The GMC Suburban has 22 NHTSA recall campaigns on record covering 1981–2000. On average a defect was admitted 4.53 years after the car was built, the slowest took 14 years. The most recalled system is Service Brakes, Hydraulic (5 campaigns). Owners also filed 1,379 complaints on this model — see what breaks.
What was recalled on the GMC Suburban
Grouped by system. Open any row for the campaigns themselves — what failed, what it risks and how the dealer fixes it, straight from the NHTSA filing.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 5 Read
What's wrong. Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with vacuum power, 4-wheel disc brakes. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 105, "hydraulic brake systems." these vehicles were built with a kinked brake booster vacuum supply hose
Risk. These vehicles do not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 105
Fix. Dealers will re-route the brake booster vacuum supply hose
What's wrong. Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. One or both front brake rotor/hubs were built with an out-of-specification gray iron that can fail during the life of the vehicle
Risk. If a driver continues to drive with a cracked rotor, the cracks could continue around the wheel mounting bolt circle and ultimately result in a wheel separation
Fix. Dealers will inspect the rotors for a core date of "287" and, if found, replace the rotor
What's wrong. 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
Fix. Dealers will install a new brake pedal pad. In addition, dealers will inspect the brake-booster output rod and replace it if necessary
Visibility 3 Read
What's wrong. Certain sport utility vehicles, mini vans, and pickup trucks may develop a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch
Risk. If this were to happen, it could result in an inoperative switch, heat damage to the driver's door, and/or ignition of components in the driver's door and a subsequent vehicle fire without prior warning
Fix. Dealers will install a fused jumper harness to the electric outside rearview mirror switch. Owner notification began on april 24, 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…
What's wrong. 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
Fix. 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,…
What's wrong. Certain sport utility vehicles, mini vans, and pickup trucks may develop a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch
Risk. If this were to happen, it could result in an inoperative switch, heat damage to the driver's door, and/or ignition of components in the driver's door and a subsequent vehicle fire without prior warning
Fix. Dealers will install a fused jumper harness to the electric outside rearview mirror switch. Owner notification began on april 24, 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…
Power Train 3 Read
What's wrong. Due to a thin case casting, an external transmission leak can occur
Risk. This condition can cause transmission oil to sprayonto the exhaust system and result in a possible vehicle fire
Fix. Dealers will inspect the transmission case assembly for the involved case casting. If the assembly is involved, the transmission will be replaced
What's wrong. The transmission shift-cable lock clip can back out of its installed position resulting in a loss of cable adjustment. When the shift lever is placed in the "park" position, the "park" indicator light may not illuminate
Risk. The vehicle can move unintentionally if the driver does not notice that the indicator light is not on and does not apply the parking brake
Fix. Dealers will adjust the shift cable and install a lock clip
What's wrong. Unanticipated heat in the transmission can force the transmission fluid out of the vent tube
Risk. The vented transmission fluid can catch fire if exposedto a source of ignition
Fix. Install a longer transmission vent hose routed to the left side of the engine compartment of the vehicle
Seat Belts 2 Read
What's wrong. Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with the occupant protection requirements of fmvss no. 208, "occupant crash protection."
Risk. In the event of a vehicle crash, the right front passenger restraint systems may not meet the neck extension requirements
Fix. Dealers will install a tray insert on the top of the passenger side of the instrument panel. The tray insert corrects the noncompliance
What's wrong. Drivers seat and/or shoulder belt locking mechanism may not operate
Risk. In a crash, affected belts would not lock, therebyincreasing the possibility of injury to the seat occupant
Fix. Install a new drivers seat belt assembly
Seats 2 Read
What's wrong. The recliner mechanism and the seat frame may have foam and/or vinyl vetween them, creating a "soft" joint. This "soft" joint results in lower than specified bolt torque which leads to joint looseness, causing bolt fatigue and eventual bolt failure
Risk. If bolt failure occurs to the driver's seat, it would allow the seat back to suddenly recline, and could result in loss of vehicle control and a vehicle crash without prior warning
Fix. Dealers will remove the foam and/or vinyl from between the recliner mechanism and the seat frame "soft" joint and replace the recliner bolts
What's wrong. The recliner mechanism and the seat frame may have foam and/or vinyl between them, creating a "soft" joint. This "soft" joint results in lower than specified bolt torque which leads to joint looseness, causing bolt fatigue and eventual bolt failure
Risk. If bolt failure occurs to the driver's seat, it wouldallow the seat back to suddenly recline, and could result in loss of vehiclecontrol and a vehicle crash without prior warning
Fix. Dealers will remove the foam and/or vinyl from between the recliner mechanism and the seat frame "soft" joint and replace the recliner bolts
What's wrong. The recliner mechanism and the seat frame may have foam and/or vinyl between them, creating a "soft" joint. This "soft" joint results in lower than specified bolt torque which leads to joint looseness, causing bolt fatigue and eventual bolt failure
Risk. If bolt failure occurs to the driver's seat, it wouldallow the seat back to suddenly recline, and could result in loss of vehiclecontrol and a vehicle crash without prior warning
Fix. Dealers will remove the foam and/or vinyl from between the recliner mechanism and the seat frame "soft" joint and replace the recliner bolts
Structure 1 Read
What's wrong. Certain pickup truck, van, and mini van conversions equipped with southern comfort built running boards that contain certain courtesy lights manufactured by american technology components, inc. These units contain a courtesy light or lights that might overheat when the wire harness is exposed to excessive moisture and road salt
Risk. This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire
Fix. Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began march 7, 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 southern comfort at 1-800-745-6096
Fuel System, Gasoline 1 Read
What's wrong. 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
Fix. 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)
What's wrong. 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
Fix. 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)
What's wrong. 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
Fix. 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)
Vehicle Speed Control 1 Read
What's wrong. These vehicles were assembled with the throttle cable contacting the dash mat which could bind the throttle. This does not meet with the maximum return times required by federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 124, "accelerator control systems."
Risk. Consequence of non-compliance: the engine speed may not return to idle increasing the potential for a vehicle accident
Fix. Dealers will inspect for adequate throttle cable to dash mat clearance, and if there is insufficient clearance, cut out a portion of the dash mat to provide proper clearance
What's wrong. These vehicles were assembled with the throttle cable contacting the dash mat which could bind the throttle. This does not meet with the maximum return times required by federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 124, "accelerator control systems."
Risk. Consequence of non-compliance: the engine speed may not return to idle increasing the potential for a vehicle accident
Fix. Dealers will inspect for adequate throttle cable to dash mat clearance, and if there is insufficient clearance, cut out a portion of the dash mat to provide proper clearance
Air Bags 1 Read
What's wrong. The vehicles have both the supplemental inflatable restraint (sir) label and an engine start label installed on the same side of the sun visor. This does not comply with fmvss no.208, "occupant crash protection."
Risk. Consequence of non-compliance: operators could fail to notice and heed the warning label
Fix. The engine start label will be removed from the stowed side of the sun visor and a new engine start label will be installed on the headliner in the sun visor depression. Owners will receive the new label and can install the label themselves or have a dealer install it
Engine And Engine Cooling 1 Read
What's wrong. 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
Fix. Dealers will install some recently developed enhancements which will improve the overall driveability of these vehicles
How long a defect stays unadmitted
Campaign numbers encode the year of the announcement, so each recall on this model can be dated against the car it applies to.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Average gap before admission | 4.53 years |
| Slowest campaign | 14 years |
| Admitted 5+ years later | 44.7% |
| Campaigns on record | 22 |
Which Suburban years were recalled most
Campaigns per model year. A year with more campaigns is not automatically worse — it may simply have sold in far greater numbers.
| Model year | Campaigns | Most recalled system |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1999 | Seat Belts | |
| 1998 | Visibility | |
| 1997 | Visibility | |
| 1996 | Visibility | |
| 1995 | Visibility | |
| 1994 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1993 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1992 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1991 | Power Train | |
| 1990 | Power Train | |
| 1989 | Power Train | |
| 1988 | Seat Belts | |
| 1982 | Trailer Hitches | |
| 1981 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic |
Check your own car
A campaign applies to a range of production, not to every car of the model. The only way to know whether yours is affected — and whether the repair was already done — is by VIN.
| Step | What you get |
|---|---|
| Enter the VIN above | Open campaigns for that exact vehicle, straight from NHTSA |
| Check the repair status | Whether the free fix has already been carried out on this car |
| Book at any franchised dealer | Recall work is free regardless of age, mileage or owner |
Go deeper
A campaign covers a production range. Yours is one car.
- Check whether this exact VIN is affected — and whether the fix was done
- Alerts if a new campaign lands on a car in your garage
- Full research report as a PDF you can hand to a mechanic
- Decode a whole list of VINs at once
- No ads, on every page
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the GMC Suburban have?
22 NHTSA campaigns on record, covering 1981–2000. Not every campaign applies to every car — coverage is by production range, so check your VIN.
Is recall work free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer regardless of the car's age, mileage or how many owners it has had. That is a federal requirement, not a courtesy.
How do I know if my Suburban still has an open recall?
Enter its VIN above. We show campaigns that apply to that exact vehicle and whether the repair has already been recorded as done.
Why did a defect take years to be recalled?
On this model the average gap between the car being built and the defect being admitted is 4.53 years, and the slowest campaign came 14 years later. Defects usually surface as they accumulate in the field: complaints pile up, an investigation opens, and only then is a campaign issued.