1997 GMC Suburban problems
Owners have filed 268 complaints about the 1997 GMC Suburban with NHTSA. Service brakes, hydraulic account for 26.1% of them — the clear leader, ahead of steering at 14.9%.
Complaints268
Crashes22
Fires4
Injuries28
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Service brakes, hydraulic 26.1% · 70
Steering 14.9% · 40
Power train 10.1% · 27
Electrical system 9.0% · 24
Fuel system, gasoline 9.0% · 24
Engine and engine cooling 7.5% · 20
Tires 6.3% · 17
Visibility 5.2% · 14
Severity
Of those complaints, 22 describe a crash, 4 describe a fire and 28 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 8 model years of the GMC Suburban in this data, 1997 sits 4th by complaint volume. 1994 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 8 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 90,723 miles.
In owners' own words
Ea95026, poor brake performance; when applying the brakes there is a clinking noise that comes from the system, like the motor is pulsating, it slows the vehicle down but will not stop. Tihs happens more when the roads are wet. The problem was reported to dealership. Dealer stated that this was a normal condition. Owner still experiencing problem with abs. *Ak Service brakes, hydraulic
When applying pressure to the brake pedal pedal will unexpectedly fall to floorboard, and brake system will fail to stop vehicle. Brake pads and shoes/ rotors, and lines have been replaced, which has failed to effectively remedy the problem. Dealership has not examined vehicle for this problem. Please provide any additional information / documentation. Service brakes, hydraulic
Dt: the contact state there is an nhtsa recall, campaign 05v379000 regarding the service brakes, hydraulic: antilock. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however, it is not included in the recall due to the model year. The vehicle was repaired by a local repair shop.*Ak the brake line was leaking due to rust. Updated 02/07/06. Service brakes, hydraulic · reported at 25,300 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Other GMC Suburban years
1993 254 complaints · 70.9% service brakes, hydraulic 1994 490 complaints · 61.2% service brakes, hydraulic 1995 294 complaints · 40.5% service brakes, hydraulic 1996 220 complaints · 34.1% service brakes, hydraulic 1998 137 complaints · 21.9% service brakes, hydraulic 1999 393 complaints · 36.6% service brakes, hydraulic