The Lemon Index
200220043rd generation
Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 8,052 in the U.S. in 2003 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 6 complaints in its first 3 years.
6 owner complaints, first 3 years 15–16 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2003 Mitsubishi Montero2003 Hummer H2 832003 Chevrolet Tracker 94
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 05V198000 (lights), 04V527000 (lights) and 04V046000 (visibility) done? It has 7 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Any rust or damage underneath, or doors and hatches that don't close right?
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Oldsmobile sent dealers 590 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Transmission slipping or torque converter clutch (tcc) inoperative with no service engine soon…”?
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 6 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 →
In owners' words
While driving in snowy conditions the wheels spun, the vehicle slipped into 4-wheel-drive and spun out of control. The consumer drove into a snow embankment. There were no injuries.
2003 Oldsmobile Bravada owner · NHTSA complaint 10061610
More owner reports
Transmission slips when power applied, stranding the vehicle in intersections and making emergency manuvering extremely difficult.
NHTSA complaint 10002720
While driving at approximately 30 mph vehicle constantly shifts and jerks. Dealer has attempted to repair the vehicle three times, but has been unable to remedy the problem.
NHTSA complaint 10042644
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 2003 is the same generation.
Problems Oldsmobile told dealers about
Oldsmobile sent dealers 590 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Transmission slipping or torque converter clutch (tcc) inoperative with no service engine soon…
- Whine noise from rear axle
- Squeak, squeal or whistle noise from front axle
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 7
- Lights · recall issued 2005
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE DRIVER WISHING TO SIGNAL A TURN BY MOVING THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL LEVER, (UP OR DOWN) MAY CAUSE THE FRONT MARKER/TURN LIGHTS AND REAR TURN LIGHTS TO FLASH IN A MANNER SIMI…
- 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.
- 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 …
Show all 7 recalls
- 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…
- Brakes · recall issued 2003
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.
- 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…
- 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.
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
- ClosedFuel pump module leaks gasoline2007–2008
- ClosedWindshield wiper failure2004
- ClosedBrake lamp failure2004
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Fuel cost and engines
About $3,750–$4,000 (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. 2003 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 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada reliable?
We can't score it: only 8,052 were sold in the U.S. in 2003 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 6 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (50%), body structure (33%) and engine (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada have?
7 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 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada get?
15 to 16 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 50% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada cost in fuel a year?
About $3,750 to $4,000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2003 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