10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
3,622 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 GMC Suburban:

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

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #32

Jul 221999

(reported on)

Suburban 4WD

  • miles
I have been having ongoing problems with the brake system ranging from mild to severe vibration felt on braking. The discs and rotors and drums have been replaced 3 times in under 40000 miles. A number of other trips to the dealership have been unsucessful in correcting the problem.

- Watertown, NY, USA

problem #31

Mar 011999

Suburban

  • miles
EA95026, while braking, the brake pedal seems "soft, " and causes extended stopping distance, which may result in a crash.

- Aberdeen, MS, USA

problem #30

Jul 091999

Suburban 4WD

  • miles
No summary listed for abov evehicle.

- Poolesville, MD, USA

problem #29

Jul 091999

Suburban 4WD

  • miles
Brakes deployed at will...fail at will....sometimes fail to release, causing vehicle to become immobilized....strong burning odor...scary noises and thumping

- Poolesville, MD, USA

problem #28

Jul 211999

(reported on)

Suburban

  • miles
I purchased my vehicle brand new. Within the first 18 months of ownership, my brakes were replaced three times with numerous other parts changed. The vehicle was pulling to the right when brakes were applied. Although I have not had any trouble within the last year, the truck still does not stop like it should under normal braking conditions. GM gave me an extended warranty to cover the cost of any extra repairs, should the need arise. I would like to know the results of the brake evaluations on the GMC trucks. Thank you.

- Baton Rouge, LA, USA

problem #27

Aug 011996

Suburban

  • miles
No summary listed for this vehicle.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #26

Jun 021998

Suburban 4WD

  • miles
Hydraulic booster failed, together with constant poor braking performance for 3 yrs. Replacement part is almost impossible to find and over $800! GM contacted but would offer no assistance, even though they have had several complaints.

- Oakland Twp, MI, USA

problem #25

Apr 211999

Suburban

  • miles
Consumer has noticed leaking of bearings and all 8 seals. Also when driving of gravel surfaces and applying brakes, the vehicle exceeds the normal stopping distance.

- Brooklyn Park, MN, USA

problem #24

Sep 021998

Suburban

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Brakes would go all the way to floor before stopping.

- Chocccowinity, NC, USA

problem #23

May 011998

Suburban 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While braking vehicle will pull to the left severely which may cause loss of vehicle control. Dealer replaced rear brakes and front brake pads, but the problem is still occurring. GM says that there is nothing they can do.

- Stanford, CT, USA

problem #22

Dec 031996

Suburban 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When appyling the ABS brakes extended stopping distance occurs, especially under freezing temperatures and on rainy days..et.

- Ranton, WA, USA

problem #21

Jun 211998

(reported on)

Suburban 4WD

  • miles
The ABS on this vehicle produces poor stopping distances particularly on wet or loose (gravel or dirt) surfaces. This has resulted in several near misses and one accident involving 3 vehicles. The brakes were replaced at 42000 mi. This produced no improvement. There seems to be a large delay before the brakes actually produce any deceleration.

- Olathe, KS, USA

problem #20

Feb 111998

Suburban

  • miles
When the brakes are applied the vehicle experiences extended stopping distance. The dealer has replaced the brake pads and the rotors on the vehicle.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #19

Mar 291997

Suburban 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle lost all ABS braking power on (5) occasions, dealership could not duplicate or find problem.

- Folsom, CA, USA

problem #18

Jan 011998

Suburban 4WD Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When applying the brakes the pedal goes to the floor and there is no braking ability. Has been serviced 3 times.

- East Otis, MA, USA

problem #17

May 121997

Suburban

  • miles
Lock up/braking failure during panic stop, vehicle pulls quickly to the left.

- Zephyrhill, FL, USA

problem #16

Nov 141997

(reported on)

Suburban Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Anti-lock brakes lock up.

- Baton Rouge, LA, USA

problem #15

Dec 021997

(reported on)

Suburban

  • miles
After 9000 miles had to replace front brakes,10000 miles afterwards had to replace them again. This defect seems to occur every 10000 mile.,dealer said it is GM design fault.

- Palmdale, CA, USA

problem #14

Sep 121997

Suburban 4WD

  • miles
ABS brakes failed, resulting in extended stopping distance.

- Highlands Ranch, CO, USA

problem #13

Apr 191997

Suburban

  • miles
The defective ABS braking system malfunctioned, causing the spongey feeling brake pedal and having the vehicle to pull to left, and causing extending stopping distance. Replaced the brake master cylinder. Dealer cannot determine problem.

- Bradenton, FL, USA

Read the next 12 complaints »