1992 Chevrolet Suburban

Routine

Owners filed 189 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. It has been recalled 5 times.

Not among the Chevrolet Suburban years to avoid. Which Chevrolet Suburban years to avoid →

Most common 1992 Chevrolet Suburban problems

141 of the 189 complaints (75%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes118
29013
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor6
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components · brakes6
100
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer5
000
Tires › Tread/Belt3
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor · brakes3
000
Unknown or Other2
102
Trailer Hitches · trailer hitch2
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc · brakes2
100
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Abs Warning Light · brakes2
000

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline06E043000
Filed May 19, 200688,303 vehiclesHoneywell International, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Risk. THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages01I006000
Filed Jul 2, 2001255,770 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1992-1994 CHEVROLET AND GMC SUBURBANS EQUIPPED WITH VACUUM POWER-BRAKE ASSIST AND EBC4 ANTI-LOCK BRAKE (ABS) MODULES. THESE VEHICLES EXHIBIT POOR BRAKE SYSTEM PERFORMANCE.

Risk. THIS COULD BE ATTRIBUTED TO BRAKE PEDAL FEEL.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW BRAKE PEDAL PAD. IN ADDITION, DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE-BOOSTER OUTPUT ROD AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor93V119000
Filed Aug 2, 1993341,364 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. SEVERE CORROSION DUE TO ROAD SALT AT THE JOINT OF THE STAMPED STEEL CENTER SECTION AND THE CAST OUTER SECTION CAN CAUSE THE SECTIONS TO SEPARATE.

Risk. SEPARATION OF THE ROTOR SECTIONS CAN CAUSE LOSS OFBRAKING ABILITY IN THE AFFECTED WHEEL. THIS COULD RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPINGDISTANCE AND/OR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy. REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH NEW ROTORS WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION COATING. HOWEVER, IF REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE LININGS ARE NECESSARY, IT WILL BE DONE AT OWNER'S EXPENSE SINCE BRAKE LININGS ARE NORMAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission93V016000
Filed Feb 1, 19931,702,880 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. UNANTICIPATED HEAT IN THE TRANSMISSION CAN FORCE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID OUT OF THE VENT TUBE.

Risk. THE VENTED TRANSMISSION FLUID CAN CATCH FIRE IF EXPOSEDTO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.

Remedy. INSTALL A LONGER TRANSMISSION VENT HOSE ROUTED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages92V056000
Filed Apr 14, 1992177 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. THE PIVOT BOLT HOLDING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO ITS SUPPORT BRACKET MAY BE IMPROPERLY TIGHTENED AND MAY NOT HAVE ENGAGED THE LOCKING MATERIAL ON THE BOLT. THE BOLT CAN DISENGAGE FROM THE NUT.

Risk. IF THE PIVOT BOLT DISENGAGES FROM THE NUT WHILE THEVEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THERE WILL BE A LOSS OF BRAKE CONTROL AND COULD RESULT INA VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy. DEALERS SHOULD INSPECT THE HAND STARTED BRAKE PEDAL BOLTS AND TORQUE THEM TO SPECIFICATION.

All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Feb 17, 2005MA

WHEN DRIVING IN RAINY WEATHER THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD COME ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER NEEDED REPLACEMENT. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 12, 200330,000 milesIA

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUFFERED INJURIES.*JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jan 9, 2003NV

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ON WET SURFACE THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL GO TO THE FLOOR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HAVE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *NLM

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Aug 11, 2002CA

2 TIRE FAILURES OF TIRE TREAD SEPARATION: INCIDENT DATES 6/15/02 AND 8/10/02. *AK

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 11, 2002CA

1992 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. *AK *PH *NLM **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS**765494

Electrical System › Wiring › Rear Compartment/Trunk
Filed Feb 12, 2002GA

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Equipment › Appliance › Air ConditionerFire
Filed Sep 4, 2001MI

CLIMATE CONTROL WIRE BEHIND GLOVE BOX CAUGHT FIRE ALSO CC MODULE OVERHEATS/SHORTS W/O TRIPPING CIRCUIT FUSE. *AK

Steering › Linkages › Arm › Idler and AttachmentCrash
Filed Aug 1, 2001TX

WHEN I BOUGHT THE TRUCK USED (85000 MLS)IT HAD A BAD FRONT END IDLER LINK AND A BAD A/C CLUTCH BEARING. NOT LONG AFTER I BOUGHT IT I HAD TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES DIDN'T STOP THE VEHICLE LIKE THEY SHOULD AND I WAS SCARED TO LET MY WIFE DRIVE IT BECAUSE OF THE SPONGY BRAKES. I TOOK IT IN SEVERAL TIMES TO DIFFERENT SHOPS AND ALSO THE DEALER TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT THE BRAKES AND WAS ALWAYS TOLD THAT THE BRAKES ON THIS MODEL WERE JUST THAT WAY. I PUT NEW ROTORS AND PADS ON THE FRONT AND NEW REAR DRUMS AND SHOES AND REPEATEDLY BLED THE SYSTEM WITH SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT. IT ACTS AS THOUGH THERE IS A RESTRICTION IN THE BRAKE LINE TO BOTH FRONT AND REAR. IT ACTS AS THOUGH THEY DESIGNED THE THING NOT TO STOP QUICKLY. I UNPLUGGED THE MOTOR TO THE ABS SO THAT AT LEAST IT WOULD SQUEAL A TIRE. THE LACK OF SURE LOW SPEED STOPS HAS CAUSED 2 NEAR MISS ACCIDENTS AND 1 T BONE WHICH HAS RAISED OUR INSURANCE RATES. I HAVE LEARNED TO DRIVE THE THING ANTICIPATING STOPS AND PREBRAKING. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND JUST LIKE WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CIRCUIT BOARD THAT SHORTED OUT WHEN IT GETS WET THEY TOLD ME THAT FOR MY SPECIFIC MODEL THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND THEY REFUSED TO LOOK AT IT. TO ADD INSULT TO INJURY LAST WEEK THEY SENT US A MAILER SAYING THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE MY BRAKE PEDAL WITH A DIFFERENT ONE TO GIVE ME A "BETTER FEEL". THAT WON'T DO ME MUCH GOOD IF I'M STUCK UNDER A BUS!!!!! I HAVE A VEHICLE WHICH HAS SUBSTANDARD BRAKES, WHICH WERE DESIGNED THAT WAY AND THEY

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Aug 1, 2001FL

WINDSHIELD WIPERS DON'T WORK OR STOP WORKING IN RAIN. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed May 8, 2001CA

WHEN TURNING WINDSHIELD WIPERS OFF BLADES WILL NOT GO BACK TO A RESTING POSITION. IF TURNED BACK ON THEY WILL CONTINUE TO GO BACK AND FORTH ABOUT 15 TIMES INSTEAD OF ONCE BEFORE STOPPING. DEALER DIDN'T PULL UP A RECALL, AND WARRANTY DOESN'T COVER IT.*AK

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Jan 31, 2001OK

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AND VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATE. SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SHOULDERS, NOTICED TREAD SEPARATION AND WIRES HANGING OUT FROM TIRES. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. COOPER TIRES. *AK

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Oct 5, 2000TX

ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2000 AT ABOUT 9:00 P.M. I WAS ON I-10 WESTBOUND ABOUT 15 MILES EAST OF SAN ANTONIO CITY LIMITS. MY DRIVER REAR SIDE FIREHAWK BLEW-OUT AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 65 M/P/H. MY TRUCK SWIRVED SLIGHTLY BUT I MANAGED TO PULL IT ON THE SHOULDER. I CAME OUT AND DISCOVERED THAT THE TIRE'S WHOLE TREAD HAD COMPLETELY CAME OFF, THIS BLOW-OUT ALSO MANAGED TO BREAK MY DRIVER'S SIDE RUNNING BOARD. I CHANGED TIRES AND PROCEEDED TO LAREDO, TX, MY DESTINATION. WHEN HOME, I CONTACTED FIRESTONE AND THEY ASKED FOR ME TO SEND THEM THE DAMAGED TIRE, RECIEPTS OF ANY CHARGED INCURRED DUE TO THE BLOW-OUT, TWO ESTIMATES TO REPAIR MY TRUCK, AND THE RECIEPT OF THE SHIPPING FEE. I HAVE TRIED TO GET MY REMAINDING FOUR TIRES EXCHANGED AT A FIRESTONE TIRE LOCATION BUT DUE TO THEM NOT BEING THE ON RECALL, THEY CAN DO NOTHING FOR ME. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY AND ALL INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON THE PROBLEMS OF THE FIREHAWK SS10 TYPE OF TIRES.*AK (DOT NUMBER: VDR7JBAO98 TIRESIZE: P275/60R15)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Sep 14, 2000WI

ABS BRAKING SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVE. HOWEVER, BRAKING SYSTEM WORKS. SO WHEN TRAVELING IN SNOW OR ICE AND MAKING A SUDDEN STOP ABS SYTEM TAKES LONGER. *AK

Tires
Filed Sep 13, 2000WV

TWO OF THE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT P255/70R16 TIRES ON THE VEHICLE WENT FLAT, WHEN TIRES WERE BROKEN DOWN TO PATCH, THE TIRES WERE SEPARATED ON THE INSIDE. *MJS

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Aug 8, 2000FL

WHILE DRIVING 65MPH HEARD & FELT A BUMPING AGAINST VEHICLE. STOPPED & CHECKED VEHICLE. NOTICED TIRES WERE BLISTERED & TREAD WAS PULLING FROM THE CASING. BOTH FRONT & REAR TIRES WERE SHOWING TREAD PROBLEMS. NOT POSITIVE IF ORIGINAL TIRES AT TIME OF PURCHASE WERE USED. ALSO, ABS BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS. WHEN BRAKING VEHICLE WOULD PULL IMMEDIATELY TO THE LEFT. VEHICLE WAS CONTROLLABLE.*AK

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
Filed Aug 1, 2000CT

DESIGN OF HVAC AND SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS REQUIRES THE DRIVER TO HOLD A BUTTON AND WATCH A POINTER ON A DISPLAY TO ADJUST HVAC AND SOUND SYSTEM TO DESIRED SETTINGS WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS AN UNSAFE DESIGN FEATURE!

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jul 21, 2000CA

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY ABS BRAKES KICKED IN ON DRY PAVEMENT UNEXPECTEDLY, AND EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE 50 PERCENT. CONTACT DEALER.*AK

Trailer Hitches
Filed May 18, 2000NY

A FACTORY INSTALLED HITCH PLATFORM WAS FOUND TO HAVE FATIGUE CRACKS ON THE SIDE PLATES STARTING AT THE REAR BEHIND THE REAR FRAM MOUNTING BOLT AND CONTINUING AT ABOUT 45 DEGREES TOWARD THE SQUARE TUBE. THES ECRACKS HAD COME WITHIN 1/4" OF SQUAR ETUBE, VERY CLOSE TO FAILURE OF THE HITCH AND THE TRAILER COMING OFF THE TOW VEHICLE. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipCrash
Filed Jan 31, 2000OR

ABS BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE WHICH RESULTED IN A CRASH. THE BRAKE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT HAS YET TO FIX IT. *AK *ML

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Jan 27, 2000CA

WHILE DRIVING IN A RAINSTORM WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. HAVEN'T CONTACTED THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jan 19, 2000TX

ON ANY SLICK ROAD SURFACES AT SPEED OF 10 MILES PER HOUR , WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AT STOPSIGN. THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM KICKED IN. THE ANTILOCK BRAKE LIGHT AND THE BRAKE LIGHT TURN ON IN THE CONTROL PANEL. THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM IS SUPPOSED TO READJUST ITSELF AUTOMATICALLY IN A FEW SECONDS AFTER IT HAS BEEN DEPLOYED. BUT MY VEHICLE DOES NOT DO THIS. THIS IS THE SECOND INCIDENT THAT THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM HAS KICKED IN WITHIN A SIX MONTHS PERIOD SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE FIRST INCIDENT INVOLVED A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT SCENARIO. THE FIRST TIME THE ROADS WERE SLICK AND THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 55 MPH. ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS ENTERING THE HIGHWAY AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, DESPITE THE SLICK ROAD CONDITIONS. THIS VEHICLE HIT A SLICK SPOT ON THE HIGHWAY AND SLIDE COMPLETE ACROSS THE THREE LANE HIGHWAY, INWHICH I WAS TRAVELING ON THE FARTHEST LANE. THERE WERE ABOUT 4 OTHER CARS THAT HAD TO SLAM ON THEIR BRAKES AND BASICALLY COME TO A COMPLETE STOP IN ORDER TO AVOID THE VEHICLE THAT WAS SKIDDING THROUGH THE HIGHWAY. MY ANTILOCK BRAKES KICKED IN WITH A LOUD THUG. AND THE ANTILOCK LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON TOO. BUT IT NEVER READJUSTED ITSELF AFTER THIS INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TAKEN INTO REPAIR TO RESET THE ABS. THE FIRST TIME HAPPENED IN JULY 1999 AND WAS REPAIRED IN EARLY AUGUST. THIS SECOND INCIDENT DID NOT WARRENT THE ABS TO KICK IN. I BELIEVE THAT THE ABS ARE OVERLY SENSITIVE AND NEED TO BE REPROGRA

Unknown or OtherCrash2 injured
Filed Jan 12, 2000TX

EMERGENCY STOPS ON DRY PAVEMENT AT 30 MPH CAUSED ABS TO ENGAGE AND CAUSED 2 ACCIDENTS. IN BOTH INCIDENTS, THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO "ROLL" INTO THE CAR IN FRONT. AFTER DRIVING 30 YEARS, I HAVE A SENSE OF HOW LONG IT SHOULD TAKE TO STOP AS WELL AS BEING VERY AWARE OF HOW LONG IT TAKES TO STOP THIS HEAVIER VEHICLE AND HAVE ATTEMPTED TO COMPENSATE BY ALLOWING A GREAT DEAL OF STOPPING SPACE IN FRONT OF ME. I DO NOT FOLLOW AS CLOSE AS MOST SEMIS. WHEN THE BRAKES ARE PUSHED ALL THE WAY DOWN IN SUDDEN STOPS, THE ABS COMES ON AND MAKES A SORT OF POPPING/ROARING SOUND. IT SEEMS LIKE SOMETHING SLIPPING. I HAVE COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE STEERING AS I ROLL/CRASH INTO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME! BUT, I FEEL THAT I HAVE NO CONTROL OF THE BRAKES, AND THE DISTANCE IT TAKES TO GET STOPPED. OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE DRIVEN MY VEHICLE HAVE FELT THE ABS ARE UNSAFE IN SUDDEN STOPS. FORTUNATELY, I HAVE NOT HAD TO MAKE SUDDEN STOPS AT HIGH SPEEDS BECAUSE WHO KNOWS HOW MANY HUNDREDS OF FEET WOULD BE REQUIRED. SO FAR IN BOTH LOW SPEED CRASHES, TWO PEOPLE HAVE CLAIMED NECK AND BACK INJURIES, AND THEIR LEGAL SUITS ARE STILL PENDING WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANY. I LIKE THE CAR BUT WOULD NOT BUY ANOTHER SUBURBAN BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF FEELING SAFE WITH THE ABS. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jan 4, 2000DE

THIS VEHICLE HAS A TREMENDOUSLY LONG STOPPING DISTANCE, ESPECIALLY IN THE WET. ONE DEALER SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG; THE OTHER SAYS TO TRY A NEW ANTILOCK UNIT. THEY SAY IT MIGHT HELP BUT IF IT DOESN'T MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE IT IS NON-RETURNABLE. IT WILL COST @ $1000 JUST TO TRIAL AND ERROR A FIX FOR A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipCrash
Filed Dec 30, 1999KY

WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, CAUSING A COLLISION. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Dec 24, 1999CA

TRANSMISSION REAR SEAL LEAKING, DEALER ADIVISED SEAL WAS REPLACED WITH THE WRONG YEAR 95 SEAL. HUSBAND REPLACED WITH RIGHT 92 SEAL. STILL LEAKING. ALSO THE MASTER CYLINDER IS KNOCKING LOUD NOISE. SEEMS LIKE IT IS GOING OUT. WHEN I DRIVE 35 MILES OR MORE BRAKES TEMPORARILY FAILS. AND, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WORKS TEMPORARILY ON THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Dec 7, 1999FL

FAILED ABS IMPACTS BRAKING ACTION - INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE, SOFT PEDAL. SETS TROUBLE CODE 63. DEFINITE SAFETY HAZARD. 4WD ABS INSTALLED ON 2WD VEHICLE AT FACTORY. UNDERSTAND THAT RECALL TO REPLACE CORRECT ABS MAY BE PENDING.

Seats
Filed Oct 8, 1999KS

DRIVER'S SEAT FRAME/FLOOR HAS BROKEN; SEAT BACK HAS ALSO BROKEN.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Oct 5, 1999OK

WHEN WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE ACTIVATED THEY DO NOT TURN OFF UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF. SOMETIMES THEY WILL STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD WHILE THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

Seat Belts › Rear/Other
Filed Oct 1, 1999NC

REAR LAP SEAT BELTS BROKE IN MIDDLE ROW OF BACK SEATS. TOOK TO DEALER TO BE FIXED, THEN PART BROKE AGAIN, AND CURRENTLY DEALER IS REFUSING TO FIX ANY OF THEM. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components
Filed Oct 1, 1999TX

THE BRAKES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN MUSHY. I UNDERSTSAND THAT ABS WILL RESPOND DIFFERENTLY TO EMERGENCY BRAKEING THAN "NORMAL" BRAKES BUT THIS THING IS A REAL ADVENTURE TO DRIVE WHEN YOU'VE GOT TO MAKE PANIC STOPS.IT SEEMS TO RESIST YOUR FOOT THE HARDER YOU PUSH THE LESS BRAKING YOU FEEL.THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING MODULE WENT OUT WHICH CAUSED THE DISK BRAKE TO GRAB AND BOTH FRONT TIRES TO WEAR VERY BADLY. THE ELECTRIC WIPER CONTROL WENT OUT BECAUSET THE CONTROL BOX IS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND GOT WET. DAH! THE DRAG LINK BUSHING RUSTED OUT BECAUSE THE GREASE FITTING WAS APPARENTLY INACCESSABLE TO SERVICE AND NEVER GOT ANY GREASE. THE RADIATOR BEGAN LEAKING AT 90000 MLS. AT WHICH TIME I RAN A STOP LEAK PRODUCT IN IT WHICH STOPPED IT SO FAR. THE WATERPUMP WENT OUT AT 110,000 MLS AND THE ALTERNATOR AT 95000 MLS. BRAKES ARE BIGGEST CONCERN!!!!!

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Sep 15, 1999MI

WINDSHIELD ARE WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipCrash
Filed Sep 1, 1999TN

WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED IN EMERGENCY SITUATION THE PEDAL IS HARD. THE BRAKES REACT AND THEN RELEASE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO KEEP ON ROLLING. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK *ML

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Aug 31, 1999AZ

BRAKES SLIP DURING A NORMAL STOPPING, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE.DEALER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Aug 28, 1999FL

NO SUMMARY

Service Brakes, Air › Antilock
Filed Aug 28, 1999FL

WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED,THE BRAKES LOCKED UP,PULLING THE VEHICLE TO THE LEFT,AN INSPECTION BY MY MECHANIC ,REVEALED THAT THE ABS SYSTEM WAS NOT FUCTIONING CORRECTLY.

Service Brakes, Air › Antilock
Filed Aug 19, 1999TX

ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO DRIVING THROUGH A PUDDLE OF WATER MY CHECK ABS SYSTEM LIGHT SUDDENLY CAME ON. WHEN MY BRAKES WERE SERVICED, NOT BY A DEALER, I WAS TOLD THAT MY BRAKES WERE WORKING BUT THAT THE ANTILOCK BRAKES WERE NOT. WE WERE TOLD THAT IT WOULD COST OVER A THOUSAND DOLLARS TO FIX THE COMPUTER CHIP IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM. SINCE WE DID NOT HAVE THE MONEY FOR THAT AND WE WERE TOLD THAT OUR BRAKES WERE WORKING PROPERLY (NOT THE ANTILOCK), WE HAVE NEVER TAKEN IT IN TO BE REPLACED. WE HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM, ONLY "ALMOST" ACCIDENTS. WE DO, THOUGH, SEEM TO HAVE TO HAVE OUR BRAKES WORKED ON VERY OFTEN BECAUSE OF ONE THING OR ANOTHER. I READ ABOUT THE RECALL AND WANTED TO REPORT THIS TO YOU FOR YOUR RECORDS. I HOPE THAT THE MANUFACTURER OF OUR VEHICLE WILL REPAIR THIS PROBLEM FOR US WITHOUT CHARGE BEFORE AN ACCIDENT DOES HAPPEN, AS APPARENTLY THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. YOUR HELP IS GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU.

Visibility › Windshield
Filed Aug 10, 1999TX

WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE WORKING INTERMITTENTLY, POOR VISIBILITY DUE TO FAILURE IN THE RAIN. *YC

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Jul 31, 1999OK

THIS IS NOT THE FIRST CHEVROLET VEHICLE THAT I HAVE HAD THAT HAS HAD WIPER PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD 2 OTHERS THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM AND HAVE HAD SEVERAL FRIENDS THAT HAVE ALSO. THE WIPERS DECIDE BY THEMSELVES WHEN THEIR GOING TO WORK IN THE RAIN. SOMETIMES THEY DO AND SOMETIMES THEY DONT. THEY HAVE JUST QUIT ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF A RAIN STORM IN TRAFFIC AND ALMOST CAUSED A WRECK SEVERAL TIMES.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipCrash
Filed Jul 28, 1999AL

THE FIRST BRAKE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MARCH 30, 1999 AT THE INTERSECTION OF AL 150 AND I-459 IN HOOVER AL. I TRIED TO STOP AT THE LIGHT BUT THE SUBURBAN JUST WOULD NOT STOP. THE ANTI LOCK MECHANISM DID NOT ACTIVATE AND THERE WAS NO SLIDING OR SKIDDING. I RAN INTO THE BACK OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AT ABOUT 5 MPH. THERE WAS RAIN PRESENT, BUT IT WAS LIGHT RAIN ITH NO WATER STANDING ON THE ROAD. THE SECOND OCCASION WAS IN HOUSTON TX ON MAY 28, 1999. MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE SUBURBAN ON THE SAM HOUSTON TOLL ROAD WHEN SHE WENT TO CHANGE LANES. SHE DISCOVERED THAT SOMEONE WAS OVERTAKING HER FROM BEHIND AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED IN THE LANE THAT SHE WANTED TO BE IN. SHE PULLED THE WHEEL IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, SAW SOMEONE IN THE ADJACENT LANE, PULLED THE WHEEL IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION AND APPLIED THE BRAKES, HARD. THE SUBURBAN'S REAR WHEELS LOCKED, AND THE SUBURBAN MADE A 180 DEGREE TURN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, AND EXITTED THE ROADWAY BACKWARD AT ABOUT 20 MPH STRIKING A CONCRETE BARRIER. I HAVE SPENT ABOUT $1000 MAKING THE SUBURBAN DRIVABLE, AND I HAVE NOT GOTTEN INTO THE BODY WORK YET. I FEEL THAT BOTH OCCURANCES HAVE BEEN CAUSED AT LEAST IN PART BY FAILURE OF THE FOUR WHEEL ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM. THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL THREW THE TREAD SIX DAYS LATER ON THE WAY HOME. I DON'T THINK IT WAS DESIGNED TO GO SIDEWAYS.( DOT NUMBER: AN11LX1127 TIRE SIZE: LT24575R16 )

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jul 26, 1999OR

ON TWO OCCASIONS THE CONSUMER HAS SLAMMED ON BRAKES ABRUPTLY, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES FAILED, DEALER CHECKED BUT SAID THEY LOOKED FINE. NLM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jul 23, 1999CA

EA95026, INTERMITTENTLY, THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE AND VIBRATION, WHICH MAY RESULT IN A CRASH. DEALER REPLACED PARTS IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM. PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipCrash
Filed Jul 22, 1999AZ

ABS DOES NOT STOP MY SUBURBAN WHEN SYSTEM ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE TAKES A LOT LONGER TO STOP. I HAVE TALKED TO THE DEALER AND SEVERAL BRAKE SHOPS AND THEY CLAIM THIS PHENOMENON IS NORMAL. THIS PROBLEM HAS CAUSED 4 NEAR MISSES AND ONE ACCIDENT. I JUST WANT TO KNOW HOW TO GET IT CORRECTED BEFORE WE GET IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jul 13, 1999CA

ONGOING / INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH ABS SYSTEM ACTIVATING BY ITSELF, AND CAUSING BRAKE SYSTEM TO FAIL. DEALER INSPECTED VEHICLE AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE COST OF REPAIRS WOULD BE AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE OF APPROXIMATELY $1300.00. SEEKING HELP FROM NHTSA IN THIS MATTER. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Jun 15, 1999FL

THERE IS A RECALL FOR 1994 SUBURBANS CONCERNING ERRATIC OPERATION OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECAL DUE TO DATE OF MAKE/MODEL. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Cooling Unit and LinesFire
Filed Jun 8, 1999NH

WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN DRIVER EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER. AFTER PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, DRIVER SAW SMOKE AND FIRE COMING FROM THE BACK OF VEHICLE.. FIRE WAS PUT OUT BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. FIRE BELIEVED TO HAVE STARTED IN THE TRANSMISSION AREA. THE TRUCK HAS BEEN TOTALLED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed May 27, 1999MO

WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED INTERMITTENTLY A GRINDING NOISE IS HEARD, WHICH RESULTS IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. BRAKES HAVE BEEN WORKED ON BY PRIVATE MECHANIC. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK *YC

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Apr 27, 1999TX

DUE TO DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER CIRCUIT BOARD, WHILE IN USE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING VISUAL DIFFICULTY WHICH MAY RESULT IN A CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Apr 15, 1999MO

THIS VEHICLE HAS A FAULTY WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR WHICH CAUSES THE WIPERS TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipCrash
Filed Feb 24, 1999PA

ABS SYSTEM FAILS TO OPERATE RESULTING IN BRAKE PEDAL GOING TO FLOOR, COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKING, AND A LOUD SQUEALING NOISE FROM THE UNIT. IN PRIOR INCIDENTS TO 2-12-99, VEHICLE HAS BEEN PUT UP ON CURB AND HOMEOWNER'S FRONT LAWN TO AVOID REAR END COLLISIONS. ON 2-12-99 REARENDED A PICKUP TRUCK THAT STOPPED SUDDENLY IN FRONT OF ME. HAD AT LEAST 50 FEET OF STOPPING DISTANCE. WHEN CHEVROLET DEALER WAS QUESTIONED ABOUT SUBURBAN ABS PROBLEM, OWNER WAS TOLD PROBLEM DOES NOT EXIST. SYSTEM IS SUPPOSED TO ACT LIKE IT DOES AND SQUEAL IS NORMAL. UNLESS ABS LIGHT COMES ON, IT IS NOT VEHICLE ERROR. MASTER CYLINDER HAS BEEN REPLACED ON VEHICLE, BUT DANGEROUS SITUATION CONTINUES TO PERSIST.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Feb 18, 1999CA

CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH ANITLOCK BRAKES. WHEN DRIVER APPLIED BRAKES DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER, VEHICLE SKIDDED. ON DRY PAVEMENT, AND/OR DURING LOW SPEEDS, IT IS DIFFICULT TO STOP. THE MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. *AK *ML

Complaints 1-50 of 189, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1994
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202445110Routine
2023132300Routine
2022124410Routine
20212051210Above average
202044410Do not drive
201978310Do not drive
201884400Do not drive
2017142530Do not drive
2016220610Do not drive
20154311182Do not drive
201459310Routine
2013118400Routine
2012101420Routine
2011148300Routine
2010117310Routine
2009106500Routine
2008213400Above average
2007292460Above average
200623110Routine
2005129710Routine
2004204660Above average
2003301741Fatalities reported
2002286450Above average
2001440850Above average
20002821171Fatalities reported
19996342120High concern
1998201330Above average
19974143130Above average
199636041210Fatalities reported
1995457781Fatalities reported
19948586102Fatalities reported
1993499220High concern
1992 — this page189570Routine
199152460Routine
199054470Routine

Compare every Suburban year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 19, 2006. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.