2002 Oldsmobile Bravada problems & reliability

Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.

Most reported problems

Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.

Common symptoms owners describe

Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.

Mileage when problems occurred

Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 48,900 miles (middle 50% between 21,856 and 81,183 miles), based on 103 complaints that included mileage.

Complaints by incident year

What owners report

• “Front Control arm broke at the frame. There is a recall for this control arm issue for a 2002 Bravada but, my vin was not included. 01V126000 is the NHTSA. The control arms fractured causing separation from the frame. Bravada is at service shop and they have confirmed the frame separation from control arm. This is…”

  Structure · filed Mar 21, 2022

• “I was merging onto the interstate going approximately 35 mph, I spun out on black ice across three lanes of traffic and smashed into the guard rail. The airbags DID NOT deploy during this accident, even when the car rolled back and hit the wall again. Since the airbags did not deploy, I suffered trauma to my chin and…”

  Air Bags · filed Jan 28, 2022

• “Tl* the contact owns a 2002 oldsmobile bravada. The contact stated that driving at various speeds, an abnormal noise occurred. The contact placed the vehicle in gear and there was lateral movement of both rear wheel without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and…”

  Suspension · filed Aug 11, 2020

Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.

Federal defect investigations

• Loss of Headlights

  Recall Query RQ17002 · opened Apr 24, 2017 · closed Mar 29, 2021

• HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE

  Recall Query RQ08001 · opened Feb 28, 2008 · closed Jul 9, 2008 · led to recall 08V231000

• FUEL PUMP MODULE LEAKS GASOLINE

  Engineering Analysis EA07009 · opened Jul 10, 2007 · closed Aug 28, 2008

• BRAKE LAMP FAILURE

  Engineering Analysis EA04021 · opened Aug 3, 2004 · closed Nov 4, 2004 · led to recall 04V527000

• WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE

  Engineering Analysis EA04002 · opened Jan 6, 2004 · closed Feb 10, 2004 · led to recall 04V061000

• WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE

  Preliminary Evaluation PE03042 · opened Sep 17, 2003 · closed Jan 6, 2004

• ENGINE STALL

  Engineering Analysis EA03007 · opened May 6, 2003 · closed Jun 18, 2004 · led to recall 04V289000

• ENGINE STALL

  Preliminary Evaluation PE03001 · opened Jan 3, 2003 · closed May 6, 2003

Technical service bulletins

601 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada. The 10 most recent:

• This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

  PIP5601C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 18, 2025

• This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or…

  PIP5358D · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 20, 2025

• This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8…

  PIP4723J · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 25, 2024

• This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician…

  PIT5099H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 12, 2024

• This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician…

  PIT5099H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 12, 2024

• Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to…

  General Communication · Service Campaign · issued Aug 26, 2024

• This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.

  18-NA-099 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 17, 2024

• This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and…

  24-NA-098 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 6, 2024

• This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.

  10-08-45-001H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 28, 2024

• This bulletin advises the technician of possible location of an internal coolant leak from a specific cylinder head and location.

  06-06-01-019C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 14, 2024

TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.

Safety recalls

The 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada has 10 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.