The Lemon Index
2001
20033rd generation
Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 14,337 in the U.S. in 2002 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 175 complaints in its first 3 years.
175 owner complaints, first 3 years 16 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2002 Honda Passport2002 Chevrolet Tracker 532002 GMC Yukon XL 73
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 11,000 and 35,000 miles (18,000–56,000 km) (the middle half of the 60 complaints, of all 175 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 04V527000 (lights), 04V289000 (engine) and 04V201000 (seat belts) done? It has 10 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Oldsmobile sent dealers 601 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Information regarding calibrations available to correct delays in transmission downshifting…”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Oldsmobile's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 175 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 11K to 35K miles (18K to 56K km) on the car (60 of all 175 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
When accelerating there is a loud whine up to 3rd gear. Also, while driving 55 mph vehicle shifted into 1st gear. Dealer had no explanation nor remedy to offer.
2002 Oldsmobile Bravada owner · NHTSA complaint 892318
More owner reports
While driving about 20 mph on a snowy road, consumer felt that 4-wheel drive was not working, had taken vehicle to dealer and they found out that wheel cable had been disconected from computer, and vehicle was repaired.
NHTSA complaint 8002891
While driving without warning the vehicle stalled, the consumer was forced to pull the vehicle over onto the shoulder and out of traffic. The dealer has been notified.
NHTSA complaint 8021930
Fixes owners look up most.
From 200 YouTube videos · 306K views · 2002–2004 Oldsmobile Bravada
- Steering & suspension19K views
The easiest way to fix your 2002+ Oldsmobile Bravada shift cable! Kit includes replacement bushing.Ascension Engineering · 19K views - Intake, EGR & engine sensors10K views
2002 Bravada ( Trailblazer Envoy ) Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Replacement P0452Smash Engineering · 10K views - Oil changes & service3K views
2003 Oldsmobile Bravada oil changeCarl’s Garage · 3K views - Brakes & ABS3K views
2003 Bravada Trailblazer front brake pad and rotor replacementCarl’s Garage · 3K views
Show 2 more
- No-start: theft light, key & ignition2K views
No Crank No Start Issue on A 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada....Has Power, Engine Won't Crank....SolvedPeter L · 2K views - Driveshaft, axles & 4x4516 views
2002 Oldsmobile Bravada stripped transfer case fill plug removalScott Monter · 516 views
Before you buy, watch
Cold Start 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada Smart Trak + my review is I like these carsCaptain Namco · 4K views
The LAST Oldsmobile! Incredible SURVIVOR! 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada AWD SUV with 84k miles. For sale.EUROASIAN Bob · 3K views
Virtual Video Walk around of a silver 2002 Oldsmobile BravadaIssaquah Chev · 3K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them. The 2002 is the same generation.
Problems Oldsmobile told dealers about
Oldsmobile sent dealers 601 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Information regarding calibrations available to correct delays in transmission downshifting…
- Service engine soon lamp illuminated, incorrect transmission shifts, poor performance of…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 10
- Lights · recall issued 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, VIBRATION AND HEAT MAY CAUSE THE TAIL LAMP/STOP LAMP BULB TO LOOSEN IN ITS SOCKET.
- Engine · recall issued 2004
SOME SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED AIR SUSPENSION (ECAS) HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE ECAS MAY PRODUCE A BRIEF ELECTRICAL SPIKE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS OPERATING.
- Seat belts · recall issued 2004
CERTAIN LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." ONE OF THE TWO SENSORS IN THE DRIVER'S AND FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT…
Show all 10 recalls
- Visibility · recall issued 2004
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEMS THAT WILL NOT TURN ON, CEASE OPERATION WHILE IN USE, FAIL TO TURN OFF/ON BY THEMSELVES (MOISTURE SENSITIVE WIPER SYSTEM), OR HAVE CONTINUOUS WINDSHIELD WASHER …
- Equipment · recall issued 2003
CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE ME…
- Electrical · recall issued 2003
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS NO. 101, "CONTROL LOCATION, IDENTIFICATION, AND ILLUMINATION" AND NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THESE …
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued 2003
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A MECHANICAL OVERRIDE THAT COULD ALLOW THE IGNITI…
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued 2002
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A FUEL FILTER FITTING CAN BECOME DISCONNECTED.
- Airbags · recall issued 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
- Suspension · recall issued 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Every Oldsmobile Bravada recall, all years · All Oldsmobile recalls
Government investigations
- ClosedLoss of headlights2017–2021
- ClosedHazard light switch failure2008
- ClosedFuel pump module leaks gasoline2007–2008
- ClosedWindshield wiper failure2004
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Fuel cost and engines
About $3,750 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 4.2L 6-cyl.
Every Oldsmobile Bravada year. 2002 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Show 4 older years (1996–1999, YouTube reviews only, no complaint data)
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score. #1, #2… = that year's YouTube rank among the 9 Oldsmobile Bravada years with enough videos (#1 = the year owners and reviewers talk about most positively). It is not a reliability rank.
Quick answers
Is the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada reliable?
We can't score it: only 14,337 were sold in the U.S. in 2002 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 175 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (24%), transmission & drivetrain (22%) and electrical (20%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada have?
10 safety recalls (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada get?
16 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 11,000 and 35,000 miles (18,000–56,000 km) (the middle half of the 60 complaints, of all 175 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2002 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 22% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada cost in fuel a year?
About $3,750 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada have?
4.2L 6-cyl.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works