1994 Chevrolet Suburban

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 858 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. It has been recalled 6 times.

Avoid One of the Chevrolet Suburban years to avoid: 4.4× the complaints of a typical Suburban year. Which Chevrolet Suburban years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
124,000 milesMedian miles at failure

32 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.

Most common 1994 Chevrolet Suburban problems

567 of the 858 complaints (66%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes476
122240
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor81
000
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer62
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components · brakes44
1000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine11
030
Tires9
000
Service Brakes, Air › Antilock · brakes9
300
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor9
000
Seats8
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration7
000

1994 Chevrolet Suburban brakes problems

66% of all complaints

567 of the 858 complaints are about the brakes. This is what owners describe:

  • loses its brakes or the pedal sinks32% · 179

Share of the 567 brakes complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
274,000 mi
median of 2 reports
Peak year of filing
1995
146 brakes complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
137 · 3 · 41
in these complaints
Recalls on the brakes
“Abs failure, wet weather, traffic light turned green, traffic flow began then stopped for ambulance on cross street, brakes locked, my veh. Slid forward, cut wheels and released brakes to move into turn only lane, clipped corner bumper of vehicle ahead, I and my two children (5 & 8 yrs) in back seat wearing seatbelts, fortunately no one injured, brake failure has occurred several times, this was the first collision, …”
Owner complaint, filed Feb 10, 2003 at 180,140 miles
“While driving about 5 MPH consumer applied brakes and pedal went to the floor. There was no braking action. Vehicle at dealership at this time. Please add further comments. *ak”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 18, 2001

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1994: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes'941995: 163 complaints, 146 about the brakes1996: 109 complaints, 95 about the brakes1997: 141 complaints, 125 about the brakes1998: 99 complaints, 76 about the brakes'981999: 144 complaints, 63 about the brakes2000: 83 complaints, 36 about the brakes2001: 48 complaints, 15 about the brakes2002: 16 complaints, 7 about the brakes'022003: 25 complaints, 2 about the brakes2004: 10 complaints, 1 about the brakes2005: 9 complaints, 0 about the brakes2006: 2 complaints, 0 about the brakes'062007: 2 complaints, 0 about the brakes2008: 2 complaints, 0 about the brakes2009: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes2010: 1 complaints, 0 about the brakes'102011: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes2012: 1 complaints, 0 about the brakes2013: 1 complaints, 0 about the brakes2014: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes'142015: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes2016: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes2017: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes2018: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes'182019: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes2020: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes2021: 1 complaints, 1 about the brakes2022: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes'222023: 1 complaints, 0 about the brakesRecall 95I005000 (engine)Recall 98V150001 (visibility)Recall 99V025000 (headlights)Recall 01I006000 (brakes)Recall 03V159000 (visibility)Recall 06E043000 (fuel system)NHTSA investigation EA02006NHTSA investigation DP00001NHTSA investigation PE97027NHTSA investigation EA95026
All complaintsAbout the brakesRecall (red: the brakes)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1994 Suburban peaked in 1995, with 163 filed that year. Owners had filed 546 complaints about the brakes before the first recall that covers it, 01I006000 in July 2001; 21 more have come in since. In 2023 owners filed 1 so far.

6 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).

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer03V159000
Filed Apr 28, 20031,755,876 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH CERTAIN MODEL-ENGINE COMBINATIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.

Risk. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR DURING BAD WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

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.

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch99V025000
Filed Feb 5, 1999988,587 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS, CREW CABS, UTILITY TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH THE POLARITY OF THE WIRING FOR THE ZERO ADJUST BRAKE SWITCH REVERSED FROM WHAT WAS SPECIFIED ON THE SWITCH DRAWING. WITH THE REVERSED POLARITY, THE CONTACTS IN THE BRAKE SWITCH CAN WEAR OUT PREMATURELY. THE BRAKE SWITCH WILL PERFORM NORMALLY UNTIL THE BRAKE SWITCH CONTACTS WEAR OUT, RESULTING IN LOSS OF THE BRAKE LAMPS WITHOUT ANY WARNING TO THE DRIVER.

Risk. THIS WOULD FAIL TO WARN A FOLLOWING DRIVER THAT THE VEHICLE IS BRAKING AND COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE SWITCH AND REVERSE THE WIRING.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer98V150001
Filed Jul 1, 19981,557,585 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, 2 AND 4-WHEEL DRIVE. SOLDER JOINTS NEAR THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN CRACK CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY.

Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INOPERATIVE WIPERS, REDUCING A DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel95I005000
Filed Dec 13, 199460,000 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS, VANS AND MOTORHOMES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRONICALLY FUEL INJECTED 6.5L DIESEL ENGINE. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION PART 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. THE CAMPAIGN WILL IMPROVE THE OVERALL DRIVEABILITY OF THESE VEHICLES.

Risk. CERTAIN VEHICLES CAN EXHIBIT SOME DRIVEABILITY CONCERNS SUCH AS POOR THROTTLE RESPONSE, STALLING, MISFIRE, POOR HOT OR COLD STARTING, EXTENDED CRANKING OF A HOT ENGINE, OR STALLING AFTER START. TRUCKS WITH MANUALTRANSMISSIONS CAN EXHIBIT POOR ACCELERATION FROM START OR COULD STALL DURING DECELERATION.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL SOME RECENTLY DEVELOPED ENHANCEMENTS WHICH WILL IMPROVE THE OVERALL DRIVEABILITY OF THESE VEHICLES.

All 6 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 4 name the 1994 Suburban.

WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILUREEngineering analysis EA02006Closed
Opened May 31, 2002Closed Jul 23, 2003Led to recall 03V159000visibility

As a result of this, and the precedinginvestigation, rq99-003, GM has expanded the population of safety recall 98v-150 (replacement of the windshield wiper control module) to include an additional 1.77 million vehicles.included are various 1994-1997 my m/l vans, s/t trucks and suvs, & c/k trucks and suvs.see attached technical report for details.

OEM HITCH RECEIVER PLATFORM CRACKINGDefect petition DP00001Open
Opened Jan 31, 2000equipment

The petition alleges that cracks in the hitch receiver platform may lead to separation of the trailer and loss of steering control

DRIVERS SEAT FAILUREPreliminary evaluation PE97027Closed
Opened Jun 17, 1997Closed Oct 31, 1997seats

The complainants allege the drivers seat mounting fails, allowing the seat to move or tip rearward into a reclined position.

POOR BRAKE PERFORMANCEEngineering analysis EA95026Closed
Opened Sep 20, 1995Closed Sep 20, 2001brakes

Poor performance of ABS brakes

Technical service bulletins

21 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1994 Suburban. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

brakes 7equipment 3engine 3visibility 3transmission 2equipment adaptive/mobility 1fuel system 1body and frame 1
01125Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 29, 2001brakes

SPECIAL POLICY BULLETIN REGARDING PRODUCT ENHANCEMENT BRAKE SYSTEM SUBJECTIVE FEEL / POOR BRAKE SYSTEM PERFORMANCE. *TT

01005Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 29, 2001brakes

SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH VACUUM POWER BRAKE ASSIST AND EBC4 ABS BRAKE MODULES MAY COMMENT THAT THEIR VEHICLES EXHIBIT POOR BRAKE SYSTEM PERFORMANCE, THIS MAY BE ATTRIBUTED TO BRAKE PEDAL FEEL. *SLC

01005Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 1, 2001brakes

THIS SPECIAL POLICY PRODUCT ENHANCEMENT COVERS VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH VACUUM POWER BRAKE ASSIST AND EBC4 ABS BRAKE MODULES EXHIBITNG POOR BRAKE SYSTEM PERFORMANCE / BRAKE SYSTEM SUBJECTIVE FEEL. *TT

990524001AService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 1, 1999brakes

BRAKE LEAD/PULL AND FRONT BRAKE WEAR. *MJS

990524001Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 1, 1999brakes

SOME CAB CHASSIS, CREW CAB, AND PICKUP MODELS MAY EXHIBIT A BRAKE LEAD / PULL AND FRONT BRAKE WEAR. *TT

98865020AService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 1, 1998brakes

VEHICLES LEADING OR PULLING TO EITHER SIDE WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, AND PREMATURE FRONT BRAKE WEAR, ESPECIALLY VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN USED TO TOW A HEAVY LOAD. *YC

Showing the newest 6 of 7 bulletins about the brakes, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Tires
Filed Apr 26, 20234,500 milesNV

The contact owns a 1994 Chevrolet Suburban equipped with two Lionhart Tires, Tire Line: LHS, Tire Size: 305/30/ZR26, DOT Number: TB2ACY50. The contact stated that he had installed two Lionhart tires on the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was a secondary vehicle that was not driven often. The contact stated that he observed a bulge on the tire, and the tire sidewall was separating from the tread next to the bulge. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 4,500 on a new installed engine. The tire failure mileage was 2,000.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Nov 16, 2021274,000 milesNC

The contact owns a 1994 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph and applying the brake pedal to stop the pedal suddenly extended to the floor causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of a second vehicle. No injuries were reported. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified. The failure mileage was 274,000.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 25, 2013243,640 milesVA

VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE IGNITION OFF. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES, A FIRE STARTED IN THE AREA OF THE BATTERY PRECEDED BY THICK WHITE SMOKE. THE FIRE SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC WHEELWELL GUARD AND RIGHT FRONT TIRE ABOUT TWO MINUTES AFTER THE SMOKE WAS NOTICED. THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, DASHBOARD, WINDSHIELD, AND FRONT FLOOR PAN AREA WAS DESTROYED BY FIRE. *TR

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 13, 2012108,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT ACTIVATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V159000 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.

Tires
Filed Mar 24, 2010MD

1994 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT DAMAGING THE HEATER LINES AND RIGHT REAR QUARTER PANEL. *BF OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0678-91. *JB UPDATED 04/14/10 *BF

Visibility
Filed Dec 15, 2008112,000 milesAL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V150001 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER); THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME ANY FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIR. AS OF DECEMBER 15, 2008, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED ACCORDING TO THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 134,000.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Aug 26, 200850,000 milesNC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHENEVER THE CONTACT ATTEMPTS TO USE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, THEY WILL WORK VERY INCONSISTENTLY. ALSO, IF HE MANUALLY MOVES THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, THEY WILL BEGIN TO FUNCTION FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES BEFOREHAND AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 09/29/08*LJ UPDATED 09/29/08 *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed May 7, 2007MN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. RECALL # 03V159000 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER) IS FOR THE SAME FAILURE, HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Apr 25, 2007165,000 milesSC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD THE SAME FAILURE AS NOTED IN RECALL # 03V159000 CONCERNING VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS OPERATED INTERMITTENTLY OR FAILED COMPLETELY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE OCCASIONALLY HAS TO BANG ON THE CIRCUIT BOARD TO GET THE WIPERS TO OPERATE PROPERLY. ALSO ATTACHED A STICK AND TAPED IT TO THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS IN ORDER FOR THEM TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 242,000, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.*AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Sep 21, 200695,000 milesMT

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, #98V150001, REGARDING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 17, 2006109,000 milesMA

DT*: THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A VERY STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE WHILE DRIVING OR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED. THERE HAVE BEEN NO OBVIOUS SIGNS OF GASOLINE LEAKAGE OTHER THAN THE ODOR. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SEEN BY VARIOUS REPAIR SHOPS AND DEALERS, BUT NO SOURCE OF LEAKAGE HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED. *JB

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Nov 8, 2005198,000 milesNM

DT: CONTACT STATED VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY THE NEIGHBOR'S DOGS WERE BARKING, SHE LOOKED OUT , AND THERE WERE SPARKS COMING OUT OF VEHICLE. SHE WOKE UP HER HUSBAND. HEARD A LOUD NOISE. VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE, IT BURNED THE WHOLE MOTOR, MOST OF THE INSIDE, DASHBOARD. NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FIRE. THE FIRE CHIEF SAID IT COULD HAVE BEEN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Nov 1, 2005141,114 milesTX

CONSUMER1994 SUBURBAN WINDSHEILD WIPERS STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHEILD OR AT TIMES WILL NOT WORK AT ALL. *TS THE DEALER REPLACED THE WIPER PULSE CONTROL MODULE. *NM

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Oct 7, 2005CA

DT: CONSUMER STATES THERE IS A RECALL # 03V159000 CONCERNING WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER FAILURE, AND CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AS LISTED ON THE RECALL. CONSUMER NOTICED THIS PROBLEM ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2002, WHEN IT WAS RAINING CONSUMER HAD TO GET OUT, LIFT THE HOOD, AND BANG ON THE MOTOR OF WINDSHIELD WIPERS IN ORDER TO GET THEM TO WORK, AND IT WILL ONLY WORK FOR A MINUTE. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Oct 6, 2005141,114 milesTX

CONSUMER FOUND A RECALL ON WINDSHIELD WIPERS AFTER EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. *TS THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. THE CONSUMER DECIDED TO HAVE THE PROBLEM REPAIR MADE ALTHOUGH THE DEALER WOULDN'T REPLACE THEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER BUT THEY REFUSED TO REIMBURSE HIM ALTHOUGH THE PART NUMBER WAS IDENTICAL. *NM

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Aug 1, 2005140,000 milesMI

I OWN A 1994 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE WIPERS STARTED OUT SHUTTING OFF IN THE WRONG POSITION OR NOT SHUTTING OFF AT ALL. THE WIPERS DON'T WORK AT ALL NOW. I HEARD ABOUT A POSSIBLE RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. I WENT TO YOUR WEBSITE AND SEEN THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM FOR THE 94 SUBURBANS.(NHTSA ID NUMBERS 03V159000 AND 98V150001). I CALLED MY LOCAL DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. MY VIN IS [XXX]. I WAS JUST WONDERING IF MY VEHICLE WAS OVERLOOKED IN THE RECALL OR MY PROBLEM IS JUST WITH MY VEHICLE.*JB UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Visibility › Rear Window Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Jul 14, 2005TN

DT: CONTACT STATES THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL WORK FOR A FEW MINUTES AT A TIME OR THEY WILL NOT WORK AT ALL. ALSO, THEY WILL CONTINUE TO WORK AFTER THE SWITCH HAS BEEN TURNED OFF. THERE WERE RECALLS 03V159000 AND 98V150001 FOR THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE. THE CONTACT CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT THE RECALLS, BUT THE CONTACTS SPECIFIC VEHICLE DID NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL CAMPAIGN DUE TO VIN AND THE 10 YEAR AND 70,000 MILES LIMITATION. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Jun 15, 2005124,125 milesCA

1994 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN WIPER MOTORS FAIL AND WORK INTERMITTENTLY AND STOP WHILE DRIVING CREATING VERY DANGEROUS CONDITIONS. IS LISTED AS RECALL ON NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V15900 AND 98V150001 ON YOUR WEB SITE. WE CALLED CHEVROLET ON 800-222-1020 AND WERE TOLD THIS IS NOT A RECALL ITEM AFTER SEVEN YEARS. THE RECALL WAS NOT ISSUED UNTIL 07/01/98 AND 04/28/03 - THAT MAKES THE RECALL NOTICE PAST THE SEVEN YEAR CHEVROLET POLICY.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Apr 25, 2005115,233 milesMI

WINDSHIELD MOTOR WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. THIS WAS REPORTED TO URKA CHEVROLET IN LUDINGTON MI AND THEY STATED OUR 1994 SUBURBAN WAS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL AND TOLD US TO CALL CHEVROLET. SAME STORY WITH THEM. I WAS TRAVELLING FROM FORT LEAVENWORTH, KS TO CUSTER MI DURING EASTER 2005 THE WIPERS QUIT WORKING WHILE TRAVELLING ALONG AT APPROX. 65MPH. NO ACCIDENT, BUT SCARY TO PULL OVER ON HIGHWAY AT NITE CAUSE OF LACK OF VISION. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Feb 16, 2005100,000 milesCA

THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 03V159000 DUE TO VIN. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Switch/Wiring
Filed Dec 11, 2004150,000 milesWA

WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK THAN STOP. I WIGGLE WIRE CONNECTOR TO MOTOR THAN THEY WILL WORK FOR A SHORT PERIOD. IF I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THEY WILL STOP WORKING AND SOMETIMES START WORKING AGAIN. I FOUND OUT THAT 1994 SUBURBAN 4X4 ARE NOT ON THE RECALL LIST FOR THE CARD THAT HAS A FAULTY SOLDER. I HAVE ALSO REPLACED MY DRIVERS SIDE CALIPER 4 TIMES SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IN JANUARY 2003. I ALSO REPLACED THE BRAKE HOSE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE CALIPERS SEEMED TO GET STUCK AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. *JB

Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner
Filed Nov 29, 2004150,000 milesOR

WHILE CONSUMER WAS INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE DRIVER 'S SIDE SEAT FRAME BROKE. NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE SEAT COLLAPSED FORWARD. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO FIX THE SEAT. *AK...CONSUMER REPLACED THE FRAME. CONSUMER HAS ACTUAL SEAT FRAME AND PARTS ON HAND. ALSO, HAS AIR BAG PHOTOS. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Oct 2, 2004CA

I HAVE HAD TWO ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE: 1. WINDSHEILD WIPER INTERMITTENT FAILURE. THIS STARTED TO HAPPEN AFTER THE WARRANTY PERIOD EXPIRED. I WAS INFORMED BY A CHEVROLET DEALER THAT THE RECALL(S) ISSUED THAT MATCH THIS BEHAVIOR EXACTLY DO NOT APPLY TO MY VEHICLE. I BELIEVE THE RECALL SHOULD INCLUDE MY 1994 CHEV. SUBURBAN C-1500 VEHICLE, AS IT CLEARLY DEMONSTRATES THIS EXACT INTERMITTENT BEHAVIOR. BEYOND INQUIRING RECENTLY WITH MY LOCAL DEALER, NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE. 2. POOR ABS BRAKE PERFORMANCE. THIS SYMPTOM HAS EXISTED SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW. I COMPLAINED SEVERAL TIMES, BUT NO PROBLEMS WERE FOUND AT THE TIME OF COMPLAINTS AT THE DEALERSHIP. I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH THIS SYMPTOM, BUT I HAVE NOT YET INQUIRED WITH MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF THE ISSUE CAN BE CORRECTED. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL "NEAR MISSES" WHEN HAVING TO STOP SUDDENLY AND ALMOST HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME DUE TO POOR ABS PERFORMANCE AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE.*AK

Fuel System, Other › Fuel Injection System
Filed Apr 26, 2004183,000 milesCA

UNEXPLAINED AND SUDDEN STALLING AT HIGHWAY SPEED.*AK

Tires
Filed Apr 5, 2004IL

CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS WITH ALL FOUR FIRESTONE STEEL TEX SIZE#LT245/75R16 DOT #: CONSUMER WILL PROVIDE PICTURES OF DAMAGED ON THIS TIRES. *NM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Mar 26, 2004AZ

CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ABS BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED. HAD DIFFICULTY IN STOPPING THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER CALLED DEALER, AND WILL TAKE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR AN INSPECTION IN A WEEK. CONSUMER CHECKED THE INTERNET, AND FOUND THAT THERE HAD BEEN RECALLS ON ABS BRAKES ON THIS MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR. *AK

Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Filed Mar 24, 2004115,000 milesOK

THE SHOULDER STRAP FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER DOES NOT PULL TIGHT. *NM

Seats
Filed Mar 18, 2004144,000 milesUT

SEAT WELD BROKE ON DRIVERS SEAT. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Mar 18, 2004143,500 milesUT

WINDSHIELD WIPER QUIT IN THE MIDDLE OF A SNOW STORM.WIPERS WILL START THEN GO OFF AND NOT RESTART.NEVER KNOW WHEN THEY WILL WORK. *AK

Seats
Filed Feb 9, 200482,650 milesOR

I SAT DOWN ON THE DRIVERS SEAT ON 2/5/04 AND IT FELT LIKE THE SEAT WAS LOOSE. I LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE SEAT AND DISCOVERED THE METAL BRACKET NEAR THE LEFT FRONT BOLT OF THE THE SEAT HAD BROKEN OFF AND THE SEAT WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE FRAME. THIS IS DISTURBING AS THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEED IN AN ACCIDENT OR HAD ANY UNUSAL USE AND HAS LESS THAN 83,000 MILES. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Dec 28, 2003102,000 milesDE

OWN A 1994 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED DUE TO CIRCUIT BOARD AND NTSB IDENTIFIED IN NTSB #03V159000. CHEVY WOULD NOT HONOR SAID MY S/N ON VEHCILE WAS 3,000 UNITS SHORT OF RECALL. MECHANIC SAID EXACT SAME PROBLEMS FOUND IN ALL 94'S. TOTAL COST WAS 110.00 ALL CHEVY WOULD SAY WAS SORRY, SEEM LIKE THAT PARTICULAR PART WAS USED IN ALL 94 AND IT SHOULD BE COVERED FOR SAFETY REASONS. WAS NEVER NOTIFED OF A PROBLEM AND THEY WENT OUT ON US 95 AT NIGHT IN A RAIN STORM. RECALL DID NOT COVER ALL PROBLEM VEHICLES. *AK

Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Filed Dec 18, 2003120,000 milesAZ

DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT. GM DEALER REFUSES TO REPAIR RETRACTOR BECAUSE THEY CLAIM IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY.*AK *MR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Dec 4, 2003NC

BRAKING SYSTEM INTERMITTENTLY FAILS DURING PANIC STOPS OR WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES OVER BUMPS AT A SLOW SPEED. *NLM

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Dec 3, 2003OR

WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAME ON AND OFF. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Nov 28, 2003MN

ON MY 1994 SUBURBAN THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL TO WORK SOMETIMES. CHEVROLET HAS PUT OUT A RECALL FOR THIS BUT WHEN I ASK ABOUT MY VHEICLE THEY SAY IT IS NOT COVERED. I AM A BIT CONFUSED BY THEIR LACK OF RESPONSE WHEN THEY KNOW THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM. *AK

Seat Belts › FrontCrash2 injured
Filed Nov 20, 200365,000 milesGA

DRIVERS SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELT FAILURE. *LA

Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Filed Oct 20, 2003124,000 milesWA

RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT RESTRAINT FAILED TO OPERATE. SEAT BELT NO LONGER FUNCTIONS AS DESIGNED. *LA

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Oct 9, 2003106,000 milesNC

WINDSHIELD WIPERS EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT AS STATED IN RECALL 03V159000; HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN.*AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Oct 8, 2003OK

RECALL NUMBER: 98V150001 MY 1994 CHEVY SUBURBAN IS NOT IN THE VIN NUMBERS COVERED BY THE RECALL ALTHOUGH IT WAS MADE AT SAME PLANT IN SAME YEAR AS OTHERS COVERED. I HAD TO PAY FOR EXACT REPAIR AS LISTED IN RECALL. DEALER SERVICE TECH. TOLD ME THAT THEY, "HAVE DONE AT LEAST 100 OF THESE REPAIRS ON MODEL YEARS THAT ARE IN THE RECALL, BUT MAYBE 30 OF THOSE HAVE ACTUALLY BEEN COVERED BY THE RECALL. THE OTHERS HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR THEMSELVES JUST LIKE YOU." IT'S NOT THAT THE REPAIR WAS OVERLY EXPENSIVE, BUT IT SEEMS THAT IF THERE IS A RECALL THAT COVERS FIVE YEARS OF CARS MORE THAN 30% OF THE REPAIRS SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE COVERED VIN NUMBERS. I BELIEVE THAT THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES THAT SHOULD BE COVERED BY THIS RECALL SHOULD BE GREATLY INCREASED. *LA

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Oct 3, 2003MI

THE VEHICLE WIPERS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. A RECALL WAS ISSUED, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE WAS OUTSIDE THE REMEDY SCOPE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM

Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Filed Oct 3, 2003MI

THE VEHICLES SEAT BELT BUCKLES WERE INOPERATIVE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Sep 29, 2003TX

CONSUMER STATED WHILE USING WINDSHIELD WIPERS, WITHOUT ANY INDICATION, THEY WOULD STOP WORKING. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Sep 16, 2003WI

RECALL# 03V159000 CONCERNING WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FAILURE. WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED FUNCTIONING DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Sep 12, 2003MI

THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS INTERMITTENTLY FAIL CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *PH

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Sep 2, 2003VA

CONSUMER STATED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS IN RECALL# 98V150001. *SCC *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Aug 27, 2003IN

CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN RECALL 03-V-159-000 CONCERNING WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECOMING INOPERATIVE. DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR BECAUSE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System
Filed Jul 15, 2003CA

GENERAL MOTORS UNWILLING TO HONOR WARRANTY OBLIGATIONS UNDER A SPECIAL POLICY AMENDMENT. TSB 00064 INCREASES COVERAGE FOR ELEVEN YEARS OR 120,000 MILES FROM DATE OF SERVICE IN REGARDS TO MALFUNCTION OF THE ELECTRONIC DIESEL FUEL INJECTION PUMP. THIS INCLUDES 1994 CHEVROLET SUBURBANS. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Jul 8, 200310,000 milesLA

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT WITH ITS WINDSHIELD WIPERS AS STATED IN RECALL 03 V 159 000, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN.*AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Jul 7, 2003128,850 milesNJ

DURING HEAVY RAIN STORM WINDSHIELD WIPERS SUDDENLY STOPPED. WIPERS FROZE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD AND COULD NOT BE MOVED. DEALER REPAIR $124.24. VEHICLE NUMBER NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA. VEHICLE # [XXX]. GM CUSTOMER SERVICE SAID SORRY BUT NO REFUND. DUH! MANY COMPLAINTS OF SAME PROBLEM ON YOUR WEB PAGE.PLEASE ADVISE THANK YOU [XXX] *AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Switch/Wiring
Filed Jul 7, 2003SC

WINDSHIELD WIPER PERFORMS ITERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL FOR LONG PERIODS. *AK

Complaints 1-50 of 858, 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
1994 — this page8586102Fatalities reported
1993499220High concern
1992189570Routine
199152460Routine
199054470Routine

Compare every Suburban year →

1994 Chevrolet Suburban: questions buyers ask

Is the 1994 Chevrolet Suburban a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Suburban years to avoid: owners filed 858 complaints, 4.4 times as many as a typical Suburban year. The most common complaint is about the brakes (66%).

What is the most common problem with the 1994 Chevrolet Suburban?

The brakes: 567 of the 858 complaints (66%) are about it. Owners most often say it loses its brakes or the pedal sinks (32%). The typical report comes at 274,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 1994 Chevrolet Suburban have?

6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed May 19, 2006. The largest, 03V159000, covered 1,755,876 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1994 Chevrolet Suburban problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 124,000 miles. For the brakes the midpoint is 274,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1994 Chevrolet Suburban?

Yes, 4 times. The latest, EA02006 ("WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE"), was opened May 31, 2002 and closed Jul 23, 2003.

Are there service bulletins for the 1994 Chevrolet Suburban?

The manufacturer filed 21 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the brakes (7), the engine (3) and the visibility (3). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

2 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

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.