1997 Chevrolet Suburban
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Suburban › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Chevrolet Suburban. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1997 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.
Certain sport utility vehicles, MINI vans, and pickup trucks may develop a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this were to happen, it could result in an inoperative switch, heat damage to the driver's door, and/or ignition of components in the driver's door and a subsequent vehicle fire without prior warning.
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.
Owner complaints
414 complaints22 involved a crash13 involved a fire16 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
The previous owner said the brakes wore quickly but we didn't realize how quickly until we had issues and got the repair information. new brakes about every 4 months are needed. once they start wearing the pads and rotors are gone within a day. this time I nearly ran into someone they deteriorated so fast. I've read this seems to be a problem with many more of the same vehicles
- Electrical system
I stopped to get gas anc cut my truck off. I got back in it and cut it on an drove about 30 yards I noticed a smell like burning wires. So I cut it off got out checked the outside the smell IS only on the inside. Then I popped the hood an smelled the same smell. I pushed it and parked it. My…
I stopped to get gas anc cut my truck off. I got back in it and cut it on an drove about 30 yards I noticed a smell like burning wires. So I cut it off got out checked the outside the smell IS only on the inside. Then I popped the hood an smelled the same smell. I pushed it and parked it. My clicker IS not working to unlock or lock it, the lights will not go off and it makes the ringing sound as if the driver door IS open even when it's not. I took the battery out to see if it was that but its fully charged.
- Engine
My 1997 chevrolet suburban c-2500 IS leaking oil from underneath the engine and making engine very "hot". This happens when I'm driving this vehicle.i touch the engine hood and feel that it's very, very hot. I just went home to prevent any fire or accident. My mechanic said it's not ordinary for…
My 1997 chevrolet suburban c-2500 IS leaking oil from underneath the engine and making engine very "hot". This happens when I'm driving this vehicle.i touch the engine hood and feel that it's very, very hot. I just went home to prevent any fire or accident. My mechanic said it's not ordinary for this heavy duty truck to leak oil with only 77,000 miles. I need you to investigate my problem and contact gm. You can email me at [xxx] for an updates regarding this problems. Looking forward to hear from you soon. Thanks. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6).
- Fuel/propulsion system · Service brakes
December 2009, replaced ruptured brake lines above the rear differential. Severely rusted. july 15, 2012, ruptured brake line by the driver side floor board and fire wall. Severely rusted. fuel lines under the vehicle IS also severely rusted. Leak can cause fire. brake failure occurred during driving on road. *tr
- Air bags
The airbag didn't deployed am veer disappointed my son was injured. *tr
- Visibility
TL* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet suburban. The contact stated that the windshield wipers and washers failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was contact and confirmed that remedy repairs were performed under nhtsa campaign ID number:03v159000(visibility:windshield…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet suburban. The contact stated that the windshield wipers and washers failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was contact and confirmed that remedy repairs were performed under nhtsa campaign ID number:03v159000(visibility:windshield wiper/washer) prior to the failure. The vheicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was 99,000 and the current mileage was 99,200.
- Steering
Erratic power steering assist while driving resulting in erratic control at highway speeds. Started in 2006 and ended in 2009. Vehicle was taken to dealer numerous times to no avail. *Tr
- Steering · Suspension
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet suburban. when the vehicle IS fully loaded, the contact notices that the vehicle becomes difficult to steer. he has taken the vehicle to a mechanic 15 times and they have made numerous repairs, including various components of the steering unit, steering…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet suburban. when the vehicle IS fully loaded, the contact notices that the vehicle becomes difficult to steer. he has taken the vehicle to a mechanic 15 times and they have made numerous repairs, including various components of the steering unit, steering sensors, actuator, and also additions to the springs of the suspension system. all of the repairs have not adequately repaired the failures. the contact called the manufacturer and was referred back to the dealer. the failure mileage was 8,464 and current mileage was 86,000. Updated 10/08/08. *Lj updated 10/10/08. *Jb
- Structure › Body › Hood › Hinge and attachments
Hood latch on 1997 chevy suburban keep failing, hood flies up while driving. has happened 3 times in two years. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
The car was parked in the driveway. In the middle of the night it burst into flames. Our dogs woke us up. The fire started in the front passenger compartment. By the time the fire department arrived 7 minutes later there was nothing left to the interior of the car. The engine and underside of the…
The car was parked in the driveway. In the middle of the night it burst into flames. Our dogs woke us up. The fire started in the front passenger compartment. By the time the fire department arrived 7 minutes later there was nothing left to the interior of the car. The engine and underside of the car were undamaged by the fire. A tree near the car also caught fire. Chevrolet said there were no recalls on our car. They do not seem interested in examining the car since we settled with our insurance company. Neither the fire department nor the police suspect arson. It would appear to be electrical. If the car had been parked in our garage we would have lost our house. *tr
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Windshield wiper failure on rainy interstate highway. 1997 chevrolet suburban. *tr
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet suburban. the contact stated that the delay feature on the windshield wipers worked sporadically. she received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign ID number 03v159000 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer) and gm recall number 03023 in february of 2002. the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet suburban. the contact stated that the delay feature on the windshield wipers worked sporadically. she received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign ID number 03v159000 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer) and gm recall number 03023 in february of 2002. the recall work was performed; however, the failure still persists. the contact wanted to notify nhtsa, before notifying the dealer and manufacturer. the vin, engine size, and number of cylinders were unknown. the current mileage was 220,000 and failure mileage was 219,990.
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet suburban. while driving at an unknown speed in the rain, the windshield wipers would not activate. the contact took her vehicle to the dealer and they stated that her vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 03v159000 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer). a complaint with the manufacturer was filed. the current mileage was 130,000 and failure mileage was 125,000.
- Tires › Tread/belt
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet suburban. while driving 65 mph, the contact heard a loud noise and lost control of the vehicle. he crashed the vehicle into a wall. the driver side rear b.f. Goodrich tire tread separated and caused the failure. the road conditions were dry. the front end…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet suburban. while driving 65 mph, the contact heard a loud noise and lost control of the vehicle. he crashed the vehicle into a wall. the driver side rear b.f. Goodrich tire tread separated and caused the failure. the road conditions were dry. the front end of the vehicle was damaged. the vehicle was towed. the contact still has the tire and the tread. the dot number was unknown. the tire failure mileage was 45,000 and the vehicle current and failure mileages were 132,000.
- Equipment · Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
I have lost steering and braking on 1996 6.5 turbo diesel suburban three times now I drive normally. I am 42 and have a family of seven. when braking the power booster has zero pressure and it IS very hard to stop and at the very same time all power steering IS lost. I thought the power steering…
I have lost steering and braking on 1996 6.5 turbo diesel suburban three times now I drive normally. I am 42 and have a family of seven. when braking the power booster has zero pressure and it IS very hard to stop and at the very same time all power steering IS lost. I thought the power steering pump failed, so I replaced it, no change. still no power brakes or steering. I replaced hydroboost unit braking and steering returned. I have had to replace hydroboost three times in 8 months. I completely removed the solenoid magnet from the power steering pump to test if the power steering pump causes the hydro boost unit to fail, I did this between hydro unit 1 an 2, I reinstalled magnet between unit 2 and 3 the first time I lost braking and steering there was no warning, I went to stop and had hard, non power brakes and no power steering. the second, third time I knew to replace the hydroboost unit, when braking and turning the steering gets hard or the brakes get hard, then I replace the hydroboost unit, brake and steering return to normal I completely flushed the power steering fluid each time into a clean bucket, no big particles or hose material. this braking system IS dangerous, imagine driving down a winding two lane steep downhill mountain road, with a heavy suburban and you loose steering and brakes I turned in the original parts as cores to get my money back. *nm
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
1997 cheverolet c1500 suburban intermittent wiper motor failure to work properly. causes lack of visibility during inclement weather conditions or during windshield cleaning operations. Wipers will cease to work continuous and problem IS sporadic. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
I have a 1997 chevy suburban with a 7.4 engine. For the most part its been a good vehicle, but the brakes are another story. The suburban has been through 2 sets of front brakes, and none in the rear. Being concerned, the 3RD mechanic to really spend time figuring out the problem, found out the…
I have a 1997 chevy suburban with a 7.4 engine. For the most part its been a good vehicle, but the brakes are another story. The suburban has been through 2 sets of front brakes, and none in the rear. Being concerned, the 3RD mechanic to really spend time figuring out the problem, found out the brake pressure modulator valve has malfunctioned. $800 for replacement. Doing a little research, gm had recalled this part on several of there 2000 SUV models. Contacted the gm customer service line, and they told me that it IS an "old vehicle" and gm will not do anything about it. So I guess gm's safety systems are only good for 10 years. This will be my last gm vehicle I will ever own. *Jb
- Fuel system, gasoline
1997 chevy suburban in-tank fuel sending unit fire: bought vehicle used with 88000 miles. Events leading up to the failure / burn up of the unit included intermittent fuel pump and fuel gauge failure, had pump replaced by patrick GMC, problem persisted, had dealer wolf chevrolet check fuel…
1997 chevy suburban in-tank fuel sending unit fire: bought vehicle used with 88000 miles. Events leading up to the failure / burn up of the unit included intermittent fuel pump and fuel gauge failure, had pump replaced by patrick GMC, problem persisted, had dealer wolf chevrolet check fuel pressure throughout system (ok). Also noticed an intermittent burning smell. I then purchased from the dealer a replacement sending unit and another fuel pump, as soon as I took the sender out of the tank it was obviously charred and the modular connector burnt to a crisp, wires completely exposed with the insulation gone partially disintegrated the ABS plug. This thing got really hot repeatedly. The lower explosive limit was luckily never reached within the tank or there could have been a spontaneous explosion, especially if the tank lost its seal and allowed outside air inside, (such as when the tank IS empty and IS pulling vacuum), for instance unscrewing the gas cap in ideal conditions next to a gas pump with a 44 gallon tank void sucking in as much oxygen in as the filler tube will allow, and hitting that glowing red hot sending unit. Old part IS in my possession and IS the original factory sender. incident date IS approx. When I performed the repair and discovered the burned up sender. *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Consumer complaint regarding 1997 suburban braking malfunctions. *ts the vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that two sensors were needed because the current ones were corroded. the consumer experienced the same symptom as described in the recall for the 1998-2002 vehicles. *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle was having ABS problems. while applying the brake pedal to stop at slower speeds the ABS activated causing greater stopping distances. there IS a nhtsa recall, # 05v379000, regarding the ABS. the vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall…
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle was having ABS problems. while applying the brake pedal to stop at slower speeds the ABS activated causing greater stopping distances. there IS a nhtsa recall, # 05v379000, regarding the ABS. the vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it IS not included in the recall due to the year of the vehicle. repairs have been made and the manufacturer has been alerted.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc
In july/august 2005 I began experiencing activation of the ABS at very low speeds of 5-10 mph in 1997 chevrolet suburban. I took the car to repair shop and found out that the front brake units, calipers, etc., were corroded and needed to be replaced. I did this. also ,found out that the ABS…
In july/august 2005 I began experiencing activation of the ABS at very low speeds of 5-10 mph in 1997 chevrolet suburban. I took the car to repair shop and found out that the front brake units, calipers, etc., were corroded and needed to be replaced. I did this. also ,found out that the ABS units were not reading the speed correctly and this was causing the ABS bumping at low speeds. advised they should be replaced at cost of $1200! in january 2006 I read about the suburban recall for malfunctioning ABS and unusual corrosion of brakes. unfortunately, the recall started for 1999 models. I believe my 1997 vehicle has the same problem. I contacted the local chevrolet dealer where I bought the vehicle, but was told it was not covered by the recall and they recommended the ABS units be cleaned and that they will function properly. the other repair shop (who did the brake repairs) recommended against cleaning"and said in their experience this doesn't work. suburban has only 61,000 miles, so it has not been over used. I put about 6,000 miles a year on it, mostly for pulling a horse trailer and for this I am very concerned about safe braking. I believe that this 1997 suburban has the same problem as the 199S. I've spent about $500 on the brake repairs so far and the ABS will cost me another $1200. for a vehicle that gets so little use by me, this IS a lot of money. I would like the 1997 to be included in the recall. I am upset by the expense of repairing these apparent manufacturing flaws. *ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Dt: the contact states there IS a nhtsa recall campaign 03v159000 concerning the windshield wipers. This vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall, but it IS not included in the recall due to vin. the contact was having the vehicle repaired at her own expense.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Dt: the contact states there IS nhtsa recall campaign 05v379000 concerning the anti- lock brakes. this vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall, but it IS not included in the recall due to vin. the contact repaired the vehicle at his own expense. *Ak the consumer stated due to the defective part, he crashed into another vehicle. updated 11/29/05. *Jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Dt: the contact states there IS a nhtsa recall campaign 03v159000 concerning the windshield wiper/washer motor. this vehicle experienced the same problems as indicated in the recall, but it IS not included in the recall due to vin. no repairs were done . *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Dt: the contact was driving at a low speed and applied brake pressure and the ABS pulsated. there was extended stopping distance as indicated in a current recall on the anti lock brakes. the vehicle was taken to a dealer who replaced both wheel speed sensors on the front brakes. that corrected…
Dt: the contact was driving at a low speed and applied brake pressure and the ABS pulsated. there was extended stopping distance as indicated in a current recall on the anti lock brakes. the vehicle was taken to a dealer who replaced both wheel speed sensors on the front brakes. that corrected the problem ,however, in august of this year the problem recurred two years later. the vehicle was returned to a dealer. the dealer did replace one of the wheel speed sensors, but the other one was cleaned and kept on the brakes. since this repair there have been no further problems. the contact contacted gm, and filed a complaint. This vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vin and the model. *ak updated 11/29/05. *Jb
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.
- Battery leaks acid
There is no summary currently available
- 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
- Erratic power steering assist while driv
The office of defect investigation (odi) has investigated allegations of power steering assist fluctuations in the subject vehicles.for details and a basis for the investigation conclusions, please see the closing report in the ea99-011 public file.odi has not identified a safety-related defect trend in the subject…
The office of defect investigation (odi) has investigated allegations of power steering assist fluctuations in the subject vehicles.for details and a basis for the investigation conclusions, please see the closing report in the ea99-011 public file.odi has not identified a safety-related defect trend in the subject vehicle population.futher expenditure of agency resources on this subject does not appear to be warranted at this time.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.the engineering IS closed.
- 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.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10208027This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10170494This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 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.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 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.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 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.
- 10139019This preliminary informational bulletin provides information on High Oil Pressure on Startup After Engine Replacement Concern.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 10114947This 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.
- 10114924This 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.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10082506This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest calibrations to correct a condition of the rear entertainment system not operating as intended in colder ambient temperature areas due to calibration concerns.
- 10020874Left front axle shaft difficult to remove. Axle differential leak seal shaft.
- 10014959Replacement of connector when replacing fuel tank module/fuel pump module.
- 100134964L80e output carrier thrust washer changes.
- 10010375Service engine soon light and p0300 when towing, cruising uphill or on hard acceleration.
- 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.
- 100055664L60-e automatic transmission oil pump first and second design identification.
- 10005439Malfunction indicator lamp on with a p0300 set and a misfire. Various models including 1996 - 1999 P32 models. Sit bulletin 1416475.
- 10004223Malfunction indicator lamp on with a p0300 set and a misfire. Various models including the 1996-1999 P32 and the 1996-2002 GMC c/k truck.
- 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.
- 10001916Installing a fuse jumper harness to correct a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch.
- 10001595Electric outside rearview mirror switch short circuit.
- 10001125Special policy adjustment - windshield wiper motor failures.
- 10000749Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds on various models including the 1995 and 1996 envoy.
- 10000062Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds.
- 634999Diagnosis of cracked or broken transmission case. 2006 and prior cars and light duty trucks.
- 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.
Every Chevrolet Suburban model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.