1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 16
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1997: 16 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 9 |
| 1995 | 8 |
| 1996 | 9 |
| 1997 | 16 |
| 1998 | 14 |
| 1999 | 74 |
| 2000 | 67 |
| 2001 | 92 |
| 2002 | 120 |
| 2003 | 175 |
| 2004 | 182 |
| 2005 | 94 |
| 2006 | 31 |
| 2007 | 190 |
| 2008 | 101 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 53 |
| 2011 | 80 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2023 | 17 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 30 |
| 2026 | 16 |
Known problem areas
Only 16 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Visibility
6 of 16 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and switch/wiring.
Service brakes
5 of 16 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
Anti-lock systems overrides at low speed on dry pavement increasing stopping distances.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-10
Brake failure due to rusted brake lines on 2 separate occasions.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-06
Exterior lighting
3 of 16 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing turn signal and brake lights.
Steering
2 of 16 total reports mention: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
Extreme over steering at speeds over 45 MPH. Nearly caused a freeway accident with car full of kids. Previously owned a 93 suburban with no complaints.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-08-15
Electrical system
2 of 16 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, he heard a loud noise coming from the engine and the vehicle began to vibrate.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-07-26
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Visibility: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 3 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1500?
- The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.