RoadVitals

1994 Chevrolet Suburban Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
858
Latest Apr 26, 2023
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
157

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1994 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

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.

587
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 1994 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph and applying the brake pedal to stop the pedal suddenly extended to the floor causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of a second vehicle. No injuries were reported. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified. The failure mileage was 274,000.

NHTSA ID 11440608 · filed Nov 16, 2021

WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK THAN STOP. I WIGGLE WIRE CONNECTOR TO MOTOR THAN THEY WILL WORK FOR A SHORT PERIOD. IF I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THEY WILL STOP WORKING AND SOMETIMES START WORKING AGAIN. I FOUND OUT THAT 1994 SUBURBAN 4X4 ARE NOT ON THE RECALL LIST FOR THE CARD THAT HAS A FAULTY SOLDER. I HAVE ALSO REPLACED MY DRIVERS SIDE CALIPER 4 TIMES SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IN JANUARY 2003. I ALSO REPLACED THE BRAKE HOSE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE CALIPERS SEEMED TO GET STUCK AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. *JB

NHTSA ID 10102721 · filed Dec 11, 2004
All 587 reports naming brakes

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

168
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT ACTIVATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V159000 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.

NHTSA ID 10475268 · filed Sep 13, 2012

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V150001 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER); THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME ANY FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIR. AS OF DECEMBER 15, 2008, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED ACCORDING TO THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 134,000.

NHTSA ID 10251816 · filed Dec 15, 2008
All 168 reports naming visibility

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

27
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE SHOULDER STRAP FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER DOES NOT PULL TIGHT. *NM

NHTSA ID 10063776 · filed Mar 24, 2004

DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT. GM DEALER REFUSES TO REPAIR RETRACTOR BECAUSE THEY CLAIM IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY.*AK *MR

NHTSA ID 10051780 · filed Dec 18, 2003
All 27 reports naming seat belts

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

25
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE IGNITION OFF. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES, A FIRE STARTED IN THE AREA OF THE BATTERY PRECEDED BY THICK WHITE SMOKE. THE FIRE SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC WHEELWELL GUARD AND RIGHT FRONT TIRE ABOUT TWO MINUTES AFTER THE SMOKE WAS NOTICED. THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, DASHBOARD, WINDSHIELD, AND FRONT FLOOR PAN AREA WAS DESTROYED BY FIRE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10537114 · filed Aug 25, 2013

GENERAL MOTORS UNWILLING TO HONOR WARRANTY OBLIGATIONS UNDER A SPECIAL POLICY AMENDMENT. TSB 00064 INCREASES COVERAGE FOR ELEVEN YEARS OR 120,000 MILES FROM DATE OF SERVICE IN REGARDS TO MALFUNCTION OF THE ELECTRONIC DIESEL FUEL INJECTION PUMP. THIS INCLUDES 1994 CHEVROLET SUBURBANS. *AK

NHTSA ID 10026103 · filed Jul 15, 2003
All 25 reports naming engine

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

22
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE CONSUMER WAS INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE DRIVER 'S SIDE SEAT FRAME BROKE. NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE SEAT COLLAPSED FORWARD. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO FIX THE SEAT. *AK...CONSUMER REPLACED THE FRAME. CONSUMER HAS ACTUAL SEAT FRAME AND PARTS ON HAND. ALSO, HAS AIR BAG PHOTOS. *AK

NHTSA ID 10101786 · filed Nov 29, 2004

SEAT WELD BROKE ON DRIVERS SEAT. *AK

NHTSA ID 10062503 · filed Mar 18, 2004
All 22 reports naming interior & seats

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

20
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE IGNITION OFF. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES, A FIRE STARTED IN THE AREA OF THE BATTERY PRECEDED BY THICK WHITE SMOKE. THE FIRE SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC WHEELWELL GUARD AND RIGHT FRONT TIRE ABOUT TWO MINUTES AFTER THE SMOKE WAS NOTICED. THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, DASHBOARD, WINDSHIELD, AND FRONT FLOOR PAN AREA WAS DESTROYED BY FIRE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10537114 · filed Aug 25, 2013

DT: CONTACT STATED VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY THE NEIGHBOR'S DOGS WERE BARKING, SHE LOOKED OUT , AND THERE WERE SPARKS COMING OUT OF VEHICLE. SHE WOKE UP HER HUSBAND. HEARD A LOUD NOISE. VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE, IT BURNED THE WHOLE MOTOR, MOST OF THE INSIDE, DASHBOARD. NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FIRE. THE FIRE CHIEF SAID IT COULD HAVE BEEN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *AK

NHTSA ID 10142213 · filed Nov 8, 2005
All 20 reports naming electrical

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 1994 Chevrolet Suburban equipped with two Lionhart Tires, Tire Line: LHS, Tire Size: 305/30/ZR26, DOT Number: TB2ACY50. The contact stated that he had installed two Lionhart tires on the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was a secondary vehicle that was not driven often. The contact stated that he observed a bulge on the tire, and the tire sidewall was separating from the tread next to the bulge. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 4,500 on a new installed engine. The tire failure mileage was 2,000.

NHTSA ID 11519159 · filed Apr 26, 2023

1994 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT DAMAGING THE HEATER LINES AND RIGHT REAR QUARTER PANEL. *BF OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0678-91. *JB UPDATED 04/14/10 *BF

NHTSA ID 10322000 · filed Mar 24, 2010
All 18 reports naming tires & wheels

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DT*: THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A VERY STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE WHILE DRIVING OR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED. THERE HAVE BEEN NO OBVIOUS SIGNS OF GASOLINE LEAKAGE OTHER THAN THE ODOR. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SEEN BY VARIOUS REPAIR SHOPS AND DEALERS, BUT NO SOURCE OF LEAKAGE HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED. *JB

NHTSA ID 10147958 · filed Jan 17, 2006

UNEXPLAINED AND SUDDEN STALLING AT HIGHWAY SPEED.*AK

NHTSA ID 10067856 · filed Apr 26, 2004
All 15 reports naming fuel system

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLS/MISFIRES ON ACCELERATION, AND LONGER TIME TO CRANK HOT OR COLD. AT TIMES SLIGHT TOUCH OF ACCELERATOR AND VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD.*AK THE VEHICLE CUTS OFF AT ANY SPEED, LOSING POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. THIS PROBLEM IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AS PER RECALL 95I005, WHEN VEHICLE WAS RETURNED IT WAS WORSE. CONSUMER INSTALLED A VACUUM PUMP WHICH WAS NEEDED BUT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. CONSUMER TOOK IT BACK AND WAS TOLD A LIFT PUMP WAS NEEDED AND THEY GUARANTEED THE PROBLEM WOULD BE FIXED. IT WASN'T. NOW THEY CAN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *JG

NHTSA ID 8006855 · filed Apr 2, 2002

WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS ON, IT WOULD AUTOMATICALLY CLICK ON AND APPLYING THE BRAKE WOULD NOT STOP THE CRUISE CONTROL SPEED. VERY SCARY, HAPPEND TWICE AND I TOOK TO DEALER WHERE THEY CHANGED A "STRIPPED NUT" ON BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY.

NHTSA ID 720260 · filed Mar 17, 2000
All 12 reports naming driver assistance

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PE00.020; CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 70MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATE. THEN, HE PULLED OVER, AND RIGHT REAR TIRE STARTED BLOWING UP.THERE WERE TWO SIDE POCKETS, AND SIDE TREAD EXPLODED RIGHT IN FRONT OF HIS FACE. *AK

NHTSA ID 866785 · filed Aug 3, 2000

I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO GET THESE ISSUES REPAIRED AND HAVE SENT LETTERS, BUT THE CHEY DEALERS WILL NOT GET INVOLVED, NOR WILL THE DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM AGREE TO RESEARCH IT ANY FARTHER. I HAVE SPENT OVER $500.00 IN FRONT END PARTS, EXHAUST PARTS AND IT IS STILL THERE. I HAVE OWNED 3 OTHER SUBURBANS AND THIS IS THE WORST DRIVING ONE I HAVE EVER HAD. ARE THERE ANY OTHER WAYS TO GET THIS CAR TO SAFELY GO DOWN THE ROAD? IT WANDERS ALL OVER AND IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE ON A WINDY DAY.

NHTSA ID 708469 · filed Jul 10, 1999
All 11 reports naming suspension

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TRAILER HITCH ON VEHICLE WAS CRACKED. *AK NLM.

NHTSA ID 896715 · filed Sep 24, 2001

AT 65 MPH, LEFT REAR WHEEL BROKE OFF, SHEARING 2 LUG NUTS. BRAKE JOB DONE 30 DAYS PRIOR.*AK

NHTSA ID 749075 · filed Jul 24, 2001
All 11 reports naming other / unspecified

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSUMER WAS ON THE HIGHWAY SLOWING DOWN TO BRAKE FOR TRAFFIC & PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. VEHICLE WOULDN'T STOP. ABS LIGHT OR NO OTHER WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. DEALER SEEMED TO REPAIR VEHICLE, BUT IT HASNT BEEN DRIVEN AT HIGHWAY SPEED TO EXPERIENCE IT AGAIN. ALSO, TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO BE STRAINING WHEN STARTING TO TAKE OFF. DEALER CHECKED VEHICLE OUT, BUT FOUND EVERYTHING TO BE OKAY. *AK

NHTSA ID 865587 · filed Jul 18, 2000

WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, WHICH RESULTED IN LOSS OF POWER. GM SAYS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN RECAL OF OTHER VEHICLES OF THE SAME YEAR, MODEL AND PROBLEMS *AK *YC

NHTSA ID 851247 · filed Oct 20, 1999
All 11 reports naming transmission

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AIR CONDITIONER HAS FAILED 3 YEARS IN A ROW, REPLACED BY THE SUGGESTED MANUFACTURER PART. PART IS ONLY GUARNTEED FOR 1 YEAR AND SEEMS TO BREAK SHORTLY AFTER GUARNTEE EXPIRES.

NHTSA ID 733661 · filed Oct 7, 2000

AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR AND CONDENSOR REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES.

NHTSA ID 542222 · filed Oct 22, 1998

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.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

STEERING WHEEL DID NOT MOVE TIRES AT ALL. THE CAR DRIFTED TO RIGHT AND WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED TO LEFT, NOTHING HAPPENED. STEERING WHEEL COULD BE SPUN WITHOUT AFFECTING TIRE MOVEMENT. DEALERSHIP THAT HAD REPLACED IDLER ARM STATED THEY COULD NOT TELL IF CAUSE OF WRECK WAS THEIR FAULT BUT WOULD FIX CAR AT THEIR COSTS. MY FEAR IS THAT THERE IS SOMETHING STRUCTURALLY WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE THAT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE TO OTHERS.

NHTSA ID 712629 · filed Oct 1, 1999

BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED.

NHTSA ID 534083 · filed Apr 14, 1998

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DOORS AT THE BOTTOM HAVE ROTTED OUT, SEAM ON THE BOTTOM, ALL OF THE PAINT IS OFF AND RUSTING OUT FROM THE INSIDE. DEALER CONTACTED AND CANNOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. ALSO ABS BRAKES ARE DEFECTIVE, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. ABS LIGHT COMES ON PREMATURELY. DEALER CANNOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ID 832347 · filed Dec 16, 1998

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE CARGO DOOR ON VEHICLE FELL OFF . CONSUMER STATED THAT A SEVEN YEAR OLD CHILD WAS OPERATING THE DOOR AT THE TIME OF INCIDENT. MANUFACTURER TOLD THE OWNER THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIR OF THE DOOR BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. *AK

NHTSA ID 816031 · filed Sep 4, 1997

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CARRIER GEAR ON LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL CRACKED. MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK CONSUMER STATES ABS DO NOT STOP VEHICLE AND CONSUMER HAS HAD TO RUN OFF THE ROAD MAY TIMES IN ORDER TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT. *SLC

NHTSA ID 878455 · filed Jan 18, 2001

ABS SYSTEM FAILED-IT STARTS TO KICK IN, THEN RELEASES, SENT US INTO INTERSECTION AND NEAR MISSES WITH CARS-PAID TO HAVE BRAKES REPLACED, DIDN'T CORRECT THE PROBLEM (TOLD IT MUST BE A PROBLEM WITH ABS COMPUTER SYSTEM); WIPERS OCCASIONALLY BEGIN SLOWING AND WORK INTERMITTENTLY; DIFFERENTIAL WAS OUT WHEN WE PURCHASED THE CAR AND WE HAD TO PAY FOR THE PARTS, APPEARS TO BE HAPPENING AGAIN 2 YEARS LATER.

NHTSA ID 712440 · filed Sep 29, 1999

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY DUE TO A FAULTY LIGHT SWITCH CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY. NLM

NHTSA ID 782579 · filed Jul 29, 1999

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

Data on this page last refreshed .