1992 GMC Suburban: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 80 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (80% of complaints); the 1990 and 1991 model years look more trouble-free.
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 80 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Transmission caught fire underneath my 1992 gmc k2500 suburban it burned tranny up if I didn't have a fire extinguisher vehicle would have been fully engulfed 1 person received a non sutured laceration on for head fell when trying to get out of vehicle to get away from fire and smoke coming from underneath vehicle nothing yet has been done on tranny problem the only thing that got damaged was my suburban transmission I don't know what else it did to the underneath I have to check. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2009
“Windshield wiper motor works only occasionally and usually fails when it is wet or humid. Has happened numerous times in the short time I've had it. Also was a consistant problem on the 89 shevy 1 ton pickup I had before.”Owner report · Visibility · Jan 2003
“Consumer discovered that 'hitch platform' which is used to pull an airstream trailer, 8900 lbs, is cracked in several places. Please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2001
Show 7 more owner reports
“Towing brakes were erractic. ABS light kept flashing after entering gas station. Wasn't towing. ABS light came on after starting vehicle. When brakes were applied, red light came on for ABS. Have taken to dealer numerous time on ABS system & each time was informed owner's problem due to the towing that was done. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 1999
“Wipers do not come on when car is hot, only when car has just been started, and not all the time then. They will stop at random and very seldom work at all. Neighbor also with 1992 suburban has same problem.”Owner report · Visibility · Mar 1999
“While driving vehicle on highway, 65-70mph, foot felt heat, turned heat off, van started smoking and when everyone was out of vehicle, the vehicle burst into flames. Fire department came, report was taken, no injuries. Vehicle totalled. Provide further information.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 1999
“While engine cold wipers work. When hot, wipers simply stop and will not restart until engine cold. Last time was in heavy traffic in heavy rain on interstate. Accident avoided by getting off road quickly. Am told recall exists but cannot find same. Thank you”Owner report · Visibility · Sep 1998
“Upon applying the ABS brakes vehicle pulled right. Brake pedal had gone to floor in an emergency stop or while just wating at light or stop sign. Pressure would cause pedal to go to floor. Taking vehicle to dealer to check ABS system. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 1998
“Intermittently when brakes are applied at slow rates of speed the pedal goes to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distances. Dealer and manufacturer have been notified. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 1998
“While driving, was coming to a rolling stop, ABS brakes were applied & they would lock up on the 2-wd. Been to dealer & the ABS brakes repaired on 3/16/98. The locking of ABS brakes has returned. Manufacturer shows no recall of brake problem. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 1998
When filing, owners marked a crash in 21 of these complaints and injuries in 9 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
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).
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.
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.
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.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1992 GMC Suburban reliable?
NHTSA has 80 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1992 GMC Suburban. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (80% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1992 GMC Suburban problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 170,118 miles or less.
Does the 1992 GMC Suburban have open recalls?
4 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.