1996 Chevrolet Suburban
This year had more than double the complaints of 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 | 500 |
| 1994 | 876 |
| 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 | 292 |
| 2008 | 213 |
| 2009 | 106 |
| 2010 | 117 |
| 2011 | 148 |
| 2012 | 101 |
| 2013 | 118 |
| 2014 | 59 |
| 2015 | 428 |
| 2016 | 218 |
| 2017 | 141 |
| 2018 | 81 |
| 2019 | 76 |
| 2020 | 44 |
| 2021 | 187 |
| 2022 | 113 |
| 2023 | 117 |
| 2024 | 39 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
47% of complaints: service brakes — 168 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
NOVEMBER 2010, I WENT TO STOP, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I WAS ABLE TO STOP USING THE PARKING BRAKE, BUT WAS VERY CLOSE TO REAR-ENDING A CARLOAD OF PEOPLE. I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130920
17% of complaints: electrical system — 60 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and alternator/generator/regulator.
FIRE DEATHShow complaint excerpts
1996 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, SIDE MIRROR REMOTE CONTROL IN DRIVERS DOOR PANEL CAUGHT ON FIRE. I TORE OUT THE PANEL AND CUT THE WIRES TO REMOVE IT BEFORE THE TRUCK CAUGHT COMPLETELY ON FIRE. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20040320
13% of complaints: power train — 45 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and axle assembly.
CRASH FIRE DEATHShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLES TRANSMISSION FAILED AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK *NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20030304
CAR WAS IN PARK AND ENGINE OFF, CHILD WHO WAS EXITING VEHICLE MOVED THE SHIFT LEVER OUT OF PARK, VEHICLE ROLLED, STRIKING ANOTHER VEHICLE BROADSIDE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960916
12% of complaints: visibility — 44 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing motor and windshield wiper/washer.
12% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 44 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
POOR BRAKE PERFORMANCE
THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH THE THROTTLE CABLE CONTACTING THE DASH MAT WHICH COULD BIND THE THROTTLE. THIS DOES NOT MEET WITH THE MAXIMUM RETURN TIMES REQUIRED BY FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY S
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR ADEQUATE THROTTLE CABLE TO DASH MAT CLEARANCE, AND IF THERE IS INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE, CUT OUT A PORTION OF THE DASH MAT TO PROVIDE PROPER CLEARANCE.
Campaign 96V057000 — check if this car was fixed
STEERING SHAFT SEPARATIONS
STEERING SHAFT SEPARATIONS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, 2 AND 4-WHEEL DRIVE. SOLDER JOINTS NEAR THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN CRACK CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO WORK INTERMI
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER.
Campaign 98V150001 — check if this car was fixed
OEM HITCH RECEIVER PLATFORM CRACKING
BATTERY LEAKS ACID
HEADLIGHT
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE
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.
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 D
Campaign 03V159000 — check if this car was fixed
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
1996 Chevrolet Suburban — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (168 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (60 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (45 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V057000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V150001 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V159000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1996 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Chevrolet Suburban is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Chevrolet Suburban?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Chevrolet Suburban have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.