1989 GMC Suburban
Only 17 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 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 3 |
| 1986 | 4 |
| 1987 | 8 |
| 1988 | 8 |
| 1989 | 17 |
| 1990 | 22 |
| 1991 | 31 |
| 1992 | 80 |
| 1993 | 213 |
| 1994 | 419 |
| 1995 | 227 |
| 1996 | 172 |
| 1997 | 200 |
| 1998 | 100 |
| 1999 | 285 |
| 2000 | 15 |
| 2001 | 5 |
| 2002 | 7 |
| 2003 | 5 |
| 2004 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 17 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
5 of 17 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing rear/other and retractor.
Show complaint excerpts
WE PURCHASED A 1989 GMC SUBURBAN IN FEBRUARY 2003. AT THAT TIME THE PERSON WE HAD PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM TOLD US THERE WAS A POSSIBILITY THE PAINT HAD BEEN RECALLED, BUT HE HAD NEVER CHECKED INTO IT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040422
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 of 17 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing recliner.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
AS A RESULT OF RECLINER BUCKET SEAT RECALL, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE MOUNTING BOLT BROKE AND THE ENTIRE BACK OF SEAT RELEASED, INJURING CONSUMER'S WIFE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970602
DRIVERS CHAIR SLIPPED BACK WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT/INJURY PRIOR TO RECALL.(93V187000) *DSH
NHTSA ODI report, 19960125
2 of 17 total reports mention: tires.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. STEELTEX RADIAL LT TIRES. *AK THE TIRE PRESSURE HAD RUN LOW, BUT NEVER MORE THAN 2 PSI HIGH. (NEVER ANY IMPACT) THE BLOWOUT HAPPENED ON A SMOOTH ROAD AT A LOW SPEED. THERE WERE NEVER ANY REPAIRS DONE TO THE TIRES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030530
2 of 17 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing pump and steering wheel/handle bar.
2 of 17 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
SAFETY TIMELINE
TRAILER HITCH SEPERATION
SEAT BACK FAILURES
SEAT BACK BOLT BREAKAGE
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
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1989 GMC Suburban — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 93V016000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V187000 (seats) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1989 GMC Suburban 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 1989 GMC Suburban?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 GMC Suburban have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.