1990 Chevrolet Suburban
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Suburban › 1990
These records cover every 1990 Chevrolet Suburban. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1990 Chevrolet Suburban. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
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).
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If bolt failure occurs to the driver's seat, it wouldallow the seat back to suddenly recline, and could result in loss of vehiclecontrol and a vehicle crash without prior warning.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Separation of the rotor sections can cause loss ofbraking ability in the affected wheel. This could result in increased stoppingdistance and/or loss of vehicle control and an accident.
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.
Unanticipated heat in the transmission can force the transmission fluid out of the vent tube.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The vented transmission fluid can catch fire if exposedto a source of ignition.
Remedy
Install a longer transmission vent hose routed to the left side of the engine compartment of the vehicle.
Owner complaints
54 complaints2 involved a crash7 involved a fire7 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Tires › Tread/belt
Consumer took vehicle in to have tires balanced due to vibration and was advised tires were separating, consumer was informed that these tires were not part of any recall, so consumer purchased four new tires, 2 weeks later consumer reports indicated that the tires were on recall, so consumer filled out a form and sent it in, however has heard no response, firestone wilderness at, p235/75r15, dot w2hl1py407. *slc
- Tires › Tread/belt
Consumer stated vehicle was vibrating, vehicle was taken into shop and consumer was informed that tires were separating, which were replaced at the consumer expense after being told that they were not apart of any recall, the tires that consumer purchased, however were on recall, consumer has been unable to get a repsonse from firestone. (Firestone wilderness at tires p235/75r15)*yh
- Tires › Tread/belt
PE00 020; consumer was traveling 65mph on highway and heard a noise, tread was flapping up against inner fender well. he was able to pull over to the shoulder , and noticed that the driver's side rear tire tread separated. the tire firestone, steel tex, lt23585r16, dot vn0rtxk127. dealership was aware of problem.*ak
- Tires
The left rear tire blew out on I 95 while traveling at approx. 70 mph. This caused the truck to sway back and forth from the left lane then back into the right lane several times. I was lucky that nobody was beside me at the time. When I pulled off the road I saw that the whole tread was gone off…
The left rear tire blew out on I 95 while traveling at approx. 70 mph. This caused the truck to sway back and forth from the left lane then back into the right lane several times. I was lucky that nobody was beside me at the time. When I pulled off the road I saw that the whole tread was gone off the tire. It bent up the quarter panel and ripped the tailpipe out of the muffler. The tread had hit some other cars and was about 1/4-1/2 a mile down the road. The tires all have large bulges of uneven treads. I called goodyear and told them the problem. They said they dont have any problems with these tires and any wear problems are probably the fault of my vehicle. They did say they want the blown tire and will replace it, but will not replace the others. So they are all in my garage waiting for a recall. They are dangerous. If you have any questions, call me at my work #. thank you. *Ak (tiresize: 31/10.5/15)( dot number: tire size: 31/10.5/15 )
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Windshield wipers will quit running intermittently, causing poor visibility. Consumer has same defect as recall 98v150001, but manufacturer claimed this vehicle was not included due to vin. *ak
- Tires
About 1 mile after getting off the freeway, I was traveling 35 mph on a well paved surface street when left rear of the vehicle started to shake and veer to the left suddenly. I was able to control the vehicle and slowly slow down before the tread separated from the tire but it did not completely…
About 1 mile after getting off the freeway, I was traveling 35 mph on a well paved surface street when left rear of the vehicle started to shake and veer to the left suddenly. I was able to control the vehicle and slowly slow down before the tread separated from the tire but it did not completely detach from the tire. About one-third of the tread stayed attached to the steel belts and this causing a slapping of the detached portion of the tread against the body of the vehicle. I was able to stop the vehicle in about 300 feet without an accident. The tire was still fully inflated when the tow trucl driver cmame to put on my spare tire. The firestone dealer refused to give me any adjustment or allowance toward replacing the tire or the remaining 3 other tires. Since I was not pleased with the firestone dealer's answer and felt that the other 3 tires could also be hazardous, I bought four tires from goodyear to be safe. The only reason I am writing IS so that the nhtsa will be aware that the tire separation problem on firestone tires IS also present in the 16 inch sizes. Please, please, please issue a warning to owners of this size tire also so at least those drivers can be aware of potential problems with their tires that could kill them or their vehicle occupants if a tread separation should occur at freeway speeds. I know that if the separation had occurred on my vehicle just one mile earlier when I was on the freeway doing 65 mph, I could easily have lost control of the vehicle and not have had the ability to prevent a serious accident or fatality to mysely, my occupants, or perhaps other vehicles on the road that day. Again, please notify the drivers of vehicles with the 16 firestone tires that they are also at extreme risk, not only the 15 inch tires. *ak (tiresize: 235-85-r16)( dot number: tire size: 235-85-r16 )
- Tires
Tread separated, causing tire to blowout. *ak( dot number: W2M2 jba tire size: 255/70r15 )
- Tires › Tread/belt
The left rear firestone firehawk (235/75r15) tire sustained a tread sustained a tread separation causing the vehicle to rollover, five occupants sustained injuries (attorney for client). nlm
- Power train › Driveline › Differential unit · Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
The driver seat snapped (backrest). *Et
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
After braking 2 to 3 times the brakes stagger, shudder grabbing and sticking, seems like the antilock system IS happening each and every time brakes are applied.
- Tires › Tread/belt
While driving, the tread separated from six different firestone atx tires within 20,000 miles. This always occured on a highway in texas. The dates were 10/96, 10/96, 5/97, 12/98, 3/99, & 6/99.( dot number: tire size: 321150r15 )
- Tires › Tread/belt
Pe 00 020/trie tread separation: while traveling at highway speed of 60 mph, right rear tire experienced a tread separation on a 1990 chevrolet suburban, aftermarket equipment; p235/75r15; dot# unavailable. Driver / two passengers involved, no injury reported. Please feel free to provide any further details. *ak firestone wilderness at p235/75/r15 *mw
- Vehicle speed control
Truck accererated sounded like over 100 mph but was going slow speedcould not stopr truck turned off in street and jumped out car rear end broke and u-joint. Very dangerous. *ak
- Seat belts › Rear/other
Middle seat seatbelts on both sides, lock up and cannot be used. replaced 3 times, 1ST under warranty, have since payed for it twice, and they last less than a year before having the same problem. we currently use the car without passengers in the middle seat using the seatbelts, cause we cannot…
Middle seat seatbelts on both sides, lock up and cannot be used. replaced 3 times, 1ST under warranty, have since payed for it twice, and they last less than a year before having the same problem. we currently use the car without passengers in the middle seat using the seatbelts, cause we cannot afford to keep replacing them. tony's chevrolet in wasilla ak. Has been the servicer that refuses to fix the seatbelts for free, even though they are the ones that installed the ones that don't work. *ak
- Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
Seatback reclining mechanism broke while owner was driving vehicle. Seatback IS currently reclined all the way back, making it impossible to drive vehicle. Dealer says it was age and fatigue. *ak
- Seats · Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
The front seat recliner bolt broke, seat back fell, and driver momentarily lost control of vehicle.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
While making a sudden stop the vehicle continues to travel. Consumer depressed the brakes to the floorboard in order to stop. Please provide further information. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Driving at highway speed and pulling a trailor, vehicle lost power when accelerating, and then fire started near firewall of right hand side of engine, resulting in total loss of vehicle. cause of fire undetermined. *ak *ML
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Last week noticed vibration (shdder) coming from the front of the vehicle. Thought it was the tires or balancing. Replaced all four tires (even though they were not worn out). Still had shudder, so next day took it to chevrolet dealer in livermore. Told him the symptoms and made an appointment for…
Last week noticed vibration (shdder) coming from the front of the vehicle. Thought it was the tires or balancing. Replaced all four tires (even though they were not worn out). Still had shudder, so next day took it to chevrolet dealer in livermore. Told him the symptoms and made an appointment for 6/29/99 to have it checked. Service manager asked if the vehicle had overdive, replied yes, he responded it maybe something in your torque convertor. No doubt will find out. Then checked with a friend in mn who also has a 1990 suburban. He asked if it was happening at any particular speed. I said I noticed it when accellerating up from 45 miles per hour. He then asked if I had overdrive and I said yes. Then he asked if it happens in the drive setting, said I did not know. Checked this out and their was no shudder in the drive position. I bought the vehicle with full warranty in nov/dec 1991, it was a gm executive vehicle. At approximately 33,000 miles the engine literaly blew up and was replaced under warrantry. At approximately 36,000 miles the transmission failed and again fortunately it was still under warranty. My friend in mn advised that he also lost his transmission unfortunately out of and warranty and had it replaced with an after market transmission unit for this model that does not use / have the overdrive feature. According to him there were many failures of this o/d transmission unit and hence the availability of an after market unit as described. He said the o/d feature was designed in to meet government mileage requirements and clearly had problems. I will know tomorrow what the diagnosis IS, and if it turns out to what maybe a design that does not perform as designed (defective)and there IS data to support this then I would like your guidance and or suggestions on an appropiate way to approach gm to correct this at thier expense. Perhaps all this note IS redundant as they (gm) may already have a policy on replacing these under warranty. Thanks for you help.
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Retractable seatbelts repeatedly fail. belts twist and get jammed in retracting part attached to floor of vehicle. can't always unjam, thereby leaving passengers unbelted. have brought into dealership several times and contacted gm in troy, michigan. seatbelts continue to fail. dealership, o'donnell chevrolet in san gabriel, ca said they couldn't fix problem and to take elsewhere. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
I was entering the I-205 southbound on ramp off of mill plain blvd in vancouver, wa when the driver of the car in front of me suddenly applied her brakes. I attempted to apply my brakes, but the brake peddle went limp all the way to the floor. I tried to pump the brakes, but the peddle stayed limp…
I was entering the I-205 southbound on ramp off of mill plain blvd in vancouver, wa when the driver of the car in front of me suddenly applied her brakes. I attempted to apply my brakes, but the brake peddle went limp all the way to the floor. I tried to pump the brakes, but the peddle stayed limp and all the way to the floor. I didn't panic because I didn't see any reason for the driver to slam on her brakes--there was no one in front of her and there was no one pulling in front of her, and we were entering the I-205 on-ramp. There was plenty of room between our vehicles. I figured that the driver of the other vehicle would move on as we were on the freeway on-ramp. She then came to a complete stop on the freeway on ramp. At this point the speed was probably less than 20 mph. As I was reaching for the emergency brake, my suburban bumped into the back of her 1987 acura. After the accident, the brakes on my suburban worked fine. I took my foot off of the brake peddle after both vehicles came to a complete stop from the impact motion. I then pushed on the brake peddle and it was good. I backed up a bit and the brakes worked fine. I drove forward a bit and unto the shoulder and the brakes worked fine. The road was dry and the sky was sunny. I couldn't even fathom the brakes failing for a couple of days, then it dawned on me that since they faiuled once they could fail again abd possibly with more tragic consequences. I took the suburban to vancouver chevrolet for a brake check and explained to the what had happened. They said that the master cylinder was leaking down and replaced the master cylinder. I don't fully understand what master cylinder leaking down means. I checked the brake fluid level after I got home after the accident and it was good. I had never had any problem with a limp brake peddle on the suburban before. I never had any problem with the brake peddle. There never was any sponginess or any any indication of a brake peddle problem prior to this incide
- Seats
Recall repairs performed, repairs failed (seat back collapsed) resulting in accident/injury.(attorney for client) (93v187)
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission caught on fire due to leaking of transmission fluid.
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Drive train/automatic transmission failed.
- Electrical system › Wiring
Electrical wiring ignited in steering column.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine compartment fires
An alleged malfunction in the atlernator resulting in engine compartmet fires.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10007838Diagnostic information for intermittent transmission downshift, slip, busy/cycling tcc or noisy cooling fan.
- 634999Diagnosis of cracked or broken transmission case. 2006 and prior cars and light duty trucks.
- 39304Cold engine knock.
- 39070New cast iron exhaust manifold and stainless steel gasket to correct engine noise condition.
Every Chevrolet Suburban model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.