1994 Chevrolet Suburban
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Chevrolet › Suburban › 1994
These records cover every 1994 Chevrolet Suburban. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 1994 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).
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this were to occur during bad weather, driver visibility would be reduced, which could result in a crash.
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.
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.
Vehicle description: pickup trucks, crew cabs, utility trucks and sport utility vehicles. these vehicles were built with the polarity of the wiring for the zero adjust brake switch reversed from what was specified on the switch drawing. with the reversed polarity, the contacts in the brake switch can wear out prematurely. the brake switch will perform…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This would fail to warn a following driver that the vehicle IS braking and could lead to a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the brake switch and reverse the wiring.
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, 2 and 4-wheel drive. solder joints near the wiring harness connector can crack causing the windshield wipers to work intermittently.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can result in inoperative wipers, reducing a driver's visibility, and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover.
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks, vans and motorhomes equipped with electronically fuel injected 6.5L diesel engine. this IS not a safety recall in accordance with federal regulation part 573. However, it IS deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. the campaign will improve the overall driveability of these vehicles.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Certain vehicles can exhibit some driveability concerns such as poor throttle response, stalling, misfire, poor hot or cold starting, extended cranking of a hot engine, or stalling after start. trucks with manualtransmissions can exhibit poor acceleration from start or could stall during deceleration.
Remedy
Dealers will install some recently developed enhancements which will improve the overall driveability of these vehicles.
Owner complaints
858 complaints147 involved a crash10 involved a fire55 injuries2 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Tires
The contact owns a 1994 Chevrolet Suburban equipped with two Lionhart Tires, Tire Line: LHS, Tire Size: 305/30/ZR26, DOT Number: TB2ACY50. The contact stated that he had installed two Lionhart tires on the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was a secondary vehicle that was…
The contact owns a 1994 Chevrolet Suburban equipped with two Lionhart Tires, Tire Line: LHS, Tire Size: 305/30/ZR26, DOT Number: TB2ACY50. The contact stated that he had installed two Lionhart tires on the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was a secondary vehicle that was not driven often. The contact stated that he observed a bulge on the tire, and the tire sidewall was separating from the tread next to the bulge. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 4,500 on a new installed engine. The tire failure mileage was 2,000.
- Service brakes
The contact owns a 1994 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph and applying the brake pedal to stop the pedal suddenly extended to the floor causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of a second vehicle. No injuries were reported. A police report was taken…
The contact owns a 1994 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph and applying the brake pedal to stop the pedal suddenly extended to the floor causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of a second vehicle. No injuries were reported. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified. The failure mileage was 274,000.
- Electrical system · Engine
Vehicle was parked with the ignition off. After approximately 10 minutes, a fire started in the area of the battery preceded by thick white smoke. The fire spread to the plastic wheelwell guard and right front tire about two minutes after the smoke was noticed. The front of the vehicle, dashboard, windshield, and front floor pan area was destroyed by fire. *tr
- Visibility/wiper
TL* the contact owns a 1994 chevrolet suburban. While parked, the contact noticed that the windshield wipers would not activate. The failure recurred intermittently. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign ID number: 03v159000 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer) but was advised by the manufacturer…
TL* the contact owns a 1994 chevrolet suburban. While parked, the contact noticed that the windshield wipers would not activate. The failure recurred intermittently. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign ID number: 03v159000 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer) but was advised by the manufacturer that the vin was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.
- Tires
1994 chevrolet suburban, right rear tire blew out damaging the heater lines and right rear quarter panel. *bf ohio traffic crash report # 10-0678-91. *Jb updated 04/14/10 *bf
- Visibility
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 chevrolet suburban. the contact stated that the windshield wipers worked intermittently. she took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection and they stated that her vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 98v150001 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer)…
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 chevrolet suburban. the contact stated that the windshield wipers worked intermittently. she took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection and they stated that her vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 98v150001 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer); therefore, they would not assume any financial responsibility for the repair. as of december 15, 2008, the vehicle has not been repaired according to the recall. the failure mileage was 112,000 and current mileage was 134,000.
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 chevrolet suburban. whenever the contact attempts to use the windshield wipers, they will work very inconsistently. also, if he manually moves the windshield wipers, they will begin to function for a short period of time. the contact did not notice any differences…
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 chevrolet suburban. whenever the contact attempts to use the windshield wipers, they will work very inconsistently. also, if he manually moves the windshield wipers, they will begin to function for a short period of time. the contact did not notice any differences beforehand and the vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. the current mileage was 60,000 and failure mileage was 50,000. Updated 09/29/08*lj updated 09/29/08 *jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 chevrolet suburban. the contact stated that the windshield wipers work intermittently. recall # 03v159000 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer) IS for the same failure, however, the manufacturer stated that the contact's vin was not included. the current and failure mileages were unknown.
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 chevrolet suburban. The contact stated that the vehicle had the same failure as noted in recall # 03v159000 concerning visibility:windshield wiper/washer. the windshield wipers operated intermittently or failed completely. the contact stated that he occasionally…
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 chevrolet suburban. The contact stated that the vehicle had the same failure as noted in recall # 03v159000 concerning visibility:windshield wiper/washer. the windshield wipers operated intermittently or failed completely. the contact stated that he occasionally has to bang on the circuit board to get the wipers to operate properly. also attached a stick and taped it to the windshield wipers in order for them to function properly. the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was excluded from the recall. the current mileage IS 242,000, and failure mileage was 165,000.*ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Dt*: the contact stated the windshield wipers worked intermittently. the vehicle was not inspected. there was a nhtsa recall, #98v150001, regarding the windshield wipers, but the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vin.
- Fuel system, gasoline
Dt*: the consumer stated there was a very strong odor of gasoline while driving or when the vehicle IS parked. there have been no obvious signs of gasoline leakage other than the odor. the vehicle has been seen by various repair shops and dealers, but no source of leakage has been identified. *Jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Consumer1994 suburban windsheild wipers stop in the middle of the windsheild or at times will not work at all. *ts the dealer replaced the wiper pulse control module. *nm
- Electrical system
Dt: contact stated vehicle was parked in driveway the neighbor's dogs were barking, she looked out , and there were sparks coming out of vehicle. She woke up her husband. Heard a loud noise. vehicle was on fire, it burned the whole motor, most of the inside, dashboard. No warnings prior to the fire. the fire chief said it could have been the electrical system. *Ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Consumer found a recall on windshield wipers after experiencing the same problem. *ts the dealer told the consumer that his vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. the consumer decided to have the problem repair made although the dealer wouldn't replace them free of charge. the consumer contacted the manufacturer but they refused to reimburse him although the part number was identical. *nm
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Dt: consumer states there IS a recall # 03v159000 concerning windshield wiper/washer failure, and consumer's vehicle was having the exact same problem as listed on the recall. consumer noticed this problem on september 1, 2002, when it was raining consumer had to get out, lift the hood, and bang on the motor of windshield wipers in order to get them to work, and it will only work for a minute. *Ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
I own a 1994 chevrolet suburban. The wipers started out shutting off in the wrong position or not shutting off at all. The wipers don't work at all now. I heard about a possible recall on this issue. I went to your website and seen that there was a recall on this problem for the 94 suburbans.(nhtsa…
I own a 1994 chevrolet suburban. The wipers started out shutting off in the wrong position or not shutting off at all. The wipers don't work at all now. I heard about a possible recall on this issue. I went to your website and seen that there was a recall on this problem for the 94 suburbans.(nhtsa ID numbers 03v159000 and 98v150001). I called my local dealer and was told that my vehicle wasn't included in the recall. My vin IS [xxx]. I was just wondering if my vehicle was overlooked in the recall or my problem IS just with my vehicle.*jb updated 07/19/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- Visibility › Rear window wiper/washer › Motor
Dt: contact states the windshield wipers will work for a few minutes at a time or they will not work at all. also, they will continue to work after the switch has been turned off. there were recalls 03v159000 and 98v150001 for the windshield wiper module. the contact contacted the manufacturer…
Dt: contact states the windshield wipers will work for a few minutes at a time or they will not work at all. also, they will continue to work after the switch has been turned off. there were recalls 03v159000 and 98v150001 for the windshield wiper module. the contact contacted the manufacturer about the recalls, but the contacts specific vehicle did not fall under the recall campaign due to vin and the 10 year and 70,000 miles limitation. *ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
1994 chevrolet suburban wiper motors fail and work intermittently and stop while driving creating very dangerous conditions. IS listed as recall on nhtsa campaign ID number 03v15900 and 98v150001 on your web site. we called chevrolet on 800-222-1020 and were told this IS not a recall item after…
1994 chevrolet suburban wiper motors fail and work intermittently and stop while driving creating very dangerous conditions. IS listed as recall on nhtsa campaign ID number 03v15900 and 98v150001 on your web site. we called chevrolet on 800-222-1020 and were told this IS not a recall item after seven years. The recall was not issued until 07/01/98 and 04/28/03 - that makes the recall notice past the seven year chevrolet policy.
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Windshield motor works intermittently. this was reported to urka chevrolet in ludington mi and they stated our 1994 suburban was not covered by the recall and told us to call chevrolet. same story with them. I was travelling from fort leavenworth, ks to custer mi during easter 2005 the wipers…
Windshield motor works intermittently. this was reported to urka chevrolet in ludington mi and they stated our 1994 suburban was not covered by the recall and told us to call chevrolet. same story with them. I was travelling from fort leavenworth, ks to custer mi during easter 2005 the wipers quit working while travelling along at approx. 65Mph. no accident, but scary to pull over on highway at nite cause of lack of vision. *Ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
The windshield wipers worked intermittently. this vehicle was not included in nhtsa recall campaign 03v159000 due to vin. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring
Windshield wipers work than stop. I wiggle wire connector to motor than they will work for a short period. If I am driving down the road, they will stop working and sometimes start working again. I found out that 1994 suburban 4X4 are not on the recall list for the card that has a faulty solder. I…
Windshield wipers work than stop. I wiggle wire connector to motor than they will work for a short period. If I am driving down the road, they will stop working and sometimes start working again. I found out that 1994 suburban 4X4 are not on the recall list for the card that has a faulty solder. I have also replaced my drivers side caliper 4 times since purchasing the vehicle in january 2003. I also replaced the brake hose on the drivers side. The calipers seemed to get stuck and would not release. *jb
- Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
While consumer was inside of the vehicle driver 's side seat frame broke. no injuries reported. the seat collapsed forward. Consumer was able to fix the seat. *ak...consumer replaced the frame. Consumer has actual seat frame and parts on hand. Also, has air bag photos. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
I have had two issues with this vehicle: 1. Windsheild wiper intermittent failure. this started to happen after the warranty period expired. I was informed by a chevrolet dealer that the recall(s) issued that match this behavior exactly do not apply to my vehicle. I believe the recall should…
I have had two issues with this vehicle: 1. Windsheild wiper intermittent failure. this started to happen after the warranty period expired. I was informed by a chevrolet dealer that the recall(s) issued that match this behavior exactly do not apply to my vehicle. I believe the recall should include my 1994 chev. Suburban c-1500 vehicle, as it clearly demonstrates this exact intermittent behavior. beyond inquiring recently with my local dealer, nothing has been done to correct this issue. 2. Poor ABS brake performance. this symptom has existed since the vehicle was new. I complained several times, but no problems were found at the time of complaints at the dealership. I noticed that there was a recall associated with this symptom, but I have not yet inquired with my local dealership to see if the issue can be corrected. I have had several "near misses" when having to stop suddenly and almost hitting the vehicle in front of me due to poor ABS performance and increased stopping distance.*ak
- Fuel system, other › Fuel injection system
Unexplained and sudden stalling at highway speed.*ak
- Tires
Consumer had problems with all four firestone steel tex size#lt245/75r16 dot #: consumer will provide pictures of damaged on this tires. *nm
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Windshield wiper failure
As a result of this, and the precedinginvestigation, rq99-003, gm has expanded the population of safety recall 98v-150 (replacement of the windshield wiper control module) to include an additional 1.77 million vehicles.included are various 1994-1997 my M/L vans, s/t trucks and suvs, & c/k trucks and suvs.see attached technical report for details.
- 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
- Drivers seat failure
The complainants allege the drivers seat mounting fails, allowing the seat to move or tip rearward into a reclined position.
- Poor brake performance
Poor performance of ABS brakes
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.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 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.
- 100041356.5L L49 L56 L57 L65 diesel engine requiring fuel injection pump replacement. Models p32/p42 1994-1999 included.
- 10002567Windshield wiper failure due to cracked boulder joints on the controller circuit board. This special policy covers the condition for a period of seven years or 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service regardless of ownership or for these vehicles currently outside of this coverage until february 29, 2004.
- 10001125Special policy adjustment - windshield wiper motor failures.
- 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.
- 615106Product recall campaign involving windshield wiper motor replacement.
- 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.