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2001 Oldsmobile Bravada problems

The most common problem on the 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada is transmission and drivetrain, typically around 63,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Bravada model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
75/100
Owner complaints
33
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
338
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
15mpg

The worst 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Transmission
    10
  • Brakes
    6
  • Engine
    6
  • Fuel system
    4
  • Airbags
    3
  • Electrical
    3
  • Lights
    3
  • Body
    2
  • Suspension
    2

Recalls 1

Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights: switchReported December 3, 2001 · 506,377 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 01V364000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada

Defect investigations

Hazard light switch failureOpened February 28, 2008, closed July 9, 2008

On november 30, 2001, general motors (gm) conducted safety recall 01v‑364 for the subject vehicles built between september 16, 1999 and august 28, 2001 to remedy a defective hazard switch that would cause a loss of hazard and stop lamp illumination.the hazard switch is contained within the vehicle multifunction switch.odi opened this investigation based on reports that some consumers were not notified of the original recall or that they had repairs done under 01v‑364 but experienced subsequent multifunction switch failures.the multifunction switch supports the operation of cruise control, windshield wipers, exterior lighting and turn signals in addition to hazard and stop lamps. On may 21, 2008, gm notified the agency that it erroneously missed identifying 5,862 vehicles that should have been included in recall 01v‑364.gm will now notify owners of these vehicles under a new the federal safety agency recall number 08v‑231.owner notification began on june 17.the primary cause of brake lamp failure was a design change from copper to brass contact material in the hazard switch.this change was effective for vehicles built after september 16, 1999.gm changed the material back to copper for vehicles built after august 28, 2001. The remedy part for both 01v‑364 and 08v‑231 contains copper contacts.gm's data shows that less than 1% of vehicles repaired under recall 01v‑364 required additional subsequent repair or replacement of the hazard or multifunction switch.this investigation is closed.

RQ08001

Loss of stop lamp illuminationOpened September 6, 2001, closed December 20, 2001

PE01032

Technical service bulletins for the 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada 338

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 338 bulletins for the 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada

2001 Oldsmobile Bravada fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.3L 6‑cyl4WD141815

What 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 17, 2014 · Brakes, Fuel system · 163,000 miles · MI

Subject: gross mechanic error , possible fire / explosive situation while in palm bay fl, I had my fuel filter changed at tire kingdom for about $90. Their mechanic installed a fuel filter that rattled / defective and he destroyer the fuel line it mounted to. The tire kingdom mechanic, threw out the plastic fuel filter bracket and brake line holder because it was too rusty. I was told this a week later by the manager. I lost about two tanks of fuel getting to atlanta, ga. I stopped for lunch and noticed a 4 foot circle of fuel under my bravada. I looked under the vehicle and couldn't believe what a hack job tire kingdom did. My vehicle could have caught on fire and blew up!! There should be fines for such a gross incompetence and causing a dangerous condition. If the fuel would have sprayed on the exhaust pipe the vehicle would have caught on fire. To get me home a local garage, in atlanta georgia, fixed it temporarily so I could make it home, with tie traps, new filter, repaired fuel line and o-ring. I am out about $446. I have contacted the tbc ceo & senior staff at tcb corp and exec's at tire kingdom, over the last 7 weeks by e-mail & mail and certified mail. Tire kingdom manager by phone & mail. I do have the defective parts, pictures and bills! I was not given the discarded bracket assy.. I have not been able to drive my bravada in the last 7 weeks for fear it could blow up. I need to have my bravada put back to it's original state with the proper fuel filter and brake line bracket assy. This is a very serious problem because my vehicle was able to spray / leak two full tanks of gasoline across two states. You cannot just throw away parts because the mechanic think they are too rusty. Plastic brackets do not rust. I was unexceptionally and inexcusable.

Filed Feb 1, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 231,037 miles · CO

I was traveling on the highway at the posted 55mph speed limit when all of the sudden, the vehicle completely shut off. There was no power as if the ignition for the vehicle was completely turned off. With there being no power to the vehicle, I could only allow the momentum of the vehicle roll to the shoulder of the highway away from traffic. I had no use of turn signals or hazard signals. Once I was able to get over safely, I looked at the dashboard and cold only see the battery indicator light on, no other lights were illuminated. I turned the key to the off position, removed the key from the steering column, reinserted the key and tried to restart the vehicle. At first, none of the dash board lights would come on when I tried to restart the vehicle, I had to repeatedly turn the key back and forth and then the dashboard lights all came on, I was then able to restart the vehicle as normal and let the vehicle sit for a moment. I was able to drive the vehicle to a safe location off of the highway and back home. This was a very scary moment simply for the fact this occurred while I was driving at a very high speed and during traffic time. I also had my children in the vehicle. I am very concerned and would like to get a possible solution.

Filed May 5, 2010 · Brakes · 87,855 miles · VA

My 2001 oldsmobile bravada had a spontaneous brake failure. The left rear brake line was found to be extremely corroded. The brake fluid escaped and the brakes failed without warning. Fortunately, I had stopped at a store on my way to work, upon leaving, I started the engine, pressed on the brake to shift into reverse to back out of the parking space, and the pedal collapsed to the floor. Upon examination, there was brake fluid all over the ground and dripping from the suspension. The towing charge was $55.00 and the repair to replace the corroded brake line was approximately $200.00 I have in my possession the section of corroded brake line. I hope that someone takes my frightening experience seriously. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Dec 8, 2008 · Transmission · 48,000 miles · WI

1. Oldsmobile bravada with smartrak at 48,000 miles and good condition developed drivetrain binding / locking up over several months. 2. The problem started as a minor binding when backing out or in tight forward turns. Now drivetrain actually locks up in tight turning position. Have to play with forward/backward gears and wheel direction to allow movement. This has become a serious safety problem if merging onto or backing into a traffic lane. 3. Initial service at gm dealer was to flush and fill transfer case fluid, $140. Instructed to drive for a while to obtain improvement. After three weeks, condition has gotten worse. Am debating next step and service provider.

Filed Aug 18, 2008 · Lights · 96,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 oldsmobile bravada. When the contact would activate the headlights on the vehicle, the driver side brake light would not work. He would hear a clicking sound from the instrument panel and he changed the relay, but the issue was not remedied. The dealer has not been notified. The manufacturer stated that his VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 01v364000 (exterior lighting:brake lights:switch). The current mileage was approximately 97,000 and failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

Filed Jul 22, 2008 · Engine · 53,304 miles · CA

The automobile over heated because the thermostat in the engine bloc rusted through and water boiled out. According to the mechanic or supervisor, raymond roper, many components needed to be replaced. I had my car maintained at a gmc service as long as I had the car. Although I had not had it serviced for two years or 17 thousand miles, I find it difficult to believe that the cooling system would suffer a complete rust through. Every component in the cooling system needed to be replaced. It cost $2000.00 to repair it. Also seaside buick maintenance had only changed my oil each time I brought it in to them. Seaside began maintaining my car at about 28,000 mile before that it was well maintained by hollier oldsmobile in orlando, florida. Car was not driven from florida to california. But if this had happened on a long trip, it could have a major problem. I do not believe that should ever happen and I suspect something is amiss. There is nothing but antifreeze in the car so what can cause rust.

Filed Jan 22, 2008 · Suspension · 60,000 miles · OH · crash

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 oldsmobile bravada. The contact was involved in a crash with a deer. The following week he heard a squeaking, clunking, and humming noise while driving over 40 MPH. A mechanic stated that there was failure with the upper ball joints. General motors stated that there was no recall and they would not repair the vehicle for free. The purchase date was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 60,000.

Filed Dec 31, 2007 · Suspension · 60,000 miles · WV

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 oldsmobile bravada. While driving approximately 2 MPH, the entire lower control arm broke and caused the passenger side to drop to the ground. The contact has pictures of the failed lower control arm. He did not have the vehicle inspected to determine what caused the failure; however, the cv axle and lower control arm were replaced. He filed a formal complaint with the manufacturer. The current and failure mileages were 60,000. Updated 01/23/08. *lj updated

Filed May 18, 2007 · Fuel system · 45,000 miles · IA

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 is only under warranty for 12,000 miles. Other mechanics stated that a water pump should last almost the lifetime of the vehicle. The contact stated that this failure has occurred three times. She has not contacted the manufacturer. The vehicle does not qualify for her state's lemon law, however she will call for verification. The VIN, engine size, and # of cylinders were unknown. The current mileage is 103,000 and failure mileage was 45,000.

Filed Nov 11, 2006 · Engine · PA · fire

Radiator needed to be replaced at 63,000 miles. This was due to build up of gunk caused by dex cool.

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Questions about the 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada

Is the 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada reliable?

Owners have filed 33 complaints about the 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada, close to a typical Bravada model year.

What is the 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada year score?

The 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Oldsmobile Bravada: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 10 complaints, typically around 63,000 miles. Next is brakes (6).

How many recalls does the 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada have?

1 recall, covering exterior lighting.

What year does the Oldsmobile Bravada have bad transmission?

The Oldsmobile Bravada model years with the most transmission complaints are 2002 (53 complaints), 1997 (18 complaints) and 1999 (15 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada get?

Official estimates for the 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada range from 15 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.3L 6-cyl, 4WD) gets 14 city and 18 highway.

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