RoadVitals

1996 GMC 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.
172
Latest Mar 22, 2010
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.
14

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1996 GMC 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.

63
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

LIMITED RECALL LIMITS MY SAFETY! I HAD A RECENT CLOSE CALL IN MY 1996 GMC SUBURBAN. THE BRAKES BEGAN TO ANTI-LOCK ON DRY PAVEMENT WHEN ANTI-LOCK ASSISTANCE WAS NOT REQUIRED, THUS GREATLY INCREASING MY STOPPING DISTANCE. THE BRAKES WERE NOT PRESSED HARD; THE ANTI-LOCK SHOULD NOT HAVE ENGAGED. IT WAS A CLOSE CALL BETWEEN MY TRUCK AND THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. CURRENTLY MY SUBURBAN IS NOT COVERED UNDER GM'S RECENT LIMITED RECALL. HOWEVER, ATTENTION NEEDS TO BE GIVEN TO THIS SITUATION; MY TRUCK NEEDS TO BE COVERED. MY CONCERN IS NOT A TRIVIAL, MY SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS IS AT HAND. GM SHOULD BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO TAKE CARE OF A SAFETY ISSUE. I RECENTLY READ AN ARTICLE IN THE DETROIT NEWS ABOUT GM'S RECALL OF 1.4 MILLION 99-02 FULL SIZE TRUCKS AND SUV'S IN 20 STATES. THE RECALL CONCERNS THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE WHEEL HUB SENSOR GETTING INACCURATE READINGS. THE ARTICLE BROUGHT THE SEVERITY AND CRITICAL IMPORTANCE OF THIS RECALL AND MY PROBLEM TO MY ATTENTION. PROPER RECALL PROCEDURES NEED TO COVER ALL VEHICLES AFFECTED, NOT LIMITED BY MILEAGE, AGE, OR LOCATION. SAFETY NEEDS TO BE THE MAIN CONCERN, NOT A POLITICAL OR FINANCIAL AGENDA OF AUTOMAKERS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PROMPT ATTENTION TO MY CONCERNS. *NM..UPDATED 07/01/14 *BF

NHTSA ID 10150785 · filed Feb 21, 2006

DT: 1996 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 05068 CONCERNING ABS BRAKES ON THE 1999 THROUGH 2002 MODELS. WAS ISSUED. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ALTHOUGH THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER HAD NOT TAKEN VEHICLE TO THE DEALER YET, BUT THE CONSUMER KNEW THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THIS MAKE AN MODEL, AND YEAR FOR THE ABS. THE ABS ACTIVATED BETWEEN 3-10 MPH, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. THIS STARTED HAPPENING ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO, NOT EVERY TIME. NOW, IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE UNDER ANY ROAD CONDITIONS. THERE HAVE BEEN NO ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS, BUT IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME. COULD NOT COUNT THE NUMBER OF TIMES THE ABS FAILED.*AK *JB

NHTSA ID 10136238 · filed Oct 6, 2005
All 63 reports naming brakes

Visibility

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

26
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS ON THE HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER STALLING, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EASILY RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE FUEL INJECTOR PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE INITIAL REPLACEMENT, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. UPDATED 12/18/2006 - THE INJECTOR PUMP WHICH WAS REPLACED UNDER RECALL FAILED AGAIN. *NM THE CONSUMER ALSO WANTED TO RECALL FIXED, HOWEVER THE DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL. RECALL NUMBERS 96V057000 AND 03V159000. UPDATED 03/21/07. *JB

NHTSA ID 10174069 · filed Nov 22, 2006

VEHICLE'S WINDSHIELD WIPERS ONLY WORK ON HIGH SPEED.*MR THE MECHANIC REPLACED WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLY. *PH *JB *JB

NHTSA ID 10044176 · filed Oct 15, 2003
All 26 reports naming visibility

Tires & wheels

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

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TRAVELING UP FROM VA, THE RIGHT REAR FIRESTONE TIRE WHICH IS A LT245/75R16 MOUNTED ON A 1996 2500 SUBURBAN LOAD RANGE E TIRE RATED AT MAX 80 PSI, WAS INFLATED TO 65 PSI. I FELT A BOBBLING THEN THE TREAD CAME OFF THE CASING, DAMAGING THE SIDE OF MY SUBURBAN, RIPPING OFF THE MUD FLAP AND DAMAGE THE PAINT AS IT FLOPPED AROUND AND JUST RIPPED ITSELF OFF. FORTUNATELY THE TIRE DID NOT GO FLAT BUT LOST THE ENTIRE TREAD PORTION. THIS SET OF FOUR WAS PURCHASE AND WAS EXACT REPLACEMENT FROM OEM TIRE WHEN NEW. THERE IS ABOUT 80% TREAD ON TIRES. FIRESTONE IS TELLING ME TO RUN 45 PSI IN THE FRONT END 80 PSI IN THE REAR. I DON'T BELIEVE THIS IS ACCURATE. *NM

NHTSA ID 10183227 · filed Feb 22, 2007

I HAD A FIRESTONE TIRE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF MY SUBURBAN. I WAS ON THE FREEWAY WHEN WITHOUT WARNING THE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE STEEL BELT AND CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE TO MY SUBURBAN. MY SUBURBAN IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY BUT THE RENTAL COVERAGE HAS ALREADY BEEN EXCEEDED. I AM LEGALLY DISABLED AND I CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY FOR THE ADDITIONAL RENTAL COST. *NM

NHTSA ID 10138580 · filed Oct 4, 2005
All 18 reports naming tires & wheels

Electrical

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

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

1996 GMC SUBURBAN, CAUGHT ON FIRE. BF OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT #10-0580-91 UPDATED 05/03/10 *BF

NHTSA ID 10321947 · filed Mar 22, 2010

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 GMC SUBURBAN. WHEN HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IT HAD 26,000 MILES ON IT. HE WAS PULLING A TRAILER, WITH THE TRAILER AND THE TRUCK IT WEIGHS FROM ANY WHERE 10-15,000 POUNDS. THERE IS A BOLT THAT 3 QUARTERS INCH LONG . PUT THE TWO CABLES TOGETHER AND BOLTED IT INTO THE SIDE BATTERY. THE BOLT BECAME LOOSE. HAD ALL THE POWER NECESSARY TO STEER OR TO STOP THE VEHICLE. WHILE PULLING THIS TRAILER IT WAS EXTREMELY HARD TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE INSERT IN THE BATTERY, WHERE THE THREAD SECTION WAS PUT THE BOLT INTO. IF TIGHTEN EDIT IT PUTS A HOLE IN THE BATTERY AND STARTS TO LEAK BATTERY ACID. EVERY MORNING HE TIGHTENS THE BOLT A LITTLE BIT. CONSUMER SPOKEN WITH GM , AND THEY IGNORED IT. ALSO SPOKE WITH THE DEALERSHIP . THEY DID NOT EVEN BELIEVE HIM. ONE OF THE PEOPLE AT THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED ONE CABLE BECAUSE IT DETERIORATED. HE HAS REPLACED FOR FOUR BATTERIES SINCE HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE .*AK

NHTSA ID 10129182 · filed Jul 18, 2005
All 17 reports naming electrical

Fuel system

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

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS ON THE HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER STALLING, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EASILY RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE FUEL INJECTOR PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE INITIAL REPLACEMENT, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. UPDATED 12/18/2006 - THE INJECTOR PUMP WHICH WAS REPLACED UNDER RECALL FAILED AGAIN. *NM THE CONSUMER ALSO WANTED TO RECALL FIXED, HOWEVER THE DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL. RECALL NUMBERS 96V057000 AND 03V159000. UPDATED 03/21/07. *JB

NHTSA ID 10174069 · filed Nov 22, 2006

WE HAVE A 1996 6.5 TURBO DIESEL GMC SUBURBAN. WE HAD SEVERE STALLING PROBLEMS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AT THEIR COST AND INSTALLED AT OUR COST, NEW GLOW PLUGS, GLOW PLUG SENSOR, BATTERY, AND BATTERY CABLES SUSPECTED TO BE THE PROBLEM. IT CONTINUED TO STALL. WE RETURNED TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE PUMP AGAIN AT THEIR COST, BUT WE HAD TO PAY TO DROP THE TANK TO CHECK FOR CONTAMINATION. THERE WAS A DETERIORATED SCREEN WE PAID TO REPLACE. IT STILL STALLED. ONLY THIS TIME IT STALLED WHEN I WAS GOING 50 MPH AND APPROACHING CURVES ALONG THE RIVER. I LOST ALL POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. ME AND MY FIVE YOUNG KIDS ALMOST ENDED UP IN THE RIVER. HAD IT BEEN NORMAL WINTER ROADS, WE WOULD HAVE. ALL ALONG WE'VE DONE RESEARCH AND HAD IT REDIAGNOSED BY A PROFESSIONAL DIESEL MECHANIC, SO WE KNEW TO TELL OUR DEALER (AUTOMALL IN BRATTLEBORO VERMONT) TO REPLACE THE PUMP MOUNTED DRIVER (PMD) SOMETIMES CALLED A FUEL SOLENOID DRIVER (FSD). AFTER PROBLEMS WHERE AUTOMALL TRIED TO RIP US OFF FOR A FAKE $100 DEDUCTIBLE, THEY WILL INSTALL IT AT NO CHARGE TOMORROW (1/7/04). WE HAVE DRIVEN JUST OVER 1000 MILES TOTAL. HOWEVER, THIS DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. FROM ALL THE RESEARCH WE'VE DONE, WEVE DISCOVERED MANY PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED THE SAME DANGEROUS ACCOUNTS OF STALLING. SEVERAL REPORT HAVING ALMOST HAD SERIOUS ACCIDENTS LIKE I HAD TWO DAYS AGO. ACCORDING TO RESEARCH, PMD FAILURES ARE THE MOST COMMON PART TO FAIL ON GM 6.5 DIESELS. THE PMD OVERHEATS BECAUSE OF PLACEMENT NEAR THE ENGINE. THERE IS A SIMPLE, YET COSTLY FIX THAT CONSUMERS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY TO BE SAFE. A PUMP DRIVER COOLER (PDC) CAN MOUNT ON THE FIREWALL (NOT THE ENGINE) TO MOVE THE PMD AWAY FROM THE HEAT. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND ISSUE A RECALL TO INSTALL PDC'S ON THESE ENGINES SO WE CAN ONCE AGAIN BE SAFE IN OUR VEHICLES. MY FAMILY OF 7 CANT AFFORD ANOTHER STALL, ESPECIALLY DURING THESE WINTER MONTHS, AND NEW PDCS ALONE CANT GUARANTEE SAFETY. THANK YOU.*AK

NHTSA ID 10052489 · filed Jan 6, 2004
All 14 reports naming fuel system

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TRUCK PULLS WHEN BRAKING. TBS FIX IMPLEMENTED WITH LITTLE TO NO IMPROVEMENT. LAST TIME AT DEALER, DEALER SAID GMC HAS PROBLEM WITH 3/4TON SUBURBAN BRAKES BUT DOESN'T HAVE FIX. NOTHING HE CAN DO. TRUCK HAS HAD COMBINATION VALVE REPLACED, REAR SHOES REPLACED, FRONT PADS REPLACED (5X TOTAL), CALIPERS REPLACED, ROTORS REPLACED, TIE RODS REPLACED, IDLE ARM REPLACED, STEERING BOX AND PITMAN ARM REPLACED, FRONT BRAKE HOSES REPLACED, CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS REPLACED, AND ALIGNED SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO FIX TO THE PROBLEM. BRAKING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. YOU DON'T KNOW WHICH WAY THE VEHICLE WILL GO AND HOW HARD IT WILL TRY TO GET THERE. AS AN ENGINE DESIGNER I FIND IT AMAZING THAT GM HAS A HANDLING/SAFETY ISSUE OF THIS MAGNITUDE. THIS IS A BIG TRUCK TO HAVE SUCH A CONTROLABILITY PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP. A SHAULL

NHTSA ID 746971 · filed Jun 18, 2001

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, STEERING WHEEL "OVERSTEERS" WHICH MAY CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. *AK

NHTSA ID 842189 · filed Jul 13, 1999
All 8 reports naming steering

Transmission

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

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WE HAVE REPLACED OUR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TWICE SINCE OWNING OUR 96 GMC SUBURBAN. WE HAVE OWNED THE TRUCK SINCE 1998.*AK

NHTSA ID 10063605 · filed Mar 22, 2004

SERIES OF EMAIL CORRESPONDENCE WITH GM REGARDING THE TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT IN MY 1996 GMC SUBURBAN WHICH FAILED AFTER ONLY 75,000 MILES - 25,000 MILES BEFORE THE GM RECOMMENDED SERVICE. GM HAS CHOSEN NOT TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. I HAVE FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH GM TRANSMISSIONS. 12/31/2003 08:37 AM MICHELLE, I HAD THE LOCAL DEALER INSTALL A NEW TRANSMISSION LAST WEEK. I ASKED THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN WHY THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED. HE NOTED THAT IT HAD OVERHEATED AND TRASH AND DEBRIS WERE FOUND IN THE FLUID. HE ALSO NOTED THAT THEY, THE GM DEALER, RECOMMEND SERVICING THE TRANSMISSION EVERY 50,000 MILES. I FOLLOW THE SHORT-TRIP SERVICE SCHEDULE EVEN THOUGH MY TRUCK IS DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY AND NOT USED EXCESSIVELY TO AVOID PROBLEMS LIKE THIS. ACCORDING TO THE GM OWNERS MANUAL, THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD NOT HAVE REQUIRED SERVICING FOR ANOTHER 25,000 MILES. I FOLLOW AND EXCEED YOUR SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS. I NOW HAVE A FAILURE THAT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED MORE FREQUENT SERVICE. PLEASE HELP ME UNDERSTAND. -----ORIGINAL MESSAGE----- FROM: [email protected] SENT: 12/23/03 10:08:53 AM TO: [email protected] SUBJECT: RE: 1-172307605 I HAD A VERY GOOD CONVERSATION WITH JOE. UNFORTUNATELY, WITH HIS BEST EFFORTS, HE WAS NOT ABLE TO SECURE ANY ASSISTANCE. I UNDERSTAND THE TRANSMISSION IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS. WHAT I DO NOT UNDERSTAND - AFTER SPEAKING WITH MULTIPLE AUTOMOTIVE PROFESSIONALS INCLUDING SEVERAL GM SERVICE AND PARTS ASSOCIATES - IS WHY THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH GM TRUCKS. I CAN ALSO SPEAK FROM MY SISTER'S PERSONAL TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT IN HER 2002 Z71TAHOE. IF THE TRUCK HAD BEEN USED FOR BUSINESS PURPOSES, HAD NOT BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY, OR HAD OVER 150,000 MILES - I COULD UNDERSTAND THE TRANSMISSION FAILING. AGAIN, THIS TRUCK HAS LESS THAN 75,000 HIGHWAY MILES AND HAS BEEN USED FOR FAMILY TRAVEL.*AK

NHTSA ID 10052481 · filed Jan 6, 2004
All 8 reports naming transmission

Engine

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

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ON THE GMC 6.5 THE PMD, OR PUMP MOUNTED DRIVER FAILS DUE TO HEAT FAILURE, ALSO FAILING FOR NO REASON IN 8 DEGREE TEMPERATURES. WHEN IT FAILS THERE ARE NO SIGNS, WARNINGS JUST STALLING THE POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKES GONE. NOW PUT YOURSELF ON A 2 MILE HILL OF AN INSANE DESCENT, AND YOURSELF BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL WHAT WOULD YOU DO? THIS IS INSANITY THAT THE DEALERSHIP WILL ONLY HELP YOU IF THERE IS LESS THAN 100,000 MILES ON YOUR CAR, AND THEN ALL THEY DO IS REPLACE THE PUMP, WHEN THE PUMP ISN'T THE PROBLEM ITS THE PUMP MOUNTED DRIVER. I PERSONALLY HAVE SPOKEN TO AND BEEN TO THE MANUFACTURERS AND THEY REFUSE TO ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM, THIS IS THE MANUFACTURER! BUT I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW AFTER 11 YEARS NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, ONLY A RIP AND REPLACE, AND IF THERE'S TO MANY MILES TO BAD FOR YOU. I HAVE TRIED ALMOST EVERY AFTER MARKET SOLUTION OUT THERE AND THESE MANUFACTURERS TOO ARE BAFFLED ABOUT THIS SITUATION. SO WHY IF THERE IS NO PROBLEM ARE THERE A DOZEN BUSINESS MAKING MONEY OFF OF TRYING TO FIX THE MANUFACTURERS PROBLEM? IF THE MANUFACTURER DOESN'T HAVE TO TAKE THE BLAME THAN WHO DOES? THE FAMILY OF 7 THAT WROTE IN? WHEN THEY DIE IS SOMETHING GOING TO BE DONE , BECAUSE ITS NOT A MATTER OF IF, ITS A MATTER OF WHEN, AND I HOPE THAT DAY NEVER HAPPENS. BUT I HOPE THAT MORE THAN THE FAMILY HAS TROUBLE SLEEPING BECAUSE I FEEL BETTER FOR TRYING TO AVOID THIS CATASTROPHE. THANK YOU FOR YOU TIME. SINCERELY CONCERNED, JON LAMB

NHTSA ID 10182187 · filed Feb 10, 2007

I HAVE TWO GMC VEHICLES WITH THE SAME ENGINE, A GAS 5.7L V8, THAT REQUIRED INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET REPLACEMENT WITHIN ONE MONTH OF EACH OTHER. THE FIRST VEHICLE IS A 1996 1500 SUBURBAN WITH 90,000 MILES. THE OTHER IS A 1998 K1500 PICKUP WITH 80,000 MILES. BOTH LEAKS OCCURRED AT THE REAR OF THE BOTTOM INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE MECHANIC PERFORMING THE REPAIR STATES THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH HIS SHOP PERFORMING APPROXIMATELY 5-6 A MONTH IN A TOWN OF ONLY 30,000. THE DEALER DENIES ANY GENERIC PROBLEM. INSPECTION OF THE GASKET IMPLIES A TEMPERATURE RELATED PROBLEM OF THE GASKET BODY THAT UNDERMINES THE SEAL RIDGE. *JB

NHTSA ID 10060514 · filed Mar 5, 2004
All 8 reports naming engine

Driver assistance

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

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS ON THE HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER STALLING, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EASILY RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE FUEL INJECTOR PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE INITIAL REPLACEMENT, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. UPDATED 12/18/2006 - THE INJECTOR PUMP WHICH WAS REPLACED UNDER RECALL FAILED AGAIN. *NM THE CONSUMER ALSO WANTED TO RECALL FIXED, HOWEVER THE DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL. RECALL NUMBERS 96V057000 AND 03V159000. UPDATED 03/21/07. *JB

NHTSA ID 10174069 · filed Nov 22, 2006

WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. IT DID THE SAME THING WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK. WHEN TOUCHING THE GAS PEDAL LIGHT IT ACCELERATED.*AK

NHTSA ID 10081774 · filed Jul 13, 2004

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.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE IGNITON WAS OFF THE SWITCH ON THE DRIVERS DOOR FOR THE SIDE VIEW MIRRORS SUDDENLY IGNITED . THE KEYS WERE NOT IN THE CAR AND IN FACT THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN IN USE FOR OVER FIVE HOURS. LUCKILY OUR SON WENT OUT INTO THE GARAGE AND REPORTED BACK THAT THE CAR WAS FULL OF SMOKE. WHEN I WENT OUT THE FLAMES WERE ALREADY COMING UP THROUGH THE MELTED HOLES IN THE DOOR TRIM PANEL.

NHTSA ID 766255 · filed Aug 26, 2002

LOCKS FOR VARIOUS DOORS HAVE STUCK FOUR TIMES, PREVENTING ENTRY OR EXIT FROM VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP HAS EXAMINED VEHICLE, AND PERFORMED REPAIR WORK.*AK CONSUMER WAS ALSO HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WHICH FAILED INTERMITTENTLY, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL HOWEVER IT DID NOT APPLY TO CONSUMERS VEHICLE DUE TO THE VIN.*JB

NHTSA ID 898170 · filed Oct 24, 2001

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.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WORST PROBLEM IS IN DIFFERENTIAL - IT MAKES A SOUND LIKE AIRPLANE READY TO TAKE OFF - CAN'T BELIEVE THAT A 4 YR. OLD CAR CAN HAVE THIS HAPPEN - HAVE SPENT WELL OVER $5,000 SINCE I BOUGHT IT - REALLY UPSET !

NHTSA ID 720669 · filed Mar 27, 2000

CONSUMER HAS NOTICED LEAKING OF BEARINGS AND ALL 8 SEALS. ALSO WHEN DRIVING OF GRAVEL SURFACES AND APPLYING BRAKES, THE VEHICLE EXCEEDS THE NORMAL STOPPING DISTANCE. *AK

NHTSA ID 837002 · filed Apr 22, 1999

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TRUCK PULLS WHEN BRAKING. TBS FIX IMPLEMENTED WITH LITTLE TO NO IMPROVEMENT. LAST TIME AT DEALER, DEALER SAID GMC HAS PROBLEM WITH 3/4TON SUBURBAN BRAKES BUT DOESN'T HAVE FIX. NOTHING HE CAN DO. TRUCK HAS HAD COMBINATION VALVE REPLACED, REAR SHOES REPLACED, FRONT PADS REPLACED (5X TOTAL), CALIPERS REPLACED, ROTORS REPLACED, TIE RODS REPLACED, IDLE ARM REPLACED, STEERING BOX AND PITMAN ARM REPLACED, FRONT BRAKE HOSES REPLACED, CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS REPLACED, AND ALIGNED SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO FIX TO THE PROBLEM. BRAKING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. YOU DON'T KNOW WHICH WAY THE VEHICLE WILL GO AND HOW HARD IT WILL TRY TO GET THERE. AS AN ENGINE DESIGNER I FIND IT AMAZING THAT GM HAS A HANDLING/SAFETY ISSUE OF THIS MAGNITUDE. THIS IS A BIG TRUCK TO HAVE SUCH A CONTROLABILITY PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP. A SHAULL

NHTSA ID 746971 · filed Jun 18, 2001

FRONT CONTROL ARM BOLT FELL OFF,AND THE FRONT END IS SWINGING BACK AND FORTH. FRONT END HAS BECOME LOOSE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS.

NHTSA ID 856854 · filed Feb 14, 2000

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSUMER PULLS A TRAILER WITH VEHICLE AND IF USING HAZARD LIGHTS, ALL LIGHTS WILL BLOWOUT, INCLUDING BRAKE LIGHTS. CONTACTED GMC AND TRUCK CUSTOMER RELATIONS WHO STATED CONSUMER COULD NOT USE HAZARD LIGHTS WHILE PULLING A TRAILER.*AK CONSUMER STATED THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND BRAKES LIGHT ON THE TRAILER AS WELL AS THE VEHICLE WERE NO LONGER OPERATIVE.*JB

NHTSA ID 898352 · filed Oct 29, 2001

PUT ON EMERGENCY FLASHER SWITCH AND WENT TO CHANGE TIRE. UPON RETURNING TO THE DRIVER'S SEAT, NOTICED FLASHERS FAILED. BROUGHT VEHICLE TO DEALER AND CHECKED THE EMERGENCY FLASHER SWITCH, NOTICED IT WAS BURNED OUT. *AK

NHTSA ID 533119 · filed Mar 19, 1998

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG CAUSED CLIENT (MEISELMAN) INJURES DURING A MAJOR FRONTAL CRASH. NLM (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER)

NHTSA ID 551013 · filed Feb 17, 2000

HAD AN ACCIDENT 22-JUL-99, AND AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY.CONSUMER HAS NOT CONTACTED DEALER AND MANUFACTURE.HAD BRAKE PROBLEMS AND HAD THEM REPLACED 1000 MILES UNDER WARRANTY. *AK

NHTSA ID 843551 · filed Jul 27, 1999

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED AT 6:30 AM MILE MARKER 57 I-95 NORTH, SC, UP ON TWO WHEELS ALMOST ROLLOVER - SCARED THE H_LL OUT OF US. SECOND AT 3:15PM I-95 NORTH MILE MARKER 23 I-295 NORTH, VA. CHANGED ALL FOUR TO GOODYEAR. *AK (TIRESIZE: LT24575R16)

NHTSA ID 751159 · filed Aug 26, 2001

WHILE DRIVING ALONG TOWING A TRAILER, DRIVER MADE A RIGHT TURN, AND THE RECEIVER TO THE TRAILER HITCH BROKE. PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO DEALERSHIP. TRAILER HITCH WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP. *AK *ML

NHTSA ID 859879 · filed Apr 7, 2000

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER DOOR BECAME DIFFICULT TO OPEN AND AS TIME WENT ON THE HANDLE BROKE OFF. *JB

NHTSA ID 10009595 · filed Feb 28, 2003

DRIVER'S SIDE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF IN HIS HAND. *ET

NHTSA ID 553161 · filed Jul 24, 2000

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CRACKED HOSES AND PIN HOLE IN HEATER HOSE(CAUSING CORROSION FROM A LEAK). *SLC

NHTSA ID 554499 · filed Sep 11, 2000

POWER WINDOW ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FAILED.

NHTSA ID 525234 · filed Nov 14, 1997

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 .