MYRModel Year Report

1998 Oldsmobile Bravada

◆ Worse than typical
1998 Oldsmobile Bravada
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:54:51.789Z

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
98
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1998

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Visibility

34% 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 1998: 98 complaints 1998 98 1999: 60 complaints 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 1998: 98 complaints 1998 98 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 1998: 98 complaints 1998 98 1999: 60 complaints 1999 2000: 76 complaints 2000 2001: 33 complaints 2001 2002: 238 complaints 2002 2003: 27 complaints 2003 2004: 13 complaints 2004

1998: 98 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.

Visibility

34% · 33 reports

Most commonly citing motor and windshield wiper/washer.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Experiencing intermittent windshield wiper operation.same symptoms experienced with a 1995 GMC jimmy which was covered by a recall.GM should expand the recall as this seems to be a common issue and a major safety issue.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-08-26

Electrical system

24% · 24 reports

Most commonly citing interior/under dash and switch.

CRASH

Suspension

14% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing control arm and upper ball joint.

Steering

12% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar and pinion shaft.

Show complaint excerpts

My vehicle had a complete loss of power while driving. It happened more than once prior to taking it in to the dealership. No dash board lighting, no power steering, no acceleration and braking was very difficult.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-04-03

Also filed under Service brakes

Front pinion seal broke and started leaking all over the engine. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-08-27

Front pinon seal is broken and it is leaking over engine.contacted dealer.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-08-27

Power train

10% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and seal.

FIRE

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1997-12-15Service brakes, hydraulic97V218000 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…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pipe.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. ▮
    1998Complaint volume 98 complaints filed for this model year.
  3. R
    1998-01-22Suspension98V053000 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…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and retighten the right-hand lower control arm nuts to the proper torque specification.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    2002-09-10Recall queryClosed 2003-03-07 Front control arm ball joints

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Oldsmobile Bravada — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Visibility: 33 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 24 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 14 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 97V218000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 98V053000 · Suspension
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada?
The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada have?
2 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.