NHTSA vehicle safety data

1996 Oldsmobile Bravada Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 1996 Oldsmobile Bravada has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 77 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Oldsmobile dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1996 Oldsmobile Bravada, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

1996 Oldsmobile Bravada owner complaints

Owners have filed 77 complaints with NHTSA about the 1996 Oldsmobile Bravada, describing incidents dated January 1, 1996 to May 28, 2012.

Most-cited components

Service Brakes 30 complaints
Visibility/Wiper 15 complaints
Engine 11 complaints
Electrical System 8 complaints
Suspension 8 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 5 complaints

Of the 77 complaints on file, 5 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 77 complaints, owners report 4 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11093596 · Filed May 14, 2018
MY VEHICLE WILL NOT START HAVING TROUBLE GETTING ENGINE TO START I WAS AT A GAS STATION WHEN IT FIRST HAPPENED THEN MANAGED TO START IT MADE IT HOME THEN DIED AT MY HOUSE AND HAS NOT MOVED SINCE.
ODI #10167114 · Filed August 30, 2006
ABS SENSORS FAILED CAUSING BRAKE PULSATION AND FAILURE. REAR WIPER MOTOR FAILED (STILL ON VEHICLE). *NM
ODI #10167110 · Filed August 30, 2006
I HAD A FAILURE OF THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS IN THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE - I HAD REPLACEMENT DONE WHICH COST $1326.00. *NM

Read all 77 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 1996 Oldsmobile Bravada in 3 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Engineering Analysis EA02-006: WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE
Closed July 23, 2003
- Recall 03V-159
- Recall 03V-210
Engineering Analysis EA99-022: UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT
Closed August 28, 2001
- Campaign 01I-018
- Recall 01V-200
Engineering Analysis EA94-038: ABS BRAKING SYSTEM
Closed February 28, 2000
- Campaign 99I-006
- Recall 99V-193

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS/FUEL LEAK

NHTSA #06E043000 · Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA notice

Reported May 19, 2006 · HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Potentially affected: 88,303 vehicles

Owners notified October 18, 2006

Defect description

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET FRAM FUEL FILTERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

GM/WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR

NHTSA #03V159000 · Visibility — Windshield Wiper/Washer · NHTSA notice

Reported April 28, 2003 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 1,755,876 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 03023 · Owners notified June 19, 2003 · Vehicles built June 1, 1996 – September 30, 1996 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH CERTAIN MODEL-ENGINE COMBINATIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.

Safety consequence

IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR DURING BAD WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2003. 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 CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

Notes

GM RECALL NO. 03023.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

GM/UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATION

NHTSA #01I018000 · Suspension — Front — Control Arm — Upper Ball Joint · NHTSA notice

Reported December 4, 2001 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Owners notified December 4, 2001 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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 ORIGINALLY PLACED IN SERVICE, REGARDLESS OF OWNERSHIP. THE UPPER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT, DUE TO SEPARATION, WILL BE MADE AT NO CHARGE TO THE CUSTOMER DURING THIS PERIOD. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-862-4389, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.

GM/UPPER CONTROL ARM

NHTSA #01V200000 · Suspension — Front — Control Arm — Upper Ball Joint · NHTSA notice

Reported June 28, 2001 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 48,600 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 01048 · Owners notified September 4, 2001 · Vehicles built November 1, 1995 – June 30, 1996 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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 CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

Notes

ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

GM/FMVSS 301

NHTSA #96V234000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Storage — Tank Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported November 14, 1996 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 432,183 vehicles

Owners notified November 21, 1996 · Vehicles built September 1, 1995 – July 31, 1996 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 4-DOOR, 4-WHEEL DRIVE AND ALL-WHEEL DRIVE MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING DEVELOPMENT TESTING, THE PROP SHAFT CONTACTED THE INBOARD SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK ALLOWING FUEL LEAKAGE. THIS LEAKAGE WAS IN EXCESS OF THE AMOUNT PERMITTED BY FMVSS 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY."

Safety consequence

IF AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, AND THERE IS A FUEL LEAK, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL ADDITIONAL SHIELDING OF THE FUEL TANK. THIS WILL BE ADDED WITHOUT REMOVING OR DISASSEMBLING THE FUEL SYSTEM.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION:OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DURING LATE NOVEMBER 1996.NOTE: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 CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

1996 Oldsmobile Bravada 4-DR. 4x4

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 3, Passenger: 1

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

3 investigations

77 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1996 Oldsmobile Bravada.

Electrical System; Unknown or Other; Engine

ODI #11093596

Incident: May 28, 2012 · Filed: May 14, 2018

MY VEHICLE WILL NOT START HAVING TROUBLE GETTING ENGINE TO START I WAS AT A GAS STATION WHEN IT FIRST HAPPENED THEN MANAGED TO START IT MADE IT HOME THEN DIED AT MY HOUSE AND HAS NOT MOVED SINCE.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic; Visibility

ODI #10167114

Incident: April 27, 2004 · Filed: August 30, 2006

ABS SENSORS FAILED CAUSING BRAKE PULSATION AND FAILURE. REAR WIPER MOTOR FAILED (STILL ON VEHICLE). *NM

Suspension

ODI #10167110

Incident: April 24, 2004 · Filed: August 30, 2006

I HAD A FAILURE OF THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS IN THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE - I HAD REPLACEMENT DONE WHICH COST $1326.00. *NM

Visibility

ODI #10146236

Incident: June 1, 2005 · Filed: December 28, 2005

THE WINDSHIELD WIPER ON MY 1996 OLDS BRAVADA STARTED TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY. THE PROBLEM, AS DIAGNOSED BY A GM DEALER WAS A FAULTY WIPER CONTROL BOARD/MODULE. THIS IS THE FAULT DESCRIBED ON GM RECALL 03023. BUT I WAS TOLD THAT ONLY SOME OF THE 1996 BRAVADAS ARE COVERED BY THIS RECALL (AND MINE IS NOT). WHEN I FIRST ENCOUNTERED IT IN JUNE OF 2005, I REPLACED THE FUSE AND EVERYTHING WORKED FINE FOR A WEEK OR TWO. THEN THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN, REPLACED THE FUSE AND EVERYTHING WORKED FINE FOR A WHILE. THIS CYCLE KEPT OCCURRING UNTIL CHRISTMAS DAY 2005 WHEN EVEN REPLACING THE FUSE DID NOT HELP. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM CAN BE COVERED ON SOME 96 BRAVADAS BUT NOT ON OTHERS. *NM

Visibility

ODI #10146222

Incident: June 1, 2005 · Filed: December 28, 2005

DT*: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 03V159000 REGARDING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. IN ADDITION, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FUSE WAS REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES. *AK

Power Train

ODI #10120472

Incident: January 5, 2005 · Filed: May 9, 2005

DT: THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA BY CONSUMER AFFAIRS. SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE OCT.1 2004. THE CONTACT WAS IN LAS VEGAS AND HER CAR BROKE DOWN. SHE HAD TO HAVE A NEW DRIVESHAFT. THE MECHANICS FROM THREE DIFFERENT SHOPS TOLD HER THAT THE FRONT END SHOULD HAVE BEEN SALVADGED. THE MECHANIC TOLD HER THAT THE CAR HAD BEEN WELDED TOGETHER. THE VEHICLE WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING SHE NOTICED THAT ONE PART OF THE CAR WOULD GO ONE WAY AND ANOTHER PART ANOTHER WAY. WHEN SHE GOT BACK FROM LAS VEGAS SHE CONTACTED THE PERSON SHE BOUGHT THE CAR AND THEY WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE DRIVESHAFT BECAUSE IT WAS NOT COVERED ON HER WARRENTY. A PREVIOUS OWNER OF THE CAR SAID THAT HE WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT END THAT SHE WAS HAVING. THE CONTACT PUT ANOTHER DRIVESHAFT IN THE VEHICLE AND THREE WEEKS LATER THE DRIVESHAFT WENT OUT AGAIN. THIS MADE THE SECOND DRIVESHAFT IN THE VEHICLE. THE ALIGNMENT OF THE FRONT END IS CROOKED. THE SECOND DRIVESHAFT WAS INSTALLED ON MAY 5, 2005.*AK

Structure

ODI #10113652

Incident: March 8, 2005 · Filed: March 8, 2005

AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP THE TAILGATE GLASS EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING OR CAUSE. VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION, AND REPAIRED LATER ON. *AK

Wheels

ODI #10065240

Incident: March 29, 2004 · Filed: March 30, 2004

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY VEHICLE VIBRATED. DRIVER PULLED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND FOUND THAT ONLY ONE LUG, NUT WAS HOLDING THE RIGHT REAR TIRE ON THE VEHICLE. THE OTHER LUGS, NUTS SHEARED OFF. THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAPPENED TO THE RIGHT REAR SECTION OF THE VEHICLE. *AK

Suspension

ODI #10049410

Incident: December 8, 2003 · Filed: December 8, 2003

OLDSMOBILE, BRAVADA, 1996. HAD TO REPLACE BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS ON THE FRONT SUSPENSION. GMC HAS A RECALL FOR THESE COMPONENTS. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID # 01V200000. GMC REFUSED TO REPAIR. THEIR RECALL IS FOR VEHICLES WITH VIN #'S T2705034-T2708364 (LAST EIGHT DIGITS) MY VIN # IS T2710395. THE BALL JOINTS ARE OBVIOUSLY FAILING IN OTHER VEHICLES THAN THOSE THEY LISTED.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling; Equipment

ODI #10048890

Incident: November 30, 2003 · Filed: November 30, 2003

ENGINE OVERHEATING UD-LIKE COOLANT (DEX-COOL). *AK

Other Oldsmobile Bravada model years

Check your 1996 Oldsmobile Bravada VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Oldsmobile Bravada at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check an Oldsmobile VIN