1993 GMC Suburban Problems

VIN Decoder

Premium Report

236

Complaints Reported

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Complaints by Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

160 complaints

REAR ENDED SOMEONE DUE TO THE INABILITY TO STOP IN TIME DUE TO THE POOR PERFORMANCE OF THE 1993 GMC SUBURBAN BRAKING SYSTEM. BRAKES ARE A VERY BIG PROBLEM ON THIS TRUCK

Feb 12, 2004

Crash: 1

Injuries: 2

WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED THEY GO DOWN TO THE FLOOR OF VEHICLE AND VEHICLE DOES NOT STOP.*AK

Jul 09, 2002

DUE TO SEVERAL PAST ABS INCIDENTS, ONE RESULTING IN A COLLISION, VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR COMPLIANCE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01I006000. SUBSEQUENTLY, PANIC STOP MAXIMUM BRAKING IS DELAYED. THERE IS EXCESSIVE RESISTANCE TO INITIAL BRAKE PEDDLE MOVEMENT AS IF THERE IS NO BOOST. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 1/2 SECOND, WITH HEAVY PRESSURE APPLIED TO THE PEDDLE, ACTUAL WHEEL BRAKING CAN BE FELT TO PROGRESSIVELY INCREASE AND RESISTANCE TO PEDDLE MOVEMENT REDUCES. AT THIS POINT BRAKING FEELS ABOUT NORMAL. DEALER TECHNICIAN ON TEST DRIVE CONFIRMED THIS DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM. HOWEVER, TECHNICIANS HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY ANY MALFUNCTIONING COMPONENTS.*AK

Sep 07, 2001

SAILED THROUGH A RED LIGHT WITH BRAKES APPLIED, BOTH ABS AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED.*AK

Jul 10, 2001

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 TO 35 MPH, WENT TO APPLY BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP DID NOT HAVE ANY INFORMATION REGARDING A POSSIBLE DEFECT IN VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK

Mar 20, 2001

+ 155 more complaints for this component

VISIBILITY

16 complaints

PRESSURE MUST BE APPLIED TO THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS IN ORDER FOR THEM TO OPERATE. THIS CAUSES POOR VISIBILITY DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. *AK

Sep 24, 2003

WHILE USING WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION WIPERS WOULD STOP WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. *AK

Aug 25, 2003

THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS NOT COMING ON WHEN TURNED ON. RECALL WAS FOR LATER YEAR MODELS, BUT THIS YEAR MODEL HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY FOR A DEFECT WHEN SOMEONE WHO BOUGHT THEIR VEHICLE A FEW MONTHS LATER WITH THE SAME PROBLEM DOES NOT? *AK

Jun 26, 2003

WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FAILURE. WIPERS WILL SUDDENLY QUIT WORKING DURING OPERATION. ** INCIDENT DATE LISTED BELOW INDICATES APPROXIMATELY DATE OF ONSET. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE THIS DATE (TIME WE TOOK OWNERSHIP OF VEHICLE). *JB

Mar 13, 2003

CONSUMER STATES WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENLY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *MR

Sep 27, 2002

+ 11 more complaints for this component

POWER TRAIN

11 complaints

REAR DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER ON MY 1993 SUBURBAN K1500 BROKE AND LOCKED THE REAR WHEELS, FORM MY UNDERSTANDING THIS IS A COMMON OCCURANCE ON THESE TRUCKS AND GM SHOULD BE AWARE OF HOW OFTEN THESE THINSG BREAK AND THE POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL OF THIS HAPPENED AT HIGH SPEED.

Feb 12, 2004

THIS FAILURE HAS OCCURRED 4 TIMES OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS WITH NO METHOD OF CORRECTION BY GMC. NO SAFETY DEFECT STATED IN SUMMARY. *AK

Nov 12, 2000

4-WHEEL DRIVE FAILED/LEAKED FLUID.

May 29, 1997

TRANSMISSION FAILURE.

May 29, 1997

WHILE DRIVING 35MPH THE REAR AXLE FELL OFF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE WHEELS TO SEPARATE. *AK

Mar 18, 1997

+ 6 more complaints for this component

SEAT BELTS

8 complaints

THE PASSENGER SIDE SHOULDER STRAP DOES NOT TIGHTEN UP. *NM

Mar 24, 2004

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Jun 16, 2002

THE FRONT SEAT BELTS FAIL TO RETRACT TO ORIGINAL POSITION AFTER BEING RELEASED. THE BELTS FAIL TO CATCH WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. WILL BE TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER. *AK

Sep 14, 1999

SEAT BELTS WON'T RETRACT, UNLESS REMOVED AND RE-ATTACHED, E.G. LEANING FORWARD AND SITTING BACK UP. OR CHANGING POSITIONS. *AK

Feb 22, 1999

THE MALE PORTION OF THE SHOULDER BELT BUCKLE BROKE AND CAUSED THE BELT TO BECOME INOPERABLE WHILE DRIVING WITH A PASSENGER IN THE REAR SEAT. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. *AK

Aug 14, 1997

+ 3 more complaints for this component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

8 complaints

MY SUBURBAN HAS HAD 4 RADIATOR FAILURES SINCE NEW. ALL HAVE BEEN DUE TO ELECTRALISIS. GMC PAID FOR THE 1ST FAILURE (PART ONLY I PAID LABOR) EVEN THOUGH THE TRUCK WAS OVER 10000 MILES OUT OF WARENTY. THE 4 RADIATOR HAS NOW FAILED AND A 5TH IS REQUIRED. GMC IS WELL AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BUT INSISTS THIERS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM. AS A SIDE NOTE THE HEATER CORE HAS NEVER BEEN REPLACED. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME, AL GREENFIELD. *AK

Aug 06, 2001

CONSUMER HAS HAD RADIATOR WORK DONE ON SEVERAL TIMES SINCE 1996. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS ISSUE.*AK

Mar 20, 2001

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK

Jul 13, 1999

RADIATOR LEAKING DUE TO FAILED WELD JOINING TOP CAP TO CORE. *AK

Jan 06, 1998

+ 3 more complaints for this component

SEATS

5 complaints

THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT FRAME BROKE ON THE FRONT LEFT CORNER. SEAT NOW ROCKS BACK 8-10 INCHES. UPON INVESTIGATION, CAUSE WAS DUE TO VERY THIN MATERIAL. *JB

Sep 13, 2003

WHILE PARKED DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BROKE, AND CONSUMER FELL BACKWARDS. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK

Apr 09, 2002

THE DRIVERS SEAT FRAME BROKE ON THE LEFT FRONT CORNER, ALLOWING THE SEAT TO TIP BACK. THE TRACK ASSEMBLY WAS FULLY INTACT, THE FRAME INSIDE THE SEAT IS WHAT BROKE, DUE TO THIN MATERIAL AND FATIGUE.

Jul 26, 1999

BOLTS ON THE DRIVER'S AND THE PASSENGER'S BUCKET SEATS HAVE SHEARED OFF, CAUSIING THE SEATS TO RELEASE FROM THE UPRIGHT POSTION, RESULTING IN A COLLISION. CONSUMER WILL SEND REPAIR BILLS. *AK

Dec 17, 1996

Crash: 1

DRIVERS SEAT BOLTED TO THE FLOOR, SEPERATED FROM THE FRAME, THE CHANNEL IS NOT HEAVY ENOUGH TO HOLD THE SEAT STATIONARY.*AK

Sep 10, 1996

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 complaints

TROTTLE TO CRUISE CONTROL CONNECTING ROD WAS DISCONNECTED FROM THE PLATE AND FELL DOWN INTO THROTTLE CABLE BRACKET. THE HOOK ON THE ROD GOT STUCK IN THE BRACKET, HOLDING THE THROTTLE OPEN. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *YH

Apr 25, 2001

ONGOING/INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH HIGH ACCELERATION COMMENCING WHENEVER VEHICLE WOULD BE SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER SHOP ON SIX OCCASIONS, AND CONDITION HAVE NOT BEEN RESOLVED. *AK

Jun 01, 1999

WHEN TRYING TO GET INTO THE TRUCK, THE TRUCK RAN BACKWARDS AND RAN OVER THE DRIVER AND SERIOUSLY INJURED HER. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

Mar 21, 1996

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

RIGHT FRONT SPEED SENSOR AND WIRING FAILED, CAUSING BRAKE FAILURE/LOSS OF CONTROL. *SKD

Dec 18, 1994

TIRES

2 complaints

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 75 MPH LEFT FRONT TIRE HAD A BLOWOUT. THEN, CONSUMER FOUND OUT THAT TIRE HAD A TREAD SEPARATION. BRIDGESTONE, P-265/75R16. *AK CONSUMER STATES TIRES HAD 65 PERCENT TREAD WEAR LEFT, THEY WERE PROPERLY INFLATED TO MANUFACTURER SPEC OF 50 PSI NO EXCESSIVE EDGE WEAR DUE TO POOR ALIGNMENT, BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE STATED THEY WOULD PRORATE THE BLOW OUT, CONSUMER DECLINED AND REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES WITH ANOTHER BRAND.*JB

Apr 25, 2001

LAST INCIDENT WAS ON HIGHWAY BLOWOUT ON RIGHT REAR TIRE . WE HAD CHECKED AIR PRESSURE ON TIRES PRIOR TO TRIP AND WERE GOOD. FIRESTONE DEALER HERE IN MCPHERSON WHERE THEY WERE PURCHASED WOULD NOT WARRENTY THE TIRE BUT WOULD GIVE A SMALL DISCOUNT. WE ELECTED TO KEEP THE TIRE AND NOT TAKE THE DISCOUNT. IT'S AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. WE HAVE OTHER TIRES OF SAME KIND AND TYPE IN WHICH THE STEEL CORDS ARE SHOWING READY TO BLOW SO WE REMOVED THEM ALSO, THEY WERE ON ANOTHER TRUCK OF OURS. WE ALSO HAVE ANOTHER TWO TIRES STILL AT THE DEALER WITH SIMILIAR PROBLEMS , THE DEALER HAS SENT IN A CLAIM TO FIRESTONE ON THEM FROM IN DEC. 2000. LUCKY FOR US WE ARE DOING VERY LITTLE HIGHWAY HIGH SPEED DRIVING. THE LAST BLOWOUT WOULD PROBABLY RESULTED IN A ACCIDENT IF WE HAD BEEN IN TRAFFIC.*AK (DOT NUMBER: VN11818087 TIRESIZE: LT245/75R1)

Apr 06, 2001

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

WHILE PULLING UP TO A STOP LIGHT, AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, CAR SHOT INTO CRUISE CONTROL/GAS PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND CAR WAS OUT CONTROL. CONSUMER HAD BOTH FEET ON BRAKE PEDAL, WHEN CAR JUMPED INTO A DITCH, AND LANDED IN A GRAVELED PARKING LOT. CONSUMER HAD TO SLAM INTO PARK WHILE FEET WERE STILL ON THE BRAKES. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY SAID SYNCHRONIZER WAS BAD. CONSUMER FELT THIS COULD HAVE KILLED HIS FAMILY OR INNOCENT BYSTANDERS. *AK *ML

May 25, 2000

Crash: 1

THE VEHICLE HAS ABS. THE VEHICLE LURCHED FOREWARD WHEN THE SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATED AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT, IT ALSO WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN. *AK

Dec 27, 1996

Crash: 1

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

I HAVE MADE SURE I HAVE DONE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE TO ENSURE THAT NOTHING MAJOR WOULD HAPPEN . HOWEVER, I SPENT $2,600 TO REPLACE THE REAR DIFFERNTIAL IN 1997 AND NOW AFTER PUTTING THE CAR IN REVERSE ON 3/17/00 THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL EXPLODED. NOW THE MECHANICS ARE TELLING ME THAT IT WILL COST 4,000 BECAUSE THERE ARE NO USED IDFFERENTIALS AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY ARE ALL BROKEN. I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS FIXING THE ROTARS, EVEN AFTER GETTING REGULAR BRAKE INSPECTIONS. OTHER ITEMS I DID NOT REPORT ARE THE THREE REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELTS THAT BROKE, THE DOOR LOCKS CONSTANTLY GET SUCK AND I HAVE TO USE A SCREW DIRIVER TO UNLOCK THEM, AND IT TAKES TWO HANDS TO TURN THE KEY LOCKS BECAUSE THEY ARE SO HARD TO TURN. WITH ALL THAT SAID, MY MJAOR CONCERN IS WHY THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL JUST EXPLODES, EVEN AFTER GETTING MY BREAKS AND AR FLUIDS INSPECTED.THE SUBURBAN IS A GMC 1500, SLE MODEL K10906. *AK

Mar 17, 2000

IN A PANIC STOP THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR , RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. SUBSEQUENTLY, LEFT/REAR BRAKES SHOES FROZE TO DRUMS AT DIFFERENT TIMES. THEY WERE REPLACED. ALSO VEHICLE HAS NO TRACKING SYSTEM. *AK

Jan 21, 1998

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 complaints

THE ONLY WARNING OF THIS IMPENDING FAILURE WAS THE BATTERY INDICATOR CAME ON. I PULLED OVER WHEN THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE ALL OF A SUDDEN MOVED FROM RIGHT TO LEFT. THE ALTERNATOR FLAMED UP FOUR TIMES AND WE WERE ABLE TO EXTINQUISH WITH THE HELP OF PASSERBYS. NO OTHER WARNING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS SHOWN! I AM REPORTING THIS BECAUSE AN ELECTRICAL ENGINEER INFORMED ME THAT THIS FIRE SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED.

Aug 22, 1999

Fire: 1

ALTERNATOR BRACKET BROKE AND DROPPED INTO THE ENGINE, CAUSING ENGINE FAILURE.

Feb 24, 1998

SUSPENSION

2 complaints

WHEN DRIVING 40 MILES AND UP TRUCK SHAKES, WHEN OPENNING THE WINDOW IT STOPS. PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK

Mar 27, 1996

WHEN DRIVING 40 MILES AND UP TRUCK SHAKES, WHEN OPENNING THE WINDOW IT STOPS. PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK

Mar 27, 1996

TRAILER HITCHES

2 complaints

THREE WELDS ON THE TRAILER HITCH CRACKED WHICH COULD CAUSED IT TO DROP THE TRAILER IT WAS TOWING.TT *JB

Nov 02, 1995

FACTORY INSTALLED TRAILER HITCH HAS I/4 INCH LONG CRACKS ON BOTH LEFT/RIGHT SIDES OF MOUTING BRACKETS. *AK

May 29, 1995

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 complaint

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

Sep 10, 2007

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

EA95026, POOR BRAKE PERFORMANCE; INTERMITTENTLY WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THEY LOCK UP, CAUSING VEHICLE TO GO INTO A SLIDE. THIS CONDITION HAS LED TO TWO REAR END CRASHES. DEALERSHIP IS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR PANEL RATTLED, THE DEALER FOUND THE BEZEL TO BE CRACKED AND BROKEN. CONSUMER FEELS VEHICLE GETS BAD GAS MILEAGE. THE TRANSMISSION COOLER HOSES AND LINE SEALING WERE LEAKING. *SLC

Jul 07, 2000

Crash: 1

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. IT MUST BE SLAMMMED OR CLOSED NUMEROUS TIMES TO INSURE IT IS CLOSED TIGHTLY. *AK

Jan 05, 2000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY

1 complaint

THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS OF ABS BRAKE FAILURES WITH THE SUBURBANS. I HOPE NO ONE GETS KILLED WHILE DRIVING ONE OF THEM. *AK

Nov 19, 1999

VISIBILITY,SEATS

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING FRONT POWER SEAT FELL OFF THE BASE. METAL PIECE THAT SUPPORTS THE FRAME BROKE. THIS CAUSED A HAZARD FOR THE DRIVER. DID NOT LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE. THE SEAT FRAME WAS VULCANIZED. BOLT WAS STILL HOLDING SEAT, WHICH WAS WELDED & CRACKED. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER & WAS INFORMED THAT VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. OWNER JERI-RIGGED SEAT TO WORK. WILL NOT LAST LONG. ALSO, WINDSHIELD WIPERS CIRCUIT BOARD WAS REPLACED. THEY STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO HAVE POOR VISIBILITY. *AK

Nov 17, 1999

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

1 complaint

WE HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH OUR BRAKES SINCE WE BOUGHT OUR SUBURBAN,USED. IS THERE A SPECIFIC RECALL ON THESE BRAKES. THE DEALERS ARE NO HELP WITH THIS PROBLEM.

Sep 01, 1999

POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

THIS SUBURBAN HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS RUNNING FOR A WHILE THEN SIMPLY STOPING FOR A FEW MINUTES, THEN RUNNING AGAIN. I AM TOLD BY GMC THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BUT IS NOT COVERED BY A WARRANTY. THE WIPER PULSE MODULE I AM TOLD IS THE DEFECTIVE COMPONENT IN THESE CASES. THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND OCCATIONALLY LEAVES A PUDDLE UNDER IT IF IT HAS BEEN DRIVEN FOR A WHILE. THE GUAGES ARE RANDOM IN THIER READINGS FOR OIL PRESSURE, TEMP, AND AMPERES.... THE FUEL SEEMS TO BE ACCURATE. OTHER PROBLEMS ARE NOT AS OBVIOUS BUT ANNOYING NONE THE LESS

Jul 23, 1999

SEATS,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING THE BOLTS ON THE DRIVER SEAT SHEARED OFF, CAUSING THE SEAT TO RELEASE FROM THE UPRIGHT POSITION. ALSO THE RADIO AMPLIFIER CAUGHT ON FIRE, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Jul 07, 1999

Fire: 1

WHEELS

1 complaint

LEFT REAR TIRE STUDS BROKE, CAUSING WHEEL TO FALL OFF. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)

Aug 14, 1996

Crash: 1

PARKING BRAKE

1 complaint

EMERGENCY BRAKE LATCH FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT. *SD

Jun 01, 1996

Crash: 1

EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

FAN MOTOR FOR THE AIR CONDITIONER, HEATER AND DEFROSTER COMES ON SOMETIMES AND SOMETIMES IT DOES NOT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT

Jan 16, 1996

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

THE ABS SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK. THE SYSTEM WILL ACTIVATE PREMATURELY. TT CONSUMER STATES ABS ENGAGES AT WILL FOR NO REASON, CONSUMER FEELS THE BRAKE FAILURE IS NOT DUE TO ABS, BUT DUE TO A BAD MASTER CYLINDER. RADIATOR FAILED AT 38000 MILES. *SLC

Nov 03, 1995

4.6/5.0

105 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 1993 GMC Suburban have?

The 1993 GMC Suburban currently has 236 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 1993 GMC Suburban?

The most common problems reported for the 1993 GMC Suburban are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 1993 GMC Suburban problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 1993 GMC Suburban comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.