Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1989 GMC Suburban
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Seat Belts
520.8%
Seats
416.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Steering
312.5%
Engine & Cooling
312.5%
Tires
28.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 13,982 mi
Brakes
28.3%
Other & Unspecified
14.2%
Equipment & Accessories
14.2%
Fuel & Propulsion
14.2%
Electrical System
14.2%
Transmission & Drivetrain
14.2%
0 crashes, 1 fires
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 1995peak 3Aug 2004
NHTSA investigations into the 1989 GMC 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.
EA94029Opened 29 Jul 1994Closed 31 Jul 1996ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
AN ALLEGED MALFUNCTION IN THE ATLERNATOR RESULTING IN ENGINE COMPARTMET FIRES.
EA92022Opened 24 Jun 1992Closed 19 Nov 1993SEATS
SEAT BACK BOLT BREAKAGE
PE92026Opened 6 Mar 1992Closed 24 Jun 1992SEATS
SEAT BACK FAILURES
PE90004Opened 10 Oct 1989Closed 2 Feb 1990EQUIPMENT
TRAILER HITCH SEPERATION
Recalls on the 1989 GMC 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 1995096227 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, the service-part fuel tanks may have one or more pairs of the six projection welds which attach the sender-unit ring to the tank that do not meet specification. These out of specification welds may fracture during sender unit installation resulting in fuel leakage and a possible vehicle fire. Note: recall covers 1975-1986 chevrolet/gmc c/k pickup and chassis cab trucks and 1987-1991 chevrolet/gmc r/v pickup and chassis cab trucks. Correction: vehicles with fractured sender ring weld pairs will have a new fuel tank installed.
Recall 199315365,907 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH BUCKET SEATS WITH KNOB TYPE RECLINER MECHANISMS, A FRONT SEAT RECLINER BOLT MAY FATIGUE AND BREAK. THIS MAY ALLOW THE SEAT BACK TO SUDDENLY RECLINE, WHICH CAN LEAD TO SUDDEN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. CORRECTION: RECLINER BOLTS WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Recall 199314111,850 units in Canada
Powertrain
NOTE: R/V SUBURBAN TRUCKS - 2 WHEEL AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. VEHICLES MAY DEVELOP AN ABNORMAL PRESSURE BUILD-UP IN THE TRANSMISSION WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF TRANSMISSION FLUID COMING OUT OF THE FILLER TUBE ONTO HOT ENGINE PARTS RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE VEHICLE FIRE. CORRECTION: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A NEW DIPSTICK WITH A LOCK-SEAL TOP, NEW OWNER MANUAL INSTRUCTIONS, GRAPHICS FOR CHECKING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL AND UPDATED INFORMATION ON TOWING WITH AN OVERDRIVE EQUIPPED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.
Recall 199312043,021 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain K1500, Astro, Safari and Suburban vehicles, corrosion of the composite front brake rotors could cause separation of the stamped steel centre section from the cast outer rotor resulting in complete loss of braking capability for the affected wheel and a partial loss of front braking. This would increase stopping distances and could result in a crash without prior warning. Correction: Dealers will replace both front brake rotors with rotors having a corrosion protective coating.
Recall 1989145206 units in Canada
Emissions
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1101 - EMISSION DEVICE. MISSING EMISSION CONTROL LABEL.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Twin Falls, IDCrash1 injured
TIRES
THE TIRE BLEW UP, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO TURN IMMEDIATELY TO THE LEFT. THIS CAUSED A WRECK AND PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO THE DRIVER.*AK (TIRESIZE: LT26575R16)
NHTSA complaint #759713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, AL1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
PASSENGER SEAT BACK COLLAPSED DUE TO FAILURE OF BOLT BREAKAGE, CAUSED INJURY.
NHTSA complaint #518598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, AL1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
AS A RESULT OF RECLINER BUCKET SEAT RECALL, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE MOUNTING BOLT BROKE AND THE ENTIRE BACK OF SEAT RELEASED, INJURING CONSUMER'S WIFE.
NHTSA complaint #812667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Troy, MTFire
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSSION OVERHEATED, CAUSING FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #516619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monee, ILCrash2 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
DRIVERS CHAIR SLIPPED BACK WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT/INJURY PRIOR TO RECALL.(93V187000) *DSH
NHTSA complaint #484411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Battle Creek, MI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WHILE AT A STOP VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD INTERMITTENTLY. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10090113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DES Moines, WA
SEAT BELTS
WE PURCHASED A 1989 GMC SUBURBAN IN FEBRUARY 2003. AT THAT TIME THE PERSON WE HAD PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM TOLD US THERE WAS A POSSIBILITY THE PAINT HAD BEEN RECALLED, BUT HE HAD NEVER CHECKED INTO IT. UPON US TAKING DELIVERY I BEGAN TO SEARCH ON THE WEB AND CAME UPON YOUR INFORMATION AND TOOK THE ADVICE OF CONTACTING OUR LOCAL SERVICE MANAGER AT OUR CHEVY DEALERSHIP. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS TOO OLD AND THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED. TODAY 6-31-03 I CALLED THE GM SERVICE CENTER AND WAS GIVEN A SERVICE # OF 1-1-146-15140, AND TOLD TO CALL A DIFFERENT # GIVEN THE YEAR OF THE VEHICLE. I THEN CALLED WITH THIS REFERENCE# AND WAS TOLD BECAUSE OF THE YEAR AND MILEAGE THEY WOULD NOT LOOK AT THE PAINT, AND THERE WERE "NO OPEN PAINT CLAIMS RECORDED" I ASKED WHAT THIS MEANT AND THE WOMAN SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS OPEN ON THIS YEAR FOR PAINT. I DID NOT ARGUE WITH HER, AS I HAD ALREADY TOLD HER I HAD LOOKED UP THIS RECALL ON THE WEB. THE TWO SIDE SEATBELTS IN THE MIDDLE ROW OF SEATS. DON'T WORKVERY WELL, THEY GET STUCK HALF WAY OUT A LOT.
NHTSA complaint #10070498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DES Moines, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WE PURCHASED A 1989 GMC SUBURBAN IN FEBRUARY 2003. AT THAT TIME THE PERSON WE HAD PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM TOLD US THERE WAS A POSSIBILITY THE PAINT HAD BEEN RECALLED, BUT HE HAD NEVER CHECKED INTO IT. UPON US TAKING DELIVERY I BEGAN TO SEARCH ON THE WEB AND CAME UPON YOUR INFORMATION AND TOOK THE ADVICE OF CONTACTING OUR LOCAL SERVICE MANAGER AT OUR CHEVY DEALERSHIP. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS TOO OLD AND THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED. TODAY 6-31-03 I CALLED THE GM SERVICE CENTER AND WAS GIVEN A SERVICE # OF 1-1-146-15140, AND TOLD TO CALL A DIFFERENT # GIVEN THE YEAR OF THE VEHICLE. I THEN CALLED WITH THIS REFERENCE# AND WAS TOLD BECAUSE OF THE YEAR AND MILEAGE THEY WOULD NOT LOOK AT THE PAINT, AND THERE WERE "NO OPEN PAINT CLAIMS RECORDED" I ASKED WHAT THIS MEANT AND THE WOMAN SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS OPEN ON THIS YEAR FOR PAINT. I DID NOT ARGUE WITH HER, AS I HAD ALREADY TOLD HER I HAD LOOKED UP THIS RECALL ON THE WEB. THE TWO SIDE SEATBELTS IN THE MIDDLE ROW OF SEATS. DON'T WORKVERY WELL, THEY GET STUCK HALF WAY OUT A LOT.
NHTSA complaint #10070498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,982 milesModesto, CA
TIRES
THE RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. STEELTEX RADIAL LT TIRES. *AK THE TIRE PRESSURE HAD RUN LOW, BUT NEVER MORE THAN 2 PSI HIGH. (NEVER ANY IMPACT) THE BLOWOUT HAPPENED ON A SMOOTH ROAD AT A LOW SPEED. THERE WERE NEVER ANY REPAIRS DONE TO THE TIRES. THE BLOWOUT HAD A "T" SHAPED 4-5" EDGE OF TREAD, WITH A LEG OF "T" THAT EXTENDED FROM THE TREAD NEAR THE BEAD. FIRESTONE CONSIDERED THIS IMPACT DAMAGE AND WOULD NOT REPLACE. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10021904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Twin Falls, IDCrash1 injured
TIRES
THE TIRE BLEW UP, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO TURN IMMEDIATELY TO THE LEFT. THIS CAUSED A WRECK AND PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO THE DRIVER.*AK (TIRESIZE: LT26575R16)
NHTSA complaint #759713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Minong, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
WHILE TRAVELING NOTICED SMOKE COMIG FROM THE ENGINE. CONSUMER PULLED OVER. LOOKED UNDER HOOD, AND DISCOVERED THAT ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #850860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST. George, UT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
BRAKE SYSTEM IS NOT ADEQUATE FOR SIZE OF VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #709481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dracut, MA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
EXHAUST MAINFOLD TO CYLINDER HEAD BOLTS HAVE BROKEN DUE TO HEAT STRESS EXHAUST LEAKAGE IS APPARENT.
NHTSA complaint #526940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dracut, MA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
EXHAUST MAINFOLD TO CYLINDER HEAD BOLTS HAVE BROKEN DUE TO HEAT STRESS EXHAUST LEAKAGE IS APPARENT.
NHTSA complaint #526940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thomaston, CT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
BRAKES HAVE FAILED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. DEALER REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER.
NHTSA complaint #526556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, AL1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
PASSENGER SEAT BACK COLLAPSED DUE TO FAILURE OF BOLT BREAKAGE, CAUSED INJURY.
NHTSA complaint #518598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, AL1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
AS A RESULT OF RECLINER BUCKET SEAT RECALL, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE MOUNTING BOLT BROKE AND THE ENTIRE BACK OF SEAT RELEASED, INJURING CONSUMER'S WIFE.
NHTSA complaint #812667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Troy, MTFire
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSSION OVERHEATED, CAUSING FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #516619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kings Park, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
POWER STEERING PUMP BRACKET CRACKED, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING AT 55 MPH AND SERPENTINE BELT TO COME OFF AND DESTROY AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR.
NHTSA complaint #510084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kings Park, NY
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP
POWER STEERING PUMP BRACKET CRACKED, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING AT 55 MPH AND SERPENTINE BELT TO COME OFF AND DESTROY AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR.
NHTSA complaint #510084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kings Park, NY
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
POWER STEERING PUMP BRACKET CRACKED, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING AT 55 MPH AND SERPENTINE BELT TO COME OFF AND DESTROY AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR.
NHTSA complaint #510084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
THE STEERING WHEEL BOLTS COME LOOE AND CAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL TO HAVE TOO MUCH PLAY AND CAUSES THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL FROM TIME TO TIME.
NHTSA complaint #981270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
THE STEERING WHEEL BOLTS COME LOOE AND CAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL TO HAVE TOO MUCH PLAY AND CAUSES THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL FROM TIME TO TIME.
NHTSA complaint #981270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Laredo, TX
SEATS
THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY WOULD ORDER THE PART AND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP THERE WAS NO PART. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
NHTSA complaint #979006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monee, ILCrash2 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
DRIVERS CHAIR SLIPPED BACK WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT/INJURY PRIOR TO RECALL.(93V187000) *DSH
NHTSA complaint #484411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Flag Staff, AZ
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
SEATBELT RETRACTOR ON BACK SEAT FAILED, REPLACED TWICE AND THE BUCKLE LOCKS UP. TT
NHTSA complaint #976864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Flag Staff, AZ
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
SEATBELT RETRACTOR ON BACK SEAT FAILED, REPLACED TWICE AND THE BUCKLE LOCKS UP. TT
NHTSA complaint #976864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tulsa, OK
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
THE DRIVER AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE SEAT LAP BELT BROKE . TT
NHTSA complaint #969512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tulsa, OK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
THE DRIVER AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE SEAT LAP BELT BROKE . TT
NHTSA complaint #969512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.