1997 Oldsmobile Bravada Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 17%of 104 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,654miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada, 17% of the 104 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,654 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I just had the transfer case and differential on my 1997 olds Bravada repaired and was driving when I heard a pop sound and saw flames shooting out from the bottom center and rear of my vehicle. I stopped immediately and got everyone out just before the whole thing went up in flames.”
NHTSA complaint #10018998, filed 2003-05, 96,210 miles“Transmission_ will not go into reverse and when in drive makes a wineing sound. Other - radiator- heavy rust flushed out radiator 5 times and still have rust along with rusty fluids.”
NHTSA complaint #10069578, filed 2004-01, 50,000 miles“Power seat shorted out and the dealer repaired the burned and chafed wires, belt tensioner was noisy, the remote locks shorted out and the dealer replaced the receiver module, intake gasket was leaking coolant, rear wiper motor shorted out, fuel sensor shorted out, right axle seal failed causing fluid to leak, multifunction switch failed, the transmission had no reverse, no third gear only first gear. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #568354, filed 2002-12“Problems 1)alternator and battery replaced 2) tensioner replaced 3) battery replaced again 4) harmonic balancer replaced 5) started replaced 6) transfer case, drive shaft, differential replaced 7)gas float has to be replaced to get accurate gas gauge level to list a few of the problems encountered after a year and half of owning”
NHTSA complaint #712368, filed 1999-09“Consumer states while driving at highway speed the driveshaft separated and causes the vehicle to vibrate. Dealer notified. Feel free to provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #8019379, filed 2002-09Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1 | 8% |
| 2003 | 6 | 22% |
| 2002 | 53 | 22% |
| 2001 | 10 | 30% |
| 2000 | 14 | 18% |
| 1999 | 15 | 25% |
| 1998 | 9 | 9% |
| 1997 | 18 | 17% |
| 1996 | 4 | 5% |
| 1994 | 1 | 1% |
| 1993 | 2 | 5% |
| 1992 | 1 | 2% |
| 1991 | 3 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada
18 complaintsSuspension
17 complaintsFuel system
16 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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