How many problems does the 1997 GMC Suburban have?

The 1997 GMC Suburban currently has 215 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 1997 GMC Suburban?

The most common problems reported for the 1997 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 1997 GMC Suburban problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 1997 GMC Suburban comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

1997 GMC Suburban Problems

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

46 complaints

WHEN BRAKING AT SLOW SPEEDS, THE ABS KICKS IN AND INCREASES THE STOPPING DISTANCE NEEDED. AFTER 3 TRIPS TO DEALER (AND OVER $500 IN REPAIRS) FOR BRAKE PROBLEMS, THEY TOLD ME THAT THE WHEEL SPEED SENSORS WERE MALFUNCTIONING. THEY CHECKED THE RECALL, BUT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT LISTED. I HAVE SINCE SEEN THAT THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM WITH ALL OF THEIR VEHICLES AND THAT HUNDREDS OF OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED THAT THE "REGIONAL" RECALL DIDN'T COVER THEM. IT SEEMS OBVIOUS TO ME THAT THERE IS AN INHERENT PROBLEM WITH THIS BRAKING SYSTEM AND THE WHEEL SPEED SENSORS AND GM SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRING THIS BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE GETS HURT (OR WORSE). *JB

Mar 07, 2007

ABS BRAKES DO NOT AND HAVE NOT WORKED PROPERLY SINCE THIS VEHICLE WAS FIRST PURCHASED (STILL ORIGINAL OWNER). SPEED SENSITIVE STEERING DOES NOT AND HAS NOT WORKED PROPERLY AS WELL. THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS $$$ HAVE BEEN SPENT AT THE ORIGINAL DEALERSHIP AND AT QUALIFIED AUTOMOBILE SERVICE REPAIR CENTERS CONTINUALLY REPLACING PARTS AND SOMETIMES THE SAME PARTS OF THE YEARS, THIS CONTINUES TO THIS DAY EVEN THOUGH THE SUBURBAN IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AND WELL TAKEN CARE OF. THIS INCLUDES MASTER CYLINDER, BRAKE PADS, CYLINDERS, ETC. THIS BRAKING DEFECT SEEMS TO BE EXPERIENCED BY MANY OWNERS OF THE 1997 GMC SUBURBAN C1500. WHY HASN'T SOMETHING BEEN DONE BY GM ENGINEERS TO LOCATE AND FIX THIS PROBLEM? *NM

Jan 01, 2007

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AT SPEEDS BELOW 5 MPH, THE BRAKING DISTANCE WAS THREE TIMES AS FAR AS IT SHOULD BE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO DEALERSHIP AND THE ABS SENSORS WERE REPAIRED. THE PROBLEM RETURNED 6 YEARS LATER. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 05V379000, REGARDING THE ANTILOCK BRAKES. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER, IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. UPDATED 03/09/06. *JB

Feb 23, 2006

DT: THE CONTACT STATE THERE IS AN NHTSA RECALL, CAMPAIGN 05V379000 REGARDING THE SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: ANTILOCK. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER, IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE MODEL YEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP.*AK THE BRAKE LINE WAS LEAKING DUE TO RUST. UPDATED 02/07/06. *JB

Dec 29, 2005

I HAVE OWNED A 1997 GMC SUBURBAN 4X4 SINCE NEW. THE LAST 2 YEARS THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS AT SLOW SPEED INCREASING STOPPING DISTANCE. I HAVE RECENTLY DISCONNECTED THE POWER TO THE SYSTEM AS IT HAS WORSENED. I KNOW THAT THIS IS WIDESPREAD ON THIS TRUCK AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED. *JB

Dec 24, 2005

+ 41 more complaints for this component

STEERING

33 complaints

STEERING SPEED SENSOR FAILS CAUSING THE STEERING TO SUDDENLY JERK WHILE TURNING UNDER SPEED. IT FEELS LIKE THE FRONT WHEELS HIT "SLIPPERY ICE". I HAVE REPLACED THIS ITEM 3 TIMES ON MY OWN AND THE SENSOR KEEPS FAILING. THE ONE IN MY CAR CURRENTLY IS EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEM AGAIN AND WILL NEED REPLACING. *TR

Dec 14, 2010

POWER STEERING ASSIST IS ERRATIC AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. STEERING INPUT FORCE WILL INCREASE UNTIL THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY MOVES BECAUSE OF AN INCREASE IN POWER STEERING ASSIST. PROBLEM IS ERRATIC, AND IT HAS ONLY OCCURRED AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH. THIS PHENOMENOM HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR SEVERAL YEARS WITH THIS VEHICLE.*AK

Feb 08, 2005

IN AUGUST OF 2002 MY 1997 GMC SUBURBAN STARTED TO TO SLIGHTY LOOSE CONTROL OF THE POWER STEERING WHILE TURNING TO THE LEFT. OVER THE YEARS THE LACK OF CONTROL OF THE POWER STEERING WHILE TURNING TO THE LEFT HAS INCREASED AS WELL AS DRIVING STRAIGHT DOWN THE ROAD. IT IS A VERY SCARY FEELING BUT OVER THE TIME I MYSELF HAVE LEARNED HOW TO HANDLE IT. I HAVE NOTIFIED GMC OF THE PROBLEM BUT THEY SAID MY MODEL IS NOT UNDER A CURRENT RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE FOUND WHERE SOME GMC MODELS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM. GMC IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM YET THEY IGNORE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE A TERMINALLY ILL HUSBAND SO I CANNOT AFFORD TO GO OUT AND BUY A NEW OR USED VEHICLE. I LOVE MY GMC SUBURBAN SO I ALWAYS WANTED TO PURCHASE A NEW ONE OR EVEN MAYBE A GMC YUKON. YET WITH THE DISTRUST I HAVE WITH GMC ABOUT FIXING PROBLEMS THEY KNOW ABOUT I WOULD HAVE SECOND THOUGHTS ABOUT SUCH A PURCHASE. I HAVE A FIFTEEN YEAR OLD SON WHOM IS LEARNING TO DRIVE AND IT IS A VERY SCARY SITUATION WHEN HE IS BEHIND THE WHEEL OF A VEHICLE THAT MIGHT LOOSE COMPLETE POWER STEERING CONTROL. *AK

Jun 07, 2004

CONSUMER STATES THEY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AS A INVESTIGATION#PE98060 CONCERNING STEERING. *AK

Jul 08, 2003

WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING BECAME VERY HARD TO STEER. *JB

May 14, 2003

+ 28 more complaints for this component

POWER TRAIN

21 complaints

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION-DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE ON VACATION WHEN A CLOUD OF SMOKE WAS NOTICED OUT THE REAR OF THE SUBURBAN. PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO FIND TRANSMISSION FLUID SPRAYED ALL OUT OF THE OVER FLOW TUBE. I WAS TOLD THAT TOO MUCH PRESSURE WAS BUILT UP AND THE SUBURBANS ARE KNOWN FOR THAT. FILLED IT BACK UP WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID AND THE TRANSMISSION CONTINUED TO SLIP. HAD TO GIVE UP THE VACATION AND GET A TOW BACK HOME. FLUID HAD SPRAYED ALL OVER MY VEHICLE AND VEHICLES BEHIND ME. IT WAS EXTREMELY HOT. LUCKILY I GOT IT SHUT DOWN BEFORE A FIRE CAUGHT. HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AT A HEAVY COST. *AK

Jun 08, 2004

THE VEHICLES TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 47000 MILES (1997 GMC). *NLM

May 02, 2003

EXAMPLE OF PROBLEM, WHEN THE TRUCK HAS RUN 50 MILES OR SO ON THE FREEWAY, STOP AT OFF RAMP. THE TRUCK SHIFTS HARD FROM 1ST TO 2 ND WHEN I PULL AWAY. THIS CONTINUES UNTIL I SHUT THE TRUCK OFF, WAIT A FEW MINUTES AND START AGAIN. THEN IT IS FINE FOR A WHILE AND WILL REPEAT THE SAME, SOMETIMES WEEKS APART, MORE OFTEN IN THE SUMMER MONTHS. MY DRIVING PATTERN IS ONE OF SHORT TRIPS, SO I GUESS THIS IS WHY MY PROBLEM IS SPARODIC. I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ONE WEB SITES ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WITH OTHER GM CARS AND TRUCKS,THE CODE #1870 SEEMS TO FIGURE IN MOST CASES, MOST PEOPLE HAVE HAD NO LUCK WITH GM, AND ARE STUCK WITH BILLS OF 2-3000 DOLLARS. I HOPE YOU CAN CHECK THIS OUT, SEEMS TO COVER GM CARS AND TRUCKS FROM THE 80S-01. THANK'S GRAHAM BROWN. DT

Nov 13, 2002

WHILE TURNING CORNER IN SUBDIVISION TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO 2 GEAR. JUMPED INTO 3RD GEAR AND THE TRUCK JUMPED FORWARD. PROCEEDED TO DRIVE ON HIGHWAY TO GET HOME AND ONCE SLOWED THE TRUCK CONTINUED TO ROAR UNTIL JUMPING INTO 3RD GEAR. ONCE THE TRUCK WAS STOPPED, I HAD NO REVERSE. I WAS TOLD THE REVERSE HOUSING BROKE,WHICH CAUSES THE GEARS TO SLIP AND THIS HAPPENS WITHOUT ANY WARNING...NO PREVIOUS "TRANSMISSION SLIPPING" AND IS A COMMON THING IN THIS MODEL SUBURBAN . TRANSMISSION TECH ALSO SHOWED ME WHERE THIS REVERSE PART BROKE AND SAID GENERAL MOTORS IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND HAS MADE A STRONGER PART FOR THE TRANSMISSION. IF GM KNOWS THIS IS A PROBLEM WHY IS THIS NOT A RECALL? IT IS CAUSED FROM A FAULTY PART. TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IS COSTING ME OVER 1500.00 DOLLARS. THE ABS BRAKES HAVE TO BE HELD TO THE FLOOR AND THEN THE BACK WHEELS SKID. I THOUGHT THE WHOLE PURPOSE OF THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM WAS TO STOP THE SKIDDING. IT IS AS IF THE LOCKING SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK ON SUDDEN STOPS. BECAUSE THE LOCKING DOES NOT TAKE OVER, THE FRONT BRAKES HAVE TO MUCH WEIGHT TO STOP BECAUSE THE REAR DRUMS ARE NOT ENOUGH TO COMPLETE THE STOP. THEY DO NOT WORK TOGETHER, CAUSING THE PADS AND SHOES TO WEAR OUT AND GRIND THE ROTORS AND DRUMS. THE PASSENGER BACK DOOR ELECTRIC WINDOW WHILE ROLLING IT DOWN MAKES A CLUNK NOISE AND THEN IT WILL ONLY ROLL BACK UP TO THE POINT WHERE THE NOISE IS. YOU HAVE TO HAVE 2 PEOPLE GET THE WINDOW UP. ONE HOLDING THE WINDOW AND PULLING AT IT UPWARDS WHILE THE OTHER HOLDS THE BUTTON TO GET IT TO CATCH.*AK

Jan 19, 2002

THIS HAPPENS ONLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY WARMED UP. NO SAFETY DEFECT.

Aug 30, 2001

+ 16 more complaints for this component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

19 complaints

SPRING OF 2008 WE REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP. THEN IN NOVEMBER 2008 THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AGAIN. THE MECHANIC SAID THEY WERE BOTH BRAND NEW FUEL PUMPS BUT HE WAS UNSURE OF WHY THEY BOTH FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY WHEN WE TOOK IT BACK IN MARCH 2009. 3 NEW FUEL PUMPS ALL WITHIN ONE YEAR SOUNDS LIKE A PROBLEM TO US. THE MECHANIC ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE HARNESS. EACH TIME WHEN THE FUEL PUMP WENT OUT THE CAR JUST WOULDN'T START. IT WOULD DRIVE FINE AND THEN JUST NOT RESTART ONCE TURNED OFF. *TR

Apr 15, 2009

PARKED TRUCK NEAR DEALERSHIP AFTER HAVING TROUBLE STARTING IT, TRIED TO RESTART, IT DIDN'T. DEALER TOOK IT IN AND CALLED TO SAY THAT FUEL PUMP IS SHOT AND THEY HAD ONE IN STOCK TO REPLACE IT. THEN FOUR HOURS LATER THEY SAID THE WIRES TO IT WERE MELTED AND THE SENDING UNIT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS THE 5TH TIME TO REPLACE FUEL PUMP FOR THIS TRUCK IN 264,000 MILES. FIRST WAS AT 50,000 MILES. *TR

Apr 29, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 GMC SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC AND THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL PUMP SENDING UNIT WIRES WERE ROTTED OUT, WHICH BURNED OUT THE FUEL PUMP. THE FUEL PUMP AND SENDING UNIT HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 151,000.

Feb 27, 2008

FUEL PUMP FAILED MORE THAN THREE TIMES, ONLY IN THE SUMMER. REASON UNKNOWN, MANY SIMILAR VEHICLES HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. GENERAL MOTORS HAS DONE NOTHING. *JB

Aug 07, 2007

FUEL PUMP ELECTRICAL WIRING SYSTEM FAILURE. INSIDE CANNON PLUG CHARRED AND WIRES ARE MELTED. CANNON PLUG IS CRACKED. THIS WAS ALL DISCOVERED WHEN THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE FUEL PUMP WAS BEING REPLACED. *NM

Sep 28, 2005

Fire: 1

+ 14 more complaints for this component

TIRES

17 complaints

PULLED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY GOT UP TO SPEED OF ROADWAY THAT IS 50 MPH FELT A VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END, SLOWED DOWN IT WENT AWAY, SO I STARTED TO SPEED UP AGAIN TO SEE IF IT CAME BACK, THEN BOOM MY FRONT PASSENGER TIRE LITERALLY BLEW UP, THE TREAD SEPARATED AND THE TIRE ALMOST BLEW COMPLETELY OFF THE RIM. I TEMPORARILY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND SKIDDED TO HALT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TEARING UP A LAWN AND ALMOST TAKING OUT A GUARD RAIL. THE TIRE BENT MY FRONT BUMPER AND RIPPED MY RUNNING BOARD PARTWAY OFF. I AM VERY LUCKY NO OTHER TRAFFIC WAS AROUND ME... I CHANGED THE TIRE TO MY SPARE AND AM NOW IN THE PROCESS OF REMOVING THE REST OF THE CORNERSTONES FORME MY TRUCK, IT'S NOT WORTH THE RISK

Aug 24, 2015

Crash: 1

DT: REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE HAD A TREAD SEPARATION ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2005. THERE WAS NO ROAD CONSTRUCTION. ALSO, THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER HAS NOT HAD THE TIRE INSPECTED AS OF YET. THE TIRE WAS AN ORIGINAL PART. THE TIRE SIZE IS LT245/75R16, AND DOT # 28671UR BM05327-1. THE TIRE WAS MADE IN CANADA. *AK

Sep 28, 2005

DT: THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 GMC SUBURBAN. RECENTLY PURCHASED VEHICLE . ON JULY 31, 2005 WHILE PARKED IN A PARKING LOT AT A STORE SPARE TIRE LOCATED INSIDE VEHICLE EXPLODED AND BLEW OUT THE WINDOW AND BUSTED THE DOOR. ALSO DAMAGED ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS PARKED NEXT TO CALLER'S VEHICLE. . THE DEALER WILL NOT HELP WITH THIS MATTER. THIS TIRE WAS UNDER NHTSA RECALL 01T001000. CALLER HAS NOT CONTACTED THE FIRESTONE MANUFACTURER YET. FIRESTONE, FIREHAWK, TIRE LINE IS P26570R16. THE POLICE CAME AND LOOKED AT THE SCENE BUT THEY DID NOT ISSUE A REPORT.*AK

Aug 03, 2005

WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE, LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO VEER BACK AND FORTH INTO BOTH LANES BEFORE REGAINING CONTROL OF VEHICLE. THIS INCIDENT CAUSE BODY DAMAGE TO LEFT REAR QUARTER PANEL OF VEHICLE. TREAD WAS COMPLETELY OFF TIRE WITH METAL BANDS REVEALED. NLM

Sep 23, 2002

WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, TREAD SEPARATED FROM LEFT REAR TIRE. FIRESTONE CONTACTED. FIRESTONE STEELTEX LT 245 75R16. DOT VN11B1A377. ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT FOR A 1997, GMC, SUBURBAN. *AK *TT

Apr 04, 2002

+ 12 more complaints for this component

VISIBILITY

13 complaints

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 GMC SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V159000 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. UPDATED 01/07/09. *LJ UPDATED 01/12/09. *JB

Dec 12, 2008

THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON MY 1997 GMC SUBURBAN WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, CONSISTENT WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN 03V159000. I CONTACTED GMC, AND AFTER A LENGTHY PHONE CALL TO COLLECT ALL RELEVANT DATA, THEY SET UP AN APPOINTMENT FOR ME AT MY LOCAL GMC DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT INSPECTED THE WIPER ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND INFORMED ME THAT THE FAILURE WAS INDEED DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE WIPER CONTROL CIRCUIT BOARD. HOWEVER, MY SPECIFIC VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. IF I WOULD HAVE HAD THE PROBLEM FIXED PRIOR TO 70,000 MILES ON MY VEHICLE, THEN THEY WOULD HAVE FIXED IT AT NO CHARGE UNDER A "WAIVER SYSTEM?", BUT NOW IT WOULD BE $120 TO FIX. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE. ALTHOUGH GM CONTINUES TO SEND ME MARKETING MATERIAL TO TRADE IN THIS VEHICLE FOR A NEW ONE, THEY FAILED TO INFORM ME AT ANY TIME OF THIS SAFETY HAZARD RECALL. THEY ALSO WASTED SEVERAL HOURS OF MY TIME ON THE TELEPHONE AND ARRANGING TO LEAVE MY VEHICLE AT THE DEALER PRIOR TO TELLING ME THAT I WAS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE RECALL. HOW CAN THIS AUTOMAKER HAVE PUBLIC SAFETY IN MIND WHEN THEY DENY CONSUMERS A REMEDY TO A POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC SAFETY HAZARD BASED ON THE NUMBER OF MILES ON THEIR VEHICLE? THIS IS A $30 RETAIL PRICE CIRCUIT BOARD! APPARENTLY MY SAFETY AND THAT OF OTHERS AROUND ME IS NOT WORTH $30 TO GMC. THE "ICING ON THE CAKE" IS THE AMOUNT OF TIME THAT GM INVESTED TALKING ABOUT WHAT THEY WERE GOING TO DO, AND THEN BACK PEDDLING ON WHY THEY COULDN'T REPLACE THE CARD UNDER THE RECALL. WHAT WOULD THE COST BE IF I WAS CAUGHT IN A RAINSTORM DRIVING HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP WITH MY UNREPAIRED VEHICLE AND HAD A CRASH? I HAVE PERSONALLY REPLACED THE DEFECTIVE PART WITH A REPLACEMENT THAT I PURCHASED AT AN AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLY STORE. *JB

Jul 21, 2007

I HAVE A 1997 GMC SUBURBAN. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS INTERMITTENTLY STOP WORKING COMPLETELY AND UNPREDICTABLY. THIS HAPPENED ONCE OR TWICE SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2001, BUT IN RECENT MONTHS HAS HAPPENED VERY FREQUENTLY, MOST MEMORABLY WHEN I WAS TRAVELING IN HEAVY RAIN ON THE HIGHWAY. I MANAGED TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY, BUT WAS DEFINITELY IN DANGER. I CONTACTED GMC AND WAS TOLD THAT ALTHOUGH THERE IS A RECALL FOR WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE ON 1997 GMC SUBURBANS (GM RECALL #03023; NHTSA RECALL NO. 03V159), MY VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED BASED ON THE VIN. I HAVE SCHEDULED THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIR, BUT FEEL STRONGLY THAT IT SHOULD BE INCLUDED UNDER THE RECALL. *NM

Aug 02, 2005

THERE IS ALREADY AN APR 28, 2003 RECALL BUT YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE REP TOLD ME I SHOULD FILE THIS ANYWAY SINCE THE MANUFACTURER (GMC) WILL NOT HONOR THE RECALL (BELOW). THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE QUEBEDEAUX GMC SERVICE DEPARTMENT IN TUCSON, ARIZONA. GMC REFUSES TO FIX THE PROBLEM (THE WIPERS WILL NOT WORK AND MY WIFE WAS ALMOST IN A BAD ACCIDENT AS A RESULT). AT FIRST, THEY SAID MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. NOW THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT THE WORK WAS ALREADY DONE SINCE THE 2003 RECALL. IT WAS NOT. I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT THEY COULD NOT NOTIFY ME OF THE RECALL BECAUSE I AM ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY AND MOVE RESIDENCES EVERY 2 YEARS. THEY PROBABLY JUST CHECKED IT OFF AS DONE OR THERE WAS A TYPO. EITHER WAY, THE PROBLEM EXISTS AND IT IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD. MAKE : GMC MODEL : SUBURBAN YEAR : 1997 MANUFACTURER : GENERAL MOTORS CORP. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 03V159000 RECALL DATE : APR 28, 2003 COMPONENT: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED : 1755876 SUMMARY: 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. CONSEQUENCE: 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.

Jul 13, 2005

WHILE DRIVING A 1997 GMC SUBURBAN AT NIGHT IN THE RAIN THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING WITHOUT NOTICE. IT RESULTED IN A VERY URGENT AND PANICY STOP ON I96 FROM HIGHWAY SPEED IN RELATIVELY LIGHT TRAFFIC. WE WAITED A FEW MINUTES BY THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THEY RESTARTED ON THEIR OWN. I CALLED THE CORPORATION CUSTOMER SERVICE AND GOT NOWHERE. I WROTE A LETTER THINKING IT WOULD GET ACTION (DEC 1, 2003). I GOT A RESPONSE THAT BASICALLY SAID THAT THIS VEHICLE HAD ALREADY BEEN RECALLED FOR THE PROBLEM AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO. THIS IS ALL NEWS BECAUSE WE PURCHASED THIS TRUCK IN JULY OF 2003. THE SERVICE MANAGER, ELIZABETH NAVARRO, SUGGESTED I GO BACK TO THE DEALER FOR ADDITIONAL EVALUATION. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY COULD NOT EVALUATE IF THE SYSTEM IS FUNCTIONING. SO THE FIRST TIME IT FAILED NEAR THE DEALER WAS YESTERDAY,7/27/04. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS AN AFTERMARKET MODULE (THE COMPONENT THAT EVERYONE AGREES IS FAILING) ON THE VEHICLE AND THAT THEY COULD DO NOTHING. HERE IS MY CONCERN, I AM SOMEWHAT MECHANICALLY INCLINED AND UNDERSTAND THAT I OWN A VEHICLE THAT HAS NOW FAILED AT LEAST TWO MODULES, POSSIBLY THREE, AND IT IS AT MOST EIGHT YEARS OLD WITH 80,000 MILES ON IT. IN TALKING WITH OTHER VEHICLE OWNERS OF SIMILAR AGE AND BRAND I AM TOLD THIS IS COMMON. EVERONE AT GM AND THE DEALERS TALK ABOUT A COMPONENT FAILURE. THEY ACTUALLY HAVE A SYSTEM FAILURE. THE DESIGN IS FAILING. NAMELY THEIR RECALL FIX NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. MY OBVIOUS QUESTION TO YOU IS WHAT TYPE OF FOLLOW UP DO YOU DO AFTER A RECALL HAS BEEN EXECUTED? DO YOU PERFORM ANY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS TO DETERMINE EFFECTIVENESS? MAY I HAVE COPIES OF THOSE STUDIES? BELIEVE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE A MANDATORY COMPONENT. I BELIEVE IF MY WIFE WERE DRIVING THAT NIGHT (OR MY MOTHER) THE PROBABILITY THE THE TRUCK COMING TO A SAFE STOP WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH LESS.*AK

Jul 28, 2004

+ 8 more complaints for this component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

11 complaints

MANIFOLD GASKET FAILED ON MY VEHICLE AT 67,000 MILES AND PROBABLY WELL BEFORE THIS BUT I WAS NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM UNTIL PICKED UP ON ROUTINE MAINTENACE CHECK. NORMALLY, I WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM AND MOVE SINCE I HAVE GMPP (EXTENDED WARRANTY) WITH NO OUT OF POCKET COSTS. NOT IN THIS CASE. THE PROBLEM HERE WITH THE MANIFOLD GASKET IS NOT ABOUT NOISE POLLUTION. IT IS ABOUT CARBON MONOXIDE AND OTHER NOXIOUS GAS LEAKING INTO THE VEHICLE. BEFORE THE LAWYERS AT GMC PICK UP THEIR PENCILS AND START TAKING NOTES, THE END RESULT IN MY CASE WAS ONLY ONE OF FEELING TIRED AT THE WHEEL. PROBLEM SOLVED WHEN THE NEW MANIFOLD GASKETS WERE INSTALLED. EVERYONE HAPPY, NO ACCIDENTS--NOT QUITE SO FAST.. WELL HERE IS THE PROBLEM: I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS PROBLEM IS ENDEMIC TO THIS SERIES OF VEHICLE AND TO BE EXPECTED EVERY 36,000. IF TRUE, THEN THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE DRIVING 1997 AND EARLIER GMC SUBURBANS AROUND TIRED OR WORSE. AS A PHYSICIAN, I AM WELL AWARE THAT THE LONG TERM EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO LOW LEVELS OF VEHICLE EMISSIONS IS UNHEALTHY. I WOULD LIKE GMC TO PRODUCE DATA TO THE NHTSA ON THE FREQUENCY OF MANIFOLD GASKET LEAKS IN THIS SERIES VEHICLE/ENGINE, THE LIKLIHOOD OF SUCH LEAKS SENDING EXHAUST EMISSIONS INTO THE VEHICLE AND THE PROBABILITY OF SUCH LEAKS PRODUCING CATASTROPHIC RESULTS ON THE HIGHWAY. THE NEXT TIME I PICK UP A PAPER AND READ THAT SOMEONE DRIVING A GMC VEHICLE "FELL ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL" I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THAT IT WAS AN ACCIDENT UNRELATED TO CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING.*AK

May 13, 2002

SEVERAL ENGINE RELATED PROBLEMS, LOWER RADIATOR HOSE LEAKING AT THE WATER PUMP, ENGINE OIL COOLER LINES REPLACED, ENGINE PULLEY BROKE DAMAGING THE SERPENTINE BELT, TENIONER ASSEMBLY AND BELT REPLACED, TIMING WAS RESET. *TT

Jan 17, 2002

EVERY TIME DRIVER MAKES A RIGHT HAND TURN ENGINE SPUTTERS LIKE IT WANTS TO STALL, HAS NEVER STALLED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT DEALER FOR 30 DAYS, CANNOT FIND PROBLEM.*AK

Aug 13, 2001

HAVE HEAR MANY AND SEEN MANY RIGHT SIDE HEADGASKET LEAKING COOLENT THINK THERES SOMETHINK WRONG WITH THEM! DEALER IS NO HELP! THANKS.*AK

Jul 10, 2001

ENGINE SHUT COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY/FREEWAY, LOST CONTROL OF BRAKE, STEERING WHEEL AND GEAR. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO STEER INTO SAFETY ALL 3 TIMES. TOOK TO DEALER, 1ST TIME SAID IT WAS "MASS AIR FLOW CONTROLLER" 2 WEEKS LATER THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED, THIS TIME DEALER COULD NOT FIND WHAT IS WRONG GUESSING IS FUEL INJECTION PUMP. NEED ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH IF HAPPEN AGAIN.

Apr 25, 2001

+ 6 more complaints for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 complaints

THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE CHIEF STATED IT WAS POSSIBLE THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE STEERING COLUMN. *AK *JB

Oct 01, 2003

Fire: 1

VEHICLE EXHIBITS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS CAUSING EVERYTHING TO SHUT DOWN, BATTERY CABLES WERE REPLACED, AND GLOW PLUGS REPLACED. *TT

Jan 17, 2002

BATTERY LEAKED SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF ACID, TERMINAL CAME LOOSE, UNABLE TO START, CORROSION TO CABLES AND COMPONENTS IN AREA OF THE BATTERY. *AK

Jan 13, 2001

BATTERY CABLE FAILED, CAUSING SUBURBAN TO STOP IN TRAFFIC. CONTROL OF VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT DUE TO LACK OF POWER. *AK

Jun 21, 2000

CONSUMER OPENED HOOD AND NOTICED BATTERY ACID WAS LEAKING ON A/C CABLE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Jun 09, 2000

+ 4 more complaints for this component

STRUCTURE

4 complaints

DT: THE CONSUMER OWNS A 1996 GMC SIERRA AND A 1997 GMC SUBURBAN. THE VEHICLE'S INSIDE DOOR HANDLES ARE BREAKING. THE ONLY WAY TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE IS OPENING THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. IT IS HAPPENING ON BOTH OF THESE VEHICLES. CONSUMER HAS NOTICED THIS ON OTHER PEOPLE'S VECHILES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TT

Jun 02, 2005

CONSUMER STATED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE RUNNING BOARDS WERE BENT AND LOOSE, DEALER TIGHTENED AND REPLACED BRACKETS. *TT

Jan 17, 2002

CONSUMER STATED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE RUNNING BOARDS WERE BENT AND LOOSE, DEALER TIGHTENED AND REPLACED BRACKETS. *TT

Jan 17, 2002

THERE IS A VISIBLE WATER LEAK FROM THE ROOF TO THE INSIDE OF THE REAR PART OF THE TRUCK, THIS MAKE A POOL INSIDE THE CAR OF ALMOST 1/2 AN INCH OF WATER. IT KEEPS THE CAR WITH A HUMID ATMOSPHERE AND VERY STRONG BAD ODORS DUE TO HUMIDITY, THIS AFFECTS ME MY WIFE AND MY THREE BABIES OF 2 YEAS AND 10 MONTHS OLD. WE ARE ALL THE TIME SUFFERING WITH ALLERGIES AND ASTHMA SINCE WE BOUGHT THE TRUCK. WE KNOW OF TWO OTHER SUBURBANS HERE IN PUERTO RICO THAT HAS SUFFERED THE SAME PROBLEM. THE DEALER COVERS UP THESE, AND SAYS THEY NO NOTHING OBOUT IT. WHAT SHOULD I DO, HOW CAN I HAVE THIS PROBLEM RESOLVED... ???

Nov 08, 1999

SUSPENSION

4 complaints

EXPERIENCED FRONT SUSPENSION PROBLEMS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO WANDER WHILE DRIVING, DEALER REPLACED ARM KIT AND ARM PIT, ALSO EXPERIENCED OUT OF ALIGNMENT CONDITION. *TT

Jan 17, 2002

ALIGNMENT AND SUSPENSION MALFUNCTION CAUSES VEHICLE TO PULL TO THE RIGHT.

Jun 01, 1998

SHOCKS REPLACED DUE TO VEHICLE BOUNCING WHEN CROSSING DIPS IN ROADWAY.

Sep 11, 1997

WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT.

Feb 19, 1997

SEATS

3 complaints

I TWICE UNDER WARRANTY HAVE HAD THE DRIVERS SEAT CARRIAGE ASSEMBLY REPLACED. WITH THE ADVENT OF THE LAST REPAIR I REQUESTED THAT MR. ROB SORENSON, THE SERVICE MANAGER FOR BIG WYOMING LOCATED IN CASPER, WYOMING PUT ME IN TOUCH WITH A GMC FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE WITH WHOM I PLANED TO DISCUSS THESE CONSISTENT REPAIRS. THE REPRESENTATIVE DID TELEPHONE ME AND LEFT ONLY A MESSAGE THAT HE WOULD CONTACT ME AGAIN. THE CARRIAGE ASSEMBLY IS IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE HAS 47,000 MILES WHICH ELIMINATES THE PROVISIONS OF THE WARRANTY FOR REPLACEMENT AND THE FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE HAS NOT CONTACTED ME SINCE LEAVING ME A MESSAGE. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE SEAT ASSEMBLY IS STEEL AND CONNECTS TO AN ALUMINUM CARRIAGE WHICH MAY BE THE CAUSE FOR THESE REPEATED REPAIRS DUE TO THE STEEL COMPONENTS WEAR OF THE ALUMINUM ASSEMBLY AND THEREFORE THE ALLOWANCE IS MADE FOR THE SEAT TO "ROCK". I WOULD SUSPECT THAT THIS WEAR WILL CONTINUE WITH ANY ADDITIONAL REPLACEMENTS OF THE CARRIAGE ASSEMBLY AND EXPECT THAT GMC WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE REPLACEMENTS TO THE SEAT CARRIAGE ASSEMBLY WITHOUT COSTS OF ANY KIND OR NATURE TO ME. *AK

Feb 15, 2001

A CONNECTOR THAT KEEPS THE SEAT IN PLACE BROKE OFF, THE METAL IS SO THIN AND WEEK ON THIS PEICE THAT IF I WERE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THE SEAT WOULD FLY OFF. I HAVE THE BROKEN PEICE. *AK

Jun 08, 2000

THE ALUMINUM AND STEEL SEAT TRACKS AND ANCHORS ARE LOOSE, CAUSING THE SEAT TO BECOME INSECURE WHILE DRIVING . PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Mar 22, 2000

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

CAR LURCHES WHEN TURNING RIGHT AND LEFT, INTERMITTENTLY FEELING LIKE YOU ARE LOOSING CONTROL OF VEHICLE.

Nov 18, 2015

CONSUMER STATED THAT THE CLIPS ON DASH WERE LOOSE, CLIPS WERE INSTALLED AND REPLACED, WATER LEAKS ON PASSENGER SIDE UNDER THE DASH, RIGHT FRONT SEAT RECLINER HANDLE WERE REPLACED. *TT

Jan 17, 2002

TRAILER HITCHES

2 complaints

CONSUMERS GMC SUBURBAN HAS A FACTORY INSTALLED HITCH, WITH A CRACK AND TWO SPLITS IN THE HITCH. *TS THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THERE WAS DEFECT WITH THE HITCH. THE CONSUMER STATED ONE OF THE CRACKS LOOKED AS THOUGH IT HAD BEEN THERE SINCE MANUFACTURING AND THE OTHER SPLIT LOOKED AS THOUGH IT WAS CAUSED BY THIN METAL ON SOFT STEEL. *JB

Nov 02, 2005

TRAILER HITCH RECEIVER DEVELOPED CRACKS ON BOTH SIDES. MJS

Dec 06, 1999

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

2 complaints

VEHICLE WOULD STALL OUT AT ANY SPEED, WHICH CAUISED FUEL PUMP TO BURN OUT, VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART AFTER THIS INCIDENT. CONSUMER HAD REPL THREE FUEL PUMPS REPLACED, BUT, PROBLEM WAS STILL REOCCURRING. ASKING NHTSA ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER. PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS MATTER.*AK

Jun 29, 2001

ROADS WERE SNOWY WHEN ENGINE DIED FOR NO REASON. LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE & ENDED IN A DITCH. TOWED TRUCK/ PULLED VEHICLE OUT OF DITCH. HAD BEEN TO DEALERSHIP MANY TIMES FOR PROBLEM WITH ENGINE. VEHICLE PLACED ON DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE. NO CODES OF PROBLEM SHOWED. MECHANIC REPLACED FUEL PUMP ON DIESEL ENGINE LAST MOMENT.*AK

Jan 11, 2001

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 complaints

ORIGINAL GM BATTERY (SIDE POST STYLE) LEAKED ACID ONTO STEEL BRAKE LINE CAUSING LOSS OF BRAKING SYSTEM PLUS MAXIMUM CORROSSION OF UNDERSIDE OF TRUCK..WE WERE COMPLETELY UNAWARE OF ANY PROBLEM UNTIL WE TRIED TO GO TO WORK IN THE TRUCK AND FOUND NO BRAKES,,HAD THIS HAPPENED ON THHE HIGHWAY AT ANY GREAT SPEED IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR CATASTROPHY..NO ONE AT THE DEALERSHIP OR GM TAKES THIS SERIOUS PLUS WE ARE OUT THE COST OF THE REPAIRS AND THE VEHICLE OUT OF SERVICE..OF

Jan 22, 2000

BATTERY RUPTURED, CAUSING ACID TO LEAK DOWN ON THE BRAKE LINE, RESULTING IN BRAKING SYSTEM FAILURE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

Jun 11, 1999

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 complaints

THE VEHICLE HAS CONSUMES OIL AT APPROXIMATELY 1 QUART EVERY 600 MILES,NO LEAKS VISIBLE. THE DEALER WORKED ON THE OIL PROBLEM IN MAY BUT DID NOT FIX IT. ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW IT HAS HAD A VIBRATION WHEN SPEEDS APPROACH 50 MILES PER HOUR AND INCREASES WITH MORE SPEED, NEW TIRES, CONTINUOUS BALANCING OF TIRES, DOES NOT HELP.

Oct 01, 1999

WHILE DRIVING THE SUBURBAN JUST SHUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING, THIS HAPPENS ON FLAT ROADS AS WELL AS HILLY ROADS, THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, BUT THE ENTIRE COMPUTER IGNITION AND THE ALTERNATOR WERE REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE TRUCK CONTINUES TO DO THE SAME THING. *AK *JB

Oct 06, 1998

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS

2 complaints

WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT & APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE ABS BRAKES FELT FUNNY. THEY FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE. WENT OVER 40 FOOT EMBANKMENT. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY WHEN THE FRONT END NOSED INTO DIRT. DRIVER HIT HEAD ON WINDSHIELD. WAS WEARING SEAT BELT. *AK

Sep 29, 1999

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT WHEN APPLYING BRAKES , WENT TO DEALER, REPLACED BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. AFTER THIS REPAIR, DEFECT WAS STILL OCCURRING WHICH RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO REARENED A ANOTHER VEHICLE AT APPROX 40-45 MPH. ,BRAKES COMPLETLEY FAILE. ,NO ABS WARNING LIGHT. DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

Dec 23, 1997

Crash: 1

Injuries: 2

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

1 complaint

THE IGNITION SWITCH STARTED TO FAIL WHILE DRIVING. FIRST THE HEATER FAN WOULD QUIT AND THE ABS LIGHT WOULD INSTANTLY TURN ON, AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD FAIL TO OPERATE. WHEN THE ABS LIGHT WOULD BE ON THE ABS WOULD FAIL TO OPERATE. THEN SUDDENLY ALL OPERATIONS WOULD GO BACK TO NORMAL. IT WOULD BE UNPREDICTABLE WHEN THE HEATER FAN AND THE ABS WOULD FAIL AND COME BACK. THEN YESTERDAY, THE SUBURBAN STARTED AND DIED 3 SECONDS AFTER STARTING. I RESTARTED THE SUBURBAN AND ALL SEEMED GOOD. I PUT THE SUBURBAN IN DRIVE AND ROLLED AT ABOUT 5 MPH AND THE TRUCK DIED. I STOPPED AND PUT THE SUBURBAN IN TO PARK AND RESTARTED. PLACED IT INTO DRIVE AND MADE IT HOME. WHEN I GOT HOME, I TURNED OFF THE SUBURBAN AND TRIED TO RESTART IT. IT WOULD CRANK BUT NOT FIRE THE ENGINE. THE RADIO AND HEATER AND ALL OTHER ELECTRONICS WOULD OPERATE AS NORMAL, BUT THE DASH LIGHTS WOULD NOT TURN ON I.E. THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON", "BRAKE", "AIR BAG", "ABS". THE IGNITION SWITCH HAS FAILED ON IT AND NOW SITS IN MY DRIVEWAY. *TR

May 23, 2014

SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 complaint

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 GMC SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT WAS CALLING IN REFERENCE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN RECALL 05V379000 CONCERNING ABS BRAKES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS RECEIVING A FALSE READING WITH ABS BRAKES, AND HER STATE AND MODEL YEAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT HAS BEEN HAVING THIS PROBLEM SINCE EARLY SUMMER OF THIS YEAR AROUND MAY OR JUNE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC, AND THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE THE FRONT HUB. THE CONTACT DISCONNECTED THE ABS SYSTEM FROM BOTH OF THE FRONT TIRES AND WAS NO LONGER HAVING THIS PROBLEM, BUT IT WILL NEED TO BE REPAIRED BEFORE WINTER. *AK THE ABS WOULD ACTIVATE WHILE BRAKING AT SLOW SPEED WHICH RESULTED IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *NM

Oct 26, 2005

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

FUEL GAGE WAS ACTING ERRATIC WENT FULL THEN EMPTY WITH FULL TANK . A FEW DAYS LATER THE TRUCK WOULD NOT START. FOUND FUSE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT BLOWN FOR FUEL PUMP. FUEL PUMP WIRING WAS MELTED IN FUEL TANK CAUSING SHORT. HAD TO REPLACE PUMP AND HARNESS WHICH WAS PART OF THE PUMP HOUSING. ALSO REPLACED FUEL FILTER DUE TO LACK OF FUEL FLOW (NO POWER) A WEEK LATER.

Mar 31, 2005

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

1997 GMC SUBURBAN- MULTIPLE ENGINE & TRANSMISSION FAILURES. AT 60,000 MILES, VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHIFT HARD. RETURNED TO SHOP FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIRS SEVERAL TIMES FOR WORK. FINALLY, WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN CITY TRAFFIC, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED COMPELETLY. REQUIRED VALVE COVER AND TRANSMISSION REBUILD @ COST OF $2,000. ON DECEMBER 27 '03, HAD TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR. ON JAN 17 '04, DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS NO ANTIFREEZE IN NEW RADIATOR. RETURNED TO MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE RADIATOR. SAID THE INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. COST: ~$600. TOOK TO ANOTHER MECHANIC FOR SECOND OPINION. SAME DIAGNOSIS. BOTH STATE THAT GM IS AWARE OF BOTH PROBLEMS, HOWEVER, THEY WILL NOT COVER THE COSTS OF REPAIRS OR REPLACEMENT. ADDITIONALLY- REPLACED ALTERNATOR TWO TIMES; REPLACED WATER PUMP TWO TIMES; REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER IN FALL 2003. *AK

Jan 21, 2004

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING THE SERPENTINE BELT TENSIONER BROKE FROM ITS MOUNTING AND RESULTED IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND OTHER COMPONENTS INCLUDING CHARGING OF THE BATTERY. THE ALTERNATOR ALSO SHORTED OUT. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER WERE NOTIFIED. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE WARRANTY NOT LONGER COVERED THE BELT. THE BRAKES SHUTTERED WHILE BRAKING FROM 60 MPH. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT BRAKE PADS AND RESURFACED THE ROTORS. *NLM

Nov 18, 2003

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

1 complaint

CONSUMER STATED AFTER PARKING VEHICLE FUEL LEAKED FROM FUEL TANK. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, TECHNICIAN NOTICED FUEL TANK RUSTED. *AK

Sep 03, 2003

AIR BAGS

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER AND FRIEND WERE DRIVING ON A GRAVEL ROAD WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHILE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND HIT A TREE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. VEHICLE THEN CAREENED OFF OF THE FIRST TREE AND HIT ANOTHER TREE THAT TURNED VEHICLE ONTO THE TOP. BOTH OCCUPANTS WERE TAKEN TO A HOSPITAL FOR MINOR INJURIES AND STITCHES. THE SEAT BELTS WERE WORN AT THE TIME OF ACCIDENT, BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. POLICE RESPONDED TO THE ACCIDENT. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.*AK

Aug 26, 2003

Crash: 1

Injuries: 2

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE SEAT BELTS. ALSO STATED THAT THE TWO REAR SEAT BELTS ARE DEFECTIVE. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE IS NO RECALLS AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. ALSO SPOKE TO THE MANUFACTURER AND STATED THAT SHE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THAT SHE IS RESPONSIBLE OF GETTING THEM FIX. MR

Dec 11, 2002

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,WHEELS

1 complaint

1997 SUBURBAN,IS EXPERIENCING BRAKE FAILURE,WHEN TR YING TO COME TO A STOP.THE BRAKE PEDAL PULSATES,WHENCHECKED WITH THE DEALERSHIP THEY FOUND 2 CRACKED FRONT WHEEL HUBS, THEY CALLED GMC ENGERINERS TO REPORT PROBLEM, IAM THE ORIGERNAL OWNER ,NO ACCIDENTS AND ALL MAINTENCE AND SERVICE DONE BY GMC, THIS VECHICLE HAS LESS THAN 60000 MILES, AND HAS BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED I FEEL THIS IS A DEFECT THAT HAS YET TO BE RECALLED FOR SAFTY REASONS

Nov 27, 2001

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 complaint

WE HAVE HAD THE BRAKES SERVICED FOUR TIMES IN THE 2 YEARS WE OWNED IT, 50,000 MILES. THE STEERING IS ERRATIC AT HIGH SPEEDS.

Sep 19, 2001

STEERING,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

STEERING WOULD PULL TO RIGHT. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP AND MECHANIC REPAIRED IT, BUT CURRENTLY VEHICLE WAS PULLING TO LEFT. STEERING SENSOR WAS REPLACED. HAD AN ACCIDENT DUE TO STEERING PROBLEM. STEERING WENT RIGHT, AND VEHICLE HIT CURB. THEN, SPUN AROUND, BACKWARDS. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE WENT ACROSS 4 LANES. AXLE BROKE , AND VEHICLE TUMBLED DOWN A HILL. *AK

Mar 02, 2001

Crash: 1

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

WHILE TRAVELING 75MPH WITH SPEED CONTROL SET DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO DEACTIVATE SPEED CONTOL BY HITTING SWITCH AND VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ROLL. DRIVER APPLIED BRAKES TO STOP, AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ROLL. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TURNED OFF TO STOP. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK

Jan 09, 2001

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

ACCELERATOR STICKS CAUSING VEHICLE TO LURCH FORWARD WHEN ENOUGH PRESSURE APPLIED TO FREE.*AK

Dec 30, 2000

Crash: 1

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

VEHICLE HAS BEEN OWNED SINCE NEW. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER WITH COMPLAINT THE VEHICLE HAD EXCESSIVE STOPPING DISTANCES AND IT APPEARED ABS WAS MALFUNCTIONING. THE DEALER ADVISED THE BRAKE PERFORMANCE WAS "NORMAL". HAVING OWNED 30 VEHICLES OF ALL TYPES I DO NOT BELIEVE SAME. ALSO TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER WITH A COMPLAINT THE STEERING WAS EXTREMELY VAGUE AND WOULD FEEL LIKE IT HAD A TIME DELAY. AGAIN WAS ADVISED STEERING WAS "NORMAL". DEALER TREATED COMPLAINANT LIKE THE PROVERBIAL VILLAGE IDIOT. NOW, THREE YEARS LATER I HAVE DISCOVERED I AM NOT THE ONLY VILLAGE IDIOT THAT OWNS A GMC SUBURBAN. I FOUND NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS FROM OWNERS WITH THE EXACT SAME COMPLAINTS I HAD. I JUST WANT TO VERIFY WHAT THEY HAVE REPORTED. RECENTLY THE VEHICLE'S COOLING SYSTEM HAS HAD NUMEROUS AND SEQUENTIAL LEAKS. THE DELAER SHRUGS HIS SHOULDERS WHEN QUERIED ABOUT THE CONDITION.*AK

Oct 26, 2000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

THE FRONT BRAKES OF THE SUBURBAN HAS BEEN REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME WITH RAYBESTOS (LIFETIME WEAR) BRAKE SHOES. MY TRANSMISSION STARTED SHIFTING VERY HARD, AS IF SOMEONE HAD REARENDED THE TRUCK AT A SLOW SPEED. I TOOK IT TO AAMCO TRANSMISSION'S FOR REPEARS. AAMCO REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION, BUT DID'NT FIX THE PROBLEM. AFTER $2200.00 AND THE FIFTH ATTEMT TO FIX THE PROBLEM I TOOK IT TO A GMC DEALER AND THEY ACTUALLY FIXED THE PROBLEM THE FIRST TIME FOR $308.

Aug 06, 2000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

ACID WAS LEAKING FROM BATTERY TERMINAL. THUS FAR, DEALER HAD TO REPLACE A/C LINES AND BATTERY CABLE. CONSUMER WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN PE99-073.*AK

Jun 26, 2000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

ON APRIL 10, TRANSMISSION FAILED AND VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP. ON APRIL 18, THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE OWNER AFTER HAVING REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION, THE TRANSMISSION COOLER, AND INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. ON APRIL 27, 2000, THE ENGINE FAILED ON A BUSY ROAD AS SCHOOLS WERE LETTING OUT. THE ENGINE FAILURE, PUT BOTH THE OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE AT RISKS AND THE SCHOOLCHILDREN ALSO, AS THE ENGINE FAILURE RESULTED IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. THE DRIVER AVOIDED COLLISION BUT WITH NO STEERING AND LOSS OF BRAKING POWER, THE RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC. *AK

Apr 28, 2000

POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

LOST CONTROL TRAVELING DOWN INTERSTATE I-20 EASTBOUND IN CONYERS, GA. AXLE SEPARATED, AND REAR WHEEL CAME OFF. SUBURBAN FLIPPED 3X, SKIDDED ON PASSENGER SIDE & CAME TO REST UPSIDE DOWN. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY BUT CAR WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED, INCLUDING MULTIPLE HITS ON FRONT BUMPER. 1 PASSENGER AIRLIFTED TO MEDICAL CTR; 3 OTHERS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE. ALL ALIVE & HEALING (THANK GOD), BUT DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY & AXLE COULD SEPARATE. *AK

Jun 08, 1999

Crash: 1

Injuries: 4

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,CHILD SEAT

1 complaint

THE CHILD SAFETY SEATS DO NOT WORK WITH THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM OF THE SUBURBAN. ONLY THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WILL SECURELY HOLD THE SEAT. I CONTACTED NHTSA TWICE AND GMC CUSTOMER SERVICE 3 TIMES AND MANY OTHER PLACES. FINALLY A GM ENGINEER IN THE SAFETY DEPT. CALLED ME TOOK MY COMPLAINT. HE TRIED TO PUT A SEAT IN A SUBURBAN AND SAID YES THEY DO NOT WORK RIGHT. THEY WANTED TO TAKE CARE OF PROBLEM IN HOUSE. I HAVE HEARD NOTHING MORE FROM THEM. THE VECHILE PULLED TO THE RIGHT FROM DAY ONE HAD IT ALIGNED PROBLEM CONTINUES TO THIS DAY. THE LEFT REAR DOOR HINGE ON DRIVERS SIDE BUSTED OFF. THE DOOR DID NOT OPEN AND SHUT PROPER. HAD PROBLEMS WITH FUSES BLOWING CONSTANTLY. THE BRAKES WORE OUT AT 26000 MILES AND EVERY 10 TO 15 SINCE. THE BRAKES AFTER 10,000 MILES WORE THROUGH THE ROTORS. THE PEDAL WILL OFTEN GO TO THE FLOOR OR THE VECHILE WILL PULL TO THE RIGHT WORSE THAN IT ALREADY DOES. THE EGR VALVE ALSO FAILED AND HAD TROUBLE GETTING IT HOME. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES THEY SAY THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES ON ANY OTHER GM PRODUCT. I TALKED TO GM CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHY SO MANY PROBLEMS AND THEY DIDN'T CARE. THEY WOULD NOT LOOK INTO IT. I AM FILLING OUT ANOTHER FORM WITH THE CONTINUATION OF SAFETY PROBLEMS.

Mar 12, 1999

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

THE SHAFT IN THE POWER STEERING PUMP BUSTED IN TWO AS MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING INTO A CURVE @ 60 MPH. HE WAS ABLE TO KEEP FROM CRASHING. BUT IF I WOULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING IT I WOULDN'T OF BEEN ABLE TO STEER IT. MY HUSBAND WALKED IN THE HOUSE WHITE AS A GHOST. THE DEALER WANTED ME TO DRIVE IT IN 10 MILES ON A CURVING ROAD WITH NO POWER STEERING. I TRIED TO DRIVE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO DO. THE BRAKES WORE OUT AND WERE REPLACED A SECOND TIME (FRONT) @ 36000 MILES. THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED, HAD BEEN 10,000 MILES SINCE LAST BRAKE JOB. THE REAR BRAKES NEEDED READJUSTMENT AGAIN AT 43200 MILES THE PEDAL KEPT GOING TO THE FLOOR AND WAS SOFT. 11/98 BEGAN HAVING MORE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR FAN BLOWER WOULD NOT TURN OFF AND WILL RUN THE BATTERY DEAD CONSTANTLY. 1/99 BOTH FRONT AND REAR U-JOINTS WERE BAD, HAD REPLACED THE CAR WAS WANDERING EVEN WORSE THAN IT USED TO THEY COULD NOT FIND CAUSE. THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL WAS LEAKING AND FRONT BRAKES NEED REPLACING AGAIN. 2/16/99 THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT IN THE VECHILE AT 53174 MILES. I DROVE THE CAR 3 MILES INTO TOWN THE RPMS STARTED GOING UP TO 4000RPMS WASN'T SHIFTING I STOPPED AND PARKED I TRIED TO BACK UP IT STARTED WHINNING AND CLUNKING AND WOULDN'T MOVE. THREE MILES EARLIER I BACKED OUT OF MY GARAGE WITH NO HINT OF TROUBLE 3 MILES LATER I AM STRANDED WITH TWO BABYS. MY HUSBAND CONTACTED GM THEY REFUSED ANY ASSISTANCE. I CONTINUED CONTACTING GM THROUGH OTHER AVENUES I CALLED ROY ROBERTS ONE OF THE VP EXPLAINED I HAD SOME SAFETY CONCERNS WITH THE SUBURBAN. I WAS TOLD HE WOULD RETURN MY PHONE CALL, NO RETURN CALL EVER RECEIVED. I FINALLY FOUND A FACTORY REP. THAT IS LOOKING INTO THE PROBLEM BUT I DON'T HOLD OUT MUCH HOPE THAT GM WILL RESPOND TO OUR CONCERNS. EVERY TIME I HAVE TALKED TO A GM REP. THEY TELL ME NO ONE ELSE HAS THESE PROBLEMS, BUT ACCORDING TO YOUR RECORDS LOTS OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD SIMILIAR PROBLEMS. I HAVE ALL RECORDS AND RECEIPTS AND WOULD LOVE TO GO INTO MORE DETAIL WITH YOU.

Mar 12, 1999

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

1 complaint

TWICE THE VEHICLE HAS RESPONDED TO EMERGENCY BRAKING BY THE PEDAL GOING ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND NOT STOPPING UNTIL CRASHING INTO SOMETHING. BOTH OCCURANCES WERE AT SLOW SPEED (25MPH OR LESS) AND IN BOTH CASES THE ANTI LOCK PULSATIONS IN THE PEDAL WER

Mar 02, 1999

Crash: 1

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

WHEN DRIVING AT 50 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN AND INCREASING SPEED, CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING, AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE SENSOR. ALSO, REPLACED THE PROGRAM ECM, AND SOME METALS PARTS THAT FELL OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *AK

Nov 04, 1998

WHEELS

1 complaint

WAS TRAVELING HIGHWAY AT SPEED OF 55-60MPH WHEN THE FRONT WHEELS OF THE VEHICLE STARTED TO GO LEFT. TOOK TO DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED & CORRECTED. MECHANIC ALIGNED THE WHEELS. NOW WHEELS PULL TO THE RIGHT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TEST DRIVEN. ITS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. GMC SAID COULD NOT HELP UNLESS VEHICLE HAS BROKEN DOWN. *AK

May 28, 1998

1997 GMC Suburban Problems & Complaints

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