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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1995–2004

GMC Suburban recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns and 1,017 owner complaints for the GMC Suburban, covering model years 1995 to 2004. The 1999 model year drew the most complaints (285), and Service Brakes, Hydraulic is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your GMC Suburban VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 12 recall campaigns on file
  • 1,017 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 10 model years with data (1995–2004)
  • most complaints: 1999 (285 for that model year)
  • top component: Service Brakes, Hydraulic (368 complaints)
  • latest recall 03V159000 (reported Apr 28, 2003)
  • 83 complaints reporting a crash (8.2%)
  • 17 complaints reporting a fire (1.7%)
  • 41 complaints reporting an injury (4.0%)
  • 4 complaints reporting a death (0.4%)

GMC Suburban complaints by model year

10 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 1999 model year has the most complaints: 285 of 1,017, or 28.0%. Next come 1995 (227) and 1997 (200). The fewest are for 2004, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
GMC Suburban owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1995–2004Column chart of 1,017 complaints across 10 model years. The highest is 1999 with 285. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1995: 227 complaints22719951996: 172 complaints17219961997: 200 complaints20019971998: 100 complaints10019981999: 285 complaints28519992000: 15 complaints1520002001: 5 complaints520012002: 7 complaints720022003: 5 complaints520032004: 1 complaint12004
GMC Suburban complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
GMC Suburban complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
199522718261
199617212292
199720015480
19981009341
1999285256130
2000151000
200151000
200271010
200351000
200410000
All model years1,0178317414

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported GMC Suburban components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Service Brakes, Hydraulic is the component named most often, in 368 complaints (36.2% of all 1,017), followed by Tires (98) and Electrical System (97).

Components named most often in GMC Suburban complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in GMC Suburban complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic36836.2%
Tires989.6%
Electrical System979.5%
Power Train878.6%
Visibility878.6%
Steering868.5%
Engine and Engine Cooling666.5%
Fuel System, Gasoline616.0%
Seats605.9%
Suspension363.5%
Air Bags222.2%
Seat Belts191.9%
Equipment181.8%
Structure181.8%
Vehicle Speed Control181.8%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

GMC Suburban recalls

12 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Suburban, newest first. The 12 campaigns cover model years 1995 to 2003. The 1995 model year appears in the most campaigns (6).

  • 12 recall campaigns
GMC Suburban recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
1995: 6 campaigns1996: 3 campaigns1997: 2 campaigns1998: 2 campaigns1999: 1 campaign
2000: 2 campaigns2001: 2 campaigns2002: 1 campaign2003: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 03V159000

    Reported

    Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer

    Model years 1995–1997

    On certain minivans, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles with certain model-engine combinations, the windshield wiper motor may fail due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. The windshield wipers could work intermittently or not at all.

    Consequence:
    If this were to occur during bad weather, driver visibility would be reduced, which could result in a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover. Owner notification began on June 19, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, GMC at 1-800-462-8782, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 03V094000

    Reported

    Structure

    Model years 2000–2003

    Certain pickup truck, van, and mini van conversions equipped with southern comfort built running boards that contain certain courtesy lights manufactured by American technology components, inc. these units contain a courtesy light or lights that might overheat when the wire harness is exposed to excessive moisture and road salt.

    Consequence:
    This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began March 7, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact southern comfort at 1-800-745-6096.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 03V093000

    Reported

    Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior

    Model years 1997–1998

    Certain sport utility vehicles, mini vans, and pickup trucks may develop a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch.

    Consequence:
    If this were to happen, it could result in an inoperative switch, heat damage to the driver's door, and/or ignition of components in the driver's door and a subsequent vehicle fire without prior warning.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a fused jumper harness to the electric outside rearview mirror switch. Owner notification began on April 24, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC at 1-800-462-8782.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 01V159000

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Front › Retractor

    Model year 2001

    Vehicle description: pickup and utility trucks. Some of these vehicles have an internal component in the outboard seat belt retractors for the 2nd and 3rd row of seats that could be cracked. With repeated actuation of the locking mechanism, the crack could spread to the point such that the seat belt would no longer lock.

    Consequence:
    In a crash, increased occupant injury could result from the no-lock condition.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the outboard seat belts for specific lot numbers and replace the belts if necessary. GM is enclosing an inspection procedure for the owners to use or they can have their dealers do the inspections. Owner notification began July 2, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC at 1-800-462-8782.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 00V222000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum

    Model year 2000

    Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with vacuum power, 4-wheel disc brakes. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 105, "hydraulic brake systems." These vehicles were built with a kinked brake booster vacuum supply hose.

    Consequence:
    These vehicles do not comply with requirements of FMVSS No. 105.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will re-route the brake booster vacuum supply hose.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 00V122000

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Front › Webbing

    Model year 1999

    Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with the occupant protection requirements of FMVSS No. 208, "occupant crash protection."

    Consequence:
    In the event of a vehicle crash, the right front passenger restraint systems may not meet the neck extension requirements.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a tray insert on the top of the passenger side of the instrument panel. The tray insert corrects the noncompliance.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 98V150001

    Reported

    Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer

    Model years 1995–1996

    Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, 2 and 4-wheel drive. Solder joints near the wiring harness connector can crack causing the windshield wipers to work intermittently.

    Consequence:
    This condition can result in inoperative wipers, reducing a driver's visibility, and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  8. NHTSA campaign 98V033000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor

    Model year 1998

    Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. One or both front brake rotor/hubs were built with an out-of-specification gray iron that can fail during the life of the vehicle.

    Consequence:
    If a driver continues to drive with a cracked rotor, the cracks could continue around the wheel mounting bolt circle and ultimately result in a wheel separation.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the rotors for a core date of "287" and, if found, replace the rotor.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  9. NHTSA campaign 96V057000

    Reported

    Vehicle Speed Control

    Model years 1995–1996

    These vehicles were assembled with the throttle cable contacting the dash mat which could bind the throttle. This does not meet with the maximum return times required by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124, "accelerator control systems."

    Consequence:
    Consequence of non-compliance: the engine speed may not return to idle increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect for adequate throttle cable to dash mat clearance, and if there is insufficient clearance, cut out a portion of the dash mat to provide proper clearance.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  10. NHTSA campaign 95V139000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission

    Model year 1995

    The transmission shift-cable lock clip can back out of its installed position resulting in a loss of cable adjustment. When the shift lever is placed in the "park" position, the "park" indicator light may not illuminate.

    Consequence:
    The vehicle can move unintentionally if the driver does not notice that the indicator light is not on and does not apply the parking brake.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will adjust the shift cable and install a lock clip.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

Show 2 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 95V140000

    Reported

    Air Bags

    Model year 1995

    The vehicles have both the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) label and an engine start label installed on the same side of the sun visor. This does not comply with FMVSS NO.208, "occupant crash protection."

    Consequence:
    Consequence of non-compliance: operators could fail to notice and heed the warning label.
    Remedy:
    The engine start label will be removed from the stowed side of the sun visor and a new engine start label will be installed on the headliner in the sun visor depression. Owners will receive the new label and can install the label themselves or have a dealer install it.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 95V026000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Cooling Unit and Lines

    Model year 1995

    Due to a thin case casting, an external transmission leak can occur.

    Consequence:
    This condition can cause transmission oil to sprayonto the exhaust system and result in a possible vehicle fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the transmission case assembly for the involved case casting. If the assembly is involved, the transmission will be replaced.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

GMC Suburban questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the GMC Suburban have?

NHTSA lists 12 vehicle recall campaigns for the GMC Suburban, covering model years 1995 to 2004. The most recent, 03V159000, was reported on April 28, 2003 and is filed under “Visibility”. The 1995 model year is covered by the most campaigns (6).

Which GMC Suburban model year has the most complaints?

The 1999 model year, with 285 of the 1,017 complaints in NHTSA’s file (28.0%). The next are 1995 (227) and 1997 (200). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common GMC Suburban complaint?

Service Brakes, Hydraulic is the component named most often: 368 complaints, or 36.2% of all 1,017. Tires (98) and Electrical System (97) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my GMC Suburban?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a GMC dealer.

How many GMC Suburban complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 1,017 complaints, 83 report a crash, 17 a fire, 41 at least one injury and 4 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other GMC models

8 models · most complaints first

The GMC models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the GMC VIN decoder with every GMC model page, WMI code and VIN note.

  • GMC Sierra 1500 1995–2026 · 60 recalls · 8,852 complaints
  • GMC Acadia 2007–2026 · 38 recalls · 5,557 complaints
  • GMC Yukon 1995–2026 · 74 recalls · 4,874 complaints
  • GMC Sierra 1995–2017 · 52 recalls · 3,585 complaints
  • GMC Terrain 2010–2026 · 22 recalls · 3,110 complaints
  • GMC Envoy 1995–2009 · 27 recalls · 2,459 complaints
  • GMC Yukon XL 1999–2026 · 54 recalls · 2,403 complaints
  • GMC Jimmy 1995–2004 · 18 recalls · 1,869 complaints

All GMC models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.