1991 GMC Suburban

▲ Better than typical
1991 GMC Suburban
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:48:09.994Z

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
31
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1991

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Service brakes

35% of complaints

Complaints per year

1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 5 complaints 1985: 3 complaints 1986: 4 complaints 1986 1987: 8 complaints 1988: 8 complaints 1989: 17 complaints 1990: 22 complaints 1991: 31 complaints 1991 31 1992: 80 complaints 1993: 213 complaints 1994: 419 complaints 1995: 227 complaints 1995 1996: 172 complaints 1997: 200 complaints 1998: 100 complaints 1998 1999: 285 complaints 2000: 15 complaints 2001: 5 complaints 2001 2002: 7 complaints 2003: 5 complaints 2004: 1 complaint 2004
1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 5 complaints 1985: 3 complaints 1985 1986: 4 complaints 1987: 8 complaints 1987 1988: 8 complaints 1989: 17 complaints 1989 1990: 22 complaints 1991: 31 complaints 1991 31 1992: 80 complaints 1993: 213 complaints 1993 1994: 419 complaints 1995: 227 complaints 1995 1996: 172 complaints 1997: 200 complaints 1997 1998: 100 complaints 1999: 285 complaints 1999 2000: 15 complaints 2001: 5 complaints 2001 2002: 7 complaints 2003: 5 complaints 2003 2004: 1 complaint
1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 3 complaints 1985 1986: 4 complaints 1986 1987: 8 complaints 1987 1988: 8 complaints 1988 1989: 17 complaints 1989 1990: 22 complaints 1990 1991: 31 complaints 1991 31 1992: 80 complaints 1992 1993: 213 complaints 1993 1994: 419 complaints 1994 1995: 227 complaints 1995 1996: 172 complaints 1996 1997: 200 complaints 1997 1998: 100 complaints 1998 1999: 285 complaints 1999 2000: 15 complaints 2000 2001: 5 complaints 2001 2002: 7 complaints 2002 2003: 5 complaints 2003 2004: 1 complaint 2004

1991: 31 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19810
19820
19832
19845
19853
19864
19878
19888
198917
199022
199131
199280
1993213
1994419
1995227
1996172
1997200
1998100
1999285
200015
20015
20027
20035
20041

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Service brakes

35% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

Seats

35% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing recliner.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The driver's side seatback bolt broke which caused the seat to recline backwards, received recall# 96V226000.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-02-26

Tires

10% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing tread/belt.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

(La superior court,case no.PC018776) a police officer became a paraplegic after the goodyear wrangler ht (Lt235/85R16) experienced tread separation while driving at a high speed, resulting in vehicle rollover accident in which the officer was...

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-12-05

Seat belts

10% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing retractor and anchorage.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Consumer's vehicle was rear ended by another vehicle that was traveling at 30 MPH. Passenger's side seat belt came unbolted from the floorboard. As a result, passenger sustained a back injury.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-03-01

Vehicle speed control

3% · 1 report

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1992-01-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 1992-05-28 Brake line abrasion
  2. I
    1992-03-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 1992-06-24 Seat back failures
  3. I
    1992-06-24Engineering analysisClosed 1993-11-19 Seat back bolt breakage
  4. R
    1993-03-13Power train93V016000 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.

  5. I
    1994-07-29Engineering analysisClosed 1996-07-31 Engine compartment fires
  6. R
    1996-11-22Seats96V226000 The recliner mechanism and the seat frame may have foam and/or vinyl vetween them, creating a "Soft" Joint. This "Soft" Joint results in lower than specified bolt torque which leads to joint…

    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.

Buy-smart checklist

1991 GMC Suburban — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Service brakes: 11 reports on file for this year.
  • Seats: 11 reports on file for this year.
  • Tires: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 93V016000 · Power train
  • Recall 96V226000 · Seats

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 1991 GMC Suburban reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 GMC Suburban is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1991 GMC Suburban?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 GMC Suburban have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.