1997 GMC Suburban: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 200 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (24% of complaints); the 1998 model year looks 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 200 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Steering speed sensor fails causing the steering to suddenly jerk while turning under speed. It feels like the front wheels hit "slippery ice". I have replaced this item 3 times on my own and the sensor keeps failing. The one in my car currently is experiencing the problem again and will need replacing. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Nov 2010
“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 gmc suburban. The contact stated that the windshield wipers work intermittently. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 03v159000 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer), although the failures were identical. The failure mileage was 130,000. Updated 01/07/09. *lj updated 01/12/09. *jb”Owner report · Visibility · Dec 2008
“Spring of 2008 we replaced the fuel pump. Then in november 2008 the fuel pump failed again. The mechanic said they were both brand new fuel pumps but he was unsure of why they both failed to work properly when we took it back in march 2009. 3 new fuel pumps all within one year sounds like a problem to us. The mechanic also had to replace the harness. Each time when the fuel pump went out the car just wouldn't start. It would drive fine and then just not restart once turned off. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2008
Show 7 more owner reports
“Parked truck near dealership after having trouble starting it, tried to restart, it didn't. Dealer took it in and called to say that fuel pump is shot and they had one in stock to replace it. Then four hours later they said the wires to it were melted and the sending unit needs to be replaced. This is the 5th time to replace fuel pump for this truck in 264,000 miles. First was at 50,000 miles. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 gmc suburban. While driving approximately 20 mph, the vehicle shut off without warning and would not restart. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic and they discovered that the fuel pump sending unit wires were rotted out, which burned out the fuel pump. The fuel pump and sending unit had to be replaced. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 151,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 2008
“Fuel pump failed more than three times, only in the summer. Reason unknown, many similar vehicles have had the same problem. General motors has done nothing. *jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2007
“When braking at slow speeds, the ABS kicks in and increases the stopping distance needed. After 3 trips to dealer (and over $500 in repairs) for brake problems, they told me that the wheel speed sensors were malfunctioning. They checked the recall, but my vehicle was not listed. I have since seen that this is a huge problem with all of their vehicles and that hundreds of others have complained that the "regional" recall didn't cover them. It seems obvious to me that there is an inherent problem with this braking system and the wheel speed sensors and gm should be held responsible for repairing this before someone else gets hurt (or worse). *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 2007
“Dt*: the contact stated at speeds below 5 mph, the braking distance was three times as far as it should be. The vehicle has been to dealership and the ABS sensors were repaired. The problem returned 6 years later. There is a NHTSA recall, # 05v379000, regarding the antilock brakes. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however, it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. Updated 03/09/06. *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2006
“I have owned a 1997 gmc suburban 4x4 since new. The last 2 years the ABS braking system malfunctions at slow speed increasing stopping distance. I have recently disconnected the power to the system as it has worsened. I know that this is widespread on this truck and should be addressed. *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 2005
“Fuel pump electrical wiring system failure. Inside cannon plug charred and wires are melted. Cannon plug is cracked. This was all discovered when the vehicle failed to start and the fuel pump was being replaced. *nm”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 15 of these complaints and injuries in 16 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 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).
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, MINI VANS, AND PICKUP TRUCKS MAY DEVELOP A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED JUMPER HARNESS TO THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 24, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH CERTAIN MODEL-ENGINE COMBINATIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
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 1997 GMC Suburban reliable?
NHTSA has 200 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 GMC Suburban. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (24% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1997 GMC Suburban problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 96,800 miles or less.
Does the 1997 GMC Suburban have open recalls?
3 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.