VehicleVerdict

2001 Oldsmobile Bravada problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada is among the quieter years of the Bravada on NHTSA's books: 47 complaints (43% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (11), engine (7), and brakes (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

47

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Bravada years?

Bravada NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 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, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Bravada years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1123%
Engine715%
Brakes613%
Lighting511%
Electrical System511%
Fuel System511%
Airbags36%
Body & Structure24%
Suspension24%
Other12%

Does the 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

01V364000LightingDecember 3, 2001 · 506,377 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH COULD DEVELOP AN OPEN CIRCUIT CONDITION THAT RESULTS IN THE STOP LAMPS AND THE REAR HAZARD LAMPS BECOMING INOPERATIVE. THE CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP AND TURN SIGNAL FUNCTIONS ARE NOT AFFECTED.

Consequence

THE LOSS OF STOP LAMPS AND REAR HAZARD LAMPS COULD FAIL TO WARN A FOLLOWING DRIVER THAT THE VEHICLE IS BRAKING AND/OR IS STOPPED AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD SWITCH CARRIER. OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE CONDUCTED IN TWO PHASES. THE FIRST PHASE BEGAN APRIL 15, 2002, WITH MAILINGS TO OWNERS OF 2000 AND EARLY 2001 VEHICLES. THE SECOND MAILING PHASE WILL BE TO REMAINING 2001 AND 2002 VEHICLES. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA HAS SERIOUS TRANSFER CASE AND TRANSMITION PORBLEMS. NON ABUSE FAILURE OF BOTH ITEMS EVEN WITH ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. NON ABUSE FAILURE OF THE REVERSE GEAR IN BRAVADA TRANSMITION. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN NOTED IN OUR PREVIOUS 1996 BRAVADA AND NOW IN THE 2001 BRAVADA, BOTH WITH 70,000…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 18, 2005

“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WILL STALL WITHOUT WARNING. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE SERVICED SEVERAL TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE CAUSE IS STILL UNKNOWN, AND THE DEALERSHIP CAN NOT FIX PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. PH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“SUV NEEDED BOTH FRONT AND REAR ROTORS REPLACED DO TO RUST ON THE BACK SURFACE. ROTORS WERE TOO THIN TO BE CUT. VEHICLE IS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD AND HAS BEEN DRIVEN ONLY 27,000 MILES.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 20, 2003

“WHILE GETTING A TRAILER HITCH ASSEMBLY TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO ASSEMBLE IT DUE TO BRAKE LIGHTS BEING OUT. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED LATER. TECHNICIAN REPLACED MULTI-FUNCTIONAL SWITCH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · August 16, 2001

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WATER PUMP SEEMS TO BE FAILING. THE REPAIR WAS COVERED TWICE UNDER WARRANTY. DURING SPRINGTIME, THE VEHICLE WOULD OVERHEAT AND THE CONTACT WOULD SMELL ANTIFREEZE. THE FUEL PUMP FAILED LAST YEAR AND THE DEALER STATED THAT IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 1, 2005

2001 Oldsmobile Bravada — common questions

Is the 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 47 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Bravada year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2001 Bravada problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (11 complaints), engine (7 complaints), brakes (6 complaints).

Does the 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations 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.