10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
34,800 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1996 Chevrolet Suburban:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #5

Jan 132005

Suburban 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 174,000 miles
Driving from work-snowy/icy conditions. Smelled a strange odor in vehicle going from I-270S to I-370W ~ 1/4 mile from ramp. Traffic moderate. Traveling 45 mph I tapped brakes, they went all way to floor. Turned off electrical equipment. Used engine braking selecting 3-2-1 to slow vehicle. Vehicle slowed, applied emergency brake - drove to brake down lane. Vehicle stopped-white smoke coming around edges of hood. Lower portion of windshield had couple of heat discoloration marks about 1/4 size of a penny in the middle lower portion. Air bag light came on. Dash did not feel hot, nor the instrument panel - no smoke inside vehicle. Hood would not open by hood release. Power windows worked. Egressed vehicle and driver sdie air bag inflated. Called 911 awaited fire/polcie dept. Opened driver's and passenger doors. Flames coming from steering column where it enters fire wall. Flames underneath vehicle from engine near skid plate/transfer case. Used small fire extinguisher on flames in cabin and under vehicle to no avail. Front driver's side from center console to driver's side door melted away at about 45 deg angle from top to bottom of console. Inside engine the thydraulic drive unit and barke master cyclinder had melted. Significant burn damage from fire in engine. Vehicle-total loss. Very fortunate to recognize bad smell, id brake malfunction, use engine braking to control vehicle; use emergency braking to stop - moderate traffic. Minimized potential hazard to single vehicle-no injuries or fatalities.

- Saint Charles, MO, USA

problem #4

Dec 261999

(reported on)

Suburban

  • miles
The most be some problem with electrical parts, its been happenig since new

- Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

problem #3

Aug 101999

Suburban

  • miles
While driving at various speeds on the highway, vehicle would shut off or stall out without warning. When trying to pass trucks or vehicles, vehicle stalled. Was nearly run over by 18-wheeler. When it happened, vehicle has been towed to dealership numerous times. Mechanic replaced the driver (5), injector pump(4), lifter pump(2), main brain(5) & the receiver sensors(5). The computer system would sometimes allow vehicle to restart. Problem is not getting better. Vehicle was bought new. Owner very upset. Dealership working with owner. Warren roosevelt dealership in canajoharie NY.

- Sprakers, NY, USA

problem #2

Sep 161996

Suburban

  • miles
Computer defective replace several times.

- Lajolla, CA, USA

problem #1

Dec 011995

Suburban 4WD

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Diagnostic computer failed.

- Rosemead, CA, USA