1997 Oldsmobile Bravada
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 44 |
| 1992 | 56 |
| 1993 | 43 |
| 1994 | 91 |
| 1995 | 2 |
| 1996 | 77 |
| 1997 | 104 |
| 1998 | 98 |
| 1999 | 60 |
| 2000 | 76 |
| 2001 | 33 |
| 2002 | 238 |
| 2003 | 27 |
| 2004 | 13 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
9% of complaints: suspension — 9 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
1997 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VOLTAGE DROPPING WHILE VEHICLE IN STOPPED CAUSING HEADLIGHTS TO DIM. *LD *JS
NHTSA ODI report, 20180725
6% of complaints: visibility — 6 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20030520
4% of complaints: visibility — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030820
SAFETY TIMELINE
ABS BRAKING SYSTEM
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, MISSO
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
Campaign 01V200000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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 FIR
Campaign 01I018000 — check if this car was fixed
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 SEVERE
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 TO
Campaign 03V117000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Oldsmobile Bravada — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 01V200000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01I018000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V117000 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint, accounting for 9% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.