Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1999 GMC C1500 Suburban
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
526.3%
Median failure at 99,000 miles
Brakes
421.1%
Median failure at 117,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
210.5%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 112,500 mi
Other & Unspecified
15.3%
Equipment & Accessories
15.3%
Median failure at 99,000 miles
Doors, Latches & Locks
15.3%
Median failure at 99,000 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
15.3%
Suspension
15.3%
Body & Structure
15.3%
Median failure at 240,000 miles
Steering
15.3%
Median failure at 172,000 miles
Airbags
15.3%
Median failure at 93,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
16.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
850.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
212.5%
150,000+ miles
531.3%
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.
Jan 2007peak 6Jan 2017
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 126,000 milesEllen, NEFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC C1500 SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE OIL FIELD EXPLODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FIELD FRACTURED AND CAUSED OIL TO SEEP INTO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.
NHTSA complaint #10713399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Canastota, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TRANSFER CASE PINHOLE DO TO PUMP IN TRANSFER CASE COMMON PROBLEM
NHTSA complaint #10939574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Canastota, NY
SUSPENSION
TRANSFER CASE PINHOLE DO TO PUMP IN TRANSFER CASE COMMON PROBLEM
NHTSA complaint #10939574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,000 milesEllen, NEFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC C1500 SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE OIL FIELD EXPLODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FIELD FRACTURED AND CAUSED OIL TO SEEP INTO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.
NHTSA complaint #10713399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesMonterey Park, CA
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON. NEEDS NEW MODULE AND THE PART IS "CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE" FROM GMC. REPAIR SHOP WILL NOT GUARANTEE WORK ON INSTALLATION OF A THIRD PARTY PART. I HAVE SPOKEN EXTENSIVELY WITH GMC CORPORATE AND THEY CONTINUE TO DELEGATE THIS ISSUE TO THE DEALERSHIP LEVEL. IMO, THE DEALERSHIP (THORSON MOTOR CENTER, PASADENA, CA) HAS DONE ALL THEY CAN BY ORDERING THE PART FOR ME. IF THE PART IS UNAVAILABLE, THAT IS NOT THE DEALERSHIP'S FAULT. FURTHER, THERE IS NO ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL EVEN THOUGH THE ORDER HAS BEEN EXPEDITED. GMC CORPORATE SHOULD MAKE SURE THEY HAVE SUFFICIENT MANUFACTURERS WHO CAN PRODUCE PARTS IN A TIMELY MANNER. IN THE MEANTIME, MY CAR HAS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT IS UNRESOLVED. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR OVER SIX WEEKS NOW.
NHTSA complaint #10622285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesChalfont, PA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE WEARING PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES, HARDWARE, BRAKE CYLINDER AND CALIPERS NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,960. ALSO, THE A/C WAS REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES, AS IT WAS BLOWING OUT HOT AIR, THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR WAS INOPERATIVE, THE STARTER WAS REPLACED, THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING. UPDATED 07/30/14
NHTSA complaint #10604547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesChalfont, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE WEARING PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES, HARDWARE, BRAKE CYLINDER AND CALIPERS NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,960. ALSO, THE A/C WAS REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES, AS IT WAS BLOWING OUT HOT AIR, THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR WAS INOPERATIVE, THE STARTER WAS REPLACED, THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING. UPDATED 07/30/14
NHTSA complaint #10604547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesChalfont, PA
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE WEARING PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES, HARDWARE, BRAKE CYLINDER AND CALIPERS NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,960. ALSO, THE A/C WAS REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES, AS IT WAS BLOWING OUT HOT AIR, THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR WAS INOPERATIVE, THE STARTER WAS REPLACED, THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING. UPDATED 07/30/14
NHTSA complaint #10604547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesChalfont, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE WEARING PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES, HARDWARE, BRAKE CYLINDER AND CALIPERS NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,960. ALSO, THE A/C WAS REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES, AS IT WAS BLOWING OUT HOT AIR, THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR WAS INOPERATIVE, THE STARTER WAS REPLACED, THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING. UPDATED 07/30/14
NHTSA complaint #10604547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesChalfont, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE WEARING PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES, HARDWARE, BRAKE CYLINDER AND CALIPERS NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,960. ALSO, THE A/C WAS REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES, AS IT WAS BLOWING OUT HOT AIR, THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR WAS INOPERATIVE, THE STARTER WAS REPLACED, THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING. UPDATED 07/30/14
NHTSA complaint #10604547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesChalfont, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE WEARING PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES, HARDWARE, BRAKE CYLINDER AND CALIPERS NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,960. ALSO, THE A/C WAS REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES, AS IT WAS BLOWING OUT HOT AIR, THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR WAS INOPERATIVE, THE STARTER WAS REPLACED, THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING. UPDATED 07/30/14
NHTSA complaint #10604547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesHaddon TWP, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAR SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING, THIS HAPPEN ONCE OR TWICE A YEAR OVER A 12 YEAR PERIOD, DEALER KEEP SAYING IT WAS SWITCH OR FUEL PUMP, THEY KEPT CHARGING ME EVERYTIME...
NHTSA complaint #10568527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesHaddon TWP, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAR SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING, MECHANIC SAID IT WAS ABS COMPUTER, CHARGED ME $1000 TO REPLACE.
NHTSA complaint #10568528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesHaddon TWP, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAR SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY.
NHTSA complaint #10568531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesHaddon TWP, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CAR SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING, MECHANIC SAID IT WAS ABS COMPUTER, CHARGED ME $1000 TO REPLACE.
NHTSA complaint #10568528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 240,000 milesFort Washington, MD
STRUCTURE:BODY
WITHIN SEVERAL MONTHS BOTH FRONT DOORS - DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS HANDLES STOPPED WORKING. WITHOUT POWER TO LOWER THE WINDOW AND OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE, THE OCCUPANTS ARE LOCKED INSIDE. WHEN REPLACING THE PARTS AND INVESTIGATING THE PROBLEM, IT WAS APPARENT THAT BOTH HANDLES BROKE AT THE SAME PLACE AND THE PART MAY BE FAULTY OR NOT SUFFICIENTLY STRENGTHENED TO SUPPORT EXITING THE VEHICLES - ESPECIALLY IN AN EMERGENCY. WE BELIEVE THAT ONLY THE ACTUAL HANDLE IS THE CONCERN AND NOT THE FULL ASSEMBLY.
NHTSA complaint #10472979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesRaymond, ME
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC C1500 SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH WHEN THE BRAKED WERE APPLIED AND THE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE WHERE THE CONTACT DETECTED BRAKE FLUID LEAKING AND BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO A FAULTY BRAKE LINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
NHTSA complaint #10425064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brighton, MA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I HAVE PURCHASED 2 GMC SUBURBANS OVER THE LAST 13 YEARS. I'M A DIVORCED MOM OF 7 CHILDREN. I WAS DRIVING MY SUBURBAN ALONG WITH MY CHILDREN AND THE VEHICLE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC IN BOSTON. *TR I WAS ALMOST HIT FROM BEHIND AND FROM THE RIGHT HAND LANE AS I DESPERATELY TRIED TO STEER THE CAR INTO THE BREAK DOWN LANE. I TURNED MY HAZARDS ON, BUT DURING THIS TIME IN BOSTON, EVERYONE DRIVES OVER THE SPEED LIMIT. IT HAPPENED REPEATEDLY OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS. I CONTACTED GMC, IN WHICH I SPOKE TO A REPRESENTATIVE, WHO INFORMED ME I WAS OVER THE RECALL DATE. WHAT???? I EXPLAINED OVER AND OVER HOW DANGEROUS IT WAS FOR ME TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITH MY CHILDREN. TO NO AVAIL, I WAS TOLD, MY SUBURBAN MISSED THE RECALL DATES. SORRY, GM COULD NOT STAND BEHIND A LOYAL CUSTOMER. I DO NOT HAVE 2000.00 TO REPLACE THIS PART.
NHTSA complaint #10423200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 172,000 milesKennesaw, GA
STEERING
GMC SUBURBAN 1999 STEERING SPEED SENSOR FAILS CAUSING THE STEERING TO SUDDENLY JERK WHILE TURNING UNDER SPEED. IT FEELS LIKE THE FRONT WHEELS HIT "SLIPPERY ICE".
NHTSA complaint #10386644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,500 milesGreendale, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
I CLICKED MY 4-WAY FLASHER BUTTON WHILE DROPPING MY SON OFF AT THE TRAIN STATION AND WHEN I CAME BACK IT WAS DIFFICULT TO PRESS THE BUTTON BACK DOWN. AFTER THAT, THE OPERATION OF MY EMERGENCY FLASHERS WAS INTERMITTENT AND EVENTUALLY MY REAR BRAKES LIGHTS STARTED WORKING ONLY INTERMITTENTLY AS WELL. NOW THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT WORK AND MY GM DEALER SAYS IT WILL COST MORE THAN $500 TO REPLACE THE WHOLE WIRING HARNESS. THIS IS THE SECOND FAILURE OF THIS TYPE ON THIS SAME SUBURBAN.
NHTSA complaint #10177674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.