1998 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 | 44 |
| 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
34% of complaints: visibility — 33 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing motor and windshield wiper/washer.
CRASHShow 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.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020826
24% of complaints: electrical system — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and switch.
CRASH14% of complaints: suspension — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing control arm and upper ball joint.
12% of complaints: steering — 12 distinct reports on file, 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, 20140403
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.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020827
FRONT PINON SEAL IS BROKEN AND IT IS LEAKING OVER ENGINE.CONTACTED DEALER. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020827
10% of complaints: power train — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and seal.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
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 A
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE BRAKE PIPE.
Campaign 97V218000 — check if this car was fixed
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 C
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RETIGHTEN THE RIGHT-HAND LOWER CONTROL ARM NUTS TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATION.
Campaign 98V053000 — check if this car was fixed
FRONT CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Oldsmobile Bravada — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (33 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V218000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V053000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.