1993 GMC Suburban: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 212 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (75% of complaints); the 1991 and 1992 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 212 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1993 gmc suburban. The contact smelled fumes after filling up the gas tank. He took the vehicle to a mechanic and was informed that the fuel tank was rusted. A new fuel system is currently being placed in the vehicle. The contact has pictures. The purchase date was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 148,000. Updated 01/02/08.*4200 the consumer stated the exact source of the fuel leak was not determined, however it appears the leak was the area where the fuel lines enter the tank. Updated 12/12/07 *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2007
“Rear differential carrier on my 1993 suburban k1500 broke and locked the rear wheels, form my understanding this is a common occurance on these trucks and gm should be aware of how often these thinsg break and the potential for loss of vehicle control of this happened at high speed.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2003
“While parked driver's side seat broke, and consumer fell backwards. Contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.*ak”Owner report · Seats · Apr 2002
Show 7 more owner reports
“Due to several past ABS incidents, one resulting in a collision, vehicle was taken to dealer for compliance with NHTSA campaign id number 01i006000. Subsequently, panic stop maximum braking is delayed. There is excessive resistance to initial brake peddle movement as if there is no boost. After approximately 1/2 second, with heavy pressure applied to the peddle, actual wheel braking can be felt to progressively increase and resistance to peddle movement reduces. At this point braking feels about normal. Dealer technician on test drive confirmed this description of problem. However, technicians have not been able to identify any malfunctioning components.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2001
“The driver's side seat frame broke on the front left corner. Seat now rocks back 8-10 inches. Upon investigation, cause was due to very thin material. *jb”Owner report · Seats · Jun 2001
“Trottle to cruise control connecting rod was disconnected from the plate and fell down into throttle cable bracket. The hook on the rod got stuck in the bracket, holding the throttle open. The consumer was able to fix the problem. *yh”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Apr 2001
“While driving about 75 mph left front tire had a blowout. Then, consumer found out that tire had a tread separation. Bridgestone, p-265/75r16. *ak consumer states tires had 65 percent tread wear left, they were properly inflated to manufacturer spec of 50 psi no excessive edge wear due to poor alignment, bridgestone/firestone customer service stated they would prorate the blow out, consumer declined and replaced all four tires with another brand.*jb”Owner report · Tires · Apr 2001
“Consumer was traveling at approximately 30 to 35 mph, went to apply brakes and pedal went to the floor, failed to stop vehicle. Dealership did not have any information regarding a possible defect in vehicle. Please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2001
“Consumer has had radiator work done on several times since 1996. Please provide any additional information regarding this issue.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2001
“Rear ended someone due to the inability to stop in time due to the poor performance of the 1993 gmc suburban braking system. Brakes are a very big problem on this truck”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 31 of these complaints and injuries in 10 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 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.
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 1993 GMC Suburban reliable?
NHTSA has 212 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1993 GMC Suburban. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (75% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1993 GMC Suburban problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 114,000 miles or less.
Does the 1993 GMC Suburban have open recalls?
2 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.