1988 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN

4 recalls, 35 complaints - 2 TSBs

06E043000 May 19, 2006
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Defect Description
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CE... Read more
Consequence
THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
88,303 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
93V119000 Aug 2, 1993
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
Defect Description
SEVERE CORROSION DUE TO ROAD SALT AT THE JOINT OF THE STAMPED STEEL CENTER SECTION AND THE CAST OUTER SECTION CAN CAUSE THE SECTIONS TO SEPARATE.
Consequence
SEPARATION OF THE ROTOR SECTIONS CAN CAUSE LOSS OFBRAKING ABILITY IN THE AFFECTED WHEEL. THIS COULD RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPINGDISTANCE AND/OR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH NEW ROTORS WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION COATING. HOWEVER, IF REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE LININGS ARE NECESSARY, IT WILL BE DONE AT OWNER'S EXPENSE SINCE BRAKE LININGS ARE NORMAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS.
341,364 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
93V016000 Feb 1, 1993
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Defect Description
UNANTICIPATED HEAT IN THE TRANSMISSION CAN FORCE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID OUT OF THE VENT TUBE.
Consequence
THE VENTED TRANSMISSION FLUID CAN CATCH FIRE IF EXPOSEDTO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
Remedy
INSTALL A LONGER TRANSMISSION VENT HOSE ROUTED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE.
1,702,880 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
89V010000 Jan 30, 1989
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
Defect Description
DRIVERS SEAT AND/OR SHOULDER BELT LOCKING MECHANISM MAY NOT OPERATE.
Consequence
IN A CRASH, AFFECTED BELTS WOULD NOT LOCK, THEREBYINCREASING THE POSSIBILITY OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
Remedy
INSTALL A NEW DRIVERS SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY.
277 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Complaint Statistics

35 total complaints 2 crashes 4 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
TIRES6
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY3
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION3
TIRES:TREAD/BELT2
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE2
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER2
SEATS2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR1
TIRES May 6, 2017
Incident date: May 3, 2017
BRIDGESTONE TIRE RUPTURE: PLY SEPARATION, ON FREEWAY, NO WARNING, AT 35000 MILES WITH LOTS OF TREADLIFE REMAINING. I CAN PROVIDE PHOTOS OF DAMAGED TIRE ON REQUEST. ALL PLIES OF TIRE COMPLETELY SEPARATED, THEY WERE NEVER BONDED TOGETHER PROPERLY. TIRE IS BRIDGESTONE M773 SWP II, SIZE 235-85-16.
STEERING Apr 1, 2014
Incident date: Nov 1, 2010
IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE P/S GEARBOX WAS SEPARATING FROM ITS MOUNT ON THE VEHICLE FRAME AS THE STEERING WHEEL WAS MOVED. THE STEERING BECAME LOOSER. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE U-CHANNEL FRAME WAS CRACKED OUT IN THE AREAS OF 3 OF THE 4 POWER STEERING GEARBOX MOUNTS. THESE CRACKS HAD TO BE WELDED. A YE... Read more
TIRES Jul 8, 2008
Incident date: Jun 5, 2008
I PURCHASED FOUR PREMIUM BRIDGESTONE TIRES ($168 EACH). TWO OF THESE HAVE NOW FAILED PREMATURELY DUE TO CATASTROPHIC TREAD SEPARATION. THE FIRST WAS AT 29,000 MILES, THE SECOND AT 32,000 MILES. BOTH STILL HAD PLENTY OF TREAD DEPTH REMAINING. I BELIEVE THAT MY SAFETY IS AT RISK WITH THE TWO REMAINING... Read more
TIRES Nov 9, 2007
Incident date: Oct 20, 2007
PURCHASED FOUR BRIDGESTONE R273 SWP PREMIUM TIRES IN 2001 ($168 EACH) FROM BRIDGESTONE DEALER. VEHICLE IS 1988 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, USED FOR ON-ROAD USE ONLY. VEHICLE IS GARAGED DAILY, ONLY DRIVEN ~5000 MILES PER YEAR. TIRE SIZE IS 235-85R16E. TOTAL MILEAGE ON TIRES IS 29,000 MILES. ESTIMATED REMAINI... Read more
SEATS Feb 13, 2006
Incident date: Jan 13, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SITTING IN THE VEHICLE THE DRIVER'S SEAT BOLT FRACTURED CAUSING THE SEAT TO FALL BACKWARD. AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP REPLACED THE BOLT.
TIRES:TREAD/BELT May 12, 2005
Incident date: May 12, 2005
DT CONTACT STATES HE PURCHASED A SET OF GENERAL TIRES, ONE OF THE TIRES DEVELOPED A HUGE FLAT SPOT AFTER 7,000 MILES OF DRIVING. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE FLAT SPOT WAS NOT COVERED IN THE WARRANTY. THE CONTACT STATES EVERY TIME THE WHEEL IS TURNED THERE IS VIBRATION. THE TIRES ARE REGULARLY M... Read more
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER May 12, 2003
Incident date: May 10, 2003
SINGLE BOLT THAT ATTACHES SEAT BACK TO SEAT BASE FAILED, CAUSING SEAT BACK TO FALL BACK LEAVING ME LOOKING AT THE CEILING. I WAS STOPPED WHEN THIS HAPPENED. HAD I BEEN DRIVING THEIR WOULD CERTAINLY BEEN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATHS COULD HAVE RESULTED. THE DESIGN OF THIS SEAT IS AW... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE May 13, 2002
Incident date: Jul 15, 1999
WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE STALLS OUT, TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP 4 TIMES, AND HAD ENGINE REPLACED. HOWEVER, PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING. *AK CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS WATER IN AIR THE FLITER HOUSING AND VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND DIED, ALSO NOTICES A RATTLING COMING FROM RIGHT HAND SIDE OF VEHICLE WHEN ENGINE... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP Aug 21, 2001
WHEN DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL A HISSING NOISE IS HEARD AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELS TO FLOORBOARD, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. SERVICE TECHNICIAN STATED BRAKE BOOSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST Aug 21, 2001
WHEN DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL A HISSING NOISE IS HEARD AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELS TO FLOORBOARD, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. SERVICE TECHNICIAN STATED BRAKE BOOSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
TIRES:SIDEWALL Jul 5, 2001
Incident date: Jun 15, 2001
FIRESTONE, FR480, P235/75R15 DOT VNH, REPLACEMENT TIRES WITH 20000 MILES ON A 1988, CHEVROLET, SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING 30-35 MPH RIGHT REAR TIRE DEVELOPED A SPLIT NEAR TREAD LINE OF TIRE. ON JULY 3 2001 WHILE DRIVING 30-35 MPH , RIGHT FRONT TIRE DEVELOPED A SPLIT NEAR TREAD OF TIRE. NO ACCIDENT.*... Read more
TIRES Jan 19, 2001
Incident date: Jan 19, 2001
WHILE DRIVING, FRONT DRIVER FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRE BLEWOUT THE SIDEWALL, TIRE SPLIT FROM BEAD TO TREAD, DOT 8XHL1PY179. *SLC
TIRES Nov 7, 2000
Incident date: Sep 28, 2000
LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING (FIRESTONE FIREHAWK RMT LT2677516). NLM
TIRES Sep 20, 2000
Incident date: Jun 1, 2000
PE00 020; WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 60MPH ON HIGHWAY AND A PASSER BY WAS POINTING TO HIS TIRE. THERE WAS A LUMP INSIDE OF HIS LEFT REAR TIRE. ALSO, WAS PULLING A BOAT. TIRES ARE FIRESTONE DUKER P26575. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.*AK
TIRES:TREAD/BELT Aug 2, 2000
Incident date: Jun 10, 2000
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55MPH, HEARD A THUMP, THUMP NOISE & THEN VEHICLE GAVE A JERK. STOPPED VEHICLE & CHECKED TIRES. NOTICED LEFT REAR TIRE HAD BLOWN & TREAD HAD SEPARATED FROM TIRE. THEY WERE BRIDGESTONE DUELER AT 31X10.50R15. THEY WERE REPLACEMENT TIRES, AND NOT THE ORIGINAL TIRES WHICH ... Read more
Crash 4 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Dec 14, 1999
Incident date: Jul 28, 1997
BECAUSE OF BROKEN CRANKSHAFT THE VEHICLE NEEDED NEW MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION. YH
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER Jun 27, 1999
Incident date: Nov 10, 1998
SINGLE BOLT HOLDING SEATBACK UPRIGHT SUDDENLY FAILED,LEAVING DRIVER FLAT ON HIS BACK, LOOKING UP AT THE CEILING. THIS OCCURRED JUST AFTER I HAD TRAVELLED 120 MILES ON THE INTERSTATE, AT THE LISTED SPEED LIMIT OF 75 MPH. HAD THE VEHICLE NOT BEEN STOPPED WHEN THE BOLT FAILED, I MOST LIKELY WOULD HAV... Read more
SEATS Oct 7, 1997
THE BOLTS THAT HOLD THE DRIVER'S BUCKET SEAT IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION SHEARED OFF, CAUSING THE SEAT TO RELEASE FROM THE UPRIGHT POSITION. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Jun 27, 1997
THE TRANSMISSION FAILED.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING Feb 17, 1997
Incident date: Dec 1, 1996
REAR SEAT BELT ON BOTH SIDES ARE HARD TO PULL TO FASTEN AND DO NOT "CATCH" WHEN VEHICLE SUDDENLY GOES FORWARD.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Jan 16, 1997
Incident date: Jan 6, 1997
TRYING TO PASS OTHER VEHICLES, WILL NOT DOWNSHIFT, WOULD FREE SPIN/REV MOTOR, HAD TRANSMISSION REPLACED ONCE, DEALER REPLACED CERTAIN PARTS IN VEHICLE, BUT PROBLEM IN TRANSMISSION STILL EXISTS. HAVE RECEIPTS. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY Jan 6, 1997
HAD TO GET A NEW GAS TANK BECAUSE THE BAFFLE CAME LOOSE IN THE GAS TANK AND WHENEVER GOING AROUND A CORNER THE CAR WOULD DIE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER Dec 5, 1996
MASTER CYLINDER FAILED;BRAKE PEDAL FEELS SOFT AND IN COLD WEATHER, IT GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER Dec 5, 1996
Incident date: Jan 1, 1989
MASTER CYLINDER FAILED; BRAKE PEDAL HAS ALWAYS FELT SOFT AND IN COLD WEATHER, THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR. *AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR Oct 29, 1996
Incident date: Apr 1, 1996
SEAT BELT RATCHET JAMS/LOCKS.
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS Aug 15, 1996
Incident date: Jun 29, 1996
LUG BOLTS SHEARED OFF, CAUSING WHEEL TO FALL OFF/ACCIDENT. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT) *DH
Crash
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE Feb 23, 1996
CONSUMER WAS IN THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BROKE AND RECLINE BACKWARD PURCHASE TRUCK USED . *AK
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE Feb 23, 1996
CONSUMER WAS IN THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BROKE AND RECLINE BACKWARD PURCHASE TRUCK USED . *AK
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Jul 19, 1995
THE FUEL TANK LEAK , THE AIR CONDITIONER WENT OUT AND REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION PURCHASE TRUCK USED. TT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY Jul 19, 1995
THE FUEL TANK LEAK , THE AIR CONDITIONER WENT OUT AND REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION PURCHASE TRUCK USED. TT
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER Jul 19, 1995
THE FUEL TANK LEAK , THE AIR CONDITIONER WENT OUT AND REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION PURCHASE TRUCK USED. TT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY Jul 7, 1995
Incident date: Jul 5, 1995
FUEL TANK, BETWEEN THE SKID PLATE AND FORM, ABSORB WATER AND ROT OUT FUEL THE FUEL TANK. *AK
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR Jun 22, 1995
Incident date: Apr 5, 1995
REAR TAILGATE WINDOW BROKE/SHATTERED 5 TIMES UPON CLOSING DOOR. *SKD
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR May 16, 1995
EXPERIENCE INTERMITTENT FAILURE OF AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS, WHEN WON'T UNLOCK, AND CAN'T OPEN MANUALLY. TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Mar 7, 1995
Incident date: Feb 2, 1995
WITH WINDSHIELD WIPERS ACTIVATED, CRUISE CONTROL ALSO ACTIVATED AT 65 MPH, CAUSING ENGINE TO GO INTO HARD ACCCELERATION UNTIL DEACTIVATED BY BRAKE PEDAL. *AK

Technical Service Bulletins, 1988 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN

2 manufacturer communications from 2 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
063200 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE1
100000 POWER TRAIN1
990730016A Oct 1, 2002
100000 POWER TRAIN
DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION FOR INTERMITTENT TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFT, SLIP, BUSY/CYCLING TCC OR NOISY COOLING FAN. *TT
376602A Jan 1, 1995
063200 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
NEW CAST IRON EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND STAINLESS STEEL GASKET TO CORRECT ENGINE NOISE CONDITION. *TW

NHTSA Safety Investigations, CHEVROLET SUBURBAN

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

EA04026 Opened: Sep 9, 2004 , Closed: Aug 2, 2005
EA, Closed , Model Year: 2000
OVERHEATED FUEL PUMP WIRING
IN A LETTER DATED APRIL 14, 2005, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT HAD IDENTIFIED A DEFECT RELATED TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY IN APPROXIMATELY 316,508 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-01 1500 SERIES CHEVROLET SUBURBAN AND GMC YUKON XL VEHICLES (RECALL 05V-155).GM DETERMINED THAT SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE... Read more
PE04042 Opened: May 3, 2004 , Closed: Sep 9, 2004
PE, Closed , Model Year: 2000
OVERHEATED FUEL PUMP WIRING
THE FUEL PUMP WIRING AND CONNECTOR MAY OVERHEAT AND MELT A HOLE IN THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE.POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES INCLUDE FUEL TANK LEAKAGE AND ENGINE STALL WITH NO RESTART.FOURTEEN OF THE 20 COMPLAINTS TO ODI ALLEGE FUEL TANK LEAKAGE, INCLUDING ONE THAT REPORTED THAT A FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CA... Read more
EA00013 Opened: May 2, 2000 , Closed: Jun 28, 2002
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1995
BATTERY LEAKS ACID
There is no summary currently available
DP00001 Opened: Jan 31, 2000
DP, Open , Model Year: 1993
OEM HITCH RECEIVER PLATFORM CRACKING
THE PETITION ALLEGES THAT CRACKS IN THE HITCH RECEIVER PLATFORM MAY LEAD TO SEPARATION OF THE TRAILER AND LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL
EA99011 Opened: May 12, 1999 , Closed: Feb 27, 2001
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1997
ERRATIC POWER STEERING ASSIST WHILE DRIV
THE OFFICE OF DEFECT INVESTIGATION (ODI) HAS INVESTIGATED ALLEGATIONS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST FLUCTUATIONS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.FOR DETAILS AND A BASIS FOR THE INVESTIGATION CONCLUSIONS, PLEASE SEE THE CLOSING REPORT IN THE EA99-011 PUBLIC FILE.ODI HAS NOT IDENTIFIED A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREN... Read more
PE97027 Opened: Jun 17, 1997 , Closed: Oct 31, 1997
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1994
DRIVERS SEAT FAILURE
THE COMPLAINANTS ALLEGE THE DRIVERS SEAT MOUNTING FAILS, ALLOWING THE SEAT TO MOVE OR TIP REARWARD INTO A RECLINED POSITION.
PE96056 Opened: Sep 17, 1996 , Closed: Mar 17, 1997
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1995
UNDERSEAT VEHICLE FIRES
ALLEGED SHORTING OF WIRE FOR POWER SEAT CAUSES UNDERSEAT FIRE.
EA95026 Opened: Sep 20, 1995 , Closed: Sep 20, 2001
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1992
POOR BRAKE PERFORMANCE
POOR PERFORMANCE OF ABS BRAKES
DP88003 Opened: Oct 23, 1987 , Closed: Feb 20, 1988
DP, Closed , Model Year: 1984
POOR BRAKING ON PANIC STOP
POOR BRAKING ON PANIC STOP

CHEVROLET SUBURBAN - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the CHEVROLET SUBURBAN across all model years (1981, 2024).

178 Total Recalls
10,625 Total Complaints
9 Investigations
810 Reported Crashes
188 Reported Fires
20 Reported Deaths

CHEVROLET SUBURBAN - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2024 1 55 View
2023 3 159 View
2022 4 167 View
2021 12 256 View
2020 4 64 View
2019 3 102 View
2018 4 111 View
2017 5 186 View
2016 6 301 View
2015 11 589 View
2014 3 77 View
2013 4 170 View
2012 4 139 View
2011 3 193 View
2010 3 161 View
2009 5 133 View
2008 4 276 View
2007 4 359 View
2006 1 33 View
2005 7 161 View
2004 6 265 View
2003 7 361 View
2002 4 352 View
2001 8 543 View
2000 11 382 View
1999 2 861 View
1998 3 299 View
1997 3 556 View
1996 4 531 View
1995 7 587 View
1994 6 1,038 View
1993 2 616 View
1992 5 226 View
1991 4 65 View
1990 4 67 View
1989 4 68 View
1988 (current) 4 35
1987 1 21 View
1986 0 7 View
1985 0 12 View
1984 0 6 View
1983 0 4 View
1982 1 1 View
1981 1 1 View
1979 0 1 View
1978 0 3 View
1977 0 3 View

Other CHEVROLET Models

Model Recalls Complaints
TAHOE 240 12,622 View
MALIBU 216 29,080 View
SILVERADO 1500 200 22,534 View
CORVETTE 187 6,308 View
CAMARO 179 4,298 View
SILVERADO 159 10,964 View
SILVERADO 3500 152 1,409 View
EXPRESS 151 838 View