VIN Decoder

Premium Report
186
Complaints Reported
OBD2 Scanner Jump Starter Car Vacuum Tire Inflator Phone Mount Emergency Kit

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Complaints by Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
59 complaints
LIMITED RECALL LIMITS MY SAFETY! I HAD A RECENT CLOSE CALL IN MY 1996 GMC SUBURBAN. THE BRAKES BEGAN TO ANTI-LOCK ON DRY PAVEMENT WHEN ANTI-LOCK ASSISTANCE WAS NOT REQUIRED, THUS GREATLY INCREASING MY STOPPING DISTANCE. THE BRAKES WERE NOT PRESSED HARD; THE ANTI-LOCK SHOULD NOT HAVE ENGAGED. IT WAS A CLOSE CALL BETWEEN MY TRUCK AND THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. CURRENTLY MY SUBURBAN IS NOT COVERED UNDER GM'S RECENT LIMITED RECALL. HOWEVER, ATTENTION NEEDS TO BE GIVEN TO THIS SITUATION; MY TRUCK NEEDS TO BE COVERED. MY CONCERN IS NOT A TRIVIAL, MY SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS IS AT HAND. GM SHOULD BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO TAKE CARE OF A SAFETY ISSUE. I RECENTLY READ AN ARTICLE IN THE DETROIT NEWS ABOUT GM'S RECALL OF 1.4 MILLION 99-02 FULL SIZE TRUCKS AND SUV'S IN 20 STATES. THE RECALL CONCERNS THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE WHEEL HUB SENSOR GETTING INACCURATE READINGS. THE ARTICLE BROUGHT THE SEVERITY AND CRITICAL IMPORTANCE OF THIS RECALL AND MY PROBLEM TO MY ATTENTION. PROPER RECALL PROCEDURES NEED TO COVER ALL VEHICLES AFFECTED, NOT LIMITED BY MILEAGE, AGE, OR LOCATION. SAFETY NEEDS TO BE THE MAIN CONCERN, NOT A POLITICAL OR FINANCIAL AGENDA OF AUTOMAKERS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PROMPT ATTENTION TO MY CONCERNS. *NM..UPDATED 07/01/14 *BF
Feb 21, 2006
DT: 1996 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 05068 CONCERNING ABS BRAKES ON THE 1999 THROUGH 2002 MODELS. WAS ISSUED. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ALTHOUGH THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER HAD NOT TAKEN VEHICLE TO THE DEALER YET, BUT THE CONSUMER KNEW THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THIS MAKE AN MODEL, AND YEAR FOR THE ABS. THE ABS ACTIVATED BETWEEN 3-10 MPH, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. THIS STARTED HAPPENING ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO, NOT EVERY TIME. NOW, IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE UNDER ANY ROAD CONDITIONS. THERE HAVE BEEN NO ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS, BUT IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME. COULD NOT COUNT THE NUMBER OF TIMES THE ABS FAILED.*AK *JB
Oct 06, 2005
VEHICLE WAS EXHIBITING NO PROBLEMS. UPON APPROACHING A RED TRAFFIC LIGHT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, AS IF THE ABS SYSTEM WAS KICKING IN, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN. I REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER AND BLED ALL BRAKE LINES, AND THE CONDITION STILL EXISTS. I PERFORMED DIAGNOSTICS ON THE VEHICLE ACCORDING TO SEVEAL SERVICE MANUALS AND DETERMINED THAT THE ABS MODULATOR VALVE HAS FAILED IN SUCH A MANNER AS TO ALLOW BRAKE FLUID TO BLEED INTO THE ABS ACCUMULATOR, WITHOUT GETTING AN ABS DIAGNOSTIC FAILURE LIGHT. I HAD TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME FOR OVER 20 MILES WITH SEVERELY LIMITED BREAKING POWER AND WAS VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE AVOIDED AN ACCIDENT. I WOULD RATHER NOT HAVE ABS BREAKS ON THE VEHICLE THAN HAVE A BREAK SYSTEM THAT CAN FAIL IN THIS MANNER. PUMPING THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS INEFFECTIVE IN BUILDING BRAKE PRESSURE, AS IS NORMALLY THE CASE WHEN A MASTER CYLINDER FAILS.*AK
Nov 21, 2004
THIS VEHICAL HAS INTERMITTENT LEFT AND RIGHT PULLING, REDUCED BRAKING PERFORMANCE,PREMATURE PAD WEAR AND REPLACMENT,AND EXPENSIVE SYSTEM UPGRADES.*AK
Dec 31, 2001
BRAKE PEDAL IS SPONGY, AND THERE IS EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCE. DEALER HAS REPLACED FRONT PADS AND FRONT DISCS. BUT, DID NOT REMEDY PROBLEM.*AK
Sep 05, 2001
+ 54 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
22 complaints
VEHICLE'S WINDSHIELD WIPERS ONLY WORK ON HIGH SPEED.*MR THE MECHANIC REPLACED WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLY. *PH *JB *JB
Oct 15, 2003
WINDSHIELD WIPERS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL INTERMITTENTLY SHUT OFF. CONTACTED DEALER AND DEALER STATED THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK *JB
Jul 16, 2002
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE. WINDSHIELD WIPERS USE TO WORK AT DIFFERENT TIMES, BUT JUST THIS PAST JUNE, THEY STOPPED AND WOULD NOT WORK AT ALL. *AK CONCERNING A SAFETY RECALL #98V150001. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK PERIODICALLY. (NOT WHEN CONSUMER NEEDS THEM) CONSUMER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL DIDN'T PERTAIN TO THIS VEHICLE. *SCC
Jul 11, 2002
THIS VEHICLE WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH WINDSHIELD WIPER WIRING AS MENTIONED IN RECALL # 98-V-150-001. BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
May 21, 2002
NHTSA RECALL# 98 V 150 001/ MANUFACTURERS RECALL 98043 CONCERNING WINDSHEILD WIPER WIRING, WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER / MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, AND BOTH INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL DUE TO VIN.*AK *SLC
Jan 08, 2002
+ 17 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
18 complaints
1996 GMC SUBURBAN, CAUGHT ON FIRE. BF OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT #10-0580-91 UPDATED 05/03/10 *BF
Mar 22, 2010
Fire: 1
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 GMC SUBURBAN. WHEN HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IT HAD 26,000 MILES ON IT. HE WAS PULLING A TRAILER, WITH THE TRAILER AND THE TRUCK IT WEIGHS FROM ANY WHERE 10-15,000 POUNDS. THERE IS A BOLT THAT 3 QUARTERS INCH LONG . PUT THE TWO CABLES TOGETHER AND BOLTED IT INTO THE SIDE BATTERY. THE BOLT BECAME LOOSE. HAD ALL THE POWER NECESSARY TO STEER OR TO STOP THE VEHICLE. WHILE PULLING THIS TRAILER IT WAS EXTREMELY HARD TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE INSERT IN THE BATTERY, WHERE THE THREAD SECTION WAS PUT THE BOLT INTO. IF TIGHTEN EDIT IT PUTS A HOLE IN THE BATTERY AND STARTS TO LEAK BATTERY ACID. EVERY MORNING HE TIGHTENS THE BOLT A LITTLE BIT. CONSUMER SPOKEN WITH GM , AND THEY IGNORED IT. ALSO SPOKE WITH THE DEALERSHIP . THEY DID NOT EVEN BELIEVE HIM. ONE OF THE PEOPLE AT THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED ONE CABLE BECAUSE IT DETERIORATED. HE HAS REPLACED FOR FOUR BATTERIES SINCE HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE .*AK
Jul 18, 2005
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE IGNITON WAS OFF THE SWITCH ON THE DRIVERS DOOR FOR THE SIDE VIEW MIRRORS SUDDENLY IGNITED . THE KEYS WERE NOT IN THE CAR AND IN FACT THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN IN USE FOR OVER FIVE HOURS. LUCKILY OUR SON WENT OUT INTO THE GARAGE AND REPORTED BACK THAT THE CAR WAS FULL OF SMOKE. WHEN I WENT OUT THE FLAMES WERE ALREADY COMING UP THROUGH THE MELTED HOLES IN THE DOOR TRIM PANEL.
Aug 26, 2002
Fire: 1
ON GOING ELECTRIAL PROBLEMS, REPLACE BATTERY, BATTERY CABLE, ALTERNATER, DUE TO BATTERY ACID LEAKING DOWN CABLE AND CORRODED CABLE.
Oct 15, 2001
ELECTRICAL WIRES OVERHEATED. *AK
Aug 27, 2001
+ 13 more complaints for this component
TIRES
18 complaints
TRAVELING UP FROM VA, THE RIGHT REAR FIRESTONE TIRE WHICH IS A LT245/75R16 MOUNTED ON A 1996 2500 SUBURBAN LOAD RANGE E TIRE RATED AT MAX 80 PSI, WAS INFLATED TO 65 PSI. I FELT A BOBBLING THEN THE TREAD CAME OFF THE CASING, DAMAGING THE SIDE OF MY SUBURBAN, RIPPING OFF THE MUD FLAP AND DAMAGE THE PAINT AS IT FLOPPED AROUND AND JUST RIPPED ITSELF OFF. FORTUNATELY THE TIRE DID NOT GO FLAT BUT LOST THE ENTIRE TREAD PORTION. THIS SET OF FOUR WAS PURCHASE AND WAS EXACT REPLACEMENT FROM OEM TIRE WHEN NEW. THERE IS ABOUT 80% TREAD ON TIRES. FIRESTONE IS TELLING ME TO RUN 45 PSI IN THE FRONT END 80 PSI IN THE REAR. I DON'T BELIEVE THIS IS ACCURATE. *NM
Feb 22, 2007
I HAD A FIRESTONE TIRE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF MY SUBURBAN. I WAS ON THE FREEWAY WHEN WITHOUT WARNING THE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE STEEL BELT AND CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE TO MY SUBURBAN. MY SUBURBAN IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY BUT THE RENTAL COVERAGE HAS ALREADY BEEN EXCEEDED. I AM LEGALLY DISABLED AND I CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY FOR THE ADDITIONAL RENTAL COST. *NM
Oct 04, 2005
WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED AND BLEW UP. AS RESULT, IT DAMAGED THE VEHICLE. FIRESTONE, MODEL STEELTEX.*AK *JB
Oct 15, 2004
BLOW OUT OF REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE ,ON A 1996 GMC, SUBURBAN FOUR WHEEL DRIVE ,WITH 58,000 MILES ON IT.*AK
Sep 13, 2004
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 72 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT WARNING RIGHT REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM TIRE, CAUSING A COLLISION FIRESTONE, STEEL TEX AT, LT245/75R16. DRIVER WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPITAL FOR INJURIES HE SUSTAINED FROM THE ACCIDENT. HOWEVER, THERE WERE NO FATALITIES. *AK
Oct 02, 2003
Crash: 1
Injuries: 1
+ 13 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
11 complaints
WE HAVE REPLACED OUR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TWICE SINCE OWNING OUR 96 GMC SUBURBAN. WE HAVE OWNED THE TRUCK SINCE 1998.*AK
Mar 22, 2004
SERIES OF EMAIL CORRESPONDENCE WITH GM REGARDING THE TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT IN MY 1996 GMC SUBURBAN WHICH FAILED AFTER ONLY 75,000 MILES - 25,000 MILES BEFORE THE GM RECOMMENDED SERVICE. GM HAS CHOSEN NOT TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. I HAVE FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH GM TRANSMISSIONS. 12/31/2003 08:37 AM MICHELLE, I HAD THE LOCAL DEALER INSTALL A NEW TRANSMISSION LAST WEEK. I ASKED THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN WHY THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED. HE NOTED THAT IT HAD OVERHEATED AND TRASH AND DEBRIS WERE FOUND IN THE FLUID. HE ALSO NOTED THAT THEY, THE GM DEALER, RECOMMEND SERVICING THE TRANSMISSION EVERY 50,000 MILES. I FOLLOW THE SHORT-TRIP SERVICE SCHEDULE EVEN THOUGH MY TRUCK IS DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY AND NOT USED EXCESSIVELY TO AVOID PROBLEMS LIKE THIS. ACCORDING TO THE GM OWNERS MANUAL, THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD NOT HAVE REQUIRED SERVICING FOR ANOTHER 25,000 MILES. I FOLLOW AND EXCEED YOUR SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS. I NOW HAVE A FAILURE THAT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED MORE FREQUENT SERVICE. PLEASE HELP ME UNDERSTAND. -----ORIGINAL MESSAGE----- FROM: [email protected] SENT: 12/23/03 10:08:53 AM TO: [email protected] SUBJECT: RE: 1-172307605 I HAD A VERY GOOD CONVERSATION WITH JOE. UNFORTUNATELY, WITH HIS BEST EFFORTS, HE WAS NOT ABLE TO SECURE ANY ASSISTANCE. I UNDERSTAND THE TRANSMISSION IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS. WHAT I DO NOT UNDERSTAND - AFTER SPEAKING WITH MULTIPLE AUTOMOTIVE PROFESSIONALS INCLUDING SEVERAL GM SERVICE AND PARTS ASSOCIATES - IS WHY THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH GM TRUCKS. I CAN ALSO SPEAK FROM MY SISTER'S PERSONAL TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT IN HER 2002 Z71TAHOE. IF THE TRUCK HAD BEEN USED FOR BUSINESS PURPOSES, HAD NOT BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY, OR HAD OVER 150,000 MILES - I COULD UNDERSTAND THE TRANSMISSION FAILING. AGAIN, THIS TRUCK HAS LESS THAN 75,000 HIGHWAY MILES AND HAS BEEN USED FOR FAMILY TRAVEL.*AK
Jan 06, 2004
VEHICLE WAS PUT INTO NEUTRAL FROM PARK WITHOUT VEHICLE RUNNING AND WITHOUT BRAKES PUSHED ON CAUSING VEHICLE TO ROLL BACKWARDS WITH DRIVERS SIDE DOOR OPEN INTO A POLE CAUSING DOOR TO BE DAMAGED. *AK
Jul 23, 2002
Crash: 1
TRANSFER CASE SNAP RING FAILED SECOND TIME IN 89,000 MILES. MAKES GRINDING SOUND FROM STOP AS GEARS CLASH. CAN AVOID MAJOR DAMAGE IF ACCELERATE VERY SLOWLY. SNAP RING IS A $2 PART. LABOR IS ABOUT $150 TO REPLACE SNAP RING. $700 TO REPAIR TRANSFER CASE IF INTERNAL DAMAGE.
Jul 14, 2000
WORST PROBLEM IS IN DIFFERENTIAL - IT MAKES A SOUND LIKE AIRPLANE READY TO TAKE OFF - CAN'T BELIEVE THAT A 4 YR. OLD CAR CAN HAVE THIS HAPPEN - HAVE SPENT WELL OVER $5,000 SINCE I BOUGHT IT - REALLY UPSET !
Mar 27, 2000
+ 6 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
9 complaints
CONSUMER STATES WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE STALLS. DEALER STATES FUEL INJECTOR IS CLOGGED. *AK
Aug 11, 2003
VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVEING GM KNOWS OF PROBLEM AND HAS REPLACED INJECTION PUMP AND PUMP MOUNTED DRIVER 3 TIMES SO FAR GM SPECIAL POLICY C00064 FOR 11YRS OR 120000 MILES. THE SAME PROBLEMS STILL EXSIST I HAVE A 9 PASSENGER IN ORDER TO TAKE MY KIDS AND FRIENDS TO SPORTING EVENTS ON ONE SUCH OCCASTION. THE TRUCK SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING A TRACTOR TRAILER WAS BEHIND US THANK GOD HE WAS PAYING ATTENTION AND NO ONE WAS HURT. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM THAT IS NATION WIDE FOR 6.5 TURBO DIESEL OWNER. DT
Nov 28, 2002
WHILE REPLACING THE FUEL PUMP TO TRY TO FIX MY PROBLEM, I FOUND THE POWER WIRE (GRAY), MELTED INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. MAYBE IT GROUNDED OUT SOMEHOW, BUT THE WHOLE WIRE HARNESS IS BURNT, AND THE WIRE IS BRITTLED AND BURNT.*AK
Apr 25, 2002
THE WIRING IN THE FUEL TANK FOR THE FUEL PUMP GOT HOT AND MELTED SHORTING OUT THE FUEL PUMP. NLM
Oct 01, 2001
THE WIRING IN THE FUEL TANK FOR THE FUEL PUMP GOT HOT AND MELTED SHORTING OUT THE FUEL PUMP. NLM
Oct 01, 2001
+ 4 more complaints for this component
STEERING
7 complaints
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, STEERING WHEEL "OVERSTEERS" WHICH MAY CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. *AK
Jul 13, 1999
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45 MPH GOING AROUND A CURVE, DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE SUBURBAN BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT CORRECT FROM THE STEERING ATTEMPT. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD ROTATED AT 360 DEGREES, BUT WOULD NOT CORRECT THE DIRECTION OF THE VEHICLE. GMC WOULD NOT RESPOND TO COMPLAINT. *AK
Jun 10, 1998
Injuries: 1
WHILE DRIVING AT 45MPH THE STEERING WHEEL CAME LOOSE AND WAS ABLE TO BE TURNED 360 DEGREES, RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE HITTING A WALL DUE TO A LOOSE BOLT IN STEERING COLUMN. *AK
May 07, 1998
Crash: 1
Injuries: 1
TIE RODS BROKE, CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE, RESULTING IN ACCIDENT.
Nov 25, 1997
CONSUMER HAD HIS STEERING SHAFT REPLACED BECAUSE THE CAR WAS DRIVING FUNNY. MANUFACTURER SAID THAT IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. *AK
Jul 03, 1997
+ 2 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
5 complaints
ON THE GMC 6.5 THE PMD, OR PUMP MOUNTED DRIVER FAILS DUE TO HEAT FAILURE, ALSO FAILING FOR NO REASON IN 8 DEGREE TEMPERATURES. WHEN IT FAILS THERE ARE NO SIGNS, WARNINGS JUST STALLING THE POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKES GONE. NOW PUT YOURSELF ON A 2 MILE HILL OF AN INSANE DESCENT, AND YOURSELF BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL WHAT WOULD YOU DO? THIS IS INSANITY THAT THE DEALERSHIP WILL ONLY HELP YOU IF THERE IS LESS THAN 100,000 MILES ON YOUR CAR, AND THEN ALL THEY DO IS REPLACE THE PUMP, WHEN THE PUMP ISN'T THE PROBLEM ITS THE PUMP MOUNTED DRIVER. I PERSONALLY HAVE SPOKEN TO AND BEEN TO THE MANUFACTURERS AND THEY REFUSE TO ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM, THIS IS THE MANUFACTURER! BUT I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW AFTER 11 YEARS NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, ONLY A RIP AND REPLACE, AND IF THERE'S TO MANY MILES TO BAD FOR YOU. I HAVE TRIED ALMOST EVERY AFTER MARKET SOLUTION OUT THERE AND THESE MANUFACTURERS TOO ARE BAFFLED ABOUT THIS SITUATION. SO WHY IF THERE IS NO PROBLEM ARE THERE A DOZEN BUSINESS MAKING MONEY OFF OF TRYING TO FIX THE MANUFACTURERS PROBLEM? IF THE MANUFACTURER DOESN'T HAVE TO TAKE THE BLAME THAN WHO DOES? THE FAMILY OF 7 THAT WROTE IN? WHEN THEY DIE IS SOMETHING GOING TO BE DONE , BECAUSE ITS NOT A MATTER OF IF, ITS A MATTER OF WHEN, AND I HOPE THAT DAY NEVER HAPPENS. BUT I HOPE THAT MORE THAN THE FAMILY HAS TROUBLE SLEEPING BECAUSE I FEEL BETTER FOR TRYING TO AVOID THIS CATASTROPHE. THANK YOU FOR YOU TIME. SINCERELY CONCERNED, JON LAMB
Feb 10, 2007
I HAVE TWO GMC VEHICLES WITH THE SAME ENGINE, A GAS 5.7L V8, THAT REQUIRED INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET REPLACEMENT WITHIN ONE MONTH OF EACH OTHER. THE FIRST VEHICLE IS A 1996 1500 SUBURBAN WITH 90,000 MILES. THE OTHER IS A 1998 K1500 PICKUP WITH 80,000 MILES. BOTH LEAKS OCCURRED AT THE REAR OF THE BOTTOM INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE MECHANIC PERFORMING THE REPAIR STATES THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH HIS SHOP PERFORMING APPROXIMATELY 5-6 A MONTH IN A TOWN OF ONLY 30,000. THE DEALER DENIES ANY GENERIC PROBLEM. INSPECTION OF THE GASKET IMPLIES A TEMPERATURE RELATED PROBLEM OF THE GASKET BODY THAT UNDERMINES THE SEAL RIDGE. *JB
Mar 05, 2004
VEHICLE WILL STALL WHEN COMING TO A STOP, HAS ALSO STALLED ONCE AT 60 MPH.*AK
Sep 05, 2001
THE ENGINE CUTS OFF WHILE GOING AT ANY SPEED/ AN ANY OCCASION, AND IN ANY WEATHER. REDUCED FUEL CONSUMPTION EFFICIENCY. DEALER CAN'T DUPLICATE PROBLEM, CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK *ML
Mar 03, 1999
RADIATOR FAILED.
Feb 12, 1997
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
4 complaints
WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. IT DID THE SAME THING WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK. WHEN TOUCHING THE GAS PEDAL LIGHT IT ACCELERATED.*AK
Jul 13, 2004
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT WITH ITS SPEED CONTROL AS STATED IN RECALL 00 V 210 001; BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RCALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
Jul 01, 2003
Crash: 1
Injuries: 1
THE VEHICLE WILL EXPERIENCED THE ACCELERATOR STICKING AND THE ENGINE SPEED WILL NOT RETURN TO IDLE, POSSIBLY RELATED TO A RECALL. *MJS
Mar 29, 2000
CRUISE CONTROL INOPERATIVE.
Apr 10, 1997
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaints
CONSUMER PULLS A TRAILER WITH VEHICLE AND IF USING HAZARD LIGHTS, ALL LIGHTS WILL BLOWOUT, INCLUDING BRAKE LIGHTS. CONTACTED GMC AND TRUCK CUSTOMER RELATIONS WHO STATED CONSUMER COULD NOT USE HAZARD LIGHTS WHILE PULLING A TRAILER.*AK CONSUMER STATED THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND BRAKES LIGHT ON THE TRAILER AS WELL AS THE VEHICLE WERE NO LONGER OPERATIVE.*JB
Oct 29, 2001
PUT ON EMERGENCY FLASHER SWITCH AND WENT TO CHANGE TIRE. UPON RETURNING TO THE DRIVER'S SEAT, NOTICED FLASHERS FAILED. BROUGHT VEHICLE TO DEALER AND CHECKED THE EMERGENCY FLASHER SWITCH, NOTICED IT WAS BURNED OUT. *AK
Mar 19, 1998
DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS INOPERATIVE.
Apr 10, 1997
EQUIPMENT
3 complaints
AIR CONDITIONER LINES LEAKING CAUSING CORROSION AT EVAPORATOR FITTING, HOSES AND LINES REPLACED. *SLC
Sep 11, 2000
AIR CONDITIONER LINES LEAKING CAUSING CORROSION AT EVAPORATOR FITTING, HOSES AND LINES REPLACED. *SLC
Sep 11, 2000
AIR CONDITIONER FAILURE.
Nov 14, 1997
AIR BAGS
3 complaints
NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG CAUSED CLIENT (MEISELMAN) INJURES DURING A MAJOR FRONTAL CRASH. NLM (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER)
Feb 17, 2000
Crash: 1
Injuries: 1
HAD AN ACCIDENT 22-JUL-99, AND AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY.CONSUMER HAS NOT CONTACTED DEALER AND MANUFACTURE.HAD BRAKE PROBLEMS AND HAD THEM REPLACED 1000 MILES UNDER WARRANTY. *AK
Jul 27, 1999
Crash: 1
Injuries: 1
DRIVING VEHICLE AT SPEED OF 55MPH, FRONTAL COLLISION, IMPACT 12:00 POSITION, DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
Nov 08, 1996
Crash: 1
SUSPENSION
3 complaints
FRONT CONTROL ARM BOLT FELL OFF,AND THE FRONT END IS SWINGING BACK AND FORTH. FRONT END HAS BECOME LOOSE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS.
Feb 14, 2000
I'VE OWNED MY GMC SUBURBAN LESS THAN TWO YEARS AND HAVE HAD TWO SETS OF BRAKE PADS PUT ON THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKES STILL DO NOT ACT PROPERLY. THE LAST SET OF REAR BRAKESPADS WAS DUE TO THE REAR AXLE SEAL LEAKING FLUID ALL OVER THEM. LAST WEEK THE FRONT BRAKES STARTED VIBRATING UPON STOPPING AND THEY WERE REPLACED. I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL VEHICLES AND I'VE NEVER HAD THIS MUCH TROUBLE OUT OF BRAKES.
Apr 12, 1999
RIGHT REAR AXLE SEAL FAILED.
Nov 14, 1997
STRUCTURE
2 complaints
THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER DOOR BECAME DIFFICULT TO OPEN AND AS TIME WENT ON THE HANDLE BROKE OFF. *JB
Feb 28, 2003
DRIVER'S SIDE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF IN HIS HAND. *ET
Jul 24, 2000
TRAILER HITCHES
2 complaints
WHILE DRIVING ALONG TOWING A TRAILER, DRIVER MADE A RIGHT TURN, AND THE RECEIVER TO THE TRAILER HITCH BROKE. PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO DEALERSHIP. TRAILER HITCH WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP. *AK *ML
Apr 07, 2000
VEHICLE HAS A BROKEN TRAILER HITCH AND ATTACHMENTS. TWO DOT INVESTIGATORS SHIPPED IT TO WASHINGTON TO EXAMINE IT. CONSUMER DID NOT REMEMBER INVESTIGATORS' NAMES.*AK
Mar 09, 2000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS ON THE HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER STALLING, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EASILY RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE FUEL INJECTOR PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE INITIAL REPLACEMENT, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. UPDATED 12/18/2006 - THE INJECTOR PUMP WHICH WAS REPLACED UNDER RECALL FAILED AGAIN. *NM THE CONSUMER ALSO WANTED TO RECALL FIXED, HOWEVER THE DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL. RECALL NUMBERS 96V057000 AND 03V159000. UPDATED 03/21/07. *JB
Nov 22, 2006
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
WE HAVE A 1996 6.5 TURBO DIESEL GMC SUBURBAN. WE HAD SEVERE STALLING PROBLEMS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AT THEIR COST AND INSTALLED AT OUR COST, NEW GLOW PLUGS, GLOW PLUG SENSOR, BATTERY, AND BATTERY CABLES SUSPECTED TO BE THE PROBLEM. IT CONTINUED TO STALL. WE RETURNED TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE PUMP AGAIN AT THEIR COST, BUT WE HAD TO PAY TO DROP THE TANK TO CHECK FOR CONTAMINATION. THERE WAS A DETERIORATED SCREEN WE PAID TO REPLACE. IT STILL STALLED. ONLY THIS TIME IT STALLED WHEN I WAS GOING 50 MPH AND APPROACHING CURVES ALONG THE RIVER. I LOST ALL POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. ME AND MY FIVE YOUNG KIDS ALMOST ENDED UP IN THE RIVER. HAD IT BEEN NORMAL WINTER ROADS, WE WOULD HAVE. ALL ALONG WE'VE DONE RESEARCH AND HAD IT REDIAGNOSED BY A PROFESSIONAL DIESEL MECHANIC, SO WE KNEW TO TELL OUR DEALER (AUTOMALL IN BRATTLEBORO VERMONT) TO REPLACE THE PUMP MOUNTED DRIVER (PMD) SOMETIMES CALLED A FUEL SOLENOID DRIVER (FSD). AFTER PROBLEMS WHERE AUTOMALL TRIED TO RIP US OFF FOR A FAKE $100 DEDUCTIBLE, THEY WILL INSTALL IT AT NO CHARGE TOMORROW (1/7/04). WE HAVE DRIVEN JUST OVER 1000 MILES TOTAL. HOWEVER, THIS DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. FROM ALL THE RESEARCH WE'VE DONE, WEVE DISCOVERED MANY PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED THE SAME DANGEROUS ACCOUNTS OF STALLING. SEVERAL REPORT HAVING ALMOST HAD SERIOUS ACCIDENTS LIKE I HAD TWO DAYS AGO. ACCORDING TO RESEARCH, PMD FAILURES ARE THE MOST COMMON PART TO FAIL ON GM 6.5 DIESELS. THE PMD OVERHEATS BECAUSE OF PLACEMENT NEAR THE ENGINE. THERE IS A SIMPLE, YET COSTLY FIX THAT CONSUMERS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY TO BE SAFE. A PUMP DRIVER COOLER (PDC) CAN MOUNT ON THE FIREWALL (NOT THE ENGINE) TO MOVE THE PMD AWAY FROM THE HEAT. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND ISSUE A RECALL TO INSTALL PDC'S ON THESE ENGINES SO WE CAN ONCE AGAIN BE SAFE IN OUR VEHICLES. MY FAMILY OF 7 CANT AFFORD ANOTHER STALL, ESPECIALLY DURING THESE WINTER MONTHS, AND NEW PDCS ALONE CANT GUARANTEE SAFETY. THANK YOU.*AK
Jan 06, 2004
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
1 complaint
IT IS A WELL KNOWN FACT THAT THERE IS A DEFECT WITH THE FUEL INJECTION PUMP ON THE GM 6.5L DIESEL ENGINES. I HAVE HAD A NUMBER OF THESE PUMPS REPLACED BY GM AT THEIR COST. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM IS NOT GETTING RESOLVED. THESE VEHICLES DIE INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN THEY DIE (STALL), YOU LOOSE YOUR ABILITY TO CONTROL YOUR VEHICLE WITH THE LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKING (FOR THE MOST PART). THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS TIMES WHEN I HAVE ALMOST BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHEN THESE VEHICLES DIE BECAUSE OF THE PUMP PROBLEM. I AM IN HOPES THAT THIS COMPLAINT COULD POSSIBLY TURN INTO SOME SORT OF INVESTIGATION WITHIN GM TO HAVE THEM FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY SEEM TO KEEP REPLACING MY BAD FUEL INJECTION PUMPS WITH MORE SOON-TO-BE BAD FUEL INJECTION PUMPS.... *LA
Nov 26, 2003
VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
LOCKS FOR VARIOUS DOORS HAVE STUCK FOUR TIMES, PREVENTING ENTRY OR EXIT FROM VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP HAS EXAMINED VEHICLE, AND PERFORMED REPAIR WORK.*AK CONSUMER WAS ALSO HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WHICH FAILED INTERMITTENTLY, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL HOWEVER IT DID NOT APPLY TO CONSUMERS VEHICLE DUE TO THE VIN.*JB
Oct 24, 2001
WHEELS
1 complaint
FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED AT 6:30 AM MILE MARKER 57 I-95 NORTH, SC, UP ON TWO WHEELS ALMOST ROLLOVER - SCARED THE H_LL OUT OF US. SECOND AT 3:15PM I-95 NORTH MILE MARKER 23 I-295 NORTH, VA. CHANGED ALL FOUR TO GOODYEAR. *AK (TIRESIZE: LT24575R16)
Aug 26, 2001
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
TRUCK PULLS WHEN BRAKING. TBS FIX IMPLEMENTED WITH LITTLE TO NO IMPROVEMENT. LAST TIME AT DEALER, DEALER SAID GMC HAS PROBLEM WITH 3/4TON SUBURBAN BRAKES BUT DOESN'T HAVE FIX. NOTHING HE CAN DO. TRUCK HAS HAD COMBINATION VALVE REPLACED, REAR SHOES REPLACED, FRONT PADS REPLACED (5X TOTAL), CALIPERS REPLACED, ROTORS REPLACED, TIE RODS REPLACED, IDLE ARM REPLACED, STEERING BOX AND PITMAN ARM REPLACED, FRONT BRAKE HOSES REPLACED, CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS REPLACED, AND ALIGNED SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO FIX TO THE PROBLEM. BRAKING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. YOU DON'T KNOW WHICH WAY THE VEHICLE WILL GO AND HOW HARD IT WILL TRY TO GET THERE. AS AN ENGINE DESIGNER I FIND IT AMAZING THAT GM HAS A HANDLING/SAFETY ISSUE OF THIS MAGNITUDE. THIS IS A BIG TRUCK TO HAVE SUCH A CONTROLABILITY PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP. A SHAULL
Jun 18, 2001
VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
SOLDER JOINTS NEAR THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR HAVE CRACKED CAUSING WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALLS 98V150001 OR 98V057000 FUEL THROTTLE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
Oct 24, 2000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
1 complaint
NO SUMMARY
Sep 02, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
WHEN WE FIRST TEST DROVE THIS VEHICLE WE NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES WERE "GRABBING" VERY ABNORMALLY AND WE COMMENTED THAT THE BRAKES HAD A BAD PROBLEM TO THE SALESMAN THAT WAS WITH US, ALSO WE HAD NOTICED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER DID NOT WORK PROPERLY ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE BRAKES WOULD BE FIXED AND THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER WOULD BE FIXED. THE DEALER SAID THAT THEY HAD TURNED THE ROTORS ON BOTH FRONT AND BACK BRAKES AND HAD REPAIRED THE WIPER. AFTER WE HAD PURCHASED THE VEHICLE THE BRAKES WERE BETTER BUT THEY WERE NOT FIXED. WHEN YOU WOULD APPLY THE BRAKES AT ANY TIME IT WOULD SHIMMY, BUCK AND JUMP. IF YOU HAD TO MAKE A SUDDEN STOP IT WOULD JUMP MANY TIMES BEFORE IT WOULD COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. I DON'T MEAN THAT THE FOOT PEDAL WOULD JUMP, I MEAN THAT THE VEHICLE ITSELF WOULD SHIMMY AND JUMP. I HAVE TAKEN THIS VEHICLE TO ANOTHER GMC DEALER - GWATNEY GMC- TO HAVE THEM WORK ON THE BRAKES AND THEY AT FIRST THOUGHT THAT THE ROTORS NEEDED TURNING AGAIN. AFTER THEY TURNED THEM THE VEHICLE STILL RESPONDED IN THE SAME MANNER. THEY NOW SAY THAT THE ANTI-LOCK SENSOR IS BAD ON THE RIGHT SIDE, (A $500.00 COMPONENT). I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE INDICATOR ON THE DASH NEVER GAVE ME A WARNING THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE HAD ANY REPORTS SIMILAR TO THIS PROBLEM FOR THE GMC BRAKING SYSTEM, MALFUNCTIONING OF INDICATORS ON THE DASHBOARD OR IF THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL FOR ANY OF THESE PROBLEMS. MY DAUGHTER-IN-LAW HAS TOLD ME THAT SHE THOUGHT THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES ON GMC LIGHT TRUCKS FOR THE YEARS 1993 THRU 1997. I KNOW SOMEONE IN A 1996 GMC JIMMY THAT WAS IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WHERE HER AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND HER BRAKES DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY IN THIS ACCIDENT. IT'S A MIRACLE THAT SHE WAS ABLE TO KEEP HER LEG WHICH WAS MANGLED, BROKEN IN SEVERAL PLACES AND CUT UP FROM THIS ACCIDENT.THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK ABOUT 96% OF THE TIME.
May 21, 2000
VISIBILITY,SEATS
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY IN A HEAVY RAINSTORM WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. CONTACTED DEALER. DEALER SAID THAT CONSUMER NEEDED TO REPLACE MOTOR AND CIRCUIT BOARD. ALSO, WHEN PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP LIGHT DRIVER'S SEAT SLID FORWARD OR BACKWARD. SEAT WOBBLED IN THE TRACKS. DEALER REPLACED DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT TRACK. *AK
Apr 11, 2000
SEATS
1 complaint
OWNER NOTED POPPING NOISE AT FLOORBOARD; DEALER DETECTED CRACKS IN L/F POWER SEAT ADJUSTER AT FLOOR MOUNT; DEALER R/R'D ENTIRE ASSEMBLY. *AK
Apr 07, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
THE ABS WOULD FADE WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED. ALSO, AFTER BRAKES WERE APPLIED, VEHICLE SURGED. HAD APPLIED PRESSURE ON BRAKES & VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP/ EXTENDED STOPPPING DISTANCE. *AK
Aug 30, 1999
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
FUEL PUMP FAILED, UPON INSPECTION OF THE UNIT MECHANIC FOUND THAT THE INSULATION WAS BURNED ON THE WIRING INSIDE OF THE TANK. WE HAVE HAD THIS NONE FUNCTIONING FUEL SYSTEM PROBLEM FOR OVER A YEAR. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME IT COMPLETELY QUIT AND WOULD NOT START. IT WOULD SEEM TO ME THAT AMP DRAW ENOUGH TO MELT BACK WIRE INSUALTION INSDE THE FUEL TANK SHOULD BE FUSE PROTECTED! LAST TIME THE TRUCK WOULD NOT START THE DEALERSHIP WE USE IN CLINTON MO ( RAYSICK GMC, CLINTON MO) TOWED THE TRUCK IN AND ONCE INSIDE IT STARTED. BUT THE TRUCK HAS LEFT US STRANDED NUMEROUS TIMES BEFORE. *AK
Jun 22, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE DIES. WHEN TAKEN TO A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP THE FUEL INJECTION PUMP WAS FOUND TO BE FAULTY. GM DEALERS HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DIAGNOSE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. THE TRUCK HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO THE GM DEALER 4 TIMES. *AK
Jun 02, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
CONSUMER HAS NOTICED LEAKING OF BEARINGS AND ALL 8 SEALS. ALSO WHEN DRIVING OF GRAVEL SURFACES AND APPLYING BRAKES, THE VEHICLE EXCEEDS THE NORMAL STOPPING DISTANCE. *AK
Apr 22, 1999
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
PRESSURE REGULATOR/ FUEL INJECTORS/ FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SEAL FAILURE.
Oct 16, 1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
UPON APPYING THE ABS BRAKES IN LOW SPEEDS, THE BRAKES FAILED 3THREE TIMES TO STOP THE VEHICLE. ONCE RESULTING IN A CRASH/INJURIES. ALSO, REPLACED OXYGEN SENSOR. *AK
May 27, 1997
Crash: 1
Injuries: 2
4.5/5.0
48 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 1996 GMC Suburban have?

The 1996 GMC Suburban currently has 186 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 1996 GMC Suburban?

The most common problems reported for the 1996 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 1996 GMC Suburban problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 1996 GMC Suburban comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

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