NHTSA ID Number: 10139385
Incident Date: 2005-09-21
Manufacturer's Name: General Motors
, LLC
Vehicle/Equipment Make: OLDSMOBILE
Vehicle/Equipment Model: BRAVADA
Model Year: 2002
9999 If Unknown Or N/A
Vehicle Identification Number: 1GHDT13S622
Vehicle Mileage At Failure: 74455
Vehicle Speed: 15
Number Of Occurrences: 1
Was Vehicle Towed: No
Consumer Location: HUMBOLDT, TN
Summary of Complaint
I AM THE OWNER OF A 2002 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA AWD. THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A GENERAL MOTORS 4L60-E AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED WITH 58,000 MILES REGISTERING ON THE ODOMETER. ON SEPTEMBER 21, 2005, MY WIFE WAS TRAVELING TO WORK. SHE MADE A LEFT TURN ONTO A MAJOR U.S. 4 LANE HIGHWAY WHEN THE TRANSMISSION UNEXPECTEDLY FAILED. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO IMMEDIATELY LOOSE ACCELERATION AND FORWARD MOBILITY RESULTING IN HER BEING STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF TWO ONCOMING LANES OF TRAFFIC TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS. WHILE UNEXPECTED MECHANICAL FAILURES CAN HAPPEN TO ANY VEHICLE IN ANY CONDITION, I HAVE LEARNED THIS APPEARS TO BE A FREQUENT FAILURE COMPLAINT TO THIS PARTICULAR GM TRANSMISSION AND IT HAS LEFT MANY CONSUMERS IN THE SAME SITUATION. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED I WAS INFORMED BY A LOCAL TRANSMISSION REPAIR MECHANIC THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE GM 4L60-E TRANSMISSION. SPECIFICALLY THE TRANSMISSION PART KNOWN AS THE 'SUN SHELL SPLEEN'. REPAIR COST TOTALED $1,687. I CONTACTED TWO LOCAL GM DEALERS AND BOTH ADVISED THEIR COST WOULD BE IN EXCESS OF $2,300 FOR THE SAME SERVICE. I THEN BEGAN CONTACTING LOCAL GM DEALERSHIPS IN SURROUNDING COUNTIES - A TOTAL OF NINE. AS I DESCRIBED THE PROBLEM TO THE SERVICE EMPLOYEES OF THESE DEALERSHIPS, ALL IMMEDIATELY MENTIONED THE '...SPLEEN GEAR.' EACH CONFIRMED IT WAS COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE SUN SHELL SPLEEN GEAR. EACH OF THESE SERVICE PERSONNEL ADVISED ME THEIR DEALERSHIPS HAVE REPLACED THESE IN MORE THAN ONE GM 4L60-E TRANSMISSIONS. ON SEVERAL ACCOUNTS I LEARNED OF SAME VEHICLE-MULTIPLE REPLACEMENTS AND COMMON MODEL YEAR PROBLEMS OF 2001 TO CURRENT WITH MOST FAILURES OCCURRING WITH LESS THAN 50,000 MILES. ALL ADVISED ME NOT TO USE OEM PARTS WHEN REPLACING OR REPAIRING THE TRANSMISSION OF MY VEHICLE. IT IS MY REQUEST YOUR AGENCY DIRECT ATTENTION TOWARDS COMPLAINTS INVOLVING THE GM 4L60-E TRANSMISSION. *JB
Complaint 10139385 Documents
For Latest Documents related to this Complaint, visit the NHTSA Website.
Click the (+) Plus Sign
Then click Associated Document(s).
Most Complaints Don't have any PDFs.
- CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY - Shockproof technology designed to...
- QUIET SMOOTH SHIFTING - V-Twin Transmission oil dampens...
- IMPROVES PERFORMANCE - Transmission fluid that dramatically...
- POPULAR POWESPORTS OIL FOR - UTVs & Side by Sides, ATVs...
- WHY RED LINE - Established in 1979, Red Line Products...
This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
Search NHTSA Database for Recalls
Search NHTSA Database for (TSB's) Technical Service Bulletins
Technical Service Bulletins TSB's List
Search NHTSA Database for Vehicle Investigations
CRASH: No
WAS VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A CRASH
FIRE: No
WAS VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A FIRE
INJURIES: 0
NUMBER OF PERSONS INJURED
DEATHS: 0
NUMBER OF FATALITIES
Was Medical Attention Required: No
Was Incident Reported To Police: No
Date Of Incident: 2005-09-21
(YYYY-MM-DD)
Date Added To File: 2005-10-12
(YYYY-MM-DD)
Date Complaint Received By NHTSA: 2005-10-12
(YYYY-MM-DD)
Date Purchased: 2005-01-21
(YYYY-MM-DD)
Was Original Owner: No
Product Type: Vehicle
V = Vehicle T = Tires E = Equipment C = Child Restraint
Specific Component's Description: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Anti-Lock Brakes: Yes
Cruise Control: Yes
Number Of Cylinders: 6
Drive Train Type: AWD
[AWD, 4WD, FWD, RWD]
Fuel System: Fuel Injection
FI = Fuel Injection TB = Turbo
Fuel Type: Gas
BF = BiFuel CN = CNG/LPG DS = Diesel GS = Gas HR = HybridElectric
Vehicle Transmission Type [Auto, Man]: AUTO
(DOT) Department Of Transportation Tire Identifier:
Tire Size:
Location Of Tire:
FSW = Driver Side Front DSR = Driver Side Rear FTR = Passenger Side Front PSR = Passenger Side Rear SPR = Spare
Type Of Tire Failure:
BST = Blister BLW = Blowout TTL = Crack OFR = Out Of Round TSW = Puncture TTR = Road Hazard TSP = Tread Separation
Was Defective Tire Repaired:
Was Part Original Equipment:
Date Of Manufacture:
(YYYYMMDD)
Type Of Child Seat:
B = Booster C = Convertible I = Infant IN = Integrated TD = Toddler
Installation System:
A = Vehicle Safety Belt B = Latch System
Dealer's Name: AUTO CITY USA
Dealer's Telephone Number:
Dealer's City: JACKSON
Dealer's State: TN
Dealer's Zipcode: 38305
SOURCE OF COMPLAINT CODE:
CAG = Consumer Action Group CON = Forwarded From A Congressional Office DP = Defect Petition,result Of A Defect Petition EVOQ = Hotline VOQ EWR = EARLY WARNING REPORTING INS = Insurance Company IVOQ = NHTSA Web Site LETR = Consumer Letter MAVQ = NHTSA Mobile APP MIVQ = NHTSA Mobile APP MVOQ = Optical Marked VOQ RC = Recall Complaint, Result Of A Recall Investigation RP = Recall Petition, Result Of A Recall Petition SVOQ = Portable Safety Complaint Form (PDF) VOQ = NHTSA Vehicle Owners Questionnaire
Incident State Code:
Vehicle Operator's Name:
Previous Complaint | Next Complaint |
- [2026 Top-Tier Hardware and Software Upgrade]: Topdon ArtiDiag900 Lite scanner has enhanced hardware and latest features, including Android 11.0, 5x faster CPU, 10000mAh battery for 12 hours of continuous operation, stable wireless diagnosis with Bluetooth 5.0, 8-inch touchscreen. Added bi-directional control, wireless diagnosis, battery testing (optional), and DTC repair guide
- [TOPDON Bidirectional Scan Tool]: This bidirectional obd2 scanner sends commands to the vehicle's ECU for active testing, enabling users to accurately and quickly locate faulty components such as injectors, coolant pumps, windows, wipers, headlights, mirrors, etc. The bidirectional control scanner is the ideal choice for workshops/automotive repair shops as it significantly reduces mechanic's diagnostic time.
- [Wireless Bluetooth Diagnostic Experience]: The AD900 Lite scan tool comes with a Bluetooth 5.0 VCI, supporting a wireless diagnostic range of up to 33 feet (10 meters), allowing you to diagnose without being confined to cables or tight spaces. Stable and fast wireless diagnosis provides a comfortable repair environment. It also offers VCI cables to increase connectivity options.
- [DTC Repair Guide Function]: Easily diagnose issues with your vehicle and receive guidance on repairs with the topdon scan tool's fault code definitions for all systems,maximize your diagnostic capabilities. This function is compatible with Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Fiat 2010-2014 and expanding with continual updates,the AritDiag 900 Lite car diagnostic scanner is the must-have tool for any technician or DIY enthusiast.
- [OE-Level Full System Diagnostics]:AritDiag900 Lite full system diagnostic scanner can scan ALL available modules(Engine, Transmission, Airbag, ABS, ESP, TPMS, Gateway, Steering, Radio, Air conditioning, ect.) to✔read ECU info, ✔read/clear codes, ✔view live data stream, ✔retrieves freeze-frame, ✔perform active tests, and more. With just a simple click, it provides you with accurate and in-depth diagnostics.
- Dual WiFi & 10.1" Touchscreen: Provides a stable, high-speed wireless link 3x faster than bluetooth, and a responsive, professional interface. Topdon ONE obd2 scanner diagnostic tool ensures smooth, non-lagging diagnostic scan, boosting mechanic efficiency
- J2534 Pass-Thru Support: The included ONE VCI supports the J2534 standard, allowing it to function as a pass-thru device when paired with OEM diagnostic software.Through TOPDON’s RLink platform, technicians can perform dealer-level coding, expanding in-house capabilities without investing in multiple factory automotive scan tools
- OE Topology Mapping: Visualize the vehicle’s ECU network exactly as it’s built.Zoom, pan, and highlight specific modules to pinpoint component issues with precision.Topology mapping displays real-time communication between modules
- Topfix AI Assistant: Covers 5 million plus fault codes and delivers instant causes, symptoms, and repair guidance with professional wiring diagrams for each code.Slashes diagnostic time, boosts first-time fix accuracy, and increases shop revenue
- 50 Plus Service Functions: Covers high-demand services like ADAS calibration, DPF regen, TPMS reset, ABS bleed, and throttle adaptation.Expands your service menu, allows you to charge premium rates, and turns away zero jobs due to lack of tooling. Vehicle-specific functionality may vary.
- Bi-Directional Control, Quickly Locate Problems: Turn your phone into a professional diagnostic tool. You can send commands from your phone to the ECU to test injectors, cooling fans, headlights, A/C clutch, windows, wipers, and more. See which one doesn't respond. Helps you quickly locate the problem and save time. No need to tear things apart, avoid blind disassembly.
- Full System Diagnostics, No Fault Hides: Unlike basic diagnostic tools that only cover 4 systems, TopScan can scan all systems. Read and clear trouble codes, view live data streams, and generate a complete vehicle health report – all issues are clear at a glance. Covers 10,000+ vehicle models and is compatible with 99.99% of vehicles.
- Flexible Subscription, Choose Advanced Features as Needed: TopScan Lite provides free-for-life access to core diagnostics, including full system scan, code reading, performance tests, and repair information. After purchase, advanced features (bi-directional control, service operations, live data, code clearing, and AI functions) are free-for-the-first-year. After the first year, if you want to use advanced features, you need to subscribe on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis. As new models and reset functions are updated, the tool will also be continuously upgraded.
- AI Assistant - TopFix: Think of TopFix as your personal AI mechanic. It leverages a repair database and OEM data to deliver clear, step-by-step repair solutions. Features include AI Q&A, one-click translation, and a full repair log, making your diagnostic process simpler and more efficient.
- 8+ Hot Resets, Keep Your Car in Top Shape: One-tap resets for oil, throttle, EPB, steering angle, DPF, ABS, BMS, and airbag. It enables car owners to easily perform essential maintenance, ensuring the vehicle stays in optimal condition and extends its service life.
This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
Last update on 2026-05-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API