1998 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

139

Owner Complaints

7 Crashes 2 Fires

2

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

5

Service Bulletins

1

Investigation

Overview of the 1998 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA

The 1998 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA has received a total of 139 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 2 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. 5 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor (14 complaints), Suspension (9 complaints), and Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher (9 complaints).

Recalls for the 1998 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA

NHTSA has recorded 2 recalls for the 1998 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA, potentially affecting up to 19,788 vehicles.

Recall 98V053000 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

| 72 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

View full details →

Recall 97V218000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

| 19,716 vehicles affected

Defect: 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, AND THERE WOULD...

Consequence: 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.

View full details →

Owner Complaints for the 1998 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA

139 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1998 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 14
Suspension
Complaints: 9
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 9
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 6
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 6
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 5 2 Crashes
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 3
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Steering
Complaints: 3
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 3
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasherswitchwiring
Complaints: 3
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Electrical System
Complaints: 2
Electrical System12v24v48v Batterycables
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 2
Seats
Complaints: 2 1 Fire 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 2
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 2
Steeringrack And Pinionpinion Shaft
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 1
Engine
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 1
Equipment
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinecarburetor System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncooling Unit And Lines
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaftseal
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 1 2 Injuries
Service Brakes
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assistvacuum
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagesknucklespindlearm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Ball Joint
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Ball Joint
Complaints: 1
Tires
Complaints: 1
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 1
Tirestemporaryemergency Spare Tire
Complaints: 1
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 1
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemwindshieldelectrical Heating Element
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrear Window Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrear Window Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#10672561 | SUSPENSION | | 160,000 miles
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.
#10640372 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 86,000 miles
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
#10640372 | ENGINE | | 86,000 miles
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
#10640372 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | | 86,000 miles
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
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.

View all Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1998 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1998 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1998 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA

General Motors, LLC has issued 5 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1998 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

990602012C — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE HEATER IS INOPERATIVE, BLOWS COLD AIR, ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT AN OVERHEAT CONDITION OR THE COOLANT RESERVOIR HAS RUST IN IT. *TT

151200 — VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

CUSTOMER MAY COMMENT THAT THE REARVIEW MIRRORS, POWER DOOR LOCKS AND REAR HATCH DO NOT OPERATE. *TT

990421005 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

TRANSFER CASE VIBRATION (SHUDDER) DURING TIGHT TURNING MANEUVERS AT VEHICLE SPEEDS OF UP TO 5 KM/H (5 MPH) ON DRY PAVEMENT. *TT

990842002 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN THAT THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ARE INOPERATIVE. *TT

970901761201 — VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

FALSE HVAC HISTORY DTC B0408 AND/OR HEATER & A/C TEMPERATURE CONTROL DOOR MOTOR BECOMES INOPERATIVE WHILE USING SCAN TOOL. *YC

NHTSA Investigations for the 1998 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA

NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 1998 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA.

Investigation RQ02012 — SUSPENSION:FRONT Closed

Opened:

FRONT CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS

Other Model Years of the OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA

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Other OLDSMOBILE Models

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