FaultScore

FaultScore report

2003 Oldsmobile Bravada problems

Owners have filed 37 complaints about the 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada with NHTSA between 2003 and 2017. The largest single group is the electrical system. Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 11 worst.

C

FaultScore 47/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Oldsmobile Bravada.

How this is worked out

The numbers

37

Complaints

3

Crashes reported

1

Fires reported

3

Injuries reported

55,800 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

25%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 17 vs 50 Severity 98 vs 50 Early failure 43 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 17
Against the median year of the Oldsmobile Bravada. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 98
18.9% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 43
25% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2003 compares with every other Oldsmobile Bravada

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Electrical System 8 21.6%

Median failure at 55,600 miles

Transmission & Drivetrain 6 16.2%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 53,000 mi

Fuel & Propulsion 4 10.8%

Median failure at 70,000 miles

Airbags 4 10.8%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 128,979 mi

Brakes 3 8.1%

Median failure at 26,135 miles

Seats 2 5.4%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 45,971 mi

Body & Structure 2 5.4%
Steering 2 5.4%

Median failure at 19,780 miles

Engine & Cooling 2 5.4%

Median failure at 61,074 miles

Tires 1 2.7%

Median failure at 120,000 miles

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 1 2.7%
Lights 1 2.7%

Median failure at 100,000 miles

Suspension 1 2.7%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 1 3.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 5 17.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 4 14.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 7 25.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 1 3.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 10 35.7%

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.

Jan 2003 peak 6 Sep 2017

NHTSA investigations into the 2003 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.

RQ17002 Opened 24 Apr 2017 Closed 29 Mar 2021 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Loss of Headlights

The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV. The original scope of this investigation was expanded to include all vehicles equipped with the subject Headlight Driver Module (HDM). The focus of the investigation was to determine whether actions performed by Gene...

EA07009 Opened 10 Jul 2007 Closed 28 Aug 2008 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

FUEL PUMP MODULE LEAKS GASOLINE

DURING THE COURSE OF THIS EA INVESTIGATION, ODI OBSERVED THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE COMPLAINTS (88%) AND WARRANTY CLAIMS (94%) WERE REPORTED FOR VEHICLES THAT ARE REGISTERED FOR USE IN THE SALT BELT REGION OF THE US.THIS AREA INCLUDES 20 STATES IN THE NORTHEAST, MID ATLANTIC AND THE MIDWEST REGIONS AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.CONSUMERS IN THE SALT BELT REGION REPORTED TO ODI THAT THEY COULD SMELL FUEL VAPORS IN THEIR VEHICLES WHILE DRIVING.UPON FURTHER EXAMINATION OF THEIR VEHICLES, THEY DISCOVERED THAT FUEL VAPORS WERE COMING OUT OF THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THIS CONDITION IS CAUSED BY CORROSI...

EA04021 Opened 3 Aug 2004 Closed 4 Nov 2004 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

BRAKE LAMP FAILURE

GM STATES THAT SOME BRAKE/TAIL LAMP BULBS CAN PREMATURELY BECOME INOPERATIVE DUE TO MALFUNCTIONING BRAKE/TAIL LAMP SOCKETS.ON MARCH 2, 2004, GM INITIATED A 6-YEAR/72,000 MILE SPECIAL POLICY FOR 989,487 SUBJECT VEHICLES TO INSPECT AND REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE/TAIL LAMP BULB SOCKET ASSEMBLIES.ON APRIL 4, 2004, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE04-032) BASED ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING BRAKE LIGHTS NOT OPERATING WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.ON AUGUST 3, 2004 ODI UPGRADED PE04-032 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA04-021).BY LETTER DATED OCTOBER 27, 20...

EA04002 Opened 6 Jan 2004 Closed 10 Feb 2004 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE

ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2003, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-042) TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002 AND 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER AND TRAILBLAZER EXT, GMC ENVOY AND ENVOY XL, AND OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA VEHICLES.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ON JANUARY 6, 2004, AND THE SCOPE WAS EXPANDED TO INCLUDE CERTAIN MY 2003 ISUZU ASCENDER VEHICLES.ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE BUILT ON GENERAL MOTORS? GMT360 AND GMT370 PLATFORMS AND WERE ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH A WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY REFERRED...

PE04001 Opened 5 Jan 2004 Closed 7 May 2004 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

FUEL SPILLAGE DURING REFUELING

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON THE MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER.BASED ON GM'S INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) RESPONSE, ODI ADDED TO ITS ANALYSIS THE MY 2003 GMC ENVOY AND OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA VEHICLES.THESE VEHICLES SHARE THE SAME VEHICLE PLATFORM (GM 360/370) AND FUEL FILL COMPONENTS.INCIDENT SUMMARY NUMBERS REPORTED ABOVE INCLUDE THESE VEHICLES.EPA REGULATES THE FUEL DISPENSING RATES AT FILLING STATIONS AND GM STATES THAT THE REPORTS OF SPITBACK FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE PRINCIPALLY CAUSED BY FUEL DISPENSING PUMPS EXCEEDING THE RATE SPECIFIED BY EPA.ODI FINDS THAT THE RATE OF COMP...

PE03042 Opened 17 Sep 2003 Closed 6 Jan 2004 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES (CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER (EXT), GMC ENVOY (XL), AND OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA) ARE BUILT ON THE GMT360 AND GMT370 PLATFORMS AND WERE ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH A WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY REFERRED TO AS THE ?FAMILY? DESIGN MODULE (P/N 15171306 BASE, P/N 15171307 FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RAINSENSE AUTOMATIC MOISTURE SENSITIVE WIPERS).THE WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY IS LOCATED INSIDE THE PLENUM AT THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD AND IS MOUNTED ON AN INCLINE APPROXIMATELY EQUAL TO THE RAKE OF THE WINDSHIELD.GM REPORTS THAT VEHICLES ARE SUBJECT TO A QUALITY ASSURANCE WATER TEST AT THE ASSEMBL...

Recalls on the 2003 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.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2019420 5,327 units in Canada

Other

Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk: Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.

Recall 2005131 9,289 units in Canada

Lights And Instruments

On certain vehicles, the directional/hazard signals may not operate as designed. Actuation of the turn signal or hazard lights will cause them to illuminate and remain illuminated (not flash as intended). Drivers may not be able to clearly signal their intentions to turn, change travel lanes or potentially warn others of an impaired vehicle operating condition. Correction: Dealers will replace the turn signal/hazard flasher module.

Recall 2004390 38,598 units in Canada

Lights And Instruments

On certain vehicles, vibration and heat may cause the tail lamp/stop lamp bulb to loosen in its socket. If this occurs, the bulb may flicker and eventually become inoperative. The loss of one or both of the tail lamps/stop lamps could reduce the vehicle's visibility to following drivers and fail to warn others that the vehicle is braking and/or is stopped, which could lead to a vehicle crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect the tail lamp/stop lamp assemblies and, if necessary, replace them.

Recall 2004088 52,776 units in Canada

Brakes

On certain vehicles, the brake hoses are not labelled with a designation that identifies the manufacturer of the assembly as required by CMVSS 106. This non-compliance has no effect on the performance of the involved brake hose assemblies. Correction: Since this does not pose a safety risk, no corrective action is required.

Recall 2004045 28,986 units in Canada

Electrical

On certain vehicles, water may seep into the windshield wiper module. If this were to happen, it could result in windshield wipers that will not turn on, cease operation while driving, fail to turn off, turn on by themselves, and/or continuous windshield washer pump operation. Improper operation of the windshield wiper system in a severe weather situation could reduce the driver's visibility, resulting in a possible vehicle crash without prior warning. Correction: Dealer will install a Gore-Tex patch over the windshield wiper module vent-hole. The wiper motor, circuit board, and electrical connector will be inspected for signs of water intrusion and/or corrosion and replaced as required.

Recall 2003172 54,634 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 225 and 210.2. The Owner's Manual does not include the location symbols for the Lower Universal Anchorage System for Restraint Systems and Booster Cushions and an explanation of the meaning of the symbols. Correction: Owner's will receive an Owner's Manual supplement.

Recall 2003098 2,015 units in Canada

Brakes

On certain vehicles, the left front brake pipe may have a circumferential score at a random location along the length of the pipe as a result of an incomplete cutting/processing operation. If the brake pipe at the scoring location corroded to the point that the brake pipe wall became very thin, and application of the brake developed enough pressure to partially or fully fracture the brake pipe, brake pedal travel would immediately increase and front brake performance would be reduced. Correction: Dealer will replace the left front brake pipe.

Recall 2003048 24,685 units in Canada

Powertrain

Certain vehicles fail to conform to CMVSS 114 - Theft Protection. These vehicles are equipped with a mechanical override that could allow the ignition key to be removed with the shift lever in a position other than park. In addition, these vehicles have an override that can allow the transmission to be shifted out of park with the ignition in the off position. These overrides are not permitted unless the vehicle has a locking steering column and the overrides have covers that can only be removed with a screwdriver or other tool. Correction: Dealers are to eliminate these conditions by disabling the overrides.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 138,000 miles Mansfield, OH Crash 2 injured

AIR BAGS

I WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. DOING 35 MILES AN HOUR. THE AIR BAG NEVER DEPLOYED AND I TEE BONED THE OTHER VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #11021202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 127,000 miles North Hampton, OH Crash 2 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A SECOND VEHICLE CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END. DURING THE CRASH, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUFFERED AN INJURED RIGHT KNEE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SUFFERED A HEAD AND NECK INJURY. BOTH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000. UPDATED 03/16/16*LJ

NHTSA complaint #10816790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 128,959 miles Talladega, AL 1 injured

AIR BAGS

WHEN I TURNED THE KEY TO START THE BRAVADA, BOTH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AT THE SAME TIME. DRIVER AIR BAG STRUCK ME ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY FACE CAUSING BURNING SENSATION AND REDNESS.

NHTSA complaint #10667502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 45,971 miles Albany, NY Fire

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE COULD SMELL SOMETHING BURNING WHILE DRIVING THE 2003 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADO. ONCE SHE PARKED THE VEHICLE SHE SAW BILLOWING SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A GARAGE ,AND THE MECHANIC POURED WATER ON THE SEAT AND UNPLUGGED THE WIRE UNDER THE SEAT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A GM DEALER, AND THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAULTY COIL. THE COIL WAS REPLACED, BUT THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE THE SEAT CUSHION WHICH WAS SCORCHED. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT WARMERS GOT EXTREMELY HOT. THE CONTACT HAS THE REPAIR ORDER.

NHTSA complaint #10180793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 16,000 miles Rome, NY Crash

POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)

WHILE DRIVING IN SNOWY CONDITIONS THE WHEELS SPUN, THE VEHICLE SLIPPED INTO 4-WHEEL-DRIVE AND SPUN OUT OF CONTROL. THE CONSUMER DROVE INTO A SNOW EMBANKMENT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. *AK

NHTSA complaint #10061610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 138,000 miles Mansfield, OH Crash 2 injured

AIR BAGS

I WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. DOING 35 MILES AN HOUR. THE AIR BAG NEVER DEPLOYED AND I TEE BONED THE OTHER VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #11021202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chillicothe, IL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

RECALL WAS ISSUED AND A LETTER WAS SENT TO ME, WE HAVENT DRIVEN THE SUV FOR THE PAST 18 MONTHS BECAUSE OF THE GASOLINE SMELL WHEN WERE SITTING IN IT, AND IT WAS LEAKING GAS, WOULD HAVE GOTTEN IT FIXED BUT CANT AFFORD IT.

NHTSA complaint #10818402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 127,000 miles North Hampton, OH Crash 2 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A SECOND VEHICLE CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END. DURING THE CRASH, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUFFERED AN INJURED RIGHT KNEE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SUFFERED A HEAD AND NECK INJURY. BOTH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000. UPDATED 03/16/16*LJ

NHTSA complaint #10816790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 129,000 miles Talladega, AL

AIR BAGS

WHEN I TURNED THE KEY TO START THE CAR, MY AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. I REPORTED THIS TO GM. GM REFUSED TO SEND ANYONE DOWN TO INSPECT THE BRAVADA TO SEE WHAT MADE THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. GM STATED IT WOULD COST TOO MUCH MONEY TO FIND OUT. I WANT TO PREVENT ANYONE FROM GETTING KILLED. I OR MY PASSENGER OR BOTH WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHILE I HAD BEEN DRIVING. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED.

NHTSA complaint #10679760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 128,959 miles Talladega, AL 1 injured

AIR BAGS

WHEN I TURNED THE KEY TO START THE BRAVADA, BOTH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AT THE SAME TIME. DRIVER AIR BAG STRUCK ME ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY FACE CAUSING BURNING SENSATION AND REDNESS.

NHTSA complaint #10667502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 19,780 miles Dublin, OH

STEERING

HEADING WEST ON EMERALD PARKWAY BETWEEN RIVERSIDE DRIVE AND DUBLIN ROAD IN DUBLIN, OH MY BRAVADA STALLED, THE GAUGES WENT WILD, THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK. I MANAGED TO AVOID OTHER TRAFFIC AND COAST THE BRAVADA ONTO DUBLIN ROAD (TURNING LEFT) AND GET IT STOPPED OFF THE ROAD UNDER THE OVERPASS. THE BRAVADA WOULD NOT RESTART, AND THE KEY WOULD NOT RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. CRESTVIEW CADILLAC COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. DECOSKY MOTORS IN MOUNT VERNON, OH (WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW) KNEW RIGHT AWAY WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS BECAUSE THEY HAD HAD MULTIPLE INCIDENTS OF THE SAME ISSUE ON QUITE A FEW GM VEHICLES ALREADY AT THAT TIME (MAY, 2006). MY VEHICLE IS NOT AMONG THE VEHICLES BEING RECALLED BY GM. IT SHOULD BE, AND GM KNEW OF THE ISSUE WAY BACK IN 2006!! I AM WONDERING IF MY VEHICLE WILL DO IT AGAIN. I AM UPSET THAT I HAD TO PAY CRESTVIEW A DIAGNOSTIC FEE, PAY FOR TOWING BOTH TO THEM AND TO DECOSKY'S, HAD TO RENT A CAR, AND OTHER EXPENSES DUE TO THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE.

NHTSA complaint #10607246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 19,780 miles Dublin, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

HEADING WEST ON EMERALD PARKWAY BETWEEN RIVERSIDE DRIVE AND DUBLIN ROAD IN DUBLIN, OH MY BRAVADA STALLED, THE GAUGES WENT WILD, THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK. I MANAGED TO AVOID OTHER TRAFFIC AND COAST THE BRAVADA ONTO DUBLIN ROAD (TURNING LEFT) AND GET IT STOPPED OFF THE ROAD UNDER THE OVERPASS. THE BRAVADA WOULD NOT RESTART, AND THE KEY WOULD NOT RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. CRESTVIEW CADILLAC COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. DECOSKY MOTORS IN MOUNT VERNON, OH (WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW) KNEW RIGHT AWAY WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS BECAUSE THEY HAD HAD MULTIPLE INCIDENTS OF THE SAME ISSUE ON QUITE A FEW GM VEHICLES ALREADY AT THAT TIME (MAY, 2006). MY VEHICLE IS NOT AMONG THE VEHICLES BEING RECALLED BY GM. IT SHOULD BE, AND GM KNEW OF THE ISSUE WAY BACK IN 2006!! I AM WONDERING IF MY VEHICLE WILL DO IT AGAIN. I AM UPSET THAT I HAD TO PAY CRESTVIEW A DIAGNOSTIC FEE, PAY FOR TOWING BOTH TO THEM AND TO DECOSKY'S, HAD TO RENT A CAR, AND OTHER EXPENSES DUE TO THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE.

NHTSA complaint #10607246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 19,780 miles Dublin, OH

SERVICE BRAKES

HEADING WEST ON EMERALD PARKWAY BETWEEN RIVERSIDE DRIVE AND DUBLIN ROAD IN DUBLIN, OH MY BRAVADA STALLED, THE GAUGES WENT WILD, THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK. I MANAGED TO AVOID OTHER TRAFFIC AND COAST THE BRAVADA ONTO DUBLIN ROAD (TURNING LEFT) AND GET IT STOPPED OFF THE ROAD UNDER THE OVERPASS. THE BRAVADA WOULD NOT RESTART, AND THE KEY WOULD NOT RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. CRESTVIEW CADILLAC COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. DECOSKY MOTORS IN MOUNT VERNON, OH (WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW) KNEW RIGHT AWAY WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS BECAUSE THEY HAD HAD MULTIPLE INCIDENTS OF THE SAME ISSUE ON QUITE A FEW GM VEHICLES ALREADY AT THAT TIME (MAY, 2006). MY VEHICLE IS NOT AMONG THE VEHICLES BEING RECALLED BY GM. IT SHOULD BE, AND GM KNEW OF THE ISSUE WAY BACK IN 2006!! I AM WONDERING IF MY VEHICLE WILL DO IT AGAIN. I AM UPSET THAT I HAD TO PAY CRESTVIEW A DIAGNOSTIC FEE, PAY FOR TOWING BOTH TO THEM AND TO DECOSKY'S, HAD TO RENT A CAR, AND OTHER EXPENSES DUE TO THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE.

NHTSA complaint #10607246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 107,000 miles Muskegon, MI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE SPEEDOMETER READ 120 MPH. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.

NHTSA complaint #10597339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 107,000 miles Muskegon, MI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE SPEEDOMETER READ 120 MPH. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.

NHTSA complaint #10597339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 110,000 miles Granite City, IL

POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SLIP WHEN SHIFTING GEARS AND THE VEHICLE HESITATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE THEN WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO REPLACED THE FUEL FILTER AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

NHTSA complaint #10593018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 110,000 miles Granite City, IL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SLIP WHEN SHIFTING GEARS AND THE VEHICLE HESITATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE THEN WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO REPLACED THE FUEL FILTER AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

NHTSA complaint #10593018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 56,000 miles Plainfield, IL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WHILE FILLING GAS TANK, GAS SPILLS OUT AFTER PUMP SHUTS OFF.

NHTSA complaint #10512030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 74,232 miles Streetsboro, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, ALL OF THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED. AFTER FOUR MINUTES, SEVERAL LIGHTS BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE BUT NOT ALL. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES THE IN A 45 MINUTE TIME SPAN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,232.

NHTSA complaint #10487860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 39,932 miles Dublin, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE SPEEDOMETER QUIT REGISTERING PROPERLY (STICKY, SHOWING 25MPH WHEN AT STANDSTILL) AND THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE PEGGED TO THE RIGHT. IT HAS BEEN DOING THIS SPORADICALLY EVER SINCE (STILL TO THIS DAY) WITH BOTH THE SPEEDOMETER AND OIL GAUGE. YOU NEVER KNOW HOW FAST (OR SLOW) YOU ARE GOING AND YOU FEAR THE ENGINE IS ABOUT TO BLOW BECAUSE CANNOT KNOW WHAT THE ACTUAL OIL PRESSURE READING IS. AS OF TODAY THE ACTUAL MILEAGE IS ONLY 57661.

NHTSA complaint #10480091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles Brownstown, MI

TIRES

GOODYEAR FORTERA TIRES. P245/65R17 SIDE WALL SEPARATED FROM TREAD CAUSING AIR TO RAPIDLY LEAK OUT.

NHTSA complaint #10372410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 39,498 miles Sturgeon BAY, WI

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN LESS THAN 40,000 MILES. IT HAS BEEN DRIVEN ONLY ON HIGHWAYS AND CITY ROADS. IT IS KEPT IN A GARAGE WHERE MY OTHER VEHICLE AND PREVIOUSLY OWN AUTOMOBILES ARE KEPT. WHILE IT WAS BEING SERVICED, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE INBOARD SIDES OF THE BRAKE ROTORS WERE SEVERELY RUSTED TO THE EXTENT THAT THE ADJACENT BRAKE PADS WERE EFFECTIVELY DESTROYED. IT WAS APPARENT THAT THE CONDITION WOULD SOON CAUSE A MAJOR BRAKE FAILURE. CONSEQUENTLY ALL FOUR ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT AROUND THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS BUILT THE STEEL USED IN THE ROTORS WAS CHANGED. NONE OF MY OTHER VEHICLES, ALL OLDER, FORD AND GM MODELS, ALL KEPT IN THE SAME GARAGE, ONE WITH 105,000 MILES, HAS SHOWN THIS TYPE OF CONDITION. I CONSIDER THIS PREMATURE RUST BUILD-UP A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD.

NHTSA complaint #10331775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles Seven Fields, PA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

FAILURE/RUSTING OF THE FUEL PUMP SUPPLY LINE AND RETURN LINE. THIS IS PART OF THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY LOCATED IN THE FUEL TANK ITSELF. UPON INSPECTION AFTER REMOVING THE TANK FROM VEHICLE, THE FUEL PUMP LINES WERE FOUND TO BE RUSTED THROUGH. THIS WAS DISCOVERED AFTER NOTICING A FUEL ODOR, AND UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, SAW FUEL GUSHING FROM THE TANK WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING. FUEL WAS COMING OUT AT SUCH A RATE AS TO BE A GREAT DANGER TO ANYONE AROUND, AND THERE WAS ENOUGH THAT IF IT OCCURRED WHILE WAITING AT A LONG TRAFFIC LIGHT OR TRAFFIC JAM, COULD HAVE VERY EASILY RESULTED IN A MASSIVE FIRE AND SUBSEQUENT DAMAGE, POSSIBLY DEATHS. THE FUEL TANK IS UNDER THE VEHICLE, JUST BEHIND THE SEATING AREAS, ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE RESULTING FIRE MAY PREVENT THE DRIVER AND DRIVERS SIDE REAR PASSENGER FROM ESCAPING. I HAVE KEPT THE FUEL PUMP AND ALTHOUGH THE METAL LINES?TUBES COMING OUT THE TOP OF THE PUMP WERE DAMAGED IN THE PROCESS OF REMOVING THE FUEL LINES THAT WERE ATTACHED, YOU CAN NEVERTHELESS SEE THAT THESE LINES WERE TOTALLY RUSTED AND ARE AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN.

NHTSA complaint #10294747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Peoria, AZ

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HEAD-LIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE AND MANIPULATING THE HEAD-LIGHT SWITCH THE HEAD-LAMPS FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. A TECHNICIAN FROM THE DEALER REPLACED THE AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHT RELAY AT AN EXPENSE OF $60.00 . THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103000.

NHTSA complaint #10293405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 53,000 miles Nazareth, PA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

OLDSMOBILE 2003 BRAVADA AWD COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 53,000 MILES. REQUIRED NEW TRANSMISSION. NO WARRANTY COVERAGE FROM GM. I SEE ION THE INTERNET THAT MANY OWNERS OF THE SAME GM VEHICLES HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. CLEARLY THIS IS A MANUFACTURES DEFECT THAT REQUIRES A RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #10253991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 86,148 miles Warren, OH

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. WHILE FILLING UP THE VEHICLE WITH FUEL, THE CONTACT BEGAN TO SMELL GAS. HE DROVE HOME AND SMELLED GAS INSIDE OF THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE DEALER DISCOVERED A CRACK ON TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 86,150 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,148. UPDATED 10/16/08 *BF UPDATED 10/20/08.

NHTSA complaint #10243328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 55,600 miles Reno, NV

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

I THEN NOTICED A PULSATION OF THE BRAKES. THE PAPERWORK SHOWED THAT NEW BRAKES WERE PUT ON THE CAR, BUT UPON INSPECTION THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAD NEGLECTED TO TURN THE ROTORS, WHICH IS CONSIDERED AN IMPORTANT STEP IN RESPONSIBLE BRAKE SERVICE. I WAS TOLD I WOULD NEED TO PAY $60 PER AXLE TO TURN THE ROTORS. THE FIRST DAY THAT I OWNED THE VEHICLE, THE SERVICE AWD LIGHT TURNED ON. I WAS DUMBFOUNDED, THAT ONE DAY INTO OWNERSHIP, I WAS ALREADY HAVING A PROBLEM. THAT WAS ON A FRIDAY EVENING, SO ON MONDAY, I BROUGHT IT INTO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, AND WAS ADVISED TO KEEP DRIVING IT UNTIL THE LIGHT TURNED ON AGAIN SO THEY COULD DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. OF COURSE, THIS WOULD EXPIRE THE THREE DAY RETURN POLICY, BUT I WAS ENCOURAGED THIS WAS A SMALL, RESOLVABLE PROBLEM THAT WAS SIMPLY AN INSTRUMENTATION MALFUNCTION. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT LITHIA HAS MY CAR WARRANTY AND NUMEROUS VISITS ON FILE, BUT AS IT TURNED OUT, IT WAS NOT A INSTRUMENTATION MALFUNCTION BUT RATHER AN EXPENSIVE DRIVE TRAIN ISSUE, THAT LITHIA PAID FOR TO BE REPAIRED AT CHAMPION CHEVROLET ONLY AFTER COMING TO LITHIA AT LEAST THREE TIMES AND THEN BEING SENT TO A SEPARATE TRANSMISSION VENDOR WHO COULDN'T DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND THEN NOT ONE, BUT TWO VISITS TO CHAMPION TO RESOLVE. LAST MONTH, THE FAN CLUTCH FAILED TO THE TUNE OF $831, NOT INCLUDING THE $560 IN PREVENTABLE MAINTENANCE THAT WAS PERFORMED LAST YEAR INCLUDING A CLOGGED FUEL FILTER, SYNTHETIC OIL REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSAXLE SYSTEM, COOLANT SERVICE, ETC THAT ONE WOULD ASSUME WOULD HAVE BEEN PERFORMED PRIOR TO SALE. TODAY MY ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED WHILE DRIVING, AND THE SPEEDOMETER IS STUCK AT 35MPH AND THE HEATER FAN IS NOW INTERMITTENT. IF I BRING THIS CAR INTO SERVICE AGAIN, IT WILL BE 8 VISITS TO A REPAIR SHOP IN LESS THAN ONE YEAR.

NHTSA complaint #10216775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 55,600 miles Reno, NV

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

I THEN NOTICED A PULSATION OF THE BRAKES. THE PAPERWORK SHOWED THAT NEW BRAKES WERE PUT ON THE CAR, BUT UPON INSPECTION THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAD NEGLECTED TO TURN THE ROTORS, WHICH IS CONSIDERED AN IMPORTANT STEP IN RESPONSIBLE BRAKE SERVICE. I WAS TOLD I WOULD NEED TO PAY $60 PER AXLE TO TURN THE ROTORS. THE FIRST DAY THAT I OWNED THE VEHICLE, THE SERVICE AWD LIGHT TURNED ON. I WAS DUMBFOUNDED, THAT ONE DAY INTO OWNERSHIP, I WAS ALREADY HAVING A PROBLEM. THAT WAS ON A FRIDAY EVENING, SO ON MONDAY, I BROUGHT IT INTO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, AND WAS ADVISED TO KEEP DRIVING IT UNTIL THE LIGHT TURNED ON AGAIN SO THEY COULD DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. OF COURSE, THIS WOULD EXPIRE THE THREE DAY RETURN POLICY, BUT I WAS ENCOURAGED THIS WAS A SMALL, RESOLVABLE PROBLEM THAT WAS SIMPLY AN INSTRUMENTATION MALFUNCTION. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT LITHIA HAS MY CAR WARRANTY AND NUMEROUS VISITS ON FILE, BUT AS IT TURNED OUT, IT WAS NOT A INSTRUMENTATION MALFUNCTION BUT RATHER AN EXPENSIVE DRIVE TRAIN ISSUE, THAT LITHIA PAID FOR TO BE REPAIRED AT CHAMPION CHEVROLET ONLY AFTER COMING TO LITHIA AT LEAST THREE TIMES AND THEN BEING SENT TO A SEPARATE TRANSMISSION VENDOR WHO COULDN'T DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND THEN NOT ONE, BUT TWO VISITS TO CHAMPION TO RESOLVE. LAST MONTH, THE FAN CLUTCH FAILED TO THE TUNE OF $831, NOT INCLUDING THE $560 IN PREVENTABLE MAINTENANCE THAT WAS PERFORMED LAST YEAR INCLUDING A CLOGGED FUEL FILTER, SYNTHETIC OIL REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSAXLE SYSTEM, COOLANT SERVICE, ETC THAT ONE WOULD ASSUME WOULD HAVE BEEN PERFORMED PRIOR TO SALE. TODAY MY ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED WHILE DRIVING, AND THE SPEEDOMETER IS STUCK AT 35MPH AND THE HEATER FAN IS NOW INTERMITTENT. IF I BRING THIS CAR INTO SERVICE AGAIN, IT WILL BE 8 VISITS TO A REPAIR SHOP IN LESS THAN ONE YEAR.

NHTSA complaint #10216775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 51,958 miles Wanaque, NJ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER FAILURE IN MY 2003 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. AFTER READING SEVERAL INTERNET ARTICLES ABOUT PROBLEMS WITH A LARGE AMOUNT OF GM ODOMETER/ SPEEDOMETERS IN SUV'S I FELT IT COULD BE A SAFTEY ISSUE AND DECIDED TO REPORT MY PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10185462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 26,135 miles Roanoke, VA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

TL* - THE CONTACT HAS A 2003 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA AND HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKE ROTORS BECAUSE THEY HAD PITTED AND CORRODED PREMATURELY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO REPLACE THE BRAKE ROTORS SO SOON THEY SHOULD LAST APPROXIMATELY 100,000 MILES. THE CONTACT HAS DONE RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE SIMILAR VEHICLE THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME FAILURE. *AK UPDATED 2/27/2007 - THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT BEING REIMBURSED FOR REPAIRS. THE REPRESENTATIVE INDICATED THE CORROSION/WEAR WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR THEREFORE HE WOULD NOT BE REIMBURSED.

NHTSA complaint #10181139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.