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SteeringPart report

1998 Oldsmobile Bravada Steering Problems

Complaints
12about this part
Share
12%of 98 total for the year
Median mileage
52,500miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada, 12% of the 98 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,500 miles.

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.

“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 the paperwork from 2001 when the ignition switch was replaced at the dealership. I believe the ignition problem goes back further that GM knows.”

NHTSA complaint #10577030, filed 2014-04, 23,117 miles

“The upper and lower ball joints on my 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada with awd smartrack wear at a very accelerated rate. They, along with the tie rods were replaced soon after I purchased the vehicle at approx 86000 miles with all GM parts, and now at 93000 miles need replacing again. They have been properly lubricated, and the front end has been aligned several times, all by a GM dealer. The vehicle is not used off road or for plowing. Having spoke to several other Bravada owners, I am finding this to be a rather common problem. …”

NHTSA complaint #10018724, filed 2003-05, 91,000 miles

“Consumer had front steering components on Oldsmobile Bravada replaced. Three ball joints, idler arm, and pitman arm were all replaced. The tires had to be replaced. The consumer requested reimbursement.”

NHTSA complaint #10120364, filed 2005-04, 57,000 miles

“1998 Oldsmobile Bravada power steering vibrates and shakes when making turns with the vehicle and the outside temperature is above 60 degrees. (I.e. This defect occurs in the spring, summer and fall but not in winter.)”

NHTSA complaint #10058213, filed 2004-02, 48,000 miles

“Called dealership referred to customer service in fla., on problem with steering column talked to central fla. Customer service. They were going to check and call me back. Claimed leather wearing off the steering column was normal wear and tear, but would look into it. Never heard from them again. Problem with AC delco battery occurred while I was on vacation. Battery was suppose to have a 7 year lifespan. While at shopping center, battery died and had to contact triple aaa to have car towed to garage. Evidence of corrosion was on the battery cables and battery was dead. …”

NHTSA complaint #739159, filed 2001-01

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2004215%
200327%
2002146%
200023%
199923%
19981212%
199744%
199411%
199312%
199212%
199125%

Other parts of the 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
31 complaints
Electrical system
19 complaints
Suspension
12 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
9 complaints
Brakes
7 complaints
Engine cooling
7 complaints
Fuel system
5 complaints
Vehicle speed control
5 complaints
Exterior lighting
4 complaints
Tires
4 complaints
Equipment
3 complaints
Seats
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1998 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