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1997 GMC Suburban

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 30 of 200 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 57 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 39 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

15 crash reports4 fire reports8 injury reports

Tires complaints

16 reports
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150,619 miles · Aug 24, 2015
TiresCrash

PULLED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY GOT UP TO SPEED OF ROADWAY THAT IS 50 MPH FELT A VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END, SLOWED DOWN IT WENT AWAY, SO I STARTED TO SPEED UP AGAIN TO SEE IF IT CAME BACK, THEN BOOM MY FRONT PASSENGER TIRE LITERALLY BLEW UP, THE TREAD SEPARATED AND THE TIRE ALMOST BLEW COMPLETELY OFF THE RIM. I TEMPORARILY LOST CONTR…

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PULLED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY GOT UP TO SPEED OF ROADWAY THAT IS 50 MPH FELT A VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END, SLOWED DOWN IT WENT AWAY, SO I STARTED TO SPEED UP AGAIN TO SEE IF IT CAME BACK, THEN BOOM MY FRONT PASSENGER TIRE LITERALLY BLEW UP, THE TREAD SEPARATED AND THE TIRE ALMOST BLEW COMPLETELY OFF THE RIM. I TEMPORARILY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND SKIDDED TO HALT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TEARING UP A LAWN AND ALMOST TAKING OUT A GUARD RAIL. THE TIRE BENT MY FRONT BUMPER AND RIPPED MY RUNNING BOARD PARTWAY OFF. I AM VERY LUCKY NO OTHER TRAFFIC WAS AROUND ME... I CHANGED THE TIRE TO MY SPARE AND AM NOW IN THE PROCESS OF REMOVING THE REST OF THE CORNERSTONES FORME MY TRUCK, IT'S NOT WORTH THE RISK

NHTSA ODI #10758845

90,723 miles · Sep 28, 2005
Tires

DT: REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE HAD A TREAD SEPARATION ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2005. THERE WAS NO ROAD CONSTRUCTION. ALSO, THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER HAS NOT HAD THE TIRE INSPECTED AS OF YET. THE TIRE WAS AN ORIGINAL PART. THE TIRE SIZE IS LT245/75R16, AND DOT # 28671UR BM05327-1. THE TIRE WAS MADE IN CANADA. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10138041

Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2005
Tires

DT: THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 GMC SUBURBAN. RECENTLY PURCHASED VEHICLE . ON JULY 31, 2005 WHILE PARKED IN A PARKING LOT AT A STORE SPARE TIRE LOCATED INSIDE VEHICLE EXPLODED AND BLEW OUT THE WINDOW AND BUSTED THE DOOR. ALSO DAMAGED ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS PARKED NEXT TO CALLER'S VEHICLE. . THE DEALER WILL NOT HELP WITH TH…

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DT: THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 GMC SUBURBAN. RECENTLY PURCHASED VEHICLE . ON JULY 31, 2005 WHILE PARKED IN A PARKING LOT AT A STORE SPARE TIRE LOCATED INSIDE VEHICLE EXPLODED AND BLEW OUT THE WINDOW AND BUSTED THE DOOR. ALSO DAMAGED ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS PARKED NEXT TO CALLER'S VEHICLE. . THE DEALER WILL NOT HELP WITH THIS MATTER. THIS TIRE WAS UNDER NHTSA RECALL 01T001000. CALLER HAS NOT CONTACTED THE FIRESTONE MANUFACTURER YET. FIRESTONE, FIREHAWK, TIRE LINE IS P26570R16. THE POLICE CAME AND LOOKED AT THE SCENE BUT THEY DID NOT ISSUE A REPORT.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10131403

Mileage unknown · Sep 23, 2002
Tires

WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE, LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO VEER BACK AND FORTH INTO BOTH LANES BEFORE REGAINING CONTROL OF VEHICLE. THIS INCIDENT CAUSE BODY DAMAGE TO LEFT REAR QUARTER PANEL OF VEHICLE. TREAD WAS COMPLETELY OFF TIRE WITH METAL BANDS REVEALED. NLM

NHTSA ODI #767598

Mileage unknown · Apr 4, 2002
Tires

WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, TREAD SEPARATED FROM LEFT REAR TIRE. FIRESTONE CONTACTED. FIRESTONE STEELTEX LT 245 75R16. DOT VN11B1A377. ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT FOR A 1997, GMC, SUBURBAN. *AK *TT

NHTSA ODI #8006905

Mileage unknown · May 3, 2001
Tires

FIRESTONE TIRES LT245/75-R16-LOAD RANGE E------- TREAD SEPARATION OCCURRED AT APPROX. 50 MILES PER HOUR ON A FLYOVER FROM ONE FREEWAY TO ANOTHER. THE INCIDENT OCCURED ON A SUNDAY AND THE NEXT DAY WE WENT TO A FIRESTONE FACTORY STORE TO HAVE THEM CHECK THE TIRE AND WHAT IF ANY REMENDY WE COULD WORK OUT. THE STORE MANAGER SAID THE…

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FIRESTONE TIRES LT245/75-R16-LOAD RANGE E------- TREAD SEPARATION OCCURRED AT APPROX. 50 MILES PER HOUR ON A FLYOVER FROM ONE FREEWAY TO ANOTHER. THE INCIDENT OCCURED ON A SUNDAY AND THE NEXT DAY WE WENT TO A FIRESTONE FACTORY STORE TO HAVE THEM CHECK THE TIRE AND WHAT IF ANY REMENDY WE COULD WORK OUT. THE STORE MANAGER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO FOR US, BUT IF WE WANTED TO SUBMIT A CLAIM FOR THE DAMAGES TO OUR VEHICLE THAT HE WOULD CALL AND HAVE ME TALK TO THERE PEOPLE. THE RESULT OF THE CONVERSATION WAS THAT THEY WOULD SEND US SO FORMS TO FILL OUT AND RETURN WITH THE TIRE TO TENNESSEE AT OUR EXPENSE. ALSO, DURING THIS TIME THE MANAGER WAS ON THE PHONE AND ALSO WAITING FOR A PHONE CALL. ALSO, DURING THIS TIME HE CHECKED THE AIR PRESSURE ON THE OTHER THREE TIRES THREE TIMES AND ALSO RUBBED HIS HAND OVER THE TREAD PART OF THE TIRES. HE FINALLY SAID THAT THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS FAILING AND THAT WE WOULD NOT MAKE IT HOME ON THE TIRE AND DID NOT WANT US TO LEAVE WITHOUT CHANGING THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE IN ADDITION TO REPLACING THE RIGHT REAR TIRE. WE HAD THEM REPLACE ALL FOUR TIRES WITH MICHELIN TIRES. DIDN'T MENTION IT EARLIER ,BUT I DID FEEL A VIBRATION PRIOR TO THREAD SEPARATION. PLEASE CONTACT US AS WE FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE ATTITUDE OF FIRESTONE REGARDING OUR MISHAP. PHONE NO. (510)793-1939 THANK YOU. *AK (DOT NUMBER: VN11BIA097 TIRESIZE: LT245/75)

NHTSA ODI #744868

Mileage unknown · Jan 16, 2001
Tires

TREAD BLEW COMPLETELY OFF THE TIRE, LEAVING ONLY THE STEEL TREADS SHOWING. *AK (DOT NUMBER: UN11B1A469 TIRESIZE: 245/75R16E)

NHTSA ODI #739449

Mileage unknown · Oct 3, 2000
Tires

THIS IS A BAD TIRE AND HAS BEEN BAD FOR QUITE SOME TIME. I HAVE NOT REPLACED IT BECAUSE I WOULD HAVE TO BUY A NOTHER FIRESTONE OR FIVE NEW TIRES OF A NOTHER BRAND. *AK (TIRESIZE: 235-16)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 235-16 )

NHTSA ODI #733300

Mileage unknown · Oct 2, 2000
Tires

I COULD NOT FIND THE DOT NUMBER ON THE TIRE. I FOUND MADE IN CANADA WITH THE FOLLOWING # 23954 UR BM05324-1. I WAS TRAVLING ON THE HIGHWAY DOING 55 MPH AND HAD A SIDEWALL BLOWOUT. I WENT TO FIRESTONE AND THE SAID I HIT THE CURB (WHICH I DID NOT) AND THEY KEPT THE TIRE. THEY DID NOT GIVE A REPLACEMENT NOR A RECEIPT. THEY WANTED …

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I COULD NOT FIND THE DOT NUMBER ON THE TIRE. I FOUND MADE IN CANADA WITH THE FOLLOWING # 23954 UR BM05324-1. I WAS TRAVLING ON THE HIGHWAY DOING 55 MPH AND HAD A SIDEWALL BLOWOUT. I WENT TO FIRESTONE AND THE SAID I HIT THE CURB (WHICH I DID NOT) AND THEY KEPT THE TIRE. THEY DID NOT GIVE A REPLACEMENT NOR A RECEIPT. THEY WANTED $140.00 PLUS TAX FOR A REPLACEMENT. *AK (DOT NUMBER: 23954URBM0 TIRESIZE: LT24575R16)

NHTSA ODI #733242

Mileage unknown · Oct 1, 2000
Tires

I WAS DRIVING ON I87 IN N.Y.AT 65 MPH, WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR STARTED VIBRATING TO THE POINT THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS VIBRATING SO MUCH,THAT I THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BREAK OFF. THIS HAPPENED FOR ABOUT 5 MILES, AT WHICH POINT I HEARD A LOUD NOISE, LIKE AN EXPLOSION AND STOPPED THE CAR. I SAW THE RIGHT REAR TIRE HAD LOST ALL THE R…

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I WAS DRIVING ON I87 IN N.Y.AT 65 MPH, WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR STARTED VIBRATING TO THE POINT THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS VIBRATING SO MUCH,THAT I THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BREAK OFF. THIS HAPPENED FOR ABOUT 5 MILES, AT WHICH POINT I HEARD A LOUD NOISE, LIKE AN EXPLOSION AND STOPPED THE CAR. I SAW THE RIGHT REAR TIRE HAD LOST ALL THE RUBBER IN THE MIDDLE SECTION. THE TIRE STILL HAD AIR AND IT WAS RESTING ON THE STEEL BAND. IT LOOKS THE SAME WAY AS THE OTHER FIRESTONE TIRES. THE NEXT DAY I CONTACTED FIRESTONE BUT THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS NOT BEING RECALLED. WHEN THE TIRE BLEW IT PUT A DENT ON MY REAR PASSENGER DOOR, DENTED THE QUARTER PANEL AND BENT THE EXHAUST PIPE . (TIRESIZE: 245/75/16)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 245/75/16 )

NHTSA ODI #733045

Official recalls

2

03V159000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer

Apr 28, 2003

ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH CERTAIN MODEL-ENGINE COMBINATIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR DURING BAD WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

03V093000 · Visibility:rearview Mirrors/devices:exterior

Mar 7, 2003

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, MINI VANS, AND PICKUP TRUCKS MAY DEVELOP A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN, IT COULD RESULT IN AN INOPERATIVE SWITCH, HEAT DAMAGE TO THE DRIVER'S DOOR, AND/OR IGNITION OF COMPONENTS IN THE DRIVER'S DOOR AND A SUBSEQUENT VEHICLE FIRE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED JUMPER HARNESS TO THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 24, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

5

EA02006 · Windshield Wiper Failure

Opened May 31, 2002 · Closed Jul 23, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor

AS A RESULT OF THIS, AND THE PRECEDINGINVESTIGATION, RQ99-003, GM HAS EXPANDED THE POPULATION OF SAFETY RECALL 98V-150 (REPLACEMENT OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE) TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL 1.77 MILLION VEHICLES.INCLUDED ARE VARIOUS 1994-1997 MY M/L VANS, S/T TRUCKS AND SUVS, & C/K TRUCKS AND SUVS.SEE ATTACHED TECHNICAL REPORT FOR DETAILS.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor

AS A RESULT OF THIS, AND THE PRECEDINGINVESTIGATION, RQ99-003, GM HAS EXPANDED THE POPULATION OF SAFETY RECALL 98V-150 (REPLACEMENT OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE) TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL 1.77 MILLION VEHICLES.INCLUDED ARE VARIOUS 1994-1997 MY M/L VANS, S/T TRUCKS AND SUVS, & C/K TRUCKS AND SUVS.SEE ATTACHED TECHNICAL REPORT FOR DETAILS.

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor

AS A RESULT OF THIS, AND THE PRECEDINGINVESTIGATION, RQ99-003, GM HAS EXPANDED THE POPULATION OF SAFETY RECALL 98V-150 (REPLACEMENT OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE) TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL 1.77 MILLION VEHICLES.INCLUDED ARE VARIOUS 1994-1997 MY M/L VANS, S/T TRUCKS AND SUVS, & C/K TRUCKS AND SUVS.SEE ATTACHED TECHNICAL REPORT FOR DETAILS.

DP00001 · Oem Hitch Receiver Platform Cracking

Opened Jan 31, 2000 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Equipment

THE PETITION ALLEGES THAT CRACKS IN THE HITCH RECEIVER PLATFORM MAY LEAD TO SEPARATION OF THE TRAILER AND LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL

PE99073 · Battery Leaks Acid

Opened Dec 3, 1999 · Closed May 2, 2000

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System

ODI HAS RECEIVED 21 COMPLAINTS WHERE OWNERS ALLEGE THAT THE STANDARD GM FACTORY SUPPLIED AC DELCO BATTERY CASE FAILED, RESULTING IN THE LEAKAGE OF SULFURIC ACID.OF THE 21 COMPLAINT VEHICLES, SIX SUBURBAN, THREE TAHOES, AND ONE YUKON OWNER(S) COMPLAINED ABOUT A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID FROM DETERIORATION OF THE RIGHT FRONTBRAKE LINE AS A RESULT OF SULFURIC ACID CONTAMINATION.THE REMAINING 11 COMPLAINTS PERTAIN PRIMARILY TO SULFURIC ACID LEAKAGE FROM THE BATTERY CASE.AT LEAST ONE COMPLAINANT STATED THAT THE REPLACEMENT BATTERY ALSO FAILED.SEVERAL OF THE COMPLAINANTS NOTE THAT THE LEAKING ACID HAD COME IN CONTACT WITH A WIRE HARNESS AT THE FRAME IN THE VICINITY OF THE STEEL BRAKE LINE.A FIELD INSPECTION BY ODI INDICATES THAT THE DESCRIBED HARNESS IS THE ABS CONNECTION TO THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR.PRIOR TO THE BATTERY CASE FAILURE, THERE IS USUALLY NO WARNING (SHORT OF AN UNDERHOOD INSPECTION), AND THE ENSURING DAMAGE (SULFURIC ACID CONTAMINATION) IS PROGRESSIVE.OF THE KNOWN BATTERY FAILURES, THERE MAY BE A TEMPERATURE CORRELATION, AS 60% OF THE OWNER COMPLAINTS CAME FROM FOUR STATES; CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA AND TEXAS.THERE IS ALSO A PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND ENGINEERING CHANGE NOTICE TO ADD 1% SILVER TO THE BATTERY'S POSITIVE SIDE TERMINALL, WITH THE EARLIEST IMPLEMENTATION DATE FOR THIS BEING FEB 2, 1998.THE EFFECT OF THIS DESIGN CHANGE IS AS YET UNKNOWN; FURTHER REVIEW IS WARRANTED.AN EA IS BEING OPENED TO GATHER FURTHER APPROPRIATE INFORMATION, CLARIFY ANY DEFECT TRENDS, AND TO ASSESS THE SAFETY IMPLICATIONS AND RISKS CONCERNING THESE FAILURES.

PE98060 · Erratic Steering Boost While Driving

Opened Nov 13, 1998 · Closed May 12, 1999

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering

ALLEGED THAT THE VARIABLE EFFORT STEERING UNIT INTERMITTENTLY PROVIDES FULL BOOST TOT HE POWER STEERING GEAR AT MODERATE TO HIGH SPEEDS.

EA95026 · Poor Brake Performance

Opened Sep 20, 1995 · Closed Sep 20, 2001

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

POOR PERFORMANCE OF ABS BRAKES