MYRModel Year Report

1997 Oldsmobile Bravada

◆ Worse than typical
1997 Oldsmobile Bravada
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:45:27.359Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
104
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

20% of complaints

Complaints per year

1991: 44 complaints 1991 1992: 56 complaints 1993: 44 complaints 1993 1994: 91 complaints 1995: 2 complaints 1995 1996: 77 complaints 1997: 104 complaints 1997 104 1998: 98 complaints 1999: 60 complaints 1999 2000: 76 complaints 2001: 33 complaints 2001 2002: 238 complaints 2003: 27 complaints 2003 2004: 13 complaints
1991: 44 complaints 1991 1992: 56 complaints 1992 1993: 44 complaints 1993 1994: 91 complaints 1994 1995: 2 complaints 1995 1996: 77 complaints 1996 1997: 104 complaints 1997 104 1998: 98 complaints 1998 1999: 60 complaints 1999 2000: 76 complaints 2000 2001: 33 complaints 2001 2002: 238 complaints 2002 2003: 27 complaints 2003 2004: 13 complaints 2004
1991: 44 complaints 1991 1992: 56 complaints 1992 1993: 44 complaints 1993 1994: 91 complaints 1994 1995: 2 complaints 1995 1996: 77 complaints 1996 1997: 104 complaints 1997 104 1998: 98 complaints 1998 1999: 60 complaints 1999 2000: 76 complaints 2000 2001: 33 complaints 2001 2002: 238 complaints 2002 2003: 27 complaints 2003 2004: 13 complaints 2004

1997: 104 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
199144
199256
199344
199491
19952
199677
1997104
199898
199960
200076
200133
2002238
200327
200413

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

20% · 21 reports

Most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and 12v/24v/48v battery.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

1997 Oldsmobile Bravada. Consumer writes in regards to voltage dropping while vehicle in stopped causing headlights to dim.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-25

Also filed under Power train

Suspension

18% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing upper ball joint and lower ball joint.

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-02-27

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system and service brakes

Power train

18% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing differential unit and driveshaft.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I just had the transfer case and differential on my 1997 olds Bravada repaired and was driving when I heard a pop sound and saw flames shooting out from the bottom center and rear of my vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-20

Engine and engine cooling

16% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

Visibility

13% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and motor.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

When driving in the rain windshield wipers quit working. There was no warning. Driver stopped vehicle, got out, and wiggled the wiper arm, and wipers started again. Took vehicle to dealer, and dealer replaced the wiper motor.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-08-20

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1994-10-31Engineering analysisClosed 2000-02-28 ABS braking system
  2. ▮
    1997Complaint volume 104 complaints filed for this model year.
  3. R
    2001-09-04Suspension01V200000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2001-12-04Suspension01I018000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2003-08-08Seat belts03V117000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Oldsmobile Bravada — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 21 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 19 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 19 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 01V200000 · Suspension
  • Recall 01I018000 · Suspension
  • Recall 03V117000 · Seat belts
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-20 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.