1990 GMC Suburban: problems, recalls and reliability

2 recalls and 22 owner complaints on record; most reports concern seats.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 1993

recalls

owner complaints

fire reports

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 (#10 of 11 by complaints, age-adjusted)No fire reports

Common problems Recalls Other years FAQ

Common problems

Computed from 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Limited data: only 22 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.

Seats7 complaints

Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)5 complaints

Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)2 complaints

Parking Brake2 complaints

Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)2 complaints

Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)2 complaints

“Consumer states the metal parking brake cable wears into the rubber brake hose, which could cause failure of the brake hose and the rear brakes, the rubber brake hose was almost worn to the point of failure, the metal parking brake cable does have a metal sleeve on it to protect the rubber hose, but the natural position of the hose and cable causes the sleeve to not line up in the desired position. *tt”Owner report · Parking Brake · Mar 2002

“Consumer was hearing noise from brakes when coming to a stop, was inspected, and was advised that front brakes were needed, and rear shocks were leaking. *jb”Owner report · Suspension · Jan 2001

“Upper ball joints were replaced 9/25/99 by suspension plus in san diego using mcquay norris parts.. On or about 11/04/2000 the vehicle was turning at low speed left turn into a parking lot when the right front wheel collapsed under the front end. Subsequent repair action determined that the replaced upper ball joint assembly had failed by separation of the ball joint retainer assembly from the ball joint. The failure occurred after 9,000 miles of operation. We have the failed part.*ak”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 2000

Show 7 more owner reports

“Consumer raised hood; attempted to start vehicle, after vehicle would not start, douglas battery suddenly blew up, consumer was injured. *ak *tt”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2000

“While driving about 65 mph right rear tire had a tread separation. But, consumer could keep control of vehicle at that time. Bridgestone 31.1050 r16. *ak”Owner report · Tires · Feb 2000

“We recently purchased this vehicle used from a dealership. I am very disappointed with my first gmc purchase so far. Within two months of buying this car, I had to replace the entire rear axle. Now, two months later, the transmission went bad and needs to be replaced as well. I dont understand how dealerships can sell these cars with such problems and the manufactures need to address the problems and resolve them. Any info would be greatly appreciated!”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 1999

“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. There was no support of grabbing, and the vehicle kept moving forward, resulting in a crash, rear ending another vehicle. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 1997

“Recall 93v187000, was performed, seat bolts broke 2 times after that, and 3rd time consumer had to replace whole seat frame. *ak”Owner report · Seats · Sep 1995

“Consumer can be releasing brake, starting out at approx 5-10 mph when consumer needs to make sudden stop brakes will not work properly, pushes brake to floor, , takes about a minute before vehicle willstrt to brake. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

“When applying the brakes in emergency stopping pedal goes to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance. Please give any further details. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 2 campaigns

SEATS93V187000 · Nov 1993

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, 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.

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.

How other years compare

1990 (this page)22 complaints · 2 recalls 199130 complaints · 2 recalls 199280 complaints · 4 recalls

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 1990 GMC Suburban reliable?

NHTSA has 22 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 GMC Suburban. The most complained-about area is seats.

Does the 1990 GMC Suburban have open recalls?

2 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.