Summary
The GMC Suburban has 17 recalls spanning 1981 through 2000, with the most serious recent issue affecting 1998 models where front brake rotors built with out-of-specification iron can crack around the wheel bolt circle and allow a wheel to separate from the vehicle while driving.
The 2000 model year has a kinked brake booster vacuum hose on trucks equipped with four-wheel disc brakes, which can reduce braking assist and cause the vehicle to fall short of federal braking standards. On 1999 models, the right front passenger restraint system can fail to adequately restrain the occupant in a crash due to a neck extension compliance issue with the seatbelt. The 1997 model has an outside rearview mirror switch that can develop an internal short, overheat, and start a fire inside the driver's door without warning.
Moving into the mid-1990s, 1995 models have a labeling issue where the airbag warning label and the engine start label share the same sun visor panel, which can make the airbag warning easy to miss. The 1994 model year has three separate issues: the windshield wiper controller circuit board can develop cracked solder joints and fail during heavy rain, reducing visibility; brake light switch wiring was installed with reversed polarity, causing the contacts to wear prematurely and the brake lights to stop signaling following drivers; and trucks with the 6.5L diesel engine can stall, misfire, or have difficulty starting. The 1992 model equipped with vacuum power-brake assist and the anti-lock brake module can exhibit poor pedal feel and reduced braking performance.
The 1991 model has a driver's seat recliner bolt that can fatigue and fail, letting the seatback suddenly drop rearward while driving. The 1990 model has a transmission that can vent fluid onto hot engine components, creating a fire risk. The 1988 model year appears in several recalls: front brake rotors with a composite steel-and-cast-iron design can corrode and separate, causing a partial loss of front braking; the automatic transmission can build abnormal internal pressure and push fluid out onto hot engine parts; and the driver's shoulder belt locking mechanism can be inoperable, leaving the driver without adequate restraint in a crash. Going back to the earliest years, 1982 models have a trailer hitch platform that can seat improperly against the frame and work loose in use, and 1981 models were assembled without a front stabilizer bar.
