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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
5,800 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Chevrolet Suburban brakes problems

brakes problem

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1997 Chevrolet Suburban Owner Comments

problem #10

Jul 152005

Suburban 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Leesburg, VA, USA

problem #9

Feb 142001

Suburban 4WD

  • miles
I had brake trouble on this car from day one. Many brake pads, two master cylinders, many shoes and drums. This vehicle is defective because it weight is too great for the braking system. I would like some help. Please call. My accident was caused by brake failure. Dealership where I live in kings mtn, now diamond Chevrolet admits. I took the car to the dealer in shelby, nc carter Chevrolet eight times in one year for brake problems.

- Kings Mtn, NC, USA

problem #8

May 211997

Suburban

  • miles
The braking system starts to shake and vibrate as if driving on cobblestone road then braking system shakes violently from front of car this problem seems to happen only when temps are very high in the 100 degree range as we go to the desert often. This happens several times a year. The vibrations start as we are driving and you can feel the front end start to vibratethe gets worse, if the brakes are applied when this is shaking the whole car shakes voilentlyand is hard to stop almost makes the car out of control. This can go on for as long as 45 mins to an hour as we drive downthe road or freeway. Then it jusst stops shakin and does not ahppen again for a few days, but if we are still in the heat it wil happen again. When we get home and goto the dealer they cannot feel the problem so they say there is no problem my wife and children are affraid to ride in the car when we go on trips now. This problem must be fixed. I love this car and it suits my needs but this has to be fixed.

- Arcadia, CA, USA

problem #7

Dec 101998

Suburban 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I started experencing problem at appox. 12000 miles when the front brakes wore out prematurlly, some after at appox. 20000 mile I had unusual tire wear, ( I was told it was my fault) it was the right torsion bar out of adjustment and even though the vehicle had only 27668 mile I had to pay 1/2 the cost appox $225 after fighting all the way to the executive offices, the speed sensitive steering started actting up at appox. 40000 miles suddenly causing the steering wheel to slip unaccpectedly.this part was replace N/C, I have gone through 3 alternators the first at appox. 38000 mile standing me in buffalo, tx 120 miles from home on a Sunday night, the second and third happeded in the city however I now carry a spare altenator and tools because who knows when it will go out next, I have replaced the positive side battery cables twice because of design the loosen and the acr and short out, the auto matic transmission went out at 53939 due to coolent getting into the unit I had to pay 25% of this repair appox. $525 that transmission failed at 69015 only 15K+miles later with the warrenty card in hand I thought maybe this was it, at 107,267 miles that transmission failed and with only 38K+ mile on a unit that carrys a 3yr/50K warrenty GM refuses to fix or replace the unit my truck has been sitting at the dealership since 06/15/2001 while I have been once again fighting with GM to no avail, ( I was offer a customer loyalty cert. For $500. 00 to settle this issue the transmission cost $2500. To replace not including the motor mount that broke when the unit locked up at appox. 35 mph all the advertising million and billions of $$$$$ should be spent making sure that then presistent problem do not accure, not when you spend 35K- 45K- for a vehicle. (dot number: Don't know tiresize: 245R16lt)

- Plano, TX, USA

problem #6

Dec 101998

Suburban 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I started experencing problem at appox. 12000 miles when the front brakes wore out prematurlly, some after at appox. 20000 mile I had unusual tire wear, ( I was told it was my fault) it was the right torsion bar out of adjustment and even though the vehicle had only 27668 mile I had to pay 1/2 the cost appox $225 after fighting all the way to the executive offices, the speed sensitive steering started actting up at appox. 40000 miles suddenly causing the steering wheel to slip unaccpectedly.this part was replace N/C, I have gone through 3 alternators the first at appox. 38000 mile standing me in buffalo, tx 120 miles from home on a Sunday night, the second and third happeded in the city however I now carry a spare altenator and tools because who knows when it will go out next, I have replaced the positive side battery cables twice because of design the loosen and the acr and short out, the auto matic transmission went out at 53939 due to coolent getting into the unit I had to pay 25% of this repair appox. $525 that transmission failed at 69015 only 15K+miles later with the warrenty card in hand I thought maybe this was it, at 107,267 miles that transmission failed and with only 38K+ mile on a unit that carrys a 3yr/50K warrenty GM refuses to fix or replace the unit my truck has been sitting at the dealership since 06/15/2001 while I have been once again fighting with GM to no avail, ( I was offer a customer loyalty cert. For $500. 00 to settle this issue the transmission cost $2500. To replace not including the motor mount that broke when the unit locked up at appox. 35 mph all the advertising million and billions of $$$$$ should be spent making sure that then presistent problem do not accure, not when you spend 35K- 45K- for a vehicle.

- Plano, TX, USA

problem #5

Oct 311997

Suburban

  • miles
Ongoing problem with rear wheel brakes system not working. Vehicle been inspected/repaired by two different dealers. On several occasions brake pads have been replaced. Also, four rotors have been replaced and turnd more then twice each. Problem still occurring.

- Green Lane, PA, USA

problem #4

Feb 181998

Suburban

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Excessive front disc pad wear - vehicle pulls to left when braking - description is the same for each incident - pads replaced and drums turned at 9948 and 33000 miles - obviously there is a design problem with these brakes.

- Deer Park, TX, USA

problem #3

Aug 051999

Suburban

  • miles
While stopping, applying brake, heard a clunk noise and felt a jarring. After parking, tried to put into reverse and could not. Was able to drive forward but heard a grinding noise. Now unable to get into gear and it does not shift. No reverse. The brake problem became apparent with a grinding noise while moving through stop and go traffic. Failed calipers and resulting in damaged rotors and pads.

- Port Arthur, TX, USA

problem #2

Jan 151998

Suburban 4WD

  • miles
Premature disc brake failure and vehicle pulls to right.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

problem #1

May 011998

(reported on)

Suburban 4WD

  • miles
Brake pads wore prematurely, and the calipers made contact with the rotors. The front brake system/ calipers and the front brakes were replaced. The dealer has been notified.

- Boulder, CO, USA

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