NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 13 owner complaints for the 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada. Most complaints involve electrical system (3) and air bags (3). The EPA rates it 16 mpg combined.
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 SIMILAR TO HAZARD WARNING, RATHER THAN FLASHING ON THE DESIRED SIDE ONLY.
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, VIBRATION AND HEAT MAY CAUSE THE TAIL LAMP/STOP LAMP BULB TO LOOSEN IN ITS SOCKET. IF THIS OCCURS, THE BULB MAY FLICKER AND EVENTUALLY BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“I was in a full impact collision driverside front took all impact of another vehicles front end. NO airbags deployed in my 2004 bravada!!”
“TAKATA RECALL, MY WIFE WAS IN TWO ACCIDENTS, ONE IN APRIL 2011 SHE WAS DRIVING DOWN A SUBURB STREET TO CATCH A LIGHT ON A LEFT TURN AND WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN FOR THE OTHER SIDE COMING AT HER, A CAR ALREADY AT SPEED LIMIT CONTINUED AND MY WIFE STRUCK THAT CAR ON ITS LEFT SIDE WITH HER FRONT LEFT BUMPER ; AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED, SHE WAS IN ANOTHER ACCIDENT ON 12/4/2015. SHE WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY IN THE FAR RIGHT LANE GOING ABOUT 70MPH WHEN A VAN DRIFTED INTO HER LANE FORCING HER OFF THE ROAD. HER CAR FISHTAILED WHEN IT HIT THE SHOULDER AND WHEN TRYING TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, IT FLIPPED OVER AND ROLLED A TIMES OFF THE FREEWAY, LANDING UPSIDE DOWN AND THEN CAUGHT FIRE. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED IN THIS CASE EITHER.”
“GAS GAUGE , OIL PRESSURE, TACHOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER ALL GIVE FALSE READINGS. THIS CAUSE THE INABILITY TO ACCURATELY MAINTAIN SPEED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SPEED LIMITS. IT ALSO MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO DETERMINE FUEL LEVEL WHICH CAN LEAD TO RUNNING OUT OF GAS WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE WAS LOOKED AT BY DEALER AND DETERMINE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS DEFECTIVE. REPAIR REQUIRED CLUSTER BE SENT TO REPAIR SHOP AT A COST OF $750. I DID MOT HAVE THIS FIXED SINCE I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS KIND OF FAILURE BEING THE CUSTOMERS RESPONSIBILITY SINCE VEHICLE SAFE OPERATION IS DEPENDENT ON IT. THE VEHICLE IS A 2004 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA SUV. *TR”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bravada 2WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| Bravada AWD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Oct 30, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 13 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (3), air bags (3), fuel system, gasoline (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada at 16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).