VehicleVerdict

1998 Oldsmobile Bravada problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 139 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median Bravada year — the 1998 model ranks #3 of 14 Bravada years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across visibility & wipers (33), electrical system (26), and suspension (14), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

139

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Bravada years?

Bravada NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted337 complaints1991: 61 complaints1992: 65 complaints1993: 54 complaints1994: 116 complaints1995: 2 complaints1996: 104 complaints1997: 158 complaints1998: 139 complaints1999: 99 complaints2000: 104 complaints2001: 47 complaints2002: 337 complaints2003: 37 complaints2004: 23 complaints
Bravada NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Bravada years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers3324%
Electrical System2619%
Suspension1410%
Steering129%
Transmission107%
Engine86%
Brakes86%
Fuel System54%
Speed Control54%
Tires & Wheels43%
Lighting43%
Seats32%
Airbags21%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)21%
Other21%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

98V053000SuspensionMarch 9, 1998 · 72 units

Defect

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 CAN ALLOW THE ATTACHMENT BOLT TO LOOSEN AND SUBSEQUENT BREAK RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FROM THE FRAME.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RETIGHTEN THE RIGHT-HAND LOWER CONTROL ARM NUTS TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATION.

97V218000BrakesNovember 24, 1997 · 19,716 units

Defect

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 SOFT BRAKE PEDAL. IF THE BRAKE PIPE BREAKS, THE DRIVER WOULD EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN DROP IN THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BRAKE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE, AND THERE WOULD BE A LOSS OF REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE.

Consequence

PARTIAL LOSS OF BRAKING AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE WAS REQUIRED COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE BRAKE PIPE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“DUE TO DEFECTIVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WINDOWS WENT UP AND DOWN/ HEADLIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED, AND BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING A CRASH. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING BATTERY CABLE FELL APART WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED A CRASH. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · February 1, 1999 · crash

“DUE TO DEFECTIVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WINDOWS WENT UP AND DOWN/ HEADLIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED, AND BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING A CRASH. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING BATTERY CABLE FELL APART WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED A CRASH. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 1, 1999 · crash

“THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLIES WERE MAKING NOISE AND WERE REPLACED BY THE DEALER. ALSO, THE IDLER ARM WAS WORN OUT AND THE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS FAILED CAUSING THE FRONT END TO BECOME LOOSE. THE VEHICLE HAD FOUR NEW TIRES. *YH ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · August 30, 2000

“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. IF I TAPPED ON THE STEERING COLUMN THE POWER WOULD SOMETIMES COME BACK ON. I DO HAVE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 31, 2001

“TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKS FROM COMPRESSION FITTING ONTO AN EXHAUST PIPE SITAUTED IMMEIDATELY BELOW FITTING. THE LEAKING OF THE FLUID ONTO THE VERY HOT PIPE BECOMES MORE INTENSE WHEN THE AUTO IS STOPPED. CONTACTED OLDS HOT-LINE AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THEY HAVE A SERIOUS PROGRAM WITH THIS PART;…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 15, 2000 · fire

1998 Oldsmobile Bravada — common questions

Is the 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 139 complaints put the 1998 model at #3 of 14 Bravada years. It is one of the Bravada years to avoid.

What are the most common 1998 Bravada problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (33 complaints), electrical system (26 complaints), suspension (14 complaints).

Does the 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Oldsmobile Bravada years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Bravada years to avoid are 2002, 1997, 1998. The cleanest record among Bravada years belongs to 1995.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.