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Oldsmobile Bravada brake failure problems

82 of the 962 owner complaints about the Oldsmobile Bravada describe brake failure, most of them for the 1994 model year.

owner complaints
82
worst model year
1994
typical mileage
50,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

ABS 35Stalling 3Power steering loss 3Loss of power 2Ball joint 2

Trouble codes mentioned

C0237 1C0236 1

What owners say

Filed Jul 9, 2014 · Brakes · 131,000 miles · VA

On or about april 17th, as I was turning of the main road onto my cul-de-sac, I tapped the brakes to slow and the pedal went to the floor. I immediately pulled the shifter into low to slow down and then to neutral as I came to my driveway. Turned into the driveway and applied the emergency brake to come to a stop. Upon examining the vehicle, I determined that the brake line for the drivers side rear caliper had rusted out and was leaking profusely. The timing was very fortunate as I was on a main road before the brakes went out and if I had the need to come to a rapid stop a few moments earlier, I would have more than likely been involved in a serious accident. I know this is an older vehicle, but I saw a notice that this same issue is occurring with other gm vehicles of this age and wanted to let you know that I experienced this as well. The car has been very well maintained and is a very low mileage car which should not be suffering from brake lines which rust through from the inside out. If you do require a recall of the vehicles for this purpose, please don't leave oldsmobiles out just because the brand has been discontinued. Thank you

Filed May 22, 2010 · Brakes · 39,498 miles · WI

This vehicle has been driven less than 40,000 miles. It has been driven only on highways and city roads. It is kept in a garage where my other vehicle and previously own automobiles are kept. While it was being serviced, it was discovered that the inboard sides of the brake rotors were severely rusted to the extent that the adjacent brake pads were effectively destroyed. It was apparent that the condition would soon cause a major brake failure. Consequently all four rotors and brake pads were replaced. The mechanic at the dealership indicated that around the time the vehicle was built the steel used in the rotors was changed. None of my other vehicles, all older, ford and gm models, all kept in the same garage, one with 105,000 miles, has shown this type of condition. I consider this premature rust build-up a serious safety hazard.

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 Feb 18, 2005 · Airbags, Brakes · 50,000 miles · NM · crash · 2 injuries

While driving,the steering wheel started rocking back and forth without warning. The driver applied the brakes,the pedal went to the floor. The driver was unable to maintain control of the vehicle and skidded into a concrete barrier head on. Both frontal air bags did not deploy. The driver and passenger sustained injuries and was transported by ambulance to the hospital. The vehicle was towed and totaled by the insurance company. Please fill in additional information. *jb vehicle did not skid but was taken quickly and sharply to the left into the median and impacted a curb like barrier damaging vehicle. However vehicle was not totaled. Thought to have experienced a blow out but not confirmed. Problems with steering was also evident.

Filed Jan 24, 2005 · Acceleration, Body · 42,000 miles · MN

Intermittently throttle sticks in the up position. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak the consumer stated that he was driving and the vehicle lost power and the brakes failed. The consumer stated that the container holding the windshield washer fluid allowed the fluid to leak. The container was repaired.

Filed Mar 10, 2003 · Brakes · CO

When the brakes were applied, the pedal went to the floor, which resulted in extended stooping. The dealer inspected the vehicle, however the problem could not be duplicated.

Filed Jan 8, 2003 · Brakes, Electrical · 21,000 miles · OH

On 12/11/02, I was driving my 2002 oldsmobile bravada in rush hour traffic and was traveling in the passing lane going at a speed of 70 MPH when my speedometer dropped to 30 MPH and my brake pedal was to the floor of the vehicle. Unable to accelerate. The dashboard displayed : service brake system and contact onstar displayed also. I, somehow, merged to the right lane of the expressway and at this time, my brakes were still to the floor and the speedometer was continuing to decline. Steering was difficult. I was able to get off the road, but the car stopped itself without me applying brakes. I put my car in park and the car at this time was stalled. I tried to restart the vehicle but was unable due to the car being "dead". I contacted the gm roadside assistance toll-free # to notify them of my problem and they supplied me with a # to refer to in case a tow vehicle did not arrive. Approximately, 30 minutes later a tow truck arrived and my vehicle was towed to yark oldsmobile. I spoke with the service manager- anthony and he documented my concerns and told me that my car would be serviced and they would let me know what the issue was. I also told him the other problems with this vehicle included: rear suspension defect 7/2001, loss of brakes in 8/2001, car failing to start and needing towed or jumped 3 times since 8/2001. On 12/12, the service dept contacted me and told me that there were several fault codes...one being a faulty speed sensor. They pulled several codes: c0236-circuit failure vss and c0237- a communication error. I told service that I also had several issues with the electrical system and jim stated they would look inot it but it is hard to find an electrical problem because it is such a big system. I was instructed that my car was able to be picked up on 12/13/02. I did so at that time, but I am not satisfied and do not feel safe in my vehicle. Yark is aware of above.

Filed Dec 17, 2002 · Electrical · FL

The consumer has a electrical problem she has no brakes light flashers. Please provide additional information. Dealer is aware of the problem. Ts

Filed May 15, 2002 · Suspension · NJ

While driving less than 10 MPH, heard a rumbling and vibraiton like a tire had blown out. Consumer tried to get car off the road when passenger's side tire bent inward, and driver's tire went outward. Also, there were no brakes. Consumer coasted to a stop. Took vehicle to dealer who stated that when consumer made a turn, the control arm cut the brake line. *ak consumer states while driving she heard a noise that sounded like the passenger side front tire went flat, whe pulled off to the right when the front end collapsed, consumer stated that she complained about front end problems prior to this incident.

Filed May 8, 2002 · Acceleration, Body · MA

Tires are wearing uneven, cannot be balanced. Tires were replaced, shocks and struts replaced twice. Cv joint was replaced as well. Dealer is unable to remedy the problem.*jb oil leaking from front shock, shock was replaced. Banging noise on drivers side front when going over bumps. Strut was leaking and was replaced. Brakes failed while driving resulting in a rear end collison. Brake pdal feels mushy. Passenger side fog light out. Blown fog lamp bulb replaced. Replaced failed passenger front turn signal bulb. Driver and passenger power mirror will not move left or right. Mirror switch replaced. Front bumper cover is loose and rattles. Grinding, clunking and whining when going over bumps or making turns. Steering shaft replaced. Transmission leaking. Replaced rear main seal, removed 02 sensor and converter due to damage. Surging problem with the engine. Dealer could not duplicate.

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported April 23, 2003 · 44,653 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain sport utility vehicles were built with a left-front brake pipe with a circumferential score at a random location along the length of the pipe as the result of the manufacturing process. If the brake pipe partially or fully fractured, brake pedal travel would immediately increase and front brake performance would be reduced.
Risk
If braking performance is reduced, a crash could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the left-front brake pipe. 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, or oldsmobile at 1‑800‑442‑8006.

Recall number 03V151000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported November 24, 1997 · 19,716 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. A fatigue fracture of the rear axle right-hand brake pipe can occur causing a slow brake fluid leak resulting in a soft brake pedal. If the brake pipe breaks, the driver would experience a sudden drop in the brake pedal, the instrument panel brake light would illuminate, and there would be a loss of rear brake performance.
Risk
Partial loss of braking at a time when minimum stopping distance was required could result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pipe.

Recall number 97V218000 · Recall details

Questions about the Oldsmobile Bravada brake failure

Which Oldsmobile Bravada years have brake failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1994 (20 complaints), 1992 (18 complaints) and 1993 (11 complaints).

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