Owners have filed 861 complaints
about the 1999 Chevrolet Suburban with NHTSA between 1998 and 2023.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 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 — 100
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Suburban. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 78
15.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 20
12% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1999 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
10.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
51.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
20.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
4917.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
6322.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
6423.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
6724.3%
150,000+ miles
259.1%
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.
Jul 1998peak 41Jul 2023
NHTSA investigations into the 1999 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.
EA11001Opened 5 Jan 2011Closed 8 Apr 2015SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Brake line corrosion failure
On January 11, 2011, ODI opened EA11-001 to investigate allegations of premature brake line corrosion failure in model year (MY) 1999 through 2003 General Motors (GM) full-size pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles sold or registered in the following region of the United States that NHTSA has viewed as salt states for investigations of corrosion related issues:Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wis...
PE10010Opened 30 Mar 2010Closed 5 Jan 2011SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Brake line corrosion failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Defect Petition DP10-003 on March 2, 2010, requesting the investigation of model year (MY) 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 4WD pickup trucks for corrosion failures of the vehicle brake lines.DP10-003 was granted and on March 30, 2010, Preliminary Evaluation PE10-010 was opened on more than six million model year 1999 through 2003 light trucks and sport utility vehicles manufactured and sold by General Motors Corporation (GM).On July 2, 2010, ODI received GM's response to an information request, which included GM's assessment of the frequency a...
IN A LETTER DATED AUGUST 29, 2005, GM NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT WAS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1999 THROUGH 2002 C/K PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES TO CORRECT A PROBLEM WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) WHEEL SPEED SENSOR CORROSION THAT MAY RESULT IN UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AND EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING LOW-SPEED BRAKING (RECALL 05V-379).GM'S RECALL COVERS APPROXIMATELY 804,000 VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING 14 SALT-BELT STATES:CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, V...
PE03026Opened 12 Jun 2003Closed 3 Nov 2003WHEELS
STEEL WHEEL RIM FRACTURE
THERE HAVE BEEN LESS THAN 2 COMPLAINTS PER 100,000 SUBJECT VEHICLES RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT.THE OLDEST VEHICLES (MY 1999) HAVE ONLY 2 COMPLAINTS IN OVER 140 THOUSAND VEHICLES AFTER OVER 4 YEARS IN SERVICE.THE RATE OF WARRANTY CLAIMS POTENTIALLY RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IS LESS THAN 0.1%.THERE ARE NO KNOWN INCIDENTS INVOLVING RAPID LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE OR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. A DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.TH...
EA02015Opened 1 Aug 2002Closed 12 Jan 2004VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
THROTTLE STICKING CLOSED
THIS INVESTIGATION INVOLVES THE GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION (GM)THROTTLE BODY (TB) UTILIZED IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999-2002 SILVERADO, SIERRA, TAHOE, SUBURBAN, AVALANCHE AND YUKON (SUBJECT VEHICLE(S)) WITH 4.8L, 5.3L, AND 6.0L ENGINES. THE TB VALVE MAY INTERMITTENTLY STICK IN A CLOSED POSITION.IN SUCH A SITUATION, AN OPERATOR MAY APPLY ADDITIONAL ACCELERATOR PEDAL FORCE TO INCREASE ENGINE SPEED.THE APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ACCELERATOR PEDAL FORCE, TO OPEN A STUCK THROTTLE VALVE, MAY OPEN THE THROTTLE VALVE MORE THAN INTENDED AND, IN TURN, ACCELERATE THE ENGINE AND VEHICLE MORE THAN INTENDED AND R...
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...
Recalls on the 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
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.
00V122000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2000270116,675 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the body cross sill may contact the front, right-hand brake pipe. This could eventually wear a hole in the brake pipe over the normal life of the vehicle and result in a brake fluid leak. This could ultimately result in a partial brake system failure and increased stopping distances. Correction: Dealers will inspect for brake pipe wear and replace worn section if necessary. A spacer clip will be installed to ensure adequate clearance.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 175,000 milesBangor, PACrash1 injured
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE OWNER OF A 1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH DOWNHILL, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO SLOW THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE REACHED SPEEDS OF BETWEEN 95-100 MPH BEFORE CRASHING INTO A BUILDING WITH AN ALUMINUM STRUCTURE. THE CRASH WAS ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED LACERATION OVER THE RIGHT EYE WHICH REQUIRED SEVERAL STITCHES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED REGAL DODGE LOCATED AT 1223 BLUE VALLEY DR, PEN ARGYL, PA 18072, (610) 863-6900, WHERE IT WAS SCHEDULED TO BE DIAGNOSED WHICH WAS STILL PENDING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.
NHTSA complaint #11252008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesBangor, PACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE OWNER OF A 1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH DOWNHILL, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO SLOW THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE REACHED SPEEDS OF BETWEEN 95-100 MPH BEFORE CRASHING INTO A BUILDING WITH AN ALUMINUM STRUCTURE. THE CRASH WAS ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED LACERATION OVER THE RIGHT EYE WHICH REQUIRED SEVERAL STITCHES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED REGAL DODGE LOCATED AT 1223 BLUE VALLEY DR, PEN ARGYL, PA 18072, (610) 863-6900, WHERE IT WAS SCHEDULED TO BE DIAGNOSED WHICH WAS STILL PENDING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.
NHTSA complaint #11252008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 235,000 milesPewaukee, WICrash
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKES FAILED DUE TO CORRODED BRAKE LINES. APPEARS THAT REAR LINES FAILED BUT NEITHER FRONT OR REAR BRAKES WORKED DURING INCIDENT. BRAKE LINES ARE VERY RUSTY WHEREAS THERE IS ALMOST NO RUST ON OTHER COMPONENTS.
NHTSA complaint #10759542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesMurphy, NCCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
UPON APPLYING BRAKES LOSS OF BRAKING OCCURRED ON THE REAR BRAKES. UPON INSPECTION THE REAR BRAKE LINES WERE VERY RUSTY WHILE THE FUEL VAPOR LINES BELOW THEM HAD NO RUST WHAT SOEVER .
NHTSA complaint #10653922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,000 milesBelevedere, ILCrash3 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, HE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT AND ANOTHER PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR ABRASIONS AND INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK. THE DRIVER OF THE SECOND VEHICLE WAS INJURED BUT THE EXTENT OF THE INJURIES WAS UNKNOWN. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED AS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 133,000. UPDATED 03/03/11
NHTSA complaint #10372658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 176,000 milesFairbury, NECrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DEER ACCIDENT, LOST CONTROL RAN HEAD ON INTO THE CURB, HIT A SIGN. FRAME IS BENT, WINDSHIELD IS SHATTERED AND CAVED IN, FRONT PUSH GUARD IS BENT, AND FRONT PASSENGER FENDER WELL IS CAVED IN. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY!!!
NHTSA complaint #10287421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Milpitas, CA
TIRES
I purchases a set of new Michelin Defender LTX M/S LT265/75R16 (123/120R) tires for my 1999 Chevrolet Suburban K2500 in June 2023 and I am attempting to register the tires with Michelin. None of the tires have a date code on them. The DOT code of these tires is 1M3 4N 00KX, there is NO date code on any of the four (4) tires.
NHTSA complaint #11535356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,613 milesSan Diego, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
The contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost power steering and power braking functionality. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the security system that controlled the fuel pump and fuel injectors had been activated. The contact pulled off the highway and could not restart the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a service station where he inspected the vehicle and became aware that the distributor had disintegrated causing the vehicle to lose motive power and stall. The vehicle had not been taken to a dealer or to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact recently had a mobile mechanic install an aftermarket distributor cap and rotor from an auto parts dealer. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 183,613.
NHTSA complaint #11481012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,613 milesSan Diego, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost power steering and power braking functionality. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the security system that controlled the fuel pump and fuel injectors had been activated. The contact pulled off the highway and could not restart the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a service station where he inspected the vehicle and became aware that the distributor had disintegrated causing the vehicle to lose motive power and stall. The vehicle had not been taken to a dealer or to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact recently had a mobile mechanic install an aftermarket distributor cap and rotor from an auto parts dealer. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 183,613.
NHTSA complaint #11481012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CA
SEAT BELTS
I contacted Chevrolet corporate and they confirmed an open government ordered recall. They told me to contact a local dealer. I have contacted 2 dealers in the San Diego area, Bob Sall Chevrolet and Courtesy Chevrolet. Both refuse to fix the recall issue. I was told by Bob Stall Chevrolet that I could pay myself to have the work done
NHTSA complaint #11474028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesScottsdale, AZ
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact was able to push the vehicle to the side of the road with the assistance of Police Officers. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that fuel was leaking onto the ground and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred two more times while driving. The vehicle was then towed to the independent mechanic, who replaced the fuel pump two more times. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 06E043000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was bouncing while sitting in the seats and while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the tires and aligned the vehicle several times; however, the failure had been reoccurring. The contact also stated that the dashboard was fractured. The contact also stated that water was leaking through the top of the windshield whenever it rained. The windshield was replaced twice. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side seat belt and passenger’s seat belt failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the seat belts would fail to come out of the housing or they would be twisted whenever they came out of the housing. The contact also stated that the seat belt latches were not working. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11458724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesScottsdale, AZ
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact was able to push the vehicle to the side of the road with the assistance of Police Officers. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that fuel was leaking onto the ground and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred two more times while driving. The vehicle was then towed to the independent mechanic, who replaced the fuel pump two more times. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 06E043000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was bouncing while sitting in the seats and while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the tires and aligned the vehicle several times; however, the failure had been reoccurring. The contact also stated that the dashboard was fractured. The contact also stated that water was leaking through the top of the windshield whenever it rained. The windshield was replaced twice. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side seat belt and passenger’s seat belt failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the seat belts would fail to come out of the housing or they would be twisted whenever they came out of the housing. The contact also stated that the seat belt latches were not working. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11458724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesScottsdale, AZ
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
The contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact was able to push the vehicle to the side of the road with the assistance of Police Officers. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that fuel was leaking onto the ground and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred two more times while driving. The vehicle was then towed to the independent mechanic, who replaced the fuel pump two more times. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 06E043000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was bouncing while sitting in the seats and while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the tires and aligned the vehicle several times; however, the failure had been reoccurring. The contact also stated that the dashboard was fractured. The contact also stated that water was leaking through the top of the windshield whenever it rained. The windshield was replaced twice. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side seat belt and passenger’s seat belt failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the seat belts would fail to come out of the housing or they would be twisted whenever they came out of the housing. The contact also stated that the seat belt latches were not working. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11458724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Naples, ID
SERVICE BRAKES
Rear brakes started grabbing and locking up about 9,009 miles after a drum, shoe and hardware replacement. Rear skids and slides.
NHTSA complaint #11454511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,500 milesCross Plains, WI
SERVICE BRAKES
MY SUBURBAN HAS 43,700 MILES, AND THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM HAS NOT WORKED FOR SEVERAL YEARS. I CHECKED WITH THE LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP, AND THEY SAID THAT THE SYSTEM IS UNREPAIRABLE, THE ONLY THING THEY CAN RECOMMEND IS TO PULL THE FUSE AND DISABLE THE ABS SYSTEM ENTIRELY. I CHECKED WITH THE LOCAL PARTS STORE, AND THEY TELL ME THAT THE EBCM- ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE- WAS THE MODEL KH310, MANUFACTURED BY KELSEY-HAYES, AND IT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. FURTHER, THAT THERE ARE NO USED, REPAIRED OR REMANUFACTURED UNITS AVAILABLE. I CHECKED THE INTERNET, AGAIN, THERE ARE NO UNITS AVAILABLE ANYWHERE, NO ONE MANUFACTURES A REPLACEMENT, IN FACT THAT MODEL, THE KH 310, IS "UNREPAIRABLE." YET I'M PRETTY SURE THERE ARE LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF THESE SUBURBANS STILL ON THE ROAD TODAY, MANY WHICH HAVE NON-FUNCTIONING AND NOW TOTALLY UNREPAIRABLE ABS BRAKES. IT IS A HEAVY VEHICLE- WEIGHS ABOUT 5,300 POUNDS, AND WITH ITS FOUR WHEEL DRIVE IS OFTEN USED IN THE WINTER, ESP IN SNOWY PLACES LIKE WI WHERE I LIVE. I FEEL IT IS DANGEROUS, PERHAPS EVEN IRRESPONSIBLE, TO SAY TO THE OWNERS OF ALL THESE VEHICLES; "SORRY, WE CAN'T FIX IT, YOU'LL JUST HAVE TO PULL THE FUSE AND GO WITHOUT ABS." I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE GOVERNMENT TELL GM, OR KELSEY-HAYES, THAT AT THE LEAST THEY NEED TO MAKE A COMPATIBLE REPAIR UNIT AVAILABLE FOR SALE. IF I LEAVE THE FUSE PLUGGED IN, THE "ABS" WARNING LIGHT GOES OFF, BUT THE TRUCK WANTS TO ROLL THROUGH A STOP LIGHT SINCE THE ABS RELEASES THE BRAKES, ERRONEOUSLY THINKING THE TRUCK IS SKIDDING, AND YOU HAVE TO QUICKLY JAM HARD ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO MAKE THE TRUCK STOP, AND HOPE THAT THE EXTRA TWO FEET YOU ROLL DOESN'T SEND YOU INTO THE REAR BUMPER OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF YOU. MY FATHER GERHARD IS GIVING ME THIS VERY TRUCK BECAUSE HE HAS BECOME AFRAID TO DRIVE IT.
NHTSA complaint #11325853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 194,000 milesJacksonville, FL
TIRES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN EQUIPPED WITH CORNELL 1000 TIRES, SIZE: P235/75R15. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK SEVERELY, ESPECIALLY WHEN TRAVELING UP TO 65 MPH. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TWO FRONT WHEELS WOBBLED, WHICH WERE MOVED TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AFTER A TIRE ROTATION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT ALL FOUR TIRE SIDEWALLS WERE WORN. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD BE DUE TO THE COMPOUND OR THE BELT RUBBER AND REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17T019000 (TIRES). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 194,000 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.
NHTSA complaint #11291535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesBangor, PACrash1 injured
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE OWNER OF A 1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH DOWNHILL, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO SLOW THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE REACHED SPEEDS OF BETWEEN 95-100 MPH BEFORE CRASHING INTO A BUILDING WITH AN ALUMINUM STRUCTURE. THE CRASH WAS ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED LACERATION OVER THE RIGHT EYE WHICH REQUIRED SEVERAL STITCHES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED REGAL DODGE LOCATED AT 1223 BLUE VALLEY DR, PEN ARGYL, PA 18072, (610) 863-6900, WHERE IT WAS SCHEDULED TO BE DIAGNOSED WHICH WAS STILL PENDING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.
NHTSA complaint #11252008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesBangor, PACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE OWNER OF A 1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH DOWNHILL, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO SLOW THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE REACHED SPEEDS OF BETWEEN 95-100 MPH BEFORE CRASHING INTO A BUILDING WITH AN ALUMINUM STRUCTURE. THE CRASH WAS ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED LACERATION OVER THE RIGHT EYE WHICH REQUIRED SEVERAL STITCHES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED REGAL DODGE LOCATED AT 1223 BLUE VALLEY DR, PEN ARGYL, PA 18072, (610) 863-6900, WHERE IT WAS SCHEDULED TO BE DIAGNOSED WHICH WAS STILL PENDING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.
NHTSA complaint #11252008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 182,000 milesDeal Island, MD
SERVICE BRAKES
I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND THE BRAKES DIDN`T WORK, PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW BRAKE FLUID ALL OVER THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE.I THEN NOTICED SEVERAL RUSTED BRAKE LINES ONE OF WHICH HAD A LARGE HOLE IN IT. I HAD MY WIFE STEP ON THE PEDAL AND BRAKE FLUID CAME STREAMING OUT OF THE HOLE.
NHTSA complaint #10895175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,000 milesWaterford, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 63 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKE CALIBERS SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LINE HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10781004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 235,000 milesPewaukee, WICrash
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKES FAILED DUE TO CORRODED BRAKE LINES. APPEARS THAT REAR LINES FAILED BUT NEITHER FRONT OR REAR BRAKES WORKED DURING INCIDENT. BRAKE LINES ARE VERY RUSTY WHEREAS THERE IS ALMOST NO RUST ON OTHER COMPONENTS.
NHTSA complaint #10759542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 182,000 milesLebanon, TN
SERVICE BRAKES
THE FIRST ISSUE I HAD WAS WHILE ON VACATION IN 2012 - I WAS DRIVING APPROX. 25 MPH AND STEPPED ON THE BRAKE TO STOP AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL. THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE VEHICLE LOST WHAT I ESTIMATE TO BE 80% OF STOPPING POWER. THIS ISSUE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY FOR THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, ALWAYS AT LOW SPEEDS, WITH A REPAIR SHOP BEING UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. AFTER SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS, IT WAS EVENTUALLY TRACED TO A CORRODED BRAKE LINE IN THE FRONT DRIVER AREA OF THE VEHICLE ONLY AFTER THE LINE RUPTURED COMPLETELY AND I MISSED GOING THROUGH THE FENCE SEPARATING MY YARD FROM THE NEIGHBORS BY JUST INCHES. THAT LINE WAS REPLACED, BUT WITH A USED PART BECAUSE THE LOCAL DEALER REFUSED TO SELL AN EXACT FIT BRAKE LINE AND THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ORIGINAL PART BY HAND. THE BRAKE FLUID WAS ALWAYS WITHIN THE ACCEPTABLE RANGE, AND THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON ONLY WHILE THE BRAKES WERE ACTIVELY FAILING. IT WOULD TURN OFF AS SOON AS I TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE. FAST FORWARD TO AUGUST 2015 - I'M COMING TO A STOP IN A DRIVEWAY, AND THE PEDAL SUDDENLY SINKS COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR, THE BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON, AND THE VEHICLE DOES NOT STOP. THE VEHICLE STOPPED AFTER STEPPING ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND I CHECKED THE BRAKE FLUID. IT WAS FULL. THE PROBLEM THIS TIME WAS TRACED TO A METAL BRAKE LINE IN THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR SECTION OF THE VEHICLE. THIS LINE IS ALSO HEAVILY CORRODED AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. IT WAS NOTED THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE HAS VERY LITTLE TO NO RUST AND THERE IS NO RUST TO BE FOUND ON THE BODY OR THE REST OF THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THERE ARE MULTIPLE PLACES WHERE ALL OF THE METAL BRAKE LINES RUNNING THROUGH CERTAIN AREAS ARE HEAVILY CORRODED. IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT ALL OF THE BRAKE LINES IN THIS VEHICLE WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED IN THE FUTURE TO MAKE IT SAFE TO DRIVE AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10747322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesGoshen, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE LOW SPEED ABS MODULATOR ACTIVATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #10702701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesWaverly, MN
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE STOPPING DISTANCE WAS EXTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #10693715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 275,000 milesLouisville, KY
SERVICE BRAKES
1) DRIVER SIDE REAR BRAKE LINE FAILED DUE TO CORROSION, WHILE BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVE WAY. REPLACED LINE. 2) PASSENGER SIDE FRONT BRAKE LINE FAILED WHILE APPROACHING A STOPLIGHT. REAR END ACCIDENT WAS AVOIDED WITHIN INCHES. LINE FAILED DUE TO CORROSION. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION OF THE BRAKE LINE SYSTEM, FOUND EXTENSIVE CORROSION OF THE ENTIRE SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVE ABLE AT THIS IS TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10654826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesMurphy, NCCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
UPON APPLYING BRAKES LOSS OF BRAKING OCCURRED ON THE REAR BRAKES. UPON INSPECTION THE REAR BRAKE LINES WERE VERY RUSTY WHILE THE FUEL VAPOR LINES BELOW THEM HAD NO RUST WHAT SOEVER .
NHTSA complaint #10653922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DC
STEERING
SHIFT GEAR BOX BROKE WHEN PUTTING CAR IN CAR. WE HAVE THE EVIDENCE (BROKEN PART).
NHTSA complaint #10653513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bryantown, MD
SERVICE BRAKES
MOVED VEHICLE FROM ONE PARKING SPACE TO ANOTHER AT HOME. WHILE STOPPING BRAKE PEDAL BECAME SOFT SO I PUSHED ON IT HARDER TO STOP AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR. THERE WAS NO BRAKE WARNING LIGHT PRIOR TO THIS. EVEN AFTERWARDS THERE WAS STILL NO BRAKE WARNING LIGHT. I CRAWLED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND FOUND WET BRAKE FLUID ON THE ENGINE CROSSOVER FRAME AND ON ONE OF THE OUTSIDE REAR WHEELS. I WENT BACK IN THE VEHICLE AND STILL NO BRAKE WARNING LIGHT. SEVERAL DAYS LATER I STARTED THE VEHICLE AGAIN AND PUMPED THE BRAKES A FEW TIMES AND THE PEDAL CONTINUED GOING TO THE FLOOR AND THE BRAKE LIGHT FINALLY CAME ON. I OPENED THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR AND IT WAS EMPTY. I LATER BEGAN PROBING AROUND THE BRAKE LINES AND THEY WERE VERY CORRODED AND WHEN I PULLED ON ONE, IT SPLIT IN HALF. THE BRAKE LINES HAD CORRODED TO NOTHING.
NHTSA complaint #10609520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesEvans, CO
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH REAR DOORS FAILED TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR LATCHES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
NHTSA complaint #10575297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesCentereach, NY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH UPHILL, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED WITH FORCE REPEATEDLY WITHOUT ANY RESPONSE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY CAME TO A STOP AND WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE BRAKE LINES TO BURST. IN ADDITION, THE RADIATOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SERVICED BECAUSE THE REQUIRED EQUIPMENT WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
NHTSA complaint #10567116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesCentereach, NY
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH UPHILL, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED WITH FORCE REPEATEDLY WITHOUT ANY RESPONSE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY CAME TO A STOP AND WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE BRAKE LINES TO BURST. IN ADDITION, THE RADIATOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SERVICED BECAUSE THE REQUIRED EQUIPMENT WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
NHTSA complaint #10567116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.