1996 Oldsmobile Bravada: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Oldsmobile Bravada: 3 recalls, 77 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #96V234000 · 1996 · 432,183 vehicles
What's wrong: During development testing, the prop shaft contacted the inboard side of the fuel tank allowing fuel leakage. This leakage was in excess of the amount permitted by fmvss 301, "fuel system integrity."
Why it matters: If an ignition source is present, and there is a fuel leak, a fire could occur.
The fix: Dealers will install additional shielding of the fuel tank. This will be added without removing or disassembling the fuel system.
Suspension Vehicle recall #01V200000 · 2001 · 48,600 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin, and in the district of columbia. Failure of an upper control arm ball joint assembly could occur due to…
Why it matters: This can result in impaired steering or steering loss, or a partial or complete collapse of the front suspension, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace both upper ball joints. Owner notification began September 4, 2001.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #03V159000 · 2003 · 1,755,876 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain minivans, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles with certain model-engine combinations, the windshield wiper motor May fail due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. The windshield wipers could work intermittently or not at all.
Why it matters: If this were to occur during bad weather, driver visibility would be reduced, which could result in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover. Owner notification began on June 19, 2003.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Suspension Recall #01I018000 · 2001 · 0 vehicles
What's wrong: This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: 1996-1997 4-wheel drive Chevrolet blazer, GMC jimmy, and Oldsmobile bravada sport utility vehicles. Some owners have had to pay for replacement of the upper ball joints that have separated. Gm is providing a special policy to these owners to cover upper ball joint…
Why it matters: This could cause a loss of steering control of the vehicle.
The fix: Gm has decided to conduct a customer satisfaction campaign to replace the upper ball joints on affected vehicles. This special policy is for a period of 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the date the vheicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. The upper…
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E043000 · 2006 · 88,303 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from October 18, 2005, through March 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes, click on "document search" and then "bus applications"). The…
Why it matters: This condition May cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The fix: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (30): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (10), leaks (3).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (15): the most common themes are electrical failure (4).
- Engine & cooling (10): the most common themes are overheating (3), leaks (2).
- Electrical (8): the most common themes are electrical failure (5), leaks (4).
The 1996 Oldsmobile Bravada has 77 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 14 Bravada model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 69). Complaints peaked in 1999 (17 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 88,746 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (2 complaints, 0 recalls), 1997 (104 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 Oldsmobile Bravada.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 Oldsmobile Bravada have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1996 Oldsmobile Bravada, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 Oldsmobile Bravada problems?
Owners have filed 77 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (30), visibility (wipers, glass) (15), engine & cooling (10).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Oldsmobile Bravada get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (4.3 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 Oldsmobile Bravada repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.