1997 GMC Suburban
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Suburban › 1997
These records cover every 1997 GMC 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 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.
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
200 complaints15 involved a crash4 involved a fire16 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
Car lurches when turning right and left, intermittently feeling like you are loosing control of vehicle.
- Tires
Pulled out of my driveway got up to speed of roadway that IS 50 mph felt a vibration in the front end, slowed down it went away, so I started to speed up again to see if it came back, then boom my front passenger tire literally blew up, the tread separated and the tire almost blew completely off…
Pulled out of my driveway got up to speed of roadway that IS 50 mph felt a vibration in the front end, slowed down it went away, so I started to speed up again to see if it came back, then boom my front passenger tire literally blew up, the tread separated and the tire almost blew completely off the rim. I temporarily lost control of the vehicle and skidded to halt on the side of the road tearing up a lawn and almost taking out a guard rail. The tire bent my front bumper and ripped my running board partway off. I am very lucky no other traffic was around me... I changed the tire to my spare and am now in the process of removing the rest of the cornerstones forme my truck, it's not worth the risk
- Electrical system · Engine · Steering
The ignition switch started to fail while driving. First the heater fan would quit and the ABS light would instantly turn on, and the cruise control would fail to operate. When the ABS light would be on the ABS would fail to operate. Then suddenly all operations would go back to normal. It would be…
The ignition switch started to fail while driving. First the heater fan would quit and the ABS light would instantly turn on, and the cruise control would fail to operate. When the ABS light would be on the ABS would fail to operate. Then suddenly all operations would go back to normal. It would be unpredictable when the heater fan and the ABS would fail and come back. Then yesterday, the suburban started and died 3 seconds after starting. I restarted the suburban and all seemed good. I put the suburban in drive and rolled at about 5 mph and the truck died. I stopped and put the suburban in to park and restarted. Placed it into drive and made it home. When I got home, I turned off the suburban and tried to restart it. It would crank but not fire the engine. The radio and heater and all other electronics would operate as normal, but the dash lights would not turn on i.e. The "service engine soon", "brake", "air bag", "ABS". The ignition switch has failed on it and now sits in my driveway. *tr
- Steering
Steering speed sensor fails causing the steering to suddenly jerk while turning under speed. it feels like the front wheels hit "slippery ice". I have replaced this item 3 times on my own and the sensor keeps failing. the one in my car currently IS experiencing the problem again and will need replacing. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Spring of 2008 we replaced the fuel pump. Then in november 2008 the fuel pump failed again. The mechanic said they were both brand new fuel pumps but he was unsure of why they both failed to work properly when we took it back in march 2009. 3 new fuel pumps all within one year sounds like a problem…
Spring of 2008 we replaced the fuel pump. Then in november 2008 the fuel pump failed again. The mechanic said they were both brand new fuel pumps but he was unsure of why they both failed to work properly when we took it back in march 2009. 3 new fuel pumps all within one year sounds like a problem to us. The mechanic also had to replace the harness. Each time when the fuel pump went out the car just wouldn't start. It would drive fine and then just not restart once turned off. *Tr
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 GMC suburban. the contact stated that the windshield wipers work intermittently. the manufacturer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 03v159000 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer), although the failures were identical. the failure mileage was 130,000. updated 01/07/09. *lj updated 01/12/09. *Jb
- Fuel system, gasoline
Parked truck near dealership after having trouble starting it, tried to restart, it didn't. Dealer took it in and called to say that fuel pump IS shot and they had one in stock to replace it. then four hours later they said the wires to it were melted and the sending unit needs to be replaced. this IS the 5TH time to replace fuel pump for this truck in 264,000 miles. First was at 50,000 miles. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 GMC suburban. while driving approximately 20 mph, the vehicle shut off without warning and would not restart. the vehicle was towed to a mechanic and they discovered that the fuel pump sending unit wires were rotted out, which burned out the fuel pump. the fuel pump and sending unit had to be replaced. the vin was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 151,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Fuel pump failed more than three times, only in the summer. Reason unknown, many similar vehicles have had the same problem. General motors has done nothing. *jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
The windshield wipers on my 1997 GMC suburban were not working properly, consistent with nhtsa campaign 03v159000. I contacted GMC, and after a lengthy phone call to collect all relevant data, they set up an appointment for me at my local GMC dealership. the dealership service department…
The windshield wipers on my 1997 GMC suburban were not working properly, consistent with nhtsa campaign 03v159000. I contacted GMC, and after a lengthy phone call to collect all relevant data, they set up an appointment for me at my local GMC dealership. the dealership service department inspected the wiper electrical system and informed me that the failure was indeed due to cracked solder joints on the wiper control circuit board. however, my specific vin number was not included in the recall. if I would have had the problem fixed prior to 70,000 miles on my vehicle, then they would have fixed it at no charge under a "waiver system?", but now it would be $120 to fix. I am the original owner of this vehicle. although gm continues to send me marketing material to trade in this vehicle for a new one, they failed to inform me at any time of this safety hazard recall. they also wasted several hours of my time on the telephone and arranging to leave my vehicle at the dealer prior to telling me that I was not eligible for the recall. how can this automaker have public safety in mind when they deny consumers a remedy to a potentially catastrophic safety hazard based on the number of miles on their vehicle? this IS a $30 retail price circuit board! apparently my safety and that of others around me IS not worth $30 to GMC. the "icing on the cake" IS the amount of time that gm invested talking about what they were going to do, and then back peddling on why they couldn't replace the card under the recall. what would the cost be if I was caught in a rainstorm driving home from the dealership with my unrepaired vehicle and had a crash? I have personally replaced the defective part with a replacement that I purchased at an automotive supply store. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
When braking at slow speeds, the ABS kicks in and increases the stopping distance needed. after 3 trips to dealer (and over $500 in repairs) for brake problems, they told me that the wheel speed sensors were malfunctioning. they checked the recall, but my vehicle was not listed. I have since…
When braking at slow speeds, the ABS kicks in and increases the stopping distance needed. after 3 trips to dealer (and over $500 in repairs) for brake problems, they told me that the wheel speed sensors were malfunctioning. they checked the recall, but my vehicle was not listed. I have since seen that this IS a huge problem with all of their vehicles and that hundreds of others have complained that the "regional" recall didn't cover them. it seems obvious to me that there IS an inherent problem with this braking system and the wheel speed sensors and gm should be held responsible for repairing this before someone else gets hurt (or worse). *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
ABS brakes do not and have not worked properly since this vehicle was first purchased (still original owner). speed sensitive steering does not and has not worked properly as well. thousands of dollars $$$ have been spent at the original dealership and at qualified automobile service repair…
ABS brakes do not and have not worked properly since this vehicle was first purchased (still original owner). speed sensitive steering does not and has not worked properly as well. thousands of dollars $$$ have been spent at the original dealership and at qualified automobile service repair centers continually replacing parts and sometimes the same parts of the years, this continues to this day even though the suburban IS in excellent condition and well taken care of. this includes master cylinder, brake pads, cylinders, etc. this braking defect seems to be experienced by many owners of the 1997 GMC suburban c1500. why hasn't something been done by gm engineers to locate and fix this problem? *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Dt*: the contact stated at speeds below 5 mph, the braking distance was three times as far as it should be. the vehicle has been to dealership and the ABS sensors were repaired. the problem returned 6 years later. there IS a nhtsa recall, # 05v379000, regarding the antilock brakes. the vehicle…
Dt*: the contact stated at speeds below 5 mph, the braking distance was three times as far as it should be. the vehicle has been to dealership and the ABS sensors were repaired. the problem returned 6 years later. there IS a nhtsa recall, # 05v379000, regarding the antilock brakes. the vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however, it IS not included in the recall due to the vin. updated 03/09/06. *Jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Dt: the contact state there IS an nhtsa recall, campaign 05v379000 regarding the service brakes, hydraulic: antilock. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however, it IS not included in the recall due to the model year. the vehicle was repaired by a local repair shop.*ak the brake line was leaking due to rust. Updated 02/07/06. *Jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
I have owned a 1997 GMC suburban 4X4 since new. The last 2 years the ABS braking system malfunctions at slow speed increasing stopping distance. I have recently disconnected the power to the system as it has worsened. I know that this IS widespread on this truck and should be addressed. *Jb
- Trailer hitches
Consumers GMC suburban has a factory installed hitch, with a crack and two splits in the hitch. *ts the consumer believed there was defect with the hitch. the consumer stated one of the cracks looked as though it had been there since manufacturing and the other split looked as though it was caused by thin metal on soft steel. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Dt: the contact stated when stopping at low speeds the ABS will activate. the dealership said it happened because the ABS sensor rusted. the repairs have not been made. the problem was the same as mentioned in nhtsa recall 05v379000 in the 1999-2002 models. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Fuel pump electrical wiring system failure. inside cannon plug charred and wires are melted. Cannon plug IS cracked. this was all discovered when the vehicle failed to start and the fuel pump was being replaced. *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Suspension › Front › Hub
Dt: the contact owns a 1997 GMC suburban. The contact was calling in reference to nhtsa campaign recall 05v379000 concerning ABS brakes. the contact stated that she was receiving a false reading with ABS brakes, and her state and model year was not included in the recall. The contact has been…
Dt: the contact owns a 1997 GMC suburban. The contact was calling in reference to nhtsa campaign recall 05v379000 concerning ABS brakes. the contact stated that she was receiving a false reading with ABS brakes, and her state and model year was not included in the recall. The contact has been having this problem since early summer of this year around may or june. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic, and they needed to replace the front hub. The contact disconnected the ABS system from both of the front tires and was no longer having this problem, but it will need to be repaired before winter. *Ak the ABS would activate while braking at slow speed which resulted in extended stopping distance. *nm
- Tires › Tread/belt
Dt: rear passenger side tire had a tread separation on september 24, 2005. There was no road construction. also, there was no accident. the consumer has not had the tire inspected as of yet. the tire was an original part. the tire size IS lt245/75r16, and dot # 28671ur bm05327-1. the tire was made in canada. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
ABS engaging when slowing down or parking suburban. slow speed bumping into other vehicles because ABS goes to floor. *nm
- Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tire
Dt: the contact owned a 1997 GMC suburban. recently purchased vehicle . on july 31, 2005 while parked in a parking lot at a store spare tire located inside vehicle exploded and blew out the window and busted the door. Also damaged another vehicle that was parked next to caller's vehicle. .…
Dt: the contact owned a 1997 GMC suburban. recently purchased vehicle . on july 31, 2005 while parked in a parking lot at a store spare tire located inside vehicle exploded and blew out the window and busted the door. Also damaged another vehicle that was parked next to caller's vehicle. . The dealer will not help with this matter. This tire was under nhtsa recall 01t001000. Caller has not contacted the firestone manufacturer yet. firestone, firehawk, tire line IS p26570r16. The police came and looked at the scene but they did not issue a report.*ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
I have a 1997 GMC suburban. The windshield wipers intermittently stop working completely and unpredictably. This happened once or twice since I purchased the vehicle in 2001, but in recent months has happened very frequently, most memorably when I was traveling in heavy rain on the highway. I…
I have a 1997 GMC suburban. The windshield wipers intermittently stop working completely and unpredictably. This happened once or twice since I purchased the vehicle in 2001, but in recent months has happened very frequently, most memorably when I was traveling in heavy rain on the highway. I managed to exit the highway, but was definitely in danger. I contacted GMC and was told that although there IS a recall for windshield wiper failure on 1997 GMC suburbans (gm recall #03023; nhtsa recall no. 03V159), my vehicle IS not included based on the vin. I have scheduled the vehicle for repair, but feel strongly that it should be included under the recall. *nm
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
There IS already an apr 28, 2003 recall but your customer service rep told me I should file this anyway since the manufacturer (GMC) will not honor the recall (below). the vehicle IS currently at the quebedeaux GMC service department in tucson, arizona. GMC refuses to fix the problem (the…
There IS already an apr 28, 2003 recall but your customer service rep told me I should file this anyway since the manufacturer (GMC) will not honor the recall (below). the vehicle IS currently at the quebedeaux GMC service department in tucson, arizona. GMC refuses to fix the problem (the wipers will not work and my wife was almost in a bad accident as a result). at first, they said my vehicle was not included in the recall. now they are telling me that the work was already done since the 2003 recall. it was not. I can only assume that they could not notify me of the recall because I am active duty military and move residences every 2 years. they probably just checked it off as done or there was a typo. either way, the problem exists and it IS an extreme safety hazard. make : GMC model : suburban year : 1997 manufacturer : general motors corp. nhtsa campaign ID number : 03v159000 recall date : apr 28, 2003 component: visibility:windshield wiper/washer potential number of units affected : 1755876 summary: 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. consequence: 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.
- Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and attachments
Dt: the consumer owns a 1996 GMC sierra and a 1997 GMC suburban. The vehicle's inside door handles are breaking. The only way to get out of the vehicle IS opening the door from the outside. It IS happening on both of these vehicles. consumer has noticed this on other people's vechiles with the same problem. *tt
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
- Battery leaks acid
Odi has received 21 complaints where owners allege that the standard gm factory supplied ac delco battery case failed, resulting in the leakage of sulfuric acid.of the 21 complaint vehicles, six suburban, three tahoes, and one yukon owner(s) complained about a loss of brake fluid from deterioration of the right…
Odi has received 21 complaints where owners allege that the standard gm factory supplied ac delco battery case failed, resulting in the leakage of sulfuric acid.of the 21 complaint vehicles, six suburban, three tahoes, and one yukon owner(s) complained about a loss of brake fluid from deterioration of the right frontbrake line as a result of sulfuric acid contamination.the remaining 11 complaints pertain primarily to sulfuric acid leakage from the battery case.at least one complainant stated that the replacement battery also failed.several of the complainants note that the leaking acid had come in contact with a wire harness at the frame in the vicinity of the steel brake line.a field inspection by odi indicates that the described harness IS the ABS connection to the right front wheel speed sensor.prior to the battery case failure, there IS usually no warning (short of an underhood inspection), and the ensuring damage (sulfuric acid contamination) IS progressive.of the known battery failures, there may be a temperature correlation, as 60% of the owner complaints came from four states; california, florida, georgia and texas.there IS also a product improvement program and engineering change notice to add 1% silver to the battery's positive side terminall, with the earliest implementation date for this being feb 2, 1998.the effect of this design change IS as yet unknown; further review IS warranted.an ea IS being opened to gather further appropriate information, clarify any defect trends, and to assess the safety implications and risks concerning these failures.
- Erratic steering boost while driving
Alleged that the variable effort steering unit intermittently provides full boost tot he power steering gear at moderate to high speeds.
- 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.
- 10020874Left front axle shaft difficult to remove. Axle differential leak seal shaft.
- 10014959Replacement of connector when replacing fuel tank module/fuel pump module.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 52352Broken rear cargo door hinge (install replacement hinge).
Every GMC Suburban model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.