1990 GMC Suburban
Only 22 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 22 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 | 30 |
| 1992 | 80 |
| 1993 | 212 |
| 1994 | 411 |
| 1995 | 227 |
| 1996 | 172 |
| 1997 | 200 |
| 1998 | 100 |
| 1999 | 285 |
| 2000 | 15 |
| 2001 | 5 |
| 2002 | 7 |
| 2003 | 5 |
| 2004 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 22 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 22 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER WAS LEAVING A STOP LIGHT UP TO 15 MPH. WHEN SHE HIT BRAKES TO AVOID HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE BRAKES SEEMED TO BE RESISTING WITH A MUSHY FEELING.
NHTSA ODI report, 19971029
THE TRUCK HAS ABS. THE BRAKES RELEASE ON A BUMPY ROAD AND DO NOT WORK. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19951101
4 of 22 total reports mention: seats.
CRASH INJURY3 of 22 total reports mention: seats.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DRIVER'S SEAT BOLTS FAILED AFTER RECALL REPAIR, CAUSING SEAT BACK TO COLLAPSE.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980713
3 of 22 total reports mention: parking brake.
2 of 22 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
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
1990 GMC Suburban — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (3 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 1990 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 1990 GMC Suburban?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 GMC Suburban have?
2 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.