1991 Chevrolet Suburban: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 52 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is seats (22% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 52 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1991 chevrolet suburban. While driving 60 mph, the contact experienced valve stem failure, which caused it to crack. The tire flattened and was ruined as a result. The dealer stated that they never heard of the valve stem failure. Through online research, the contact experienced various recalls pertaining to valve stem failures and cracks. The current and failure mileages were approximately 51,000. The tire failure mileage was approximately 12,000.”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2008
“Bridgestone lt 23585r16 dotep9jhnd205 while driving at normal speeds the left rear tire seperated and deflated, which resulted in a vehicle crash. Please provide any further information. Mr”Owner report · Tires · Oct 2002
“While driving 60-65 mph and towing a trailer, 2 lug bolts snapped off the hub and one other bolt was loose causing vehicle to jackknife and drove off the road. The trailer separated from the vehicle and turned in a ditch. The remaining lug botls were missing threads. There were no injuries.(ohio traffic repoert#10-90-210) *tt”Owner report · Wheels · Apr 2002
Show 7 more owner reports
“Also, in consumer's vehicle, seat belt retractor, in second row behind driver, is unable to be used because it locks up. Passenger using that seat would be without restraint while traveling, which could lead to injuries if invoved in a vehicle collision. Dealer notified. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Nov 1999
“Seat belt retractor, second row behind driver, locked up and unable to be used, causing passenger in that seat to be without restraint. Dealer notified and refused to repairs unless cost goes to consumer. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Nov 1999
“Engine oil cooling lines from engine oil filter to engine oil cooler wear against frame under engine, and may cause bad engine oil leak . I have seen this problem two times once on my own truck and on a friends truck of the same make model year and general equipment. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 1999
“While approaching a stop sign, driver's seatback collapsed. Dealer notified. Problem fixed by owner--bolts in the seat were replaced. Under recall # 96v226000 gm/ bucket seats. *ml”Owner report · Seats · Jun 1999
“While driving on interstate fire started underneath the hood for no apparent reason. At this time no one has inspected the vehicle to find a cause. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 1999
“Transmission would slip out of gear into another gear while driving. Can take out of park & into reverse, vehicle would go forward instead. Brakes would make rattling sounds when applied. Would have extended stopping distance. Taking vehicle to dealer to check.”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 1999
“Welding on the rear removeable seat , over time has become weak and separated from the tubing. The dealer has been notified. *ak”Owner report · Seats · Jun 1998
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
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 LOOSENESS, CAUSING BOLT FATIGUE AND EVENTUAL BOLT FAILURE.
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.
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 MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
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).
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.
SEVERE CORROSION DUE TO ROAD SALT AT THE JOINT OF THE STAMPED STEEL CENTER SECTION AND THE CAST OUTER SECTION CAN CAUSE THE SECTIONS TO SEPARATE.
Remedy: REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH NEW ROTORS WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION COATING. HOWEVER, IF REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE LININGS ARE NECESSARY, IT WILL BE DONE AT OWNER'S EXPENSE SINCE BRAKE LININGS ARE NORMAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS.
How other years compare
Check your exact Suburban by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1991 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?
NHTSA has 52 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 Chevrolet Suburban. The most complained-about area is seats (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1991 Chevrolet Suburban problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 106,744 miles or less.
Does the 1991 Chevrolet Suburban have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seats. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.