1993 Chevrolet Suburban
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Suburban › 1993
These records cover every 1993 Chevrolet Suburban. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1993 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).
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could be attributed to brake pedal feel.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new brake pedal pad. in addition, dealers will inspect the brake-booster output rod and replace it if necessary.
Owner complaints
499 complaints91 involved a crash2 involved a fire35 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Seat belts
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 chevrolet suburban. while an occupant was attempting to strap herself in the vehicle with the lap and shoulder belt, the buckle fell off in her hand. the manufacturer stated that they could not assist due to the fact that the vehicle was over ten years old. the dealer could make repairs at an estimated cost of $400. the failure and current mileages were 154,000.
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
Rear upper shock bracket. Cracked and fell off vehicle- with doing inspection of welds, also found that the rear frame stress fracture cracks. Going from shock brackets back to the gas tank. second complaint: driverseat mounting bracket, cracked causing seat to be unstable. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Equipment · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
During all kinds of weather conditions the ABS braking system has failed to stop the vehicle, twice causing a rear end accident. during a hard braking situation when on dry pavement, or any braking condition on wet pavement the brakes have been applied and they grab and then release causing the…
During all kinds of weather conditions the ABS braking system has failed to stop the vehicle, twice causing a rear end accident. during a hard braking situation when on dry pavement, or any braking condition on wet pavement the brakes have been applied and they grab and then release causing the vehicle to continue moving forward without completely stopping. the vehicle has been taken to many chevrolet dealerships and independent shops for repair and been inspected or repaired with complete brake rebuilds with absolutely no improvement in stopping abilities. this model vehicle should absolutely have been recalled shortly after manufacture. there IS so much documentation that these vehicles have this problem that this agency should be ashamed of not forcing a recall for repairs or complete redesign of the braking systems. the minor recall and"fix" of the brake-booster output rod were a joke and never should have been allowed as a fix. the excuse chevrolet uses that it IS a "brake pedal feel" that IS the problem IS inexcusable and irresponsible. I have been a professional truck driver (class "a" cdl with all endorsements) and mechanic and have driven several other makes of large heavy passenger trucks and suv's with ABS braking and never encountered this problem with any type of vehicle. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
TL* - the contact owns a 1993 chevrolet suburban. the contact attempted to start the vehicle and was unsuccessful. the vehicle's fuel level was at a maximum level. The contact had the vehicle diagnosed , and found that there was a short in the fuel pump. he observed melted components inside…
TL* - the contact owns a 1993 chevrolet suburban. the contact attempted to start the vehicle and was unsuccessful. the vehicle's fuel level was at a maximum level. The contact had the vehicle diagnosed , and found that there was a short in the fuel pump. he observed melted components inside the fuel pump. gm stated that there were no related recalls, and assured the contact that this was an isolated incident. gm also advised the contact to file a complaint via email on 3/26/07 which resulted in gm service request number 71-498273756. a local mechanic stated they had replaced 10 fuel pumps , and that the failure was a frequent occurrence. the current and failure mileage were 192,000. *ak
- Equipment · Trailer hitches
While towing my 25 foot camping trailer behind my chevrolet suburban, the receiver hitch (manufactured by drawtite) broke away causing my trailer to run off the road, across a grassy area, coming to rest only after hitting a vdot fence , fence pole and a tree. Upon examination the center section of…
While towing my 25 foot camping trailer behind my chevrolet suburban, the receiver hitch (manufactured by drawtite) broke away causing my trailer to run off the road, across a grassy area, coming to rest only after hitting a vdot fence , fence pole and a tree. Upon examination the center section of the hitch bar had broke away and was still attached to the trailer tongue, complete with safety chains, weight distributing bars and the electric brake "break-a-way" switch activator cable was still attached. both sides of the hitch were still secured to the suburban. The virginia state police were notified and came to the scene. The trooper called for a tow truck, who had to winch the trailer back onto the pavement, then transport the trailer to a repair facility. There was damage to the right front corner and right side of the trailer. There was no damage to the suburban, other than the broken hitch. The trailer IS currently at the repair facility and the suburban IS at my home awaiting my insurance company to send an adjuster out to survey the damage and make an estimate. At this time, all the parts are either at the repair facility of still on my suburban and are available for inspection. I have also learned through the drawtite web site, that they have a limited lifetime warranty on their products.*jb
- Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tire
The spare tire inside the cab of the vehicle exploded. The tire mfr. Was general tire. Ameri 550as lt245/75r16. Dot#ad11c9b153. *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Steering
When making a turn at high speeds steering wheel/brakes locked up temporarily. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *Ak *nm
- Engine and engine cooling · Service brakes, hydraulic · Unknown or other
My suburban has developed a peculiar problem that has left even the dealerships completely clueless!!! the engine heats up to about 180 f (still less than the mid point on the guage) after a couple of hours of driving -- this IS quite normal. if we stop and turn the engine off, the vehicle will…
My suburban has developed a peculiar problem that has left even the dealerships completely clueless!!! the engine heats up to about 180 f (still less than the mid point on the guage) after a couple of hours of driving -- this IS quite normal. if we stop and turn the engine off, the vehicle will not start! we have to wait a couple of hours while the engine cools off to about 160 f, and it starts up just fine. we only noticed this since we were on a long cross country drive. the problem IS entirely predictable, and we had to plan on two hour stops during our trip. we even drove straight to a dealership in raleigh after straight 6 hour drives so that they could see and diagnose the problem -- but they were completely stumped. I would like chevrolet to help diagnose and fix this problem. the ABS module failed without any prior warning. One moment the breaks were fine, the next we were flooring the break pedal and the ABS light was on. The mechanics had to go through several attempts at replacing the unit ($1200 for the unit itself). This problem sounds exactly like the issue investigated in 1992-1995 suburbans. I am surprised that the recall was limited to the lighter suvs only -- a decision based on cost (most probably). It stands to reason that the problem would be more critical in heavier vehicles.
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
The windshield wipers quit working, intermittently. there was a recall #03v159000, but the vehicle model year was outside of the remedy. *ph *cb *jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
The windshield wiper quits working when in use. This IS an intermittent problem. There was a recall on the windshield wiper motor 03v159000, but the model year was outside of the remedy scope. *ph *cb *jb
- Tires
Consumer noticed three tires experienced failures. the two rear driver's side tires experienced tread separation, and the passenger's front tire developed cracks. The cause of the failurue was undetermined. *ak
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Passenger and driver seat belts will not retract into retractor. *Ak
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Driver's side seat belt will not retract into the retractor. *Ak consumer noted the seat belt would not retract properly leaving it useless in a crash. *ph *nlm
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Consumer states windshield wiper motor does not work properly. as a result, sometimes windshield wipers work, and sometimes they do not work. when the indicator IS turned to the off position windshield wipers will work. then, there are times when consumer cannot turn them off. Consumer's…
Consumer states windshield wiper motor does not work properly. as a result, sometimes windshield wipers work, and sometimes they do not work. when the indicator IS turned to the off position windshield wipers will work. then, there are times when consumer cannot turn them off. Consumer's husband received a recall on chevrolet, suburban,1994, but consumer had not received a recall notice on her chevrolet, suburban,1993. husband has not had a problem with his vehicle, but she has.*ak
- Parking brake › Driveline › Hydraulic · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
1993 chevrolet pu vin # [xxx] and 1999 chevrolet suburban vin # [xxx] both vehicles have faulty wipers. The 1999 also had the brake booster system go out. The wipers will work and than suddenly stop. Years 1994-1997 have been recalled by gm, but gm won't honor the recall for these 2 years. This IS…
1993 chevrolet pu vin # [xxx] and 1999 chevrolet suburban vin # [xxx] both vehicles have faulty wipers. The 1999 also had the brake booster system go out. The wipers will work and than suddenly stop. Years 1994-1997 have been recalled by gm, but gm won't honor the recall for these 2 years. This IS just as much of a safety issue as the 1994-1997. I did talk to a manger by the name of jack cunningham at phone # 866 942 4368 x48470 case # assigned IS 1-134580923 and 1-135719603. he advised me on 8-29-2003 that if my vehicles are exhibiting the same problems as the recall, than they will honor the recall on my 2 vehicles. It IS covered under a special policy. I called [xxx] at [xxx] 785 266 5151 and he needed to talk to [xxx] to get confirmation the vehicles are covered under the recall. as of today 9-04-2003, neither [xxx] or myself can get a call back from jack. I called the 800 customer service line at gm and they said the recall IS only for the 1994-1997 vehicles. I advised them I talked to [xxx] and they transferred me to his audix again. I feel the recall now needs to be issued for the 1993 and the 1999 vehicles as this IS a safety issue. *ak information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Drivers side seat belt does not retract back into component. *ak
- Visibility › Rear window wiper/washer › Motor
Intermittently, the windshield wipers became inoperable, obstructing the driver's view. the dealer stated there was no recall on this vehicle. a recall had been issued on similar makes and models, however this vehicle was not included due to the vin. *ak *scc *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
ABS fails on uneven surfaces, such as washboard roads and when hitting bumps during braking. ABS perform poorly in most conditions, including dry pavement. They do provide some benefit on snow/ice. However, my ABS has now failed and overall braking performance IS better. This system, and the logic in the controller, need significant changes. *jb
- Tires › Tread/belt
Traveling at highway speed, the right rear cooper 31x1050r15 tire tread separated, causing my chevrolet suburban to rollover 1 and 1/2 times. These tires were 21 months old, with approximately 45,000 miles on them. They were rotated every 3000 miles, the car was aligned every six months and I…
Traveling at highway speed, the right rear cooper 31x1050r15 tire tread separated, causing my chevrolet suburban to rollover 1 and 1/2 times. These tires were 21 months old, with approximately 45,000 miles on them. They were rotated every 3000 miles, the car was aligned every six months and I checked the pressure regularly. I had a tread separation with my previous cooper 30x950r15. The dealer said my load was excessive for the tire so I weighed my truck and he recommended the 1050r15s. The suburban did a great job of cradling us and fortunately we didn't hit anything on our tumble and slide into the median. *nlm
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
The windshield wipers worked intermittently, there was a recall regarding the issue, however the vehicle identification number was not included. *jb
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
The all 4 door latches malfunctioned.*jb
- Tires
The first tire started losing big chunks of thread while driving on the freeway at 75mph. there was very little damage to the bottom of my vehicle at that time, and that's why I decided not to file a claim when I had the tire replaced. the second tire started making strange noises while driving…
The first tire started losing big chunks of thread while driving on the freeway at 75mph. there was very little damage to the bottom of my vehicle at that time, and that's why I decided not to file a claim when I had the tire replaced. the second tire started making strange noises while driving in the city at 40 mph. I went back to discount tire where I had bought the four tires to have it inspected. I was told that the thread was separating from the inside out. the tire was replaced at that moment. the third tire blew up while driving on the same freeway at 75 mph. my wife was able to control the vehicle, avoiding an major accident. There was a $2,600 damage to the vehicle. while I was having that tire replaced I asked the discount tire manager to inspect the fourth and last desert dog tire I had left on my vehicle. he concluded that the tire was separating from the inside out too, and replaced it. dt
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
When consumer attempted to slam on the brakes, the ABS activated which caused the vehicle to lunge foward and hit the rear end of another motorist.ts *jb
- Tires › Tread/belt
The right rear tire experienced tread separation. ts *jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Reference: nhts campaign ID 98v150001. Intermittent operation of windshield wipers appears as described. I can get temporary functioning by slightly displacing the wiper motor unit and its related connector strongly suggests that the problem IS similar, if not identical, to those difficulties as related to the reference nhtsa campaign ID 98v150001.*ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Oem hitch receiver platform cracking
The petition alleges that cracks in the hitch receiver platform may lead to separation of the trailer and loss of steering control
- Poor brake performance
Poor performance of ABS brakes
- 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.
- 1000888393-00 full size utilities (gmt 400 old style only) ac blows warm and the high side pressure IS too high.
- 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.
- 623509Some vehicles equipped with vacuum power brake assist and EBC4 ABS brake modules may comment that their vehicles exhibit poor brake system performance, this may be attributed to brake pedal feel. *Slc
- 623419Special policy bulletin regarding product enhancement brake system subjective feel / poor brake system performance.
- 623411This special policy product enhancement covers vehicles equipped with vacuum power brake assist and EBC4 ABS brake modules exhibitng poor brake system performance / brake system subjective feel.
- 608388Brake lead/pull and front brake wear. *Mjs
- 606765Some cab chassis, crew cab, and pickup models may exhibit a brake lead / pull and front brake wear.
- 602774Vehicles leading or pulling to either side while applying the brakes, and premature front brake wear, especially vehicles that have been used to tow a heavy load.
- 601128Vehicle leading or pulling to either side while applying the brakes or front brake wear not meeting expectations.
- 52352Broken rear cargo door hinge (install replacement hinge).
- 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.