1994 GMC Suburban
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Suburban › 1994
These records cover every 1994 GMC 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 GMC 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
411 complaints66 involved a crash4 involved a fire25 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Tires
Tire wobble/ no separation yet can feel it pulling / did wait for this one to bubble up and separate wasn't going to wait another 3 weeks for an accident possibly fatal to happen had this last remaining one removed from my vehicle. *tr
- Tires
Tread / tire separation big bubble in tire severe shaking / severe pulling thought my truck needed an alignment very very very bad. *tr
- Tires
Tire separation causing bubble in tire /causing shaking / pulling severely to right side. *tr
- Tires
Tires separating causing major bubble and pulling as well as shaking. *tr
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
The windshield wipers worked after being manually "helped" since the time of purchase, but no longer. when I contacted GMC, they told me the current recall did not apply to my vehicle. I have purchased the circuit board myself and will now need to have someone install it. recall needs to include additional vin #'s. I was told by the GMC toll free number that it was not a "safety" issue, sorry. *nm
- Vehicle speed control
With the cruise control on I encountered sudden unintended acceleration on two occasions once while the unit was activated and once while it was not. *nm
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Windshield wiper failure. Gm refused to repair under recall campaign 98v150001 stating recall voided after 70,000 miles. I guess the bard turns "good" after reaching the mileage? *Jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Dt a recall was issued on automatic transmission cooling unit and lines, but this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin although it had the same failure as mentioned in the recall. contacted gm, and they confirmed that recall did not include this vehicle. *ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Dt: the windshield wipers when turned will intermittently come on and off. sometimes it has to be done manually, and sometimes they will not come on at all. this also happens when starting vehicle, but occasionally windshield wipers stop in the middle. dealer replaced the windshield wiper…
Dt: the windshield wipers when turned will intermittently come on and off. sometimes it has to be done manually, and sometimes they will not come on at all. this also happens when starting vehicle, but occasionally windshield wipers stop in the middle. dealer replaced the windshield wiper motor. Then, received a recall notice for another vehicle, but was told this vehicle did not fall under recall due to t vin. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Dt: the contact states that he owns a 1994 GMC suburban. The contact IS having problems with brakes. they are performing poorly. there are ABS brakes on this vehicle, and this vehicle has done this ever since he purchased the vehicle. He has taken vehicle to the dealer and they would fix the…
Dt: the contact states that he owns a 1994 GMC suburban. The contact IS having problems with brakes. they are performing poorly. there are ABS brakes on this vehicle, and this vehicle has done this ever since he purchased the vehicle. He has taken vehicle to the dealer and they would fix the problem for a little while, but it wouldn't last very long. the problem would continue to come back. Also, there was a recall for this problem, but this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Dt: the contact states that he owns a 1994 GMC suburban. He states that he IS having problems with windshield wiper washer motor because it IS working intermittently. A recall was issued on some GMC vehicles, but the manufacturer told him that this vehicle was not included in the recall dueto vin. the problem started intermittently and it became worse.*ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Dt : windshield wipers work intermittently or they don't work at all previous recalls in 1998 and 2003 had the same problem. GMC hotline said they called the dealership, and the dealership refused to do the recall. *ak *sb *nm
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
Right lower ball joint failed causing front wheel to collapse car was in parking lot and moving slowly ball joints replaced by garage. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline · Service brakes, hydraulic · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Diesel k2500 suburban. injection pump suffered a problem with intermittent fuel cutout. solution was replacement of injection pump. repeated dealer attempts to diagnose exact problem was not successful. seat mount failed. this caused seat to tilt on base & torque remaining mounts. the wiper…
Diesel k2500 suburban. injection pump suffered a problem with intermittent fuel cutout. solution was replacement of injection pump. repeated dealer attempts to diagnose exact problem was not successful. seat mount failed. this caused seat to tilt on base & torque remaining mounts. the wiper motor cut out at random. gm acknowledges this problem for other models, but not for mine. this would cause failure of motor functions (in my case, the wiper would not start if parked, but would start if pulled out of park position). brakes are the most interesting problem. while there may indeed be a problem with pedal suddenly going to the floor I think the actual situation in most of those cases may actually be as follows. I had to brake fairly hard in unexpected traffic, and the antilock brake system fired. I was moving not faster than about 50 mph at the time, but it took (measured) 642 feet to stop the vehicle. at no time did I release the antilock system before the vehicle stopped. during this time, I was able to steer quite successfully around two stopped vehicles, and to run up on a grassy shoulder and back onto the pavement. I had the front brakes relined and trued, and the fluid flushed and replaced, at a local shop shortly after purchasing the vehicle used (with about 56,000 miles). apparently, gm knows that it IS necessary to cycle the antilock motor so that all the pistons are at the right position before bleeding the brakes. if the brakes are bled with the motor not centered, the effect IS that full modulation of the brakes does not occur, for some or all wheels, when the antilock system fires. however, the dump-valve function relieves all brake pressure while the motor IS running. the result IS that only partial brake application IS effectively being made -- this might be almost any arbitrary percentage of a 'normal' full brake application -- and this may greatly reduce the amount of deceleration seen in critical situations.
- Unknown or other · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Paint flaking. I showed it to service dept, they said gm would not repair
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
While driving windshield wipers failed. *Ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
1994 GMC suburban. When brake light switch fails, the cruise control will not be shutoff by hitting brakes. If switch fails, hitting brakes will slow vechile, but cruise control will give it more gas. Date of initial accident IS approximate since I do not have papers with me. Switch has failed twice since that and was failed after the accident.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings · Service brakes, air › Supply › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Had failure of both rear brake lines and fuel delivery lines/sending unit due to heavily rusted/ruptured metal lines. fortunately, the failures were observed in my driveway, leaking brake fluid and gasoline. the vehicle required towing to the local mechanics garage.total cost of repair (all rusted lines and fuel sending unit) at local garage was $875.00.*ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Consumer noticed that when using windshield wipers they would stop working, but wiper motor wa still running. *Ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Consumer noticed windshield wipers would stop working intermittently. *Ak consumer was returning home when it began to rain. He turned on the wipers but nothing happened. He tried a second time but to no avail. Consumer lost vision of the road and had to pull over. *ph
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Windshield wipers come on and off intermittently while traveling in inclement weather. cause of failure IS undetermined at this time.*ak
- Visibility › Rear window wiper/washer › Motor
Windshield wipers are inoperative. *Ak
- Seats
I got into the suburban to go to the store this morning, when I sat and reached to place the belt into the holder, the chair anchor snapped and I began having problems whenever stopping or accelerating. this problem leads me to believe that I may have a problem in the future whenever I need to…
I got into the suburban to go to the store this morning, when I sat and reached to place the belt into the holder, the chair anchor snapped and I began having problems whenever stopping or accelerating. this problem leads me to believe that I may have a problem in the future whenever I need to brake fast or upon moving after being stopped as the seat rocks backwards. Now I have contacted the manufacture as to recall with no assist. I believe this to be a hazard in the seat itself. thank you. *jb ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis***739541
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
The windshield wipers did not work at various times. *jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
The wipers on my vehicle have failed to operate 3 times since I have owned the vehicle. all three times were during a storm. two rain storms and this last was a snow storm. the wiper motor make an odd noise when they stop working. *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.
- 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
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.
- 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.
Every GMC Suburban model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.