1997 GMC Suburban
This year's complaint volume is within 30% 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 | 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
21% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 42 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ABS ENGAGING WHEN SLOWING DOWN OR PARKING SUBURBAN. SLOW SPEED BUMPING INTO OTHER VEHICLES BECAUSE ABS GOES TO FLOOR. *NM
NHTSA ODI report, 20050830
ABS BRAKES FAILED, VEHICLE LOST CONTROL, RESULTING IN A CRASH/INJURIES. DEALER ALSO REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19971205
11% of complaints: steering — 21 distinct reports on file.
CRASH10% of complaints: power train — 19 distinct reports on file.
FIRE7% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 13 distinct reports on file.
FIRE6% of complaints: steering — 12 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
POOR BRAKE PERFORMANCE
ERRATIC STEERING BOOST WHILE DRIVING
BATTERY LEAKS ACID
OEM HITCH RECEIVER PLATFORM CRACKING
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, MINI VANS, AND PICKUP TRUCKS MAY DEVELOP A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED JUMPER HARNESS TO THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 24, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON A
Campaign 03V093000 — check if this car was fixed
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
1997 GMC Suburban — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (42 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V093000 (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 1997 GMC Suburban reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 GMC Suburban is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 GMC Suburban?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 GMC Suburban have?
3 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.