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Model year record

1998 Oldsmobile Bravada recalls & problems

The 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada has 2 safety recalls and 98 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is visibility (33 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls
Complaints98filed by owners
Crashes · fires3 · 2reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths3 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

SuspensionMar 9, 1998

Front › Control arm › Lower arm

Recall 98V05300072 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Fix
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RETIGHTEN THE RIGHT-HAND LOWER CONTROL ARM NUTS TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATION.
Service brakes, hydraulicNov 24, 1997

Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 97V21800019,716 vehicles

Problem
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 BE A LOSS OF REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE.
Risk
PARTIAL LOSS OF BRAKING AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE WAS REQUIRED COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE BRAKE PIPE.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1998 Oldsmobile Bravada 4-DR. 4x4

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Bravada AWD

16mpg combined
City / highway14 / 19 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

4.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
VisibilityWindshield wiper/washer › Motor; Windshield wiper/washer3310059,500 mi
Electrical systemWiring › Interior/under dash; 12v/24v/48v battery2520063,000 mi
SuspensionFront › Control arm; Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint1400082,000 mi
SteeringSteering wheel/handle bar; Linkages › Tie rod assembly1200052,500 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift1001073,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Disc7100—
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Engine › Gasoline700071,000 mi
Vehicle speed control5200—
TiresTemporary/emergency spare tire; Tread/belt4000—
Exterior lightingHeadlights400071,000 mi
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Fuel pump; Carburetor system4000—
EquipmentAppliance › Air conditioner; Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.4000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations