1996 Oldsmobile Bravada Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 13%of 77 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Oldsmobile Bravada, 13% of the 77 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The vehicle began overheating. The check engine light appeared. It was taken to the dealer and said that the coolant became muddy and that happens a lot when the coolant gets a little low. The thermostat was replaced along with a flush and fill on the radiator and cooling system. The dealer wanted to put the same coolant in the radiator and this was unusual to me. I had them put in preston and had no problems since.”
NHTSA complaint #10041526, filed 2003-10, 60,000 miles“Brake pedal is extremely hard to press, it goes low to the floor and causes extended stopping distance. Problem gets better when they put new pads on. Then 5,000 to 8,000 miles it happens all over again. Mechanic found rotors to be hard they were removed and cleaned and readjusted and also cleaned rear drums, also consumer states a light was on, oxygen sensor was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #882358, filed 2001-03“Vehicle overheated and temperature gauge went to the top, engine began to make noises, dealer found that radiator was full of bad coolant and very muddy, the mud was clogging the radiator which caused loss of coolant flow and overheated condition, the radiator was replaced, flushed engine block and heater core of muddy coolant, and thermostat and radiator cap was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #561430, filed 2001-06“Driver stopped at toll booth to pay toll and saw smoke coming from rear of vehicle. Consumer got out of vehicle to investigate where the smoke was coming from, and determined that vehicle caught on fire from the exhaust.driver had vehicle towed to the dealership.”
NHTSA complaint #10037977, filed 2003-09“While driving, vehicle would stall, dealer replaced the fuel filter, coil and module, fuel pump, crank sensor and ignition switch, however problem continued, consumer has since traded vehicle in for a 2002 Bravada.”
NHTSA complaint #565529, filed 2002-04Related service bulletins
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 2 | 7% |
| 2002 | 46 | 19% |
| 2001 | 6 | 18% |
| 2000 | 10 | 13% |
| 1999 | 10 | 17% |
| 1998 | 7 | 7% |
| 1997 | 15 | 14% |
| 1996 | 10 | 13% |
| 1994 | 4 | 4% |
| 1993 | 3 | 7% |
| 1992 | 2 | 4% |
| 1991 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1996 Oldsmobile Bravada
31 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Oldsmobile Bravada
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology