The Lemon Index
20033rd generation
Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 1,973 in the U.S. in 2004 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 3 complaints in its first 3 years.
3 owner complaints, first 3 years 16 mpg combined, EPA
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2004 Mitsubishi Montero2004 Hummer H22004 Nissan Armada 390
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) and 04V527000 (lights) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Is the airbag light off, and were any airbag recalls done?
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Any steering noise, wander or power-steering warning? Has the steering rack or pump been replaced?
- Oldsmobile sent dealers 598 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Whine noise from rear axle”?
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 3 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 →
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 2004 is the same generation.
Problems Oldsmobile told dealers about
Oldsmobile sent dealers 598 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Whine noise from rear axle
- Squeak, squeal or whistle noise from front axle
- The service engine soon lamp is illuminated, no 3rd and 4th gear, the transmission does not…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 2
- 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.
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
- 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 (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. 2004 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 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada reliable?
We can't score it: only 1,973 were sold in the U.S. in 2004 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 3 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (67%), transmission & drivetrain (67%) and steering (33%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada have?
2 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 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada get?
16 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 67% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada cost in fuel a year?
About $3,750 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2004 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