Engine
4.3L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 84 of 98 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 38 of 98 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Glass & wipers
33 complaint records1 crash report
"WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL COME ON AND OFF. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse glass & wipers parts in the directory →
Electrical system
25 complaint records2 crash reports
"LOST ALL GUAGES AFTER ALL DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON THEN WENT OUT; ALSO LOST POWER, ENGINE RPM'S SHOT UP TO 3000 FROM NORMAL 2000..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Suspension
14 complaint records
"CONSUMER HAD FRONT STEERING COMPONENTS ON OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA REPLACED. *MR THREE BALL JOINTS, IDLER ARM, AND PITMAN ARM WERE ALL REPLACED. THE TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. *SC *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse suspension parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| RQ02012 opened Sep 2002 | closed Mar 2003 | Suspension | FRONT CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS - led to recall 01V200000 SEE ATTACHED PAGE. |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 98V053000 | Suspension | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL DRIVE OR ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE. ONE OR BOTH OF THE ATTACHING NUTS FOR THE RIGHT-HAND LOWER CONTROL ARM ARE UNDER TORQUED. | Normally free |
| 97V218000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 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. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001263 2001-11-01 | Electrical | 63,484 | Certain vehicles: Light duty trucks. passenger vehicles and sport utility vehicles. Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of C.M.V.S.S. NO. |
| 1997217 1997-11-28 | Brakes | 404 | Certain vehicles may exhibit a fatigue fracture of the rear axle, right-hand brake pipe. Should the pipe crack a slow brake fluid leak would result causing a soft pedal and an eventual decrease in rear braking capability. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIP4723F Jan 2022 | Service Brakes | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIP4723D Jan 2020 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIC4696E Nov 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 17NA073 Sep 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIC4696D Sep 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17NA073 Feb 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIC4696C May 2018 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIP4723C Sep 2017 | Tires | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 17-NA-073 Mar 2017 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIP4723B Feb 2017 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 16NA260 Aug 2016 | Equipment | THIS TECHNICAL BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO REPROGRAM THE MEDIA DISC PLAYER WITH THE LATEST CALIBRATIONS TO CORRECT A CONDITION OF THE REAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM NOT OPERATING AS INTENDED IN COLDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AREAS DUE TO CALIBRATION CONCERNS. | |
| PIT3046G Feb 2016 | Fuel System | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an inaccurate fuel gauge. Technician should drive the vehicle to duplicate the concern. | |
| PIC4696B Dec 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIC4696A Oct 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| Recalls Jun 2014 | Equipment | Vehicle Recalls | |
| 05-06-04-035D May 2014 | Fuel System | This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle. | |
| 130089009 Sep 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules | |
| PIT-3046E Aug 2008 | Fuel System | GMC: FUEL GAUGE FLUCTUATION IN PARK OR NEUTRAL, CAUSING THE LOW FUEL LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. *PE | |
| 020525006 Jan 2006 | Service Brakes | ANTILOCK BRAKE (ABS) ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS. *TT | |
| 010730002D Sep 2005 | Power Train | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON, TRANSMISSION STUCK IN THIRD GEAR, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INOPERATIVE. *TT UPDATED *EH 2006 AND PRIOR GM PASSENGER CARS AND LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. *SC | |
| 020730024A Aug 2005 | Power Train | DIAGNOSIS OF CRACKED OR BROKEN TRANSMISSION CASE. *TT 2006 AND PRIOR CARS AND LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. *TT | |
| 050842003 Mar 2005 | Exterior Lighting | HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE (HID) HEADLAMPS - DISPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS. *TTT | |
| 020526001B Jan 2005 | Service Brakes | REAR PARKING BRAKE SHOE RETAINING SPRING CLIP SERVICE KIT FOR DRUM-IN-HAT (DIH) EQUIPPED VEHICLES. *TT UPDATE. *TT | |
| 000730022B Dec 2004 | Power Train | A NO REVERSE, NO SECOND GEAR, OR NO FOURTH GEAR CONDITION. *TT UPDATED *EH | |
| 010844005A Oct 2004 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON ERROR CODES ON RADIO DISPLAY THEIR CAUSE AND CORRECTIVE ACTION. *EH | |
| 030601024A Mar 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | RATTLE NOISE IN ENGINE. *TT | |
| 040603002 Feb 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION FOR INTERMITTENT VEHICLE NO CRANK DEAD BATTERY. *EH | |
| 02015 Jan 2004 | Suspension | POP SNAP NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN BRAKING. *MR | |
| 01225 Jan 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE COOLANT LEAK AT INTAKE GASKET. * MJ | |
| 02068 Jan 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | NO START WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P1626 OR P1631. ALSO INCLUDES 1998-2004 CHEVROLET, GMC FULL SIZE TRUCKS/ UTILITIES/ VANS. *TT | |
| 02080 Jan 2004 | Equipment | REPEAT HVAC ACTUATOR REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 00502B Jan 2004 | Exterior Lighting | DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS (DRLS) TURN OFF TEMPORARILY WHILE THE TURN SIGNALS ARE ACTIVATED. *TT | |
| 3031A Jan 2004 | Electrical System | DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER (DIC) STAYS IN BULB CHECK. *TT | |
| 3130 Jan 2004 | Electrical System | INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PRNDL INOPERATIVE AND OR BATTERY LIGHT ON. *SC | |
| 3176A Jan 2004 | Equipment | HEAT COMING FROM VENTS WITH HVAC OFF. *TT | |
| 01136C Nov 2003 | Structure | CLUNK NOISE FELT THROUGH FLOOR PAN. *TT | |
| 01409 Nov 2003 | Power Train | THE NVG 136 ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) TRANSFER CASE AND THE 236 AND 246 NVG SELECTABLE TRANSFER CASE SHUDDER ON TURNS. *TT | |
| 030730056 Nov 2003 | Power Train | 4L60-E AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL PUMP FIRST AND SECOND DESIGN IDENTIFICATION. *TT | |
| 010730002C Aug 2003 | Power Train | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) IS ON; THE TRANSMISSION IS STUCK IN THIRD GEAR; AND / OR THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS INOPERATIVE. *TT | |
| 030601024 Aug 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | RATTLE NOISE IN ENGINE. *TT | |
| 57 Jul 2003 | Structure | WATER LEAK IN FRONT FLOOR CARPET AREA. GM TECH LINK. *TT | |
| 030867004 Jun 2003 | Visibility | PARTS AVAILABILITY FOR SUNROOF REPAIRS. *TT | |
| 000604003B Feb 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ROUGH IDLE AFTER START, AND/OR A SERVICE ENGINE SOON (SES) LIGHT. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 1995 CHEVROLET AND GMC S/T MODELS. *TT | |
| 020138005 Dec 2002 | Equipment | REVISED HEATER / VENT MODULE REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 020525006A Dec 2002 | Service Brakes | ANTILOCK BRAKE (ABS) ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS ON VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 1995 AND 1996 ENVOY. *TT | |
| 990730016A Oct 2002 | Power Train | DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION FOR INTERMITTENT TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFT, SLIP, BUSY/CYCLING TCC OR NOISY COOLING FAN. *TT | |
| 010866011C Jul 2002 | Structure | TECHNICAL INFORMATION - SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE REAR PORTION OF THE ROOF HAS SOME RUST FORMING. *TT | |
| 020857004 Jun 2002 | Structure | SUBJECT REGARDING GENERAL WATERLEAK GUIDE. *TT | |
| 020605002 May 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ON AN EXHAUST BOOM / GROAN NOISE IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. *TT | |
| 990602012D Apr 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING RUST IN COOLING SYSTEM, HEATER INOPERATIVE, BLOWS COLD AIR, ENGINE OVERHEATS (FLUSH COOLING SYSTEM). NLM | |
| 010730023B Mar 2002 | Power Train | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ON A HARSH 1-2 UPSHIFT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR SERVICE ENGINE SOON INDICATOR IS ILLUMINATED AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1870 SET. *TT | |
| 250202 Feb 2002 | Electrical System | INFORMATION ON REPLACING CORRODED TRAILER PRE-WIRE HARNESS AT THE REAR BUMPER. *TT | |
| 010866011B Feb 2002 | Structure | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE REAR PORTION OF THE ROOF HAS SOME RUST FORMING. *TT | |
| 010866011A Dec 2001 | Structure | SUBJECT REGARDING REAR ROOF PERFORATION. *TT | |
| 000604003A Dec 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ON ROUGH IDLE AFTER START UP, ESPECIALLY AFTER SETTING OVERNIGHT. *TT | |
| 000601023A Dec 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION USED WHEN DIAGNOSING NOISE CONDITIONS SUCH AS ENGINE RATTLE NOISE, SPARK KNOCK AT 2000 - 2500 RPM RANGE, UNDER A MODERATE TO HEAVY LOAD WITH A WARMED UP ENGINE. *TT | |
| 010866011 Nov 2001 | Structure | INFORMATION REGARDING REAR ROOF PERFORATION. *YH | |
| 010730023A Nov 2001 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING HARSH 1-2 UPSHIFT, SERVICE ENGINE SOON, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP, OR CEL ILLUMINATED, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1870 SET. (1996-2000 CHEVROLET AND GMC LIGHT DUTY TRUCK MODELS) *YH | |
| 010605006 Nov 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING EXHAUST SYSTEM RUMBLE / RATTLE NOISE. *JG | |
| 311001 Oct 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN EXHAUST NOISE, RATTLE NOISE AT 550 RPM. *TT |
Showing 60 of 107 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Run the wipers and washers, and test every window.Slow or stuck regulators, streaking wipers, and windshield cracks are this vehicle's visibility complaints.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Oldsmobile Bravada →