1997 GMC SUBURBAN — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

268

Owner Complaints

22 Crashes 4 Fires

3

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

0

Service Bulletins

1

Investigation

Overview of the 1997 GMC SUBURBAN

The 1997 GMC SUBURBAN has received a total of 268 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 3 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER, VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR. The most commonly reported problems involve the Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip (44 complaints), Power Trainautomatic Transmission (21 complaints), and Steering (21 complaints).

Recalls for the 1997 GMC SUBURBAN

NHTSA has recorded 3 recalls for the 1997 GMC SUBURBAN, potentially affecting up to 2,351,350 vehicles.

Recall 06E043000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

| 88,303 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK...

Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

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Recall 03V159000 — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

| 1,755,876 vehicles affected

Defect: 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: 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...

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Recall 03V093000 — VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

| 507,171 vehicles affected

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

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...

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Owner Complaints for the 1997 GMC SUBURBAN

268 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1997 GMC SUBURBAN. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 44 10 Crashes 11 Injuries
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 21 1 Fire
Steering
Complaints: 21 1 Crash
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 13 2 Fires
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 12
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 12
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 8
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 8
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 7
Tires
Complaints: 6 1 Crash
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 5 5 Crashes 9 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 5
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 5 2 Crashes 4 Injuries
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 4
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 4
Electrical System12v24v48v Batterycables
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 3
Seats
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 3
Electrical System
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrum
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 2
Steeringgear Box Other Than Rack And Pinion
Complaints: 2
Structure
Complaints: 2
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 2
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 2
Trailer Hitches
Complaints: 2
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 2
Child Seat
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring Rear Compartmenttrunk
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 1
Engine
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve
Complaints: 1
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Dieselstoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systeminjectors
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncooling Unit And Lines
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 4 Injuries
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionparkneutral Start Interlock Switch
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaftseal
Complaints: 1
Power Traindriveline
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelineuniversal Joint
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airantilock
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump
Complaints: 1
Structurebody
Complaints: 1
Suspension
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfronthub
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontshock Absorber
Complaints: 1
Tirestemporaryemergency Spare Tire
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasherswitchwiring
Complaints: 1
Wheels
Complaints: 1
Wheelshubcapcover
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#10794765 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | 142,000 miles
CAR LURCHES WHEN TURNING RIGHT AND LEFT, INTERMITTENTLY FEELING LIKE YOU ARE LOOSING CONTROL OF VEHICLE.
#10758845 | TIRES | | 150,619 miles Crash
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
#10593726 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 130,000 miles
THE IGNITION SWITCH STARTED TO FAIL WHILE DRIVING. FIRST THE HEATER FAN WOULD QUIT AND THE ABS LIGHT WOULD INSTANTLY TURN ON, AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD FAIL TO OPERATE. WHEN THE ABS LIGHT WOULD BE ON THE ABS WOULD FAIL TO OPERATE. THEN SUDDENLY ALL OPERATIONS WOULD GO BACK TO NORMAL. IT WOULD BE UNPREDICTABLE WHEN THE HEATER FAN AND THE ABS WOULD FAIL AND COME BACK. THEN YESTERDAY, THE SUBURBAN STARTED AND DIED 3 SECONDS AFTER STARTING. I RESTARTED THE SUBURBAN AND ALL SEEMED GOOD. I PUT THE SUBURBAN IN DRIVE AND ROLLED AT ABOUT 5 MPH AND THE TRUCK DIED. I STOPPED AND PUT THE SUBURBAN IN TO PARK AND RESTARTED. PLACED IT INTO DRIVE AND MADE IT HOME. WHEN I GOT HOME, I TURNED OFF THE SUBURBAN AND TRIED TO RESTART IT. IT WOULD CRANK BUT NOT FIRE THE ENGINE. THE RADIO AND HEATER AND ALL OTHER ELECTRONICS WOULD OPERATE AS NORMAL, BUT THE DASH LIGHTS WOULD NOT TURN ON I.E. THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON", "BRAKE", "AIR BAG", "ABS". THE IGNITION SWITCH HAS FAILED ON IT AND NOW SITS IN MY DRIVEWAY. *TR
#10593726 | ENGINE | | 130,000 miles
THE IGNITION SWITCH STARTED TO FAIL WHILE DRIVING. FIRST THE HEATER FAN WOULD QUIT AND THE ABS LIGHT WOULD INSTANTLY TURN ON, AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD FAIL TO OPERATE. WHEN THE ABS LIGHT WOULD BE ON THE ABS WOULD FAIL TO OPERATE. THEN SUDDENLY ALL OPERATIONS WOULD GO BACK TO NORMAL. IT WOULD BE UNPREDICTABLE WHEN THE HEATER FAN AND THE ABS WOULD FAIL AND COME BACK. THEN YESTERDAY, THE SUBURBAN STARTED AND DIED 3 SECONDS AFTER STARTING. I RESTARTED THE SUBURBAN AND ALL SEEMED GOOD. I PUT THE SUBURBAN IN DRIVE AND ROLLED AT ABOUT 5 MPH AND THE TRUCK DIED. I STOPPED AND PUT THE SUBURBAN IN TO PARK AND RESTARTED. PLACED IT INTO DRIVE AND MADE IT HOME. WHEN I GOT HOME, I TURNED OFF THE SUBURBAN AND TRIED TO RESTART IT. IT WOULD CRANK BUT NOT FIRE THE ENGINE. THE RADIO AND HEATER AND ALL OTHER ELECTRONICS WOULD OPERATE AS NORMAL, BUT THE DASH LIGHTS WOULD NOT TURN ON I.E. THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON", "BRAKE", "AIR BAG", "ABS". THE IGNITION SWITCH HAS FAILED ON IT AND NOW SITS IN MY DRIVEWAY. *TR
#10593726 | STEERING | | 130,000 miles
THE IGNITION SWITCH STARTED TO FAIL WHILE DRIVING. FIRST THE HEATER FAN WOULD QUIT AND THE ABS LIGHT WOULD INSTANTLY TURN ON, AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD FAIL TO OPERATE. WHEN THE ABS LIGHT WOULD BE ON THE ABS WOULD FAIL TO OPERATE. THEN SUDDENLY ALL OPERATIONS WOULD GO BACK TO NORMAL. IT WOULD BE UNPREDICTABLE WHEN THE HEATER FAN AND THE ABS WOULD FAIL AND COME BACK. THEN YESTERDAY, THE SUBURBAN STARTED AND DIED 3 SECONDS AFTER STARTING. I RESTARTED THE SUBURBAN AND ALL SEEMED GOOD. I PUT THE SUBURBAN IN DRIVE AND ROLLED AT ABOUT 5 MPH AND THE TRUCK DIED. I STOPPED AND PUT THE SUBURBAN IN TO PARK AND RESTARTED. PLACED IT INTO DRIVE AND MADE IT HOME. WHEN I GOT HOME, I TURNED OFF THE SUBURBAN AND TRIED TO RESTART IT. IT WOULD CRANK BUT NOT FIRE THE ENGINE. THE RADIO AND HEATER AND ALL OTHER ELECTRONICS WOULD OPERATE AS NORMAL, BUT THE DASH LIGHTS WOULD NOT TURN ON I.E. THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON", "BRAKE", "AIR BAG", "ABS". THE IGNITION SWITCH HAS FAILED ON IT AND NOW SITS IN MY DRIVEWAY. *TR

View all Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1997 GMC SUBURBAN

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1997 GMC SUBURBAN in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1997 GMC SUBURBAN

No technical service bulletins have been reported for this vehicle.

NHTSA Investigations for the 1997 GMC SUBURBAN

NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 1997 GMC SUBURBAN.

Investigation PE98060 — STEERING Closed

Opened:

ERRATIC STEERING BOOST WHILE DRIVING

Other Model Years of the GMC SUBURBAN

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Other GMC Models

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