VehicleVerdict

2002 Oldsmobile Bravada problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 337 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.1 times the median Bravada year — the 2002 model ranks #1 of 14 Bravada years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 24 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (55), engine (52), and electrical system (51), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

337

NHTSA complaints

10

Recalls

10

Investigations

24

Crash-involved

12

Fires reported

24

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Bravada years?

Bravada NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 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, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Bravada years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission5516%
Engine5215%
Electrical System5115%
Visibility & Wipers319%
Suspension247%
Seat Belts154%
Body & Structure154%
Steering144%
Brakes144%
Seats134%
Airbags124%
Lighting113%
Tires & Wheels82%
Other82%
Fuel System72%
Speed Control51%
Latches & Locks21%

Does the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada have recalls?

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

04V527000LightingNovember 1, 2004 · 871,473 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, VIBRATION AND HEAT MAY CAUSE THE TAIL LAMP/STOP LAMP BULB TO LOOSEN IN ITS SOCKET. IF THIS OCCURS, THE BULB MAY FLICKER AND EVENTUALLY BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Consequence

AN INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMP WILL NOT CONVEY THE DRIVER'S INTENTION OF STOPPING TO DRIVERS IN FOLLOWING VEHICLES, AND AN INOPERATIVE REAR TURN SIGNAL LAMP WILL NOT CONVEY THE DRIVER'S INTENTION TO TURN TO DRIVERS IN FOLLOWING VEHICLES. BOTH OF THESE FAILURES CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TAIL LAMP/STOP LAMP ASSEMBLIES, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 22, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

04V289000EngineJune 23, 2004 · 29,951 units

Defect

SOME SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED AIR SUSPENSION (ECAS) HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE ECAS MAY PRODUCE A BRIEF ELECTRICAL SPIKE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS OPERATING. THIS ELECTRICAL SPIKE CAN DISRUPT THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL.

Consequence

IF THE SPIKE DAMAGES THE PCM, THE VEHICLE MAY NOT RESTART. IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON AUGUST 19, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

04V201000Seat BeltsApril 28, 2004 · 261,801 units

Defect

CERTAIN LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." ONE OF THE TWO SENSORS IN THE DRIVER'S AND FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT RETRACTORS COULD BE INOPERATIVE. THE SEAT BELT RETRACTORS WILL LOCK WHEN THE BELT WEBBING IS EXTRACTED DURING A CRASH; HOWEVER, THE MECHANISM THAT LOCKS THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR WHEN THE VEHICLE DECELERATES QUICKLY, SUCH AS HEAVY BRAKING, MAY NOT OPERATE AS INTENDED.

Consequence

IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE SAFETY BELT MAY NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT AS INTENDED DURING A CRASH, AND COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SAFETY BELT RETRACTORS, AND REPLACE THEM IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 24, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

04V046000Visibility & WipersFebruary 4, 2004 · 581,394 units

Defect

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEMS THAT WILL NOT TURN ON, CEASE OPERATION WHILE IN USE, FAIL TO TURN OFF/ON BY THEMSELVES (MOISTURE SENSITIVE WIPER SYSTEM), OR HAVE CONTINUOUS WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP OPERATION BECAUSE THE PRESENCE OF WATER WITHIN THE WIPER MODULES CAN EITHER CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT OR CAN LEAD TO THE CORROSION OF COMPONENTS WITHIN THE MODULE.

Consequence

DEPENDING ON THE OCCURRENCE AND WEATHER SITUATION, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL COVER THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE VENT HOLE WITH A PATCH. ALSO, THE WIPER MOTOR, CIRCUIT BOARD, AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WILL BE INSPECTED TO SIGNS OF WATER INTRUSION AND/OR CORROSION AND BE REPLACED AS REQUIRED. THE RECALL BEGAN JULY 6, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

03V250000OtherJuly 15, 2003 · 1,707,825 units

Defect

CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE SYSTEM.

Consequence

THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS SUPPLEMENT DESCRIBES AND SHOWS THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE VEHICLE AND ON THE CHILD RESTRAINT OR BOOSTER CUSHION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

03V096000Electrical SystemMarch 19, 2003 · 314,300 units

Defect

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS NO. 101, "CONTROL LOCATION, IDENTIFICATION, AND ILLUMINATION" AND NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN INTERMITTENT CONDITION DURING VEHICLE START-UP IN WHICH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER MAY NOT PROPERLY POWER UP, RESULTING IN MOST OF THE DISPLAYS, TELLTALE LIGHTS, AND FUNCTIONS (EXCEPT THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT, TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS, AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER BACKLIGHTING) BEING INOPERATIVE.

Consequence

THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE STANDARD.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 29, 2003. 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.

03V075000TransmissionMarch 6, 2003 · 511,167 units

Defect

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A MECHANICAL OVERRIDE THAT COULD ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED WITH THE SHIFT LEVER IN A POSITION OTHER THAN PARK. IN ADDITION, THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN OVERRIDE THAT CAN ALLOW THE TRANSMISSION TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK WITH THE IGNITION IN THE OFF POSITION.

Consequence

THESE OVERRIDES ARE NOT PERMITTED UNLESS THE VEHICLE HAS A LOCKING STEERING COLUMN.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL ELIMINATE THESE CONDITIONS BY DISABLING THE OVERRIDES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 29, 2003. 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, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.

02V121000Fuel SystemAugust 23, 2002 · 136,511 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A FUEL FILTER FITTING CAN BECOME DISCONNECTED. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENGINE, A NO-START CONDITION WOULD RESULT AND FUEL WOULD BE PUMPED OUT THE FUEL FILTER ONTO THE GROUND.

Consequence

IF THE FITTING BECOMES DISCONNECTED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE ENGINE WOULD STOP DUE TO INADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLY AND CAUSE A LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, FUEL LEAKAGE FROM A DISCONNECTED FUEL FILTER FITTING COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER QUICK CONNECT RETAINERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 20, 2002. 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.

02V222000AirbagsAugust 9, 2002 · 133,221 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.

Consequence

PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. 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 BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

01V126000SuspensionApril 12, 2001 · 30,476 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKETS MAY FRACTURE. THIS FRACTURE COULD RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM FROM THE FRAME.

Consequence

A SEPARATION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKETS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN BY TELEPHONE ON APRIL 4, 2001. THE FOLLOWUP LETTER TO CONSUMERS WAS MAILED MAY 3, 2001. 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, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

THE OWNER WAS DRIVING 50 MPH WHEN ONE OF THE WHEELS THAT HAD SMARTTRAK KICKED IN AND SPUN THE VEHICLE AROUND. THE VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH A CAMPER PARKED ON THE STREET. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THERE WAS NO 4-WHEEL DRIVE ENGAGED. THE SAME PROBLEM RECURRED THREE MONTHS LATER. THERE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THERE WAS AN BURNING ODOR UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SEAT WAS MELTING FROM THE BOTTOM AND WAS DRIPPING ONTO THE CARPET. THE CONTACT PULLED THE FUSE BOX WIRES FROM UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT TO PREVENT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 16, 2016 · fire

THE RELAY BLEW, AND STARTED A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE CAR. *MR THE DEALER SUGGESTED THAT THE CONSUMER UPDATE THE SECURITY SYSTEM WHICH WAS ADDED TO THE EXISTING GM SYSTEM FOR EXTRA PROTECTION. THE SYSTEM LEFT THE VEHICLE DOWN AND COULD NOT BE STARTED. THE RELAY HAD BLOWN AND STARTED A FIRE UNDER…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · fire

BOTH REMOTE MIRRORS WILL NOT HOLD THEIR MEMORY. I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE INTO SERVICE FOR THIS PROBLEM FOUR TIMES AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. THE MIRRORS MOVE WHEN THE KEY IS INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION BEFORE STARTING THE CAR. ALSO, BOTH MIRRORS WILL NOT HOLD THEIR POSITION AFTER BEING PROGRAMED IN…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · July 13, 2003 · crash

THIS BRAVADA HAD BEEN RECALLED AND THE PART REPLACED. WHILE EXITING A PARKING LOT AT SLOW SPEED THE STEERING FAILED, CAR FELL TO THE RIGHT AND INTO A TELEPHONE POLE CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. THE PART THAT FAILED WAS THE PART THAT WAS REPLACED DURING RECALL. GM, AFTER INVESTIGATING, IS CLAIMING NO…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · June 23, 2001 · crash

2002 Oldsmobile Bravada — common questions

Is the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 337 complaints put the 2002 model at #1 of 14 Bravada years. It is one of the Bravada years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 Bravada problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (55 complaints), engine (52 complaints), electrical system (51 complaints).

Does the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 10 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.