1990 Chevrolet Suburban
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 3 |
| 1984 | 6 |
| 1985 | 9 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1987 | 18 |
| 1988 | 30 |
| 1989 | 62 |
| 1990 | 54 |
| 1991 | 52 |
| 1992 | 189 |
| 1993 | 499 |
| 1994 | 858 |
| 1995 | 457 |
| 1996 | 360 |
| 1997 | 414 |
| 1998 | 201 |
| 1999 | 634 |
| 2000 | 282 |
| 2001 | 440 |
| 2002 | 286 |
| 2003 | 301 |
| 2004 | 204 |
| 2005 | 129 |
| 2006 | 23 |
| 2007 | 291 |
| 2008 | 213 |
| 2009 | 106 |
| 2010 | 117 |
| 2011 | 148 |
| 2012 | 101 |
| 2013 | 118 |
| 2014 | 59 |
| 2015 | 427 |
| 2016 | 216 |
| 2017 | 139 |
| 2018 | 81 |
| 2019 | 70 |
| 2020 | 40 |
| 2021 | 177 |
| 2022 | 104 |
| 2023 | 107 |
| 2024 | 36 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
19% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 10 distinct reports on file.
17% of complaints: seats — 9 distinct reports on file.
CRASH13% of complaints: seats — 7 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DRIVER SEAT COLLAPSED PRIOR TO/TWICE AFTER RECALL REPAIRS (93V-187). TT & *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950308
11% of complaints: tires — 6 distinct reports on file.
INJURY7% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AND ITS BELIEVED TO BE FROM THE TANSMISSION. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19960103
SAFETY TIMELINE
UNANTICIPATED HEAT IN THE TRANSMISSION CAN FORCE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID OUT OF THE VENT TUBE.
Remedy: INSTALL A LONGER TRANSMISSION VENT HOSE ROUTED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE.
Campaign 93V016000 — check if this car was fixed
SEVERE CORROSION DUE TO ROAD SALT AT THE JOINT OF THE STAMPED STEEL CENTER SECTION AND THE CAST OUTER SECTION CAN CAUSE THE SECTIONS TO SEPARATE.
Remedy: REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH NEW ROTORS WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION COATING. HOWEVER, IF REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE LININGS ARE NECESSARY, IT WILL BE DONE AT OWNER'S EXPENSE SINCE BRAKE LININGS ARE N
Campaign 93V119000 — check if this car was fixed
THE RECLINER MECHANISM AND THE SEAT FRAME MAY HAVE FOAM AND/OR VINYL BETWEEN THEM, CREATING A "SOFT" JOINT. THIS "SOFT" JOINT RESULTS IN LOWER THAN SPECIFIED BOLT TORQUE WHICH LEADS TO JOINT LOOSENESS
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE FOAM AND/OR VINYL FROM BETWEEN THE RECLINER MECHANISM AND THE SEAT FRAME "SOFT" JOINT AND REPLACE THE RECLINER BOLTS.
Campaign 93V187000 — check if this car was fixed
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
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 MANUFACTURE
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).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1990 Chevrolet Suburban — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 93V016000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V119000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V187000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1990 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 Chevrolet Suburban is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1990 Chevrolet Suburban?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Chevrolet Suburban have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.