1988 GMC Suburban

The 1988 GMC Suburban has 3 recalls, with two tied for most serious: corroded front brake rotors that can separate and cause a sudden loss of braking, and a transmission pressure buildup that can spray hot fluid onto the engine and start a fire.

The brake rotor defect involves the steel center section pulling away from the cast outer rotor, which can eliminate braking at the affected front wheel without any warning and significantly extend stopping distances. The transmission issue affects vehicles with automatic transmissions, where fluid forced out of the filler tube can contact hot engine components and ignite. The third recall involves the driver's lap and shoulder belt locking mechanism, which can fail silently during normal use. The problem may not be obvious day to day, but in a crash the belt will not hold the driver in place, raising the risk of injury.