Owners have filed 556 complaints
about the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban with NHTSA between 1997 and 2020.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 32 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 89
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Suburban. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 55
10.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 24
14% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1997 compares with every other Chevrolet Suburban
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
11.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
33.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
88.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
33.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1314.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2224.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2830.8%
150,000+ miles
1314.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 1997peak 26Oct 2020
NHTSA investigations into the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
1
investigation is
still open.
DP00001Opened 31 Jan 2000Still openEQUIPMENT
OEM HITCH RECEIVER PLATFORM CRACKING
THE PETITION ALLEGES THAT CRACKS IN THE HITCH RECEIVER PLATFORM MAY LEAD TO SEPARATION OF THE TRAILER AND LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL
EA02006Opened 31 May 2002Closed 23 Jul 2003VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE
AS A RESULT OF THIS, AND THE PRECEDINGINVESTIGATION, RQ99-003, GM HAS EXPANDED THE POPULATION OF SAFETY RECALL 98V-150 (REPLACEMENT OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE) TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL 1.77 MILLION VEHICLES.INCLUDED ARE VARIOUS 1994-1997 MY M/L VANS, S/T TRUCKS AND SUVS, & C/K TRUCKS AND SUVS.SEE ATTACHED TECHNICAL REPORT FOR DETAILS.
EA00013Opened 2 May 2000Closed 28 Jun 2002ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BATTERY LEAKS ACID
EA99011Opened 12 May 1999Closed 27 Feb 2001STEERING
ERRATIC POWER STEERING ASSIST WHILE DRIV
THE OFFICE OF DEFECT INVESTIGATION (ODI) HAS INVESTIGATED ALLEGATIONS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST FLUCTUATIONS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.FOR DETAILS AND A BASIS FOR THE INVESTIGATION CONCLUSIONS, PLEASE SEE THE CLOSING REPORT IN THE EA99-011 PUBLIC FILE.ODI HAS NOT IDENTIFIED A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION.FUTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES ON THIS SUBJECT DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED AT THIS TIME.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION I...
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
06E043000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
03V159000
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
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.
03V093000
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2003064323,584 units in Canada
Other
Certain vehicles (not involved in recall 98-150), may experience a windshield wiper failure due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. If this were to occur in a severe weather situation, driver's visibility could be reduced, which could result in a vehicle crash without prior warning. Correction: Dealer will replace defective wiper motor until 7 years or 112 000 km from date vehicle was originally placed into service or for those vehicles currently outside of this coverage, until March 31 2004.
Recall 200306240,759 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, a short in the electric outside rearview mirror switch could develop. If this were to occur, 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. Correction: Dealer will install a fused jumper harness to the electric outside rearview mirror switch.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Milwaukee, WICrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
THE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOYED AM VEER DISAPPOINTED MY SON WAS INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #10437225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 178,784 milesWaynesboro, VAFire
STEERING
ERRATIC POWER STEERING ASSIST WHILE DRIVING RESULTING IN ERRATIC CONTROL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. STARTED IN 2006 AND ENDED IN 2009. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES TO NO AVAIL.
NHTSA complaint #10291674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 164,000 milesNashville, TNFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT IT BURST INTO FLAMES. OUR DOGS WOKE US UP. THE FIRE STARTED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED 7 MINUTES LATER THERE WAS NOTHING LEFT TO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. THE ENGINE AND UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR WERE UNDAMAGED BY THE FIRE. A TREE NEAR THE CAR ALSO CAUGHT FIRE. CHEVROLET SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON OUR CAR. THEY DO NOT SEEM INTERESTED IN EXAMINING THE CAR SINCE WE SETTLED WITH OUR INSURANCE COMPANY. NEITHER THE FIRE DEPARTMENT NOR THE POLICE SUSPECT ARSON. IT WOULD APPEAR TO BE ELECTRICAL. IF THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN OUR GARAGE WE WOULD HAVE LOST OUR HOUSE.
NHTSA complaint #10236456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,000 milesCincinatti, OHCrash
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. HE CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO A WALL. THE DRIVER SIDE REAR B.F. GOODRICH TIRE TREAD SEPARATED AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE CONTACT STILL HAS THE TIRE AND THE TREAD. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000 AND THE VEHICLE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 132,000.
NHTSA complaint #10200141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesBelvidere, ILFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1997 CHEVY SUBURBAN IN-TANK FUEL SENDING UNIT FIRE: BOUGHT VEHICLE USED WITH 88000 MILES. EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE / BURN UP OF THE UNIT INCLUDED INTERMITTENT FUEL PUMP AND FUEL GAUGE FAILURE, HAD PUMP REPLACED BY PATRICK GMC, PROBLEM PERSISTED, HAD DEALER WOLF CHEVROLET CHECK FUEL PRESSURE THROUGHOUT SYSTEM (OK). ALSO NOTICED AN INTERMITTENT BURNING SMELL. I THEN PURCHASED FROM THE DEALER A REPLACEMENT SENDING UNIT AND ANOTHER FUEL PUMP, AS SOON AS I TOOK THE SENDER OUT OF THE TANK IT WAS OBVIOUSLY CHARRED AND THE MODULAR CONNECTOR BURNT TO A CRISP, WIRES COMPLETELY EXPOSED WITH THE INSULATION GONE PARTIALLY DISINTEGRATED THE ABS PLUG. THIS THING GOT REALLY HOT REPEATEDLY. THE LOWER EXPLOSIVE LIMIT WAS LUCKILY NEVER REACHED WITHIN THE TANK OR THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A SPONTANEOUS EXPLOSION, ESPECIALLY IF THE TANK LOST ITS SEAL AND ALLOWED OUTSIDE AIR INSIDE, (SUCH AS WHEN THE TANK IS EMPTY AND IS PULLING VACUUM), FOR INSTANCE UNSCREWING THE GAS CAP IN IDEAL CONDITIONS NEXT TO A GAS PUMP WITH A 44 GALLON TANK VOID SUCKING IN AS MUCH OXYGEN IN AS THE FILLER TUBE WILL ALLOW, AND HITTING THAT GLOWING RED HOT SENDING UNIT. OLD PART IS IN MY POSSESSION AND IS THE ORIGINAL FACTORY SENDER. INCIDENT DATE IS APPROX. WHEN I PERFORMED THE REPAIR AND DISCOVERED THE BURNED UP SENDER.
NHTSA complaint #10152289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,000 milesVermillion, MNCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 05V379000 CONCERNING THE ANTI- LOCK BRAKES. THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE AT HIS OWN EXPENSE. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED DUE TO THE DEFECTIVE PART, HE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPDATED 11/29/05.
NHTSA complaint #10143901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Clackamas, OR
SERVICE BRAKES
THE PREVIOUS OWNER SAID THE BRAKES WORE QUICKLY BUT WE DIDN'T REALIZE HOW QUICKLY UNTIL WE HAD ISSUES AND GOT THE REPAIR INFORMATION. NEW BRAKES ABOUT EVERY 4 MONTHS ARE NEEDED. ONCE THEY START WEARING THE PADS AND ROTORS ARE GONE WITHIN A DAY. THIS TIME I NEARLY RAN INTO SOMEONE THEY DETERIORATED SO FAST. I'VE READ THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH MANY MORE OF THE SAME VEHICLES
NHTSA complaint #11363081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 178,000 milesMoreno Valley, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I STOPPED TO GET GAS ANC CUT MY TRUCK OFF. I GOT BACK IN IT AND CUT IT ON AN DROVE ABOUT 30 YARDS I NOTICED A SMELL LIKE BURNING WIRES. SO I CUT IT OFF GOT OUT CHECKED THE OUTSIDE THE SMELL IS ONLY ON THE INSIDE. THEN I POPPED THE HOOD AN SMELLED THE SAME SMELL. I PUSHED IT AND PARKED IT. MY CLICKER IS NOT WORKING TO UNLOCK OR LOCK IT, THE LIGHTS WILL NOT GO OFF AND IT MAKES THE RINGING SOUND AS IF THE DRIVER DOOR IS OPEN EVEN WHEN IT'S NOT. I TOOK THE BATTERY OUT TO SEE IF IT WAS THAT BUT ITS FULLY CHARGED.
NHTSA complaint #11282816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,900 milesChicago, IL
ENGINE
MY 1997 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN C-2500 IS LEAKING OIL FROM UNDERNEATH THE ENGINE AND MAKING ENGINE VERY "HOT". THIS HAPPENS WHEN I'M DRIVING THIS VEHICLE.I TOUCH THE ENGINE HOOD AND FEEL THAT IT'S VERY, VERY HOT. I JUST WENT HOME TO PREVENT ANY FIRE OR ACCIDENT. MY MECHANIC SAID IT'S NOT ORDINARY FOR THIS HEAVY DUTY TRUCK TO LEAK OIL WITH ONLY 77,000 MILES. I NEED YOU TO INVESTIGATE MY PROBLEM AND CONTACT GM. YOU CAN EMAIL ME AT [XXX] FOR AN UPDATES REGARDING THIS PROBLEMS. LOOKING FORWARD TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON. THANKS. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10846449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 223,000 milesColts Neck, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
DECEMBER 2009, REPLACED RUPTURED BRAKE LINES ABOVE THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. SEVERELY RUSTED. JULY 15, 2012, RUPTURED BRAKE LINE BY THE DRIVER SIDE FLOOR BOARD AND FIRE WALL. SEVERELY RUSTED. FUEL LINES UNDER THE VEHICLE IS ALSO SEVERELY RUSTED. LEAK CAN CAUSE FIRE. BRAKE FAILURE OCCURRED DURING DRIVING ON ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #10465732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 223,000 milesColts Neck, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
DECEMBER 2009, REPLACED RUPTURED BRAKE LINES ABOVE THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. SEVERELY RUSTED. JULY 15, 2012, RUPTURED BRAKE LINE BY THE DRIVER SIDE FLOOR BOARD AND FIRE WALL. SEVERELY RUSTED. FUEL LINES UNDER THE VEHICLE IS ALSO SEVERELY RUSTED. LEAK CAN CAUSE FIRE. BRAKE FAILURE OCCURRED DURING DRIVING ON ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #10465732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milwaukee, WICrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
THE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOYED AM VEER DISAPPOINTED MY SON WAS INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #10437225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesGreenfield, WI
VISIBILITY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACT AND CONFIRMED THAT REMEDY REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:03V159000(VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER) PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VHEICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,200.
NHTSA complaint #10428068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 178,784 milesWaynesboro, VAFire
STEERING
ERRATIC POWER STEERING ASSIST WHILE DRIVING RESULTING IN ERRATIC CONTROL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. STARTED IN 2006 AND ENDED IN 2009. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES TO NO AVAIL.
NHTSA complaint #10291674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,464 milesBethel Place, PA
STEERING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS FULLY LOADED, THE CONTACT NOTICES THAT THE VEHICLE BECOMES DIFFICULT TO STEER. HE HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC 15 TIMES AND THEY HAVE MADE NUMEROUS REPAIRS, INCLUDING VARIOUS COMPONENTS OF THE STEERING UNIT, STEERING SENSORS, ACTUATOR, AND ALSO ADDITIONS TO THE SPRINGS OF THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM. ALL OF THE REPAIRS HAVE NOT ADEQUATELY REPAIRED THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS REFERRED BACK TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,464 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000. UPDATED 10/08/08. *LJ UPDATED 10/10/08.
NHTSA complaint #10238725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,464 milesBethel Place, PA
SUSPENSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS FULLY LOADED, THE CONTACT NOTICES THAT THE VEHICLE BECOMES DIFFICULT TO STEER. HE HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC 15 TIMES AND THEY HAVE MADE NUMEROUS REPAIRS, INCLUDING VARIOUS COMPONENTS OF THE STEERING UNIT, STEERING SENSORS, ACTUATOR, AND ALSO ADDITIONS TO THE SPRINGS OF THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM. ALL OF THE REPAIRS HAVE NOT ADEQUATELY REPAIRED THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS REFERRED BACK TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,464 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000. UPDATED 10/08/08. *LJ UPDATED 10/10/08.
NHTSA complaint #10238725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,600 milesAshland, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
HOOD LATCH ON 1997 CHEVY SUBURBAN KEEP FAILING, HOOD FLIES UP WHILE DRIVING. HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN TWO YEARS.
NHTSA complaint #10238582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 164,000 milesNashville, TNFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT IT BURST INTO FLAMES. OUR DOGS WOKE US UP. THE FIRE STARTED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED 7 MINUTES LATER THERE WAS NOTHING LEFT TO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. THE ENGINE AND UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR WERE UNDAMAGED BY THE FIRE. A TREE NEAR THE CAR ALSO CAUGHT FIRE. CHEVROLET SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON OUR CAR. THEY DO NOT SEEM INTERESTED IN EXAMINING THE CAR SINCE WE SETTLED WITH OUR INSURANCE COMPANY. NEITHER THE FIRE DEPARTMENT NOR THE POLICE SUSPECT ARSON. IT WOULD APPEAR TO BE ELECTRICAL. IF THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN OUR GARAGE WE WOULD HAVE LOST OUR HOUSE.
NHTSA complaint #10236456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesGreenville, SC
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE ON RAINY INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. 1997 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN.
NHTSA complaint #10216196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 219,990 milesHavelock, NC
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DELAY FEATURE ON THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED SPORADICALLY. SHE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V159000 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER) AND GM RECALL NUMBER 03023 IN FEBRUARY OF 2002. THE RECALL WORK WAS PERFORMED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. THE CONTACT WANTED TO NOTIFY NHTSA, BEFORE NOTIFYING THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND NUMBER OF CYLINDERS WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 220,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 219,990.
NHTSA complaint #10214481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesVernon Hills, IL
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED IN THE RAIN, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT ACTIVATE. THE CONTACT TOOK HER VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V159000 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER). A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER WAS FILED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #10208506 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,000 milesCincinatti, OHCrash
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. HE CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO A WALL. THE DRIVER SIDE REAR B.F. GOODRICH TIRE TREAD SEPARATED AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE CONTACT STILL HAS THE TIRE AND THE TREAD. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000 AND THE VEHICLE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 132,000.
NHTSA complaint #10200141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,856 milesRiverside, CA
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
I HAVE LOST STEERING AND BRAKING ON 1996 6.5 TURBO DIESEL SUBURBAN THREE TIMES NOW I DRIVE NORMALLY. I AM 42 AND HAVE A FAMILY OF SEVEN. WHEN BRAKING THE POWER BOOSTER HAS ZERO PRESSURE AND IT IS VERY HARD TO STOP AND AT THE VERY SAME TIME ALL POWER STEERING IS LOST. I THOUGHT THE POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED, SO I REPLACED IT, NO CHANGE. STILL NO POWER BRAKES OR STEERING. I REPLACED HYDROBOOST UNIT BRAKING AND STEERING RETURNED. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE HYDROBOOST THREE TIMES IN 8 MONTHS. I COMPLETELY REMOVED THE SOLENOID MAGNET FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP TO TEST IF THE POWER STEERING PUMP CAUSES THE HYDRO BOOST UNIT TO FAIL, I DID THIS BETWEEN HYDRO UNIT 1 AN 2, I REINSTALLED MAGNET BETWEEN UNIT 2 AND 3 THE FIRST TIME I LOST BRAKING AND STEERING THERE WAS NO WARNING, I WENT TO STOP AND HAD HARD, NON POWER BRAKES AND NO POWER STEERING. THE SECOND, THIRD TIME I KNEW TO REPLACE THE HYDROBOOST UNIT, WHEN BRAKING AND TURNING THE STEERING GETS HARD OR THE BRAKES GET HARD, THEN I REPLACE THE HYDROBOOST UNIT, BRAKE AND STEERING RETURN TO NORMAL I COMPLETELY FLUSHED THE POWER STEERING FLUID EACH TIME INTO A CLEAN BUCKET, NO BIG PARTICLES OR HOSE MATERIAL. THIS BRAKING SYSTEM IS DANGEROUS, IMAGINE DRIVING DOWN A WINDING TWO LANE STEEP DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN ROAD, WITH A HEAVY SUBURBAN AND YOU LOOSE STEERING AND BRAKES I TURNED IN THE ORIGINAL PARTS AS CORES TO GET MY MONEY BACK.
NHTSA complaint #10157450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,856 milesRiverside, CA
EQUIPMENT
I HAVE LOST STEERING AND BRAKING ON 1996 6.5 TURBO DIESEL SUBURBAN THREE TIMES NOW I DRIVE NORMALLY. I AM 42 AND HAVE A FAMILY OF SEVEN. WHEN BRAKING THE POWER BOOSTER HAS ZERO PRESSURE AND IT IS VERY HARD TO STOP AND AT THE VERY SAME TIME ALL POWER STEERING IS LOST. I THOUGHT THE POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED, SO I REPLACED IT, NO CHANGE. STILL NO POWER BRAKES OR STEERING. I REPLACED HYDROBOOST UNIT BRAKING AND STEERING RETURNED. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE HYDROBOOST THREE TIMES IN 8 MONTHS. I COMPLETELY REMOVED THE SOLENOID MAGNET FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP TO TEST IF THE POWER STEERING PUMP CAUSES THE HYDRO BOOST UNIT TO FAIL, I DID THIS BETWEEN HYDRO UNIT 1 AN 2, I REINSTALLED MAGNET BETWEEN UNIT 2 AND 3 THE FIRST TIME I LOST BRAKING AND STEERING THERE WAS NO WARNING, I WENT TO STOP AND HAD HARD, NON POWER BRAKES AND NO POWER STEERING. THE SECOND, THIRD TIME I KNEW TO REPLACE THE HYDROBOOST UNIT, WHEN BRAKING AND TURNING THE STEERING GETS HARD OR THE BRAKES GET HARD, THEN I REPLACE THE HYDROBOOST UNIT, BRAKE AND STEERING RETURN TO NORMAL I COMPLETELY FLUSHED THE POWER STEERING FLUID EACH TIME INTO A CLEAN BUCKET, NO BIG PARTICLES OR HOSE MATERIAL. THIS BRAKING SYSTEM IS DANGEROUS, IMAGINE DRIVING DOWN A WINDING TWO LANE STEEP DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN ROAD, WITH A HEAVY SUBURBAN AND YOU LOOSE STEERING AND BRAKES I TURNED IN THE ORIGINAL PARTS AS CORES TO GET MY MONEY BACK.
NHTSA complaint #10157450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesDiamondhead, MS
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
1997 CHEVEROLET C1500 SUBURBAN INTERMITTENT WIPER MOTOR FAILURE TO WORK PROPERLY. CAUSES LACK OF VISIBILITY DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS OR DURING WINDSHIELD CLEANING OPERATIONS. WIPERS WILL CEASE TO WORK CONTINUOUS AND PROBLEM IS SPORADIC.
NHTSA complaint #10156869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesKlamath Falls, OR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
I HAVE A 1997 CHEVY SUBURBAN WITH A 7.4 ENGINE. FOR THE MOST PART ITS BEEN A GOOD VEHICLE, BUT THE BRAKES ARE ANOTHER STORY. THE SUBURBAN HAS BEEN THROUGH 2 SETS OF FRONT BRAKES, AND NONE IN THE REAR. BEING CONCERNED, THE 3RD MECHANIC TO REALLY SPEND TIME FIGURING OUT THE PROBLEM, FOUND OUT THE BRAKE PRESSURE MODULATOR VALVE HAS MALFUNCTIONED. $800 FOR REPLACEMENT. DOING A LITTLE RESEARCH, GM HAD RECALLED THIS PART ON SEVERAL OF THERE 2000 SUV MODELS. CONTACTED THE GM CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT IS AN "OLD VEHICLE" AND GM WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. SO I GUESS GM'S SAFETY SYSTEMS ARE ONLY GOOD FOR 10 YEARS. THIS WILL BE MY LAST GM VEHICLE I WILL EVER OWN.
NHTSA complaint #10153866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesBelvidere, ILFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1997 CHEVY SUBURBAN IN-TANK FUEL SENDING UNIT FIRE: BOUGHT VEHICLE USED WITH 88000 MILES. EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE / BURN UP OF THE UNIT INCLUDED INTERMITTENT FUEL PUMP AND FUEL GAUGE FAILURE, HAD PUMP REPLACED BY PATRICK GMC, PROBLEM PERSISTED, HAD DEALER WOLF CHEVROLET CHECK FUEL PRESSURE THROUGHOUT SYSTEM (OK). ALSO NOTICED AN INTERMITTENT BURNING SMELL. I THEN PURCHASED FROM THE DEALER A REPLACEMENT SENDING UNIT AND ANOTHER FUEL PUMP, AS SOON AS I TOOK THE SENDER OUT OF THE TANK IT WAS OBVIOUSLY CHARRED AND THE MODULAR CONNECTOR BURNT TO A CRISP, WIRES COMPLETELY EXPOSED WITH THE INSULATION GONE PARTIALLY DISINTEGRATED THE ABS PLUG. THIS THING GOT REALLY HOT REPEATEDLY. THE LOWER EXPLOSIVE LIMIT WAS LUCKILY NEVER REACHED WITHIN THE TANK OR THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A SPONTANEOUS EXPLOSION, ESPECIALLY IF THE TANK LOST ITS SEAL AND ALLOWED OUTSIDE AIR INSIDE, (SUCH AS WHEN THE TANK IS EMPTY AND IS PULLING VACUUM), FOR INSTANCE UNSCREWING THE GAS CAP IN IDEAL CONDITIONS NEXT TO A GAS PUMP WITH A 44 GALLON TANK VOID SUCKING IN AS MUCH OXYGEN IN AS THE FILLER TUBE WILL ALLOW, AND HITTING THAT GLOWING RED HOT SENDING UNIT. OLD PART IS IN MY POSSESSION AND IS THE ORIGINAL FACTORY SENDER. INCIDENT DATE IS APPROX. WHEN I PERFORMED THE REPAIR AND DISCOVERED THE BURNED UP SENDER.
NHTSA complaint #10152289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milwaukee, WI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
CONSUMER COMPLAINT REGARDING 1997 SUBURBAN BRAKING MALFUNCTIONS. *TS THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT TWO SENSORS WERE NEEDED BECAUSE THE CURRENT ONES WERE CORRODED. THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE SAME SYMPTOM AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL FOR THE 1998-2002 VEHICLES.
NHTSA complaint #10151900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,000 milesWest Liberty, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS HAVING ABS PROBLEMS. WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP AT SLOWER SPEEDS THE ABS ACTIVATED CAUSING GREATER STOPPING DISTANCES. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 05V379000, REGARDING THE ABS. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE YEAR OF THE VEHICLE. REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE AND THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED.
NHTSA complaint #10151159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesLeesburg, VA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
IN JULY/AUGUST 2005 I BEGAN EXPERIENCING ACTIVATION OF THE ABS AT VERY LOW SPEEDS OF 5-10 MPH IN 1997 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. I TOOK THE CAR TO REPAIR SHOP AND FOUND OUT THAT THE FRONT BRAKE UNITS, CALIPERS, ETC., WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I DID THIS. ALSO ,FOUND OUT THAT THE ABS UNITS WERE NOT READING THE SPEED CORRECTLY AND THIS WAS CAUSING THE ABS BUMPING AT LOW SPEEDS. ADVISED THEY SHOULD BE REPLACED AT COST OF $1200! IN JANUARY 2006 I READ ABOUT THE SUBURBAN RECALL FOR MALFUNCTIONING ABS AND UNUSUAL CORROSION OF BRAKES. UNFORTUNATELY, THE RECALL STARTED FOR 1999 MODELS. I BELIEVE MY 1997 VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL AND THEY RECOMMENDED THE ABS UNITS BE CLEANED AND THAT THEY WILL FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE OTHER REPAIR SHOP (WHO DID THE BRAKE REPAIRS) RECOMMENDED AGAINST CLEANING"AND SAID IN THEIR EXPERIENCE THIS DOESN'T WORK. SUBURBAN HAS ONLY 61,000 MILES, SO IT HAS NOT BEEN OVER USED. I PUT ABOUT 6,000 MILES A YEAR ON IT, MOSTLY FOR PULLING A HORSE TRAILER AND FOR THIS I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT SAFE BRAKING. I BELIEVE THAT THIS 1997 SUBURBAN HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE 199S. I'VE SPENT ABOUT $500 ON THE BRAKE REPAIRS SO FAR AND THE ABS WILL COST ME ANOTHER $1200. FOR A VEHICLE THAT GETS SO LITTLE USE BY ME, THIS IS A LOT OF MONEY. I WOULD LIKE THE 1997 TO BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I AM UPSET BY THE EXPENSE OF REPAIRING THESE APPARENT MANUFACTURING FLAWS.
NHTSA complaint #10148929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesLeesburg, VA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
IN JULY/AUGUST 2005 I BEGAN EXPERIENCING ACTIVATION OF THE ABS AT VERY LOW SPEEDS OF 5-10 MPH IN 1997 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. I TOOK THE CAR TO REPAIR SHOP AND FOUND OUT THAT THE FRONT BRAKE UNITS, CALIPERS, ETC., WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I DID THIS. ALSO ,FOUND OUT THAT THE ABS UNITS WERE NOT READING THE SPEED CORRECTLY AND THIS WAS CAUSING THE ABS BUMPING AT LOW SPEEDS. ADVISED THEY SHOULD BE REPLACED AT COST OF $1200! IN JANUARY 2006 I READ ABOUT THE SUBURBAN RECALL FOR MALFUNCTIONING ABS AND UNUSUAL CORROSION OF BRAKES. UNFORTUNATELY, THE RECALL STARTED FOR 1999 MODELS. I BELIEVE MY 1997 VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL AND THEY RECOMMENDED THE ABS UNITS BE CLEANED AND THAT THEY WILL FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE OTHER REPAIR SHOP (WHO DID THE BRAKE REPAIRS) RECOMMENDED AGAINST CLEANING"AND SAID IN THEIR EXPERIENCE THIS DOESN'T WORK. SUBURBAN HAS ONLY 61,000 MILES, SO IT HAS NOT BEEN OVER USED. I PUT ABOUT 6,000 MILES A YEAR ON IT, MOSTLY FOR PULLING A HORSE TRAILER AND FOR THIS I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT SAFE BRAKING. I BELIEVE THAT THIS 1997 SUBURBAN HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE 199S. I'VE SPENT ABOUT $500 ON THE BRAKE REPAIRS SO FAR AND THE ABS WILL COST ME ANOTHER $1200. FOR A VEHICLE THAT GETS SO LITTLE USE BY ME, THIS IS A LOT OF MONEY. I WOULD LIKE THE 1997 TO BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I AM UPSET BY THE EXPENSE OF REPAIRING THESE APPARENT MANUFACTURING FLAWS.
NHTSA complaint #10148929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.