Carlexica

1992 Chevrolet Suburban: problems, recalls and reliability

5 recalls and 189 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (74% of complaints); the 1990 and 1991 model years look more trouble-free.

Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006

5
recalls
189
owner complaints
7
fire reports
30,000
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Among the quietest Suburban years (#33 of 37 by complaints, age-adjusted)Weak spot: service brakes, hydraulic (74%)7 fire reportsProblems reported early (median 30,000 mi)

Common problems

Computed from 189 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)74% · 139 complaints
Visibility (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)7% · 14 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)3% · 6 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)3% · 6 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)3% · 5 complaints
Seat Belts2% · 4 complaints
When driving in rainy weather the windshield wipers would come on and off intermittently. The driver was able to drive to the dealer. The mechanic informed the driver that the windshield wiper needed replacement. Please provide additional information. *nmOwner report · Visibility · Feb 2005
Consumer states while driving vehicle on wet surface the brake pedal will go to the floor causing the vehicle to have extended stopping distance. *nlmOwner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 2002
1992 chevrolet suburban. *ak *ph *nlm **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**765494Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2002
Show 7 more owner reports
When turning windshield wipers off blades will not go back to a resting position. If turned back on they will continue to go back and forth about 15 times instead of once before stopping. Dealer didn't pull up a recall, and warranty doesn't cover it.*akOwner report · Visibility · Feb 2001
Consumer was traveling on highway and vehicle started to vibrate. She was able to pull over to shoulders, noticed tread separation and wires hanging out from tires. There were no injuries. Cooper tires. *akOwner report · Tires · Nov 2000
While driving in a rainstorm windshield wipers worked intermittently. This has happened on several occasions. Haven't contacted the dealer or manufacturer. *akOwner report · Visibility · Jan 2000
When the brakes were applied pedal went to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance, causing a collision. Dealer has been notified. *akOwner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 1999
ABS braking system malfunctioned, causing extended stopping distance which resulted in a crash. The brake manufacturer is aware of the problem but has yet to fix it. *ak *mlOwner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 1999
Transmission rear seal leaking, dealer adivised seal was replaced with the wrong year 95 seal. Husband replaced with right 92 seal. Still leaking. Also the master cylinder is knocking loud noise. Seems like it is going out. When I drive 35 miles or more brakes temporarily fails. And, the electrical system works temporarily on the right passenger side window.Owner report · Power Train · Dec 1999
Failed ABS impacts braking action - increased stopping distance, soft pedal. Sets trouble code 63. Definite safety hazard. 4wd ABS installed on 2wd vehicle at factory. Understand that recall to replace correct ABS may be pending.Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 1999

When filing, owners marked a crash in 39 of these complaints and injuries in 18 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 5 campaigns

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE06E043000 · May 2006

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).

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES01I006000 · Jul 2001

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1992-1994 CHEVROLET AND GMC SUBURBANS EQUIPPED WITH VACUUM POWER-BRAKE ASSIST AND EBC4 ANTI-LOCK BRAKE (ABS) MODULES. THESE VEHICLES EXHIBIT POOR BRAKE SYSTEM PERFORMANCE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW BRAKE PEDAL PAD. IN ADDITION, DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE-BOOSTER OUTPUT ROD AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION93V016000 · Feb 1993

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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR93V119000 · Aug 1993

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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES92V056000 · Apr 1992

THE PIVOT BOLT HOLDING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO ITS SUPPORT BRACKET MAY BE IMPROPERLY TIGHTENED AND MAY NOT HAVE ENGAGED THE LOCKING MATERIAL ON THE BOLT. THE BOLT CAN DISENGAGE FROM THE NUT.

Remedy: DEALERS SHOULD INSPECT THE HAND STARTED BRAKE PEDAL BOLTS AND TORQUE THEM TO SPECIFICATION.

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.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the 1992 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?

NHTSA has 189 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 1992 Chevrolet Suburban. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (74% of complaints).

At what mileage do 1992 Chevrolet Suburban problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 30,000 miles or less.

Does the 1992 Chevrolet Suburban have open recalls?

5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. 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.