1992 Chevrolet Suburban Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1992 Chevrolet Suburban, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes14670.5%
- Visibility178.2%
- Electrical83.9%
- Engine73.4%
- Tires & wheels52.4%
- Seat belts52.4%
- Body & structure31.4%
- Transmission31.4%
- Powertrain (other)31.4%
- Other / unspecified21.0%
- Heating & air conditioning21.0%
- Suspension21.0%
- Interior & seats10.5%
- Airbags10.5%
- Exterior lighting10.5%
- Steering10.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ON WET SURFACE THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL GO TO THE FLOOR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HAVE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *NLM
WHEN I BOUGHT THE TRUCK USED (85000 MLS)IT HAD A BAD FRONT END IDLER LINK AND A BAD A/C CLUTCH BEARING. NOT LONG AFTER I BOUGHT IT I HAD TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES DIDN'T STOP THE VEHICLE LIKE THEY SHOULD AND I WAS SCARED TO LET MY WIFE DRIVE IT BECAUSE OF THE SPONGY BRAKES. I TOOK IT IN SEVERAL TIMES TO DIFFERENT SHOPS AND ALSO THE DEALER TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT THE BRAKES AND WAS ALWAYS TOLD THAT THE BRAKES ON THIS MODEL WERE JUST THAT WAY. I PUT NEW ROTORS AND PADS ON THE FRONT AND NEW REAR DRUMS AND SHOES AND REPEATEDLY BLED THE SYSTEM WITH SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT. IT ACTS AS THOUGH THERE IS A RESTRICTION IN THE BRAKE LINE TO BOTH FRONT AND REAR. IT ACTS AS THOUGH THEY DESIGNED THE THING NOT TO STOP QUICKLY. I UNPLUGGED THE MOTOR TO THE ABS SO THAT AT LEAST IT WOULD SQUEAL A TIRE. THE LACK OF SURE LOW SPEED STOPS HAS CAUSED 2 NEAR MISS ACCIDENTS AND 1 T BONE WHICH HAS RAISED OUR INSURANCE RATES. I HAVE LEARNED TO DRIVE THE THING ANTICIPATING STOPS AND PREBRAKING. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND JUST LIKE WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CIRCUIT BOARD THAT SHORTED OUT WHEN IT GETS WET THEY TOLD ME THAT FOR MY SPECIFIC MODEL THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND THEY REFUSED TO LOOK AT IT. TO ADD INSULT TO INJURY LAST WEEK THEY SENT US A MAILER SAYING THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE MY BRAKE PEDAL WITH A DIFFERENT ONE TO GIVE ME A "BETTER FEEL". THAT WON'T DO ME MUCH GOOD IF I'M STUCK UNDER A BUS!!!!! I HAVE A VEHICLE WHICH HAS SUBSTANDARD BRAKES, WHICH WERE DESIGNED THAT WAY AND THEY WON'T DO A [XXX] THING ABOUT THEM. I LIKE A LOT OF THINGS ABOUT THE TRUCK BUT THE BRAKES SUCK BIG TIME.*AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN DRIVING IN RAINY WEATHER THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD COME ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER NEEDED REPLACEMENT. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM
WINDSHIELD WIPERS DON'T WORK OR STOP WORKING IN RAIN. *AK
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN I BOUGHT THE TRUCK USED (85000 MLS)IT HAD A BAD FRONT END IDLER LINK AND A BAD A/C CLUTCH BEARING. NOT LONG AFTER I BOUGHT IT I HAD TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES DIDN'T STOP THE VEHICLE LIKE THEY SHOULD AND I WAS SCARED TO LET MY WIFE DRIVE IT BECAUSE OF THE SPONGY BRAKES. I TOOK IT IN SEVERAL TIMES TO DIFFERENT SHOPS AND ALSO THE DEALER TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT THE BRAKES AND WAS ALWAYS TOLD THAT THE BRAKES ON THIS MODEL WERE JUST THAT WAY. I PUT NEW ROTORS AND PADS ON THE FRONT AND NEW REAR DRUMS AND SHOES AND REPEATEDLY BLED THE SYSTEM WITH SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT. IT ACTS AS THOUGH THERE IS A RESTRICTION IN THE BRAKE LINE TO BOTH FRONT AND REAR. IT ACTS AS THOUGH THEY DESIGNED THE THING NOT TO STOP QUICKLY. I UNPLUGGED THE MOTOR TO THE ABS SO THAT AT LEAST IT WOULD SQUEAL A TIRE. THE LACK OF SURE LOW SPEED STOPS HAS CAUSED 2 NEAR MISS ACCIDENTS AND 1 T BONE WHICH HAS RAISED OUR INSURANCE RATES. I HAVE LEARNED TO DRIVE THE THING ANTICIPATING STOPS AND PREBRAKING. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND JUST LIKE WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CIRCUIT BOARD THAT SHORTED OUT WHEN IT GETS WET THEY TOLD ME THAT FOR MY SPECIFIC MODEL THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND THEY REFUSED TO LOOK AT IT. TO ADD INSULT TO INJURY LAST WEEK THEY SENT US A MAILER SAYING THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE MY BRAKE PEDAL WITH A DIFFERENT ONE TO GIVE ME A "BETTER FEEL". THAT WON'T DO ME MUCH GOOD IF I'M STUCK UNDER A BUS!!!!! I HAVE A VEHICLE WHICH HAS SUBSTANDARD BRAKES, WHICH WERE DESIGNED THAT WAY AND THEY WON'T DO A [XXX] THING ABOUT THEM. I LIKE A LOT OF THINGS ABOUT THE TRUCK BUT THE BRAKES SUCK BIG TIME.*AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
THE BRAKES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN MUSHY. I UNDERSTSAND THAT ABS WILL RESPOND DIFFERENTLY TO EMERGENCY BRAKEING THAN "NORMAL" BRAKES BUT THIS THING IS A REAL ADVENTURE TO DRIVE WHEN YOU'VE GOT TO MAKE PANIC STOPS.IT SEEMS TO RESIST YOUR FOOT THE HARDER YOU PUSH THE LESS BRAKING YOU FEEL.THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING MODULE WENT OUT WHICH CAUSED THE DISK BRAKE TO GRAB AND BOTH FRONT TIRES TO WEAR VERY BADLY. THE ELECTRIC WIPER CONTROL WENT OUT BECAUSET THE CONTROL BOX IS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND GOT WET. DAH! THE DRAG LINK BUSHING RUSTED OUT BECAUSE THE GREASE FITTING WAS APPARENTLY INACCESSABLE TO SERVICE AND NEVER GOT ANY GREASE. THE RADIATOR BEGAN LEAKING AT 90000 MLS. AT WHICH TIME I RAN A STOP LEAK PRODUCT IN IT WHICH STOPPED IT SO FAR. THE WATERPUMP WENT OUT AT 110,000 MLS AND THE ALTERNATOR AT 95000 MLS. BRAKES ARE BIGGEST CONCERN!!!!!
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE BRAKES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN MUSHY. I UNDERSTSAND THAT ABS WILL RESPOND DIFFERENTLY TO EMERGENCY BRAKEING THAN "NORMAL" BRAKES BUT THIS THING IS A REAL ADVENTURE TO DRIVE WHEN YOU'VE GOT TO MAKE PANIC STOPS.IT SEEMS TO RESIST YOUR FOOT THE HARDER YOU PUSH THE LESS BRAKING YOU FEEL.THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING MODULE WENT OUT WHICH CAUSED THE DISK BRAKE TO GRAB AND BOTH FRONT TIRES TO WEAR VERY BADLY. THE ELECTRIC WIPER CONTROL WENT OUT BECAUSET THE CONTROL BOX IS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND GOT WET. DAH! THE DRAG LINK BUSHING RUSTED OUT BECAUSE THE GREASE FITTING WAS APPARENTLY INACCESSABLE TO SERVICE AND NEVER GOT ANY GREASE. THE RADIATOR BEGAN LEAKING AT 90000 MLS. AT WHICH TIME I RAN A STOP LEAK PRODUCT IN IT WHICH STOPPED IT SO FAR. THE WATERPUMP WENT OUT AT 110,000 MLS AND THE ALTERNATOR AT 95000 MLS. BRAKES ARE BIGGEST CONCERN!!!!!
FIVE RADIATORS WERE REPLACED IN 6 YEARS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
2 TIRE FAILURES OF TIRE TREAD SEPARATION: INCIDENT DATES 6/15/02 AND 8/10/02. *AK
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AND VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATE. SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SHOULDERS, NOTICED TREAD SEPARATION AND WIRES HANGING OUT FROM TIRES. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. COOPER TIRES. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAR LAP SEAT BELTS BROKE IN MIDDLE ROW OF BACK SEATS. TOOK TO DEALER TO BE FIXED, THEN PART BROKE AGAIN, AND CURRENTLY DEALER IS REFUSING TO FIX ANY OF THEM. *AK
UPON IMPACT, DURING A FRONTAL CRASH, DRIVER'S SHOULDER/LAP BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
THE CROSS MEMBER BAR BROKE FROM THE METAL, AND A SHOCK ABSORBER WAS HANGING FROM NEAR THE GAS TANK. SHOP IS GOING TO REPLACE CROSSMEMBER BAR. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRANSMISSION REAR SEAL LEAKING, DEALER ADIVISED SEAL WAS REPLACED WITH THE WRONG YEAR 95 SEAL. HUSBAND REPLACED WITH RIGHT 92 SEAL. STILL LEAKING. ALSO THE MASTER CYLINDER IS KNOCKING LOUD NOISE. SEEMS LIKE IT IS GOING OUT. WHEN I DRIVE 35 MILES OR MORE BRAKES TEMPORARILY FAILS. AND, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WORKS TEMPORARILY ON THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW.
WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN DRIVER EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER. AFTER PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, DRIVER SAW SMOKE AND FIRE COMING FROM THE BACK OF VEHICLE.. FIRE WAS PUT OUT BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. FIRE BELIEVED TO HAVE STARTED IN THE TRANSMISSION AREA. THE TRUCK HAS BEEN TOTALLED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN I BOUGHT THE TRUCK USED (85000 MLS)IT HAD A BAD FRONT END IDLER LINK AND A BAD A/C CLUTCH BEARING. NOT LONG AFTER I BOUGHT IT I HAD TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES DIDN'T STOP THE VEHICLE LIKE THEY SHOULD AND I WAS SCARED TO LET MY WIFE DRIVE IT BECAUSE OF THE SPONGY BRAKES. I TOOK IT IN SEVERAL TIMES TO DIFFERENT SHOPS AND ALSO THE DEALER TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT THE BRAKES AND WAS ALWAYS TOLD THAT THE BRAKES ON THIS MODEL WERE JUST THAT WAY. I PUT NEW ROTORS AND PADS ON THE FRONT AND NEW REAR DRUMS AND SHOES AND REPEATEDLY BLED THE SYSTEM WITH SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT. IT ACTS AS THOUGH THERE IS A RESTRICTION IN THE BRAKE LINE TO BOTH FRONT AND REAR. IT ACTS AS THOUGH THEY DESIGNED THE THING NOT TO STOP QUICKLY. I UNPLUGGED THE MOTOR TO THE ABS SO THAT AT LEAST IT WOULD SQUEAL A TIRE. THE LACK OF SURE LOW SPEED STOPS HAS CAUSED 2 NEAR MISS ACCIDENTS AND 1 T BONE WHICH HAS RAISED OUR INSURANCE RATES. I HAVE LEARNED TO DRIVE THE THING ANTICIPATING STOPS AND PREBRAKING. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND JUST LIKE WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CIRCUIT BOARD THAT SHORTED OUT WHEN IT GETS WET THEY TOLD ME THAT FOR MY SPECIFIC MODEL THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND THEY REFUSED TO LOOK AT IT. TO ADD INSULT TO INJURY LAST WEEK THEY SENT US A MAILER SAYING THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE MY BRAKE PEDAL WITH A DIFFERENT ONE TO GIVE ME A "BETTER FEEL". THAT WON'T DO ME MUCH GOOD IF I'M STUCK UNDER A BUS!!!!! I HAVE A VEHICLE WHICH HAS SUBSTANDARD BRAKES, WHICH WERE DESIGNED THAT WAY AND THEY WON'T DO A [XXX] THING ABOUT THEM. I LIKE A LOT OF THINGS ABOUT THE TRUCK BUT THE BRAKES SUCK BIG TIME.*AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
RIGHT SIDE REAR AXLE PETRUDES OUTWARD ONE QUATER OF AN INCH FROM BACKING PLATE. SECOND INCIDENT: 26-SEP-97 MILEAGE : 87,000 NOTICEABLE RIDGE OF BRAKE SHOES. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
A FACTORY INSTALLED HITCH PLATFORM WAS FOUND TO HAVE FATIGUE CRACKS ON THE SIDE PLATES STARTING AT THE REAR BEHIND THE REAR FRAM MOUNTING BOLT AND CONTINUING AT ABOUT 45 DEGREES TOWARD THE SQUARE TUBE. THES ECRACKS HAD COME WITHIN 1/4" OF SQUAR ETUBE, VERY CLOSE TO FAILURE OF THE HITCH AND THE TRAILER COMING OFF THE TOW VEHICLE. *AK
HAVING PROBLEM WITH CRACKS IN THE HITCH OF THE SUBURBAN. TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
CLIMATE CONTROL WIRE BEHIND GLOVE BOX CAUGHT FIRE ALSO CC MODULE OVERHEATS/SHORTS W/O TRIPPING CIRCUIT FUSE. *AK
RIGHT FRONT SEAT BELT OCCASIONALLY TWISTS, CAUSING IT TO GET STUCK.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CROSS MEMBER BAR BROKE FROM THE METAL, AND A SHOCK ABSORBER WAS HANGING FROM NEAR THE GAS TANK. SHOP IS GOING TO REPLACE CROSSMEMBER BAR. *AK
REAR DRUMS RUB AGAINST BRAKING PLATES.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVER'S SEAT FRAME/FLOOR HAS BROKEN; SEAT BACK HAS ALSO BROKEN.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUFFERED INJURIES.*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
RIGHT FRONT SEAT BELT OCCASIONALLY TWISTS, CAUSING IT TO GET STUCK.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN I BOUGHT THE TRUCK USED (85000 MLS)IT HAD A BAD FRONT END IDLER LINK AND A BAD A/C CLUTCH BEARING. NOT LONG AFTER I BOUGHT IT I HAD TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES DIDN'T STOP THE VEHICLE LIKE THEY SHOULD AND I WAS SCARED TO LET MY WIFE DRIVE IT BECAUSE OF THE SPONGY BRAKES. I TOOK IT IN SEVERAL TIMES TO DIFFERENT SHOPS AND ALSO THE DEALER TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT THE BRAKES AND WAS ALWAYS TOLD THAT THE BRAKES ON THIS MODEL WERE JUST THAT WAY. I PUT NEW ROTORS AND PADS ON THE FRONT AND NEW REAR DRUMS AND SHOES AND REPEATEDLY BLED THE SYSTEM WITH SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT. IT ACTS AS THOUGH THERE IS A RESTRICTION IN THE BRAKE LINE TO BOTH FRONT AND REAR. IT ACTS AS THOUGH THEY DESIGNED THE THING NOT TO STOP QUICKLY. I UNPLUGGED THE MOTOR TO THE ABS SO THAT AT LEAST IT WOULD SQUEAL A TIRE. THE LACK OF SURE LOW SPEED STOPS HAS CAUSED 2 NEAR MISS ACCIDENTS AND 1 T BONE WHICH HAS RAISED OUR INSURANCE RATES. I HAVE LEARNED TO DRIVE THE THING ANTICIPATING STOPS AND PREBRAKING. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND JUST LIKE WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CIRCUIT BOARD THAT SHORTED OUT WHEN IT GETS WET THEY TOLD ME THAT FOR MY SPECIFIC MODEL THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND THEY REFUSED TO LOOK AT IT. TO ADD INSULT TO INJURY LAST WEEK THEY SENT US A MAILER SAYING THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE MY BRAKE PEDAL WITH A DIFFERENT ONE TO GIVE ME A "BETTER FEEL". THAT WON'T DO ME MUCH GOOD IF I'M STUCK UNDER A BUS!!!!! I HAVE A VEHICLE WHICH HAS SUBSTANDARD BRAKES, WHICH WERE DESIGNED THAT WAY AND THEY WON'T DO A [XXX] THING ABOUT THEM. I LIKE A LOT OF THINGS ABOUT THE TRUCK BUT THE BRAKES SUCK BIG TIME.*AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .