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.
Oct 1996peak 7Jun 2011
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 198,200 milesDumont NEW Jersey 07628, NJCrash
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
I OWN A 1996 G M C SUBURBAN K2500 W THE 6.5 DIESEL ENGINE . I HAVE CHANGED (3) THREE INJECTION PUMPS IN ITS LIFE TIME AND ACCORDING TO SEVERAL HIGHLY QUALIFIED MECHANICS IT'S TIME TO DO IT AGAIN.THE PROBLEM IS THAT WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE TRUCK WOULD ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN,YOU WOULD LITERALLY HAVE TO STAND UP ON THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO STOP THIS POSSESSED KILLING MACHINE. MY FAMILY AND I HAVE HAD MANY GOOD TIMES WITH THIS TRUCK, WITH ARE VACATIONS ALL OVER THIS COUNTRY TO OUR DAY TRIPS NOT TO MENTION OUR DAILY USE. I HAVE THREE CHILDREN AND ALL HAVE THEIR DRIVERS LICENSE, IT IS A CRYING SHAME THAT I HAD TO PUT OUR TRUCK UP ON CINDER BLOCKS,AND I SURE CAN'T SELL IT THE WAY IT IS.NEEDLESSLY TO SAY G M C REFUSES TO HELP US IN ANY WAY,THEY CLAIM THE PUMP IS NOT THE PROBLEM AND THERE IS NO APPARENT RECALL FOR MY PROBLEM, FURTHER MORE THE TRUCK IS TO OLD AND THEY WOULD BE HAPPY TO SELL ME A NEW TRUCK,HA. IN CLOSING I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT WHEN I PURCHASED THIS TRUCK (NEW) MY INTENTIONS WERE TO KEEP IT FOR A VERY LONG TIME,CONSIDERING IT IS A DIESEL AND EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT DIESELS LAST ALONG TIME OPPOSED TO GAS ENGINES. WE RELIGIOUSLY KEPT UP THE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE BY THE BOOK. I'M VERY DISCOURAGED AND DISAPPOINTED IN THE GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATIONS INTEGRITY. I FORGOT TO MENTION THAT MY WIFE HAD A MINOR ACCIDENT,WHERE THE TRUCK JUST TOOK OFF ON IT'S OWN WHILE SHE WAS WAITING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THANK GOD NOBODY WAS HURT, EXCEPT MY WALLET WHERE I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET TO AVOID ANY INCREASE IN OUR INSURANCE FEES.
NHTSA complaint #10408737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eielson AFB, AKFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
SMOKE ROLLED OUT OF THE CAB OF THE PICKUP, WIRE UNDER DRIVER SEAT FOR THE ELECTRIC SEATS BECAME BARE SHORTED OUT AND THE FUSE DID NOT CLOSE SHUT, BURNED UP HARNESS AND MELTED PART OF DASH BY FUSES AND BURNED UP ALL WIRES UNDER DASH.
NHTSA complaint #9005915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 198,200 milesDumont NEW Jersey 07628, NJCrash
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
I OWN A 1996 G M C SUBURBAN K2500 W THE 6.5 DIESEL ENGINE . I HAVE CHANGED (3) THREE INJECTION PUMPS IN ITS LIFE TIME AND ACCORDING TO SEVERAL HIGHLY QUALIFIED MECHANICS IT'S TIME TO DO IT AGAIN.THE PROBLEM IS THAT WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE TRUCK WOULD ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN,YOU WOULD LITERALLY HAVE TO STAND UP ON THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO STOP THIS POSSESSED KILLING MACHINE. MY FAMILY AND I HAVE HAD MANY GOOD TIMES WITH THIS TRUCK, WITH ARE VACATIONS ALL OVER THIS COUNTRY TO OUR DAY TRIPS NOT TO MENTION OUR DAILY USE. I HAVE THREE CHILDREN AND ALL HAVE THEIR DRIVERS LICENSE, IT IS A CRYING SHAME THAT I HAD TO PUT OUR TRUCK UP ON CINDER BLOCKS,AND I SURE CAN'T SELL IT THE WAY IT IS.NEEDLESSLY TO SAY G M C REFUSES TO HELP US IN ANY WAY,THEY CLAIM THE PUMP IS NOT THE PROBLEM AND THERE IS NO APPARENT RECALL FOR MY PROBLEM, FURTHER MORE THE TRUCK IS TO OLD AND THEY WOULD BE HAPPY TO SELL ME A NEW TRUCK,HA. IN CLOSING I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT WHEN I PURCHASED THIS TRUCK (NEW) MY INTENTIONS WERE TO KEEP IT FOR A VERY LONG TIME,CONSIDERING IT IS A DIESEL AND EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT DIESELS LAST ALONG TIME OPPOSED TO GAS ENGINES. WE RELIGIOUSLY KEPT UP THE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE BY THE BOOK. I'M VERY DISCOURAGED AND DISAPPOINTED IN THE GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATIONS INTEGRITY. I FORGOT TO MENTION THAT MY WIFE HAD A MINOR ACCIDENT,WHERE THE TRUCK JUST TOOK OFF ON IT'S OWN WHILE SHE WAS WAITING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THANK GOD NOBODY WAS HURT, EXCEPT MY WALLET WHERE I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET TO AVOID ANY INCREASE IN OUR INSURANCE FEES.
NHTSA complaint #10408737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 199,960 milesColumbus, IN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS BRAKES ON MY 1996 K2500 SUBURBAN ACTIVATE AT SLOW SPEEDS.
NHTSA complaint #10199008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nunica, MI
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
WINDSHIELD WIPERS FUNCTION WORKING INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL. PROBLEM ORIGINALLY OCCURRED ONLY IN INTERMITTANT AND "LOW" SETTING, BUT NOW ALSO AFFECTS OPERATION IN "HIGH" SPEED.
NHTSA complaint #764097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eielson AFB, AKFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
SMOKE ROLLED OUT OF THE CAB OF THE PICKUP, WIRE UNDER DRIVER SEAT FOR THE ELECTRIC SEATS BECAME BARE SHORTED OUT AND THE FUSE DID NOT CLOSE SHUT, BURNED UP HARNESS AND MELTED PART OF DASH BY FUSES AND BURNED UP ALL WIRES UNDER DASH.
NHTSA complaint #9005915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houlton, ME
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK ERRATICALLY. THEY SHUT ON/OFF ON THEIR OWN AT ANY TIME. WHEN NEEDED THEY SHUT OFF, AND IT TAKES A WHILE BEFORE CUTTING BACK ON. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 96043, CONSUMER REPAIRED ON HIS OWN. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #882043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DC
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR ONLY WORKS INTERMITTENTLY, THE CONSUMER HAS RECONNECTED THE SWITCH, BUT THE PROBLEM WITH THE MOTOR STILL OCCURS. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #783647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DC
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR ONLY WORKS INTERMITTENTLY, THE CONSUMER HAS RECONNECTED THE SWITCH, BUT THE PROBLEM WITH THE MOTOR STILL OCCURS. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #783647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eldridge, IA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN THE BRAKES ARE WET THEY HAVE A TENDENCY TO BECOME AGGRESSIVE, WHICH CAUSES THE REAR WHEELS TO LOCK UP.
NHTSA complaint #827558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST. Paul, MN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT IN FOR BRAKE PROBLEMS THREE DIFFERENT TIMES. THE PROBLEMS INCLUDED WARPED ROTORS, BRAKES THAT LOCK UP WHEN BRAKES ARE FIRST APPLIED UPON START UP AND LEAKY MASTER CYLINDER. WHEN I BROUGHT IN THE VEHICLE, EACH TIME I WAS TOLD THAT THESE PROBLEMS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WERE NOT AN ISSUE FOR THE VEHICLE. "TOUGH LUCK FOR THE VEHICLE OWNER -- THAT'S JUST THE WAY THEY ARE" IS WHAT ONE MECHANIC TOLD ME. UPON VIEWING THE NHTSA TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN WEB PAGE, IT APPEARS THAT THE BREAKS ARE AN ISSUE FOR MY TRUCK AND THE ROTORS SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED OR FIXED. AT THIS TIME, I STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM OF WARPED ROTORS AND BRAKES THAT LOCK UP FOR THE FIRST FEW STOPS AFTER THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. AT THIS POINT IN TIME MY WARRANTY HAS RUN OUT, BUT WHEN I FIRST BEGAN SEEKING HELP FOR THE BRAKE PROBLEMS IN MY TRUCK, THE WARRANTY WAS STILL GOOD. WHAT RECOURSE DO I HAVE?
NHTSA complaint #704656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST. Paul, MN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT IN FOR BRAKE PROBLEMS THREE DIFFERENT TIMES. THE PROBLEMS INCLUDED WARPED ROTORS, BRAKES THAT LOCK UP WHEN BRAKES ARE FIRST APPLIED UPON START UP AND LEAKY MASTER CYLINDER. WHEN I BROUGHT IN THE VEHICLE, EACH TIME I WAS TOLD THAT THESE PROBLEMS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WERE NOT AN ISSUE FOR THE VEHICLE. "TOUGH LUCK FOR THE VEHICLE OWNER -- THAT'S JUST THE WAY THEY ARE" IS WHAT ONE MECHANIC TOLD ME. UPON VIEWING THE NHTSA TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN WEB PAGE, IT APPEARS THAT THE BREAKS ARE AN ISSUE FOR MY TRUCK AND THE ROTORS SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED OR FIXED. AT THIS TIME, I STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM OF WARPED ROTORS AND BRAKES THAT LOCK UP FOR THE FIRST FEW STOPS AFTER THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. AT THIS POINT IN TIME MY WARRANTY HAS RUN OUT, BUT WHEN I FIRST BEGAN SEEKING HELP FOR THE BRAKE PROBLEMS IN MY TRUCK, THE WARRANTY WAS STILL GOOD. WHAT RECOURSE DO I HAVE?
NHTSA complaint #704656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kendall, NY
SEATS
DRIVER'S SEAT LOOSE.
NHTSA complaint #524669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kendall, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
DRIVER'S DOOR LEAKS AIR AND WATER .
NHTSA complaint #524669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kendall, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES HARD TO ENGAGE, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE.
NHTSA complaint #524669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kendall, NY
SUSPENSION:FRONT
FRONT AXLE ACTUATOR FAILED, CAUSING DELAYED ENGAGEMENT.
NHTSA complaint #524669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kendall, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
FRONT DIFFERENTIAL NOT ENGAGING DUE TO FRONT CHASSIS WIRING HARNESS FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #524669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kendall, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
OIL FILTER LEAKS OIL.
NHTSA complaint #524669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA complaint #524669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waltham, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
VEHICLE PULLS TO LEFT/RIGHT UPON BRAKING. DIRECTION IS NOT PREDICTABLE PRIOR TO BRAKING. IN ADDITION, REPLACED FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS/PADS/ROTORS AND HOSES.
NHTSA complaint #522975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waltham, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
VEHICLE PULLS TO LEFT/RIGHT UPON BRAKING. DIRECTION IS NOT PREDICTABLE PRIOR TO BRAKING. IN ADDITION, REPLACED FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS/PADS/ROTORS AND HOSES.
NHTSA complaint #522975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waltham, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
VEHICLE PULLS TO LEFT/RIGHT UPON BRAKING. DIRECTION IS NOT PREDICTABLE PRIOR TO BRAKING. IN ADDITION, REPLACED FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS/PADS/ROTORS AND HOSES.
NHTSA complaint #522975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomsbury, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
SPABS BRAKES FAIL TO RESPOND TO PEAL APPLICATION, ALLOWING TRUCK TO ROLL THROUGH INTERSECTION. IN ADDITION, WHEN APPLYINGBRAKES IN A PANIC SITUATION, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE.
NHTSA complaint #819388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Antioch, TN
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
DOOR PANEL MAKING NOISE, REPOSITIONED PANEL TO FIX.
NHTSA complaint #523670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Antioch, TN
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
NOISE COMING FROM REAR WINDOW, WINDOW SEALED HOWEVER NOISE STILL PRESENT.
NHTSA complaint #523670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Antioch, TN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
BRAKES NOT WORKING PROPERLY, DUE TO FAILED MASTER CYLINDER.
NHTSA complaint #523670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Antioch, TN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
REAR BRAKES LOCK UP IN DAMP OR WET WEATHER.
NHTSA complaint #523670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.