1997 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

158

Owner Complaints

7 Crashes 8 Fires

3

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

6

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 1997 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA

The 1997 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA has received a total of 158 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 3 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY, SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT. 6 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (10 complaints), Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Ball Joint (9 complaints), and Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher (7 complaints).

Recalls for the 1997 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA

NHTSA has recorded 3 recalls for the 1997 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA, potentially affecting up to 361,315 vehicles.

Recall 03V117000 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

| 312,715 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: IF THE ENERGY-ABSORBING LOOP FULLY DEPLOYS IN A SEVERE MULTIPLE ROLLOVER CRASH, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT A BELTED DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE PARTIAL OR EVEN COMPLETE EJECTION FROM THE VEHICLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENERGY-ABSORBING SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WITH ONE THAT DOES NOT HAVE THE ENERGY-ABSORBING LOOP. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 8, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND...

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Recall 01I018000 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

Defect: 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...

Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy: GM HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE UPPER BALL JOINTS ON AFFECTED VEHICLES. THIS SPECIAL POLICY IS FOR A PERIOD OF 8 YEARS OR 100,000 MILES, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST, FROM THE DATE THE VHEICLE WAS...

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Recall 01V200000 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

| 48,600 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN IMPAIRED STEERING OR STEERING LOSS, OR A PARTIAL OR COMPLETE COLLAPSE OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 4, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD...

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Owner Complaints for the 1997 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA

158 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1997 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Electrical System
Complaints: 10 2 Fires
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Ball Joint
Complaints: 9
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 7
Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit
Complaints: 5 1 Fire 3 Injuries
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 4
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 4
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 3 3 Crashes 1 Injury
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 3
Power Train
Complaints: 3
Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft
Complaints: 3
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 3
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Ball Joint
Complaints: 3
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 3
Air Bags
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys
Complaints: 2
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 2
Power Traintransfer Case 4 Wheel Drive
Complaints: 2
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 2
Seatsfront Assemblypower Adjust
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrum
Complaints: 2
Steering
Complaints: 2
Suspension
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 2
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemfan
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 1
Equipment
Complaints: 1
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1
Equipmentmechanicalaccessory Scissorscrewbottle Jacklift
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Fuel System Gasolinecarburetor System
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherdeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Fuel System Otherstoragefuel Gauge System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherstoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 1
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncooling Unit And Lines
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaftseal
Complaints: 1
Power Trainclutch Assemblypedalhand Levermotorcycle
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkages
Complaints: 1
Structure
Complaints: 1
Structurebody
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgatesupport Devicestrut
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyhood
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 1
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrear Window Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasherlinkages
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasherswitchwiring
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11113750 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles
1997 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VOLTAGE DROPPING WHILE VEHICLE IN STOPPED CAUSING HEADLIGHTS TO DIM. *LD *JS
#11113750 | POWER TRAIN | | N/A miles
1997 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VOLTAGE DROPPING WHILE VEHICLE IN STOPPED CAUSING HEADLIGHTS TO DIM. *LD *JS
#10568755 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 100,000 miles
WHILE DRIVING MY 1997 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA THE CAR SHUT OFF UNEXPECTEDLY AND CONTINUED TO STALL. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF OF THE ROAD AND RESTART THE CAR. I DROVE TO MY MECHANICS GARAGE AND HE REPLACED THE IGNITION HARNESS. THIS HAS HAPPED TO ME A TOTAL OF ( 4) FOUR TIMES. THE FREQUENCY HAS BEEN ABOUT EVERY 6 MONTHS TO 1 YEAR. THE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS ABOUT 100,000 THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USEDWITH ABOUT 95,000 MILES. PLEASE HELP. *TR
#10500580 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | | 160,000 miles
WHILE DRIVING I WOULD HEAR LIKE A MOTOR RUNNING SOUND THAT WOULD LAST APPROX 5/10 SEC. AND DURING THIS TIME THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD RISE AND GET HARD AND I WOULD HAVE TO APPLY LOTS OF PRESSURE IN ORDER FOR VEHICLE TO STOP WHICH DOES SO WITH GRIND. I REPLACED BOTH ROTORS,CALIPERS,BRAKE PADS,MASTERCYLINDER AND BRAKE BOOSTER.ABS LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHEN HIT BUMP AND GO OFF AFTER AWHILE .FINALLY I REMOVED FUSE FROM ABS AND PROBLEM CEASED.IN PROCESSES OF DIOGNOSING PROBLEM.DISCOVERED SUSPENSION IN FRONT FALLING APART REPLACED INNER/OUTER TIERODS,PITMAN ARM,BOTH UPPER/LOWER BALL JOINTS,PASSENGER UPPER CONTROL ARM AND WHEEL HUB.REAR WINDSHEILD WIPER NO LONGER WORKS AND WINDSHIELD WIPER FREEZES DURING RAIN WHICH HAS CAUSED WIPER MOTOR TO BE REPLACED.DRIVER SIDE DOOR HINGES REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES CAUSING DOOR NOT TO SHUT PROPERLY AND DOESNT SIT LEVEL,FUEL GAUGE DOESNT READ PROPERLY WHEN FULL IT READS 1/2 TANK AND WHEN READS EMPTY ITS UNKNOWN HOW MUCH GAS IS REALLY IN TANK HAVE TO RELY ON MILES COUNTER AND CARRY EXTRA GALLON OF GAS. *TR
#10500580 | SERVICE BRAKES | | 160,000 miles
WHILE DRIVING I WOULD HEAR LIKE A MOTOR RUNNING SOUND THAT WOULD LAST APPROX 5/10 SEC. AND DURING THIS TIME THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD RISE AND GET HARD AND I WOULD HAVE TO APPLY LOTS OF PRESSURE IN ORDER FOR VEHICLE TO STOP WHICH DOES SO WITH GRIND. I REPLACED BOTH ROTORS,CALIPERS,BRAKE PADS,MASTERCYLINDER AND BRAKE BOOSTER.ABS LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHEN HIT BUMP AND GO OFF AFTER AWHILE .FINALLY I REMOVED FUSE FROM ABS AND PROBLEM CEASED.IN PROCESSES OF DIOGNOSING PROBLEM.DISCOVERED SUSPENSION IN FRONT FALLING APART REPLACED INNER/OUTER TIERODS,PITMAN ARM,BOTH UPPER/LOWER BALL JOINTS,PASSENGER UPPER CONTROL ARM AND WHEEL HUB.REAR WINDSHEILD WIPER NO LONGER WORKS AND WINDSHIELD WIPER FREEZES DURING RAIN WHICH HAS CAUSED WIPER MOTOR TO BE REPLACED.DRIVER SIDE DOOR HINGES REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES CAUSING DOOR NOT TO SHUT PROPERLY AND DOESNT SIT LEVEL,FUEL GAUGE DOESNT READ PROPERLY WHEN FULL IT READS 1/2 TANK AND WHEN READS EMPTY ITS UNKNOWN HOW MUCH GAS IS REALLY IN TANK HAVE TO RELY ON MILES COUNTER AND CARRY EXTRA GALLON OF GAS. *TR

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Safety Rating for the 1997 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1997 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1997 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA

General Motors, LLC has issued 6 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1997 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

010730002C — POWER TRAIN

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) IS ON; THE TRANSMISSION IS STUCK IN THIRD GEAR; AND / OR THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS INOPERATIVE. *TT

02054 — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE DUE TO CRACKED BOULDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THIS SPECIAL POLICY COVERS THE CONDITION FOR A PERIOD OF SEVEN YEARS OR 70,000 MILES, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST FROM THE DATE THE VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PLACED IN SERVICE REGARDLESS OF OWNERSHIP OR FOR THESE VEHICLES CURRENTLY OUTSIDE...

02054 — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT - WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FAILURES. *TT

01049 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT 01049 FOR UPPER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT. *TT

98137 — INTERIOR LIGHTING

BRIEF INFORMATION REGARDING INSUFFICIENT REAR SEAT LIGHTING. *TT

3325 — VISIBILITY

POWER DOOR MIRROR INOPERATIVE AFTER REPLACING MIRROR. *SC

NHTSA Investigations for the 1997 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA

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