.
NHTSA complaint #10069578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.