NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
25 reportsClear category filter236,000 miles · Mar 10, 2017
Power TrainFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1995 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, OPENED THE HOOD, AND NOTICED FLAMES NEAR THE TRANSMISSION AREA. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1995 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, OPENED THE HOOD, AND NOTICED FLAMES NEAR THE TRANSMISSION AREA. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD AND DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 236,000.
NHTSA ODI #10960010
Mileage unknown · Feb 28, 2005
Power Train
THE DRIVER NOTICED A BROWNISH LIQUID LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE ONTO THE GROUND WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED INSIDE OF GARAGE. DRIVER CONTACTED A MECHANIC, AND THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE HOUSING SHAFT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10113149
Mileage unknown · Feb 7, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentLatches/locks/linkages
LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL FAILED AND DESTROYED CARRIER AND BEARINGS. CJ
NHTSA ODI #559506
Mileage unknown · Sep 29, 2000
Power Train
THIS THE THIRD TRASMISSION THAT HAS BEEN REPAIRED ON THIS VEHICLE, AND EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A RECALL ON 1995 SUBURBANS FOR A THIN TRANSMISSION CASE, I WAS TOLD MINE DOES NOT QUALIFY. *AK
NHTSA ODI #732805
Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2000
Power TrainSuspension
WHEN I STARTED TO DRIVE FORWARD THE REAR END MADE A POPPING SOUND AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE. WHEN I WOULD TURN THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUDER SOUND AND STRONGER VIBRATION. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY MECHANIC WHO LOOKED AT IT AND FOUND THE PINION GEARS BROKEN AND METAL SHAVINGS IN THE REAREND. *AK
NHTSA ODI #724258
Mileage unknown · Apr 24, 2000
Power Train
SEAL IN TRANSMISSION FAILED ALLOWING TRANSMISSION TO FLOOD WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID AND DISABLE TRANSMISSION AND HENCE VEHICLE OPERATION. VEHICLE WAS LEFT DISABLED IN TRAFFIC LANE FOR ONE HOUR WAITING FOR TOW TRUCK. TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN SERVICED 1,378 MILES EARLIER ON 2/24/00 BY REFERENCED DEALER.
NHTSA ODI #721881
Mileage unknown · Apr 10, 2000
Power TrainService Brakes, HydraulicCrash
THE REAR AXLE SEAL CONTINUALLY FAILED, ALLOWING GEAR OIL TO SOAK THE REAR BRAKE SHOES. THE OIL SOAKED REAR BRAKE SHOES CAUSE MANY PROBLEMS, MANY AFFECTING THE ABS SYSTEM, AND DIRECTIONAL STABILITY OF THE VEHICLE DURING STOPS, THE DISTANCE REQUIRED TO STOP, AND A GENERAL POOR FEELING OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THE OIL SOAKED REAR BRA…
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THE REAR AXLE SEAL CONTINUALLY FAILED, ALLOWING GEAR OIL TO SOAK THE REAR BRAKE SHOES. THE OIL SOAKED REAR BRAKE SHOES CAUSE MANY PROBLEMS, MANY AFFECTING THE ABS SYSTEM, AND DIRECTIONAL STABILITY OF THE VEHICLE DURING STOPS, THE DISTANCE REQUIRED TO STOP, AND A GENERAL POOR FEELING OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THE OIL SOAKED REAR BRAKE SHOES CAUSE THE REAR WHEELS TO LOCK UP AT LOW SPEEDS WHEN THE BRAKE IS APPLIED, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE CONDITIONS ARE WET. UNDER ALL BRAKING CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE WILL PULL TO ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER. BECAUSE THE REAR BRAKES ARE NOT CONTRIBUTING TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN, AS DESIGNED, THE FRONT BRAKES DO MORE OF THE STOPPING, AND THE ABS IS MORE APT TO DETECT AN ACTUAL SKID. THE ABS, UNLOCKS THE LOCK WHEEL, THUS OVERLAODING THE OTHER FRONT WHEEL, CAUSING THAT WHEEL TO SKID, AND THE ABS UNLOCKS THAT WHEEL NEXT. THIS CYCLE CONTINUES, CAUSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO TRAVEL TOWARDS THE FLOOD, AND THE VEHICLE TO PULL TO EACH SIDE REPEATEDLY. THE SYMPTOMS I AM REPORTING ARE REPORTED AT YOUR WEB SITE HUNDRES OF TIMES. IT IS TIME THE GENERAL MOTORS IS FORCED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE BRAKE PROBLEMS, MANY OF WHICH MAY BE TRACED TO LEAKY RER AXLE SEALS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #721278
Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 2000
Power TrainVisibility
WHILE DRIVING THROUGH THE MOUNTAIN ON WET ROADS PULLING A 16 FOOT TRAILER W/WOOD ON IT, AND GOING UP A SLIGHT SLOPE. WENT TO PUT 4- WHEEL DRIVE ON AND IT WOULDN'T GO INTO GEAR. HAD TO BE PUSHED OUT BY A BULLDOZER. CONTACTED DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ACCUMULATOR HAD GONE OUT. WAS TOLD THIS WAS A CONSISTENT PROBLEM WITH T…
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WHILE DRIVING THROUGH THE MOUNTAIN ON WET ROADS PULLING A 16 FOOT TRAILER W/WOOD ON IT, AND GOING UP A SLIGHT SLOPE. WENT TO PUT 4- WHEEL DRIVE ON AND IT WOULDN'T GO INTO GEAR. HAD TO BE PUSHED OUT BY A BULLDOZER. CONTACTED DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ACCUMULATOR HAD GONE OUT. WAS TOLD THIS WAS A CONSISTENT PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLE. ALSO, ELECTRIC POWER WINDOW STOPPED WORKING TEMPORARILY. MASTER SWITCH HAD GONE OUT. THIS HAPPENED IN HOT WEATHER. *AK
NHTSA ODI #855935
Mileage unknown · Jul 23, 1999
Power Train
THE REAR AXLE BROKE AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF.CONTACTED MANUFACTURER AND DEALER. *AK
NHTSA ODI #843120
Mileage unknown · Jul 8, 1999
Power Train
THESE SEALS HAVE FAILED TWICE IN 3000 MILES. IT WAS REPAIRED BOTH TIMES WITH GENUINE GM PARTS. I WAS TOLD BY THE TRANSMISSION SHOP THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON FOR 3/4 TON SUBURBANS. THIS IS SIMPLY UNACCEPTABLE!
NHTSA ODI #708368
Official recalls
6Apr 28, 2003
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 & remedy
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.
Jul 1, 1998
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 & remedy
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.
Apr 4, 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 & remedy
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.
Jul 26, 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 & remedy
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.
Jul 25, 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 & remedy
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.
Feb 16, 1995
DUE TO A THIN CASE CASTING, AN EXTERNAL TRANSMISSION LEAK CAN OCCUR.
Consequence & remedy
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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
8EA02006 · Windshield Wiper Failure
Opened May 31, 2002 · Closed Jul 23, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor
AS A RESULT OF THIS, AND THE PRECEDINGINVESTIGATION, RQ99-003, GM HAS EXPANDED THE POPULATION OF SAFETY RECALL 98V-150 (REPLACEMENT OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE) TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL 1.77 MILLION VEHICLES.INCLUDED ARE VARIOUS 1994-1997 MY M/L VANS, S/T TRUCKS AND SUVS, & C/K TRUCKS AND SUVS.SEE ATTACHED TECHNICAL REPORT FOR DETAILS.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor
AS A RESULT OF THIS, AND THE PRECEDINGINVESTIGATION, RQ99-003, GM HAS EXPANDED THE POPULATION OF SAFETY RECALL 98V-150 (REPLACEMENT OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE) TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL 1.77 MILLION VEHICLES.INCLUDED ARE VARIOUS 1994-1997 MY M/L VANS, S/T TRUCKS AND SUVS, & C/K TRUCKS AND SUVS.SEE ATTACHED TECHNICAL REPORT FOR DETAILS.
Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor
AS A RESULT OF THIS, AND THE PRECEDINGINVESTIGATION, RQ99-003, GM HAS EXPANDED THE POPULATION OF SAFETY RECALL 98V-150 (REPLACEMENT OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE) TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL 1.77 MILLION VEHICLES.INCLUDED ARE VARIOUS 1994-1997 MY M/L VANS, S/T TRUCKS AND SUVS, & C/K TRUCKS AND SUVS.SEE ATTACHED TECHNICAL REPORT FOR DETAILS.
EA00024 · Headlight
Opened Sep 26, 2000 · Closed Dec 21, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting
No summary supplied.
EA00013 · Battery Leaks Acid
Opened May 2, 2000 · Closed Jun 28, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
DP00001 · Oem Hitch Receiver Platform Cracking
Opened Jan 31, 2000 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Equipment
THE PETITION ALLEGES THAT CRACKS IN THE HITCH RECEIVER PLATFORM MAY LEAD TO SEPARATION OF THE TRAILER AND LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL
PE97027 · Drivers Seat Failure
Opened Jun 17, 1997 · Closed Oct 31, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats
THE COMPLAINANTS ALLEGE THE DRIVERS SEAT MOUNTING FAILS, ALLOWING THE SEAT TO MOVE OR TIP REARWARD INTO A RECLINED POSITION.
PE96056 · Underseat Vehicle Fires
Opened Sep 17, 1996 · Closed Mar 17, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
ALLEGED SHORTING OF WIRE FOR POWER SEAT CAUSES UNDERSEAT FIRE.
PE95052 · Steering Shaft Separations
Opened Oct 25, 1995 · Closed Mar 22, 1996
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar
ODI OPENED THIS PE ON NOVEMBER 13, 1995 BASED ON AN OWNER COMPLAINT CONCERNING A SEPTEMBER 1995 ACCIDENT INVOLVING A 1995 1/2 TON GM PICKUP TRUCK.THE VEHICLE OWNER ALLEGED THE BOLT USED TO JOIN THE 2-PIECE STEERING SHAFT WAS MISSING.THE SHAFTS THEN SEPARATED AND STEERING CONTROL WAS LOST. DURING THE COURSE OF THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI HAS GATHERED INFORMATION FROM STAFF AT THE FOLLOWING: AUTO COLLISION INSURANCE COMPANIES, THIRD-PARTY PRODUCTS LIABILITY INDUSTRY, INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOPS, INVOLVED VEHICLE OPERATORS, GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION. ACCORDING TO GM, THE STEERING COLUMN AND SHAFTS WERE CHANGED FOR THE 1995 C/K MODELS AT THE START OF THE 1995 MODEL YEAR.THE CHANGE WAS MADE TO INCORPORATE DRIVER AIR BAG SYSTEMS FOR THE C/K10/20 WITH GVWR OF LESS THAN 8500 LBS.HOWEVER THE CHANGE WAS MADE FOR ALL C/KS. FOR THE 1995 MODEL YEAR, THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT WAS CONNECTED TO THE UPPER INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WITH A BOLT THROUGH THE COLUMN SHAFT AND THE UNIVERSAL JOINT COUPLING.NO NUT WAS REQUIRED.THIS CONNECTION WAS MADE AT THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY FACILITY AND THE STEERING COLUMN IS SHIPPED TO THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY PLANT.THIS JOINT IS LOCATED INSIDE THE VEHICLE CAB.THE UPPER INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WAS CONNECTED TO THE LOWER INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY IS ALSO CONNECTED TO THE STEERING GEAR AT THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY PLANT. THE CONFIGURATION OF THE UPPER INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WAS CHANGED AT THE START OF THE 1996 MODEL YEAR, WITH A SMALL NUMBER OF 1996 STEERING COLUMNS PULLED AHEAD IN THE 1995 MODELS ASSEMBLED AT THE OSHAWA AND FT. WAYNE ASSEMBLY PLANTS.THE UNIVERSAL JOINT OF THE UPPER INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WAS REPLACED WITH A POT JOINT.THIS CHANGE WAS MADE TO UTILIZE A JOINT MANUFACTURED INTERNALLY INSTEAD OF EXTERNALLY SUPPLIED UNIVERSAL JOINT.THE POT JOINT STYLE CONNECTION TO THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT WAS MADE WITH A THROUGH BOLT AND NUT.THIS CHANGE WAS EFFECTIVE FOR 1995 VEHICLES ASSEMBLED AT FT. WAYNE AND OSHAWA IN OCTOBER 1995 AND FOR ALL 1996 VEHICLES. ODI'S ANALYSIS FOUND THAT, OF THE 24 FIELD REPORTS, 14 INVOLVE VEHICLES PRODUCED AT THE FT. WAYNE ASSEMBLY PLANT.ALL 7 OF THE ACCIDENTS INVOLVE TRUCKS BUILT THERE, AS WELL.HOWEVER, BECAUSE THE FT. WAYNE ASSEMBLY PLANT PRODUCES APPROXIMATELY THE SAME NUMBER OF VEHICLES AS THE OTHER SUBJECT VEHICLE ASSEMBLY PLANTS, THIS FINDING CAN NOT BE EXPLAINED ON THE BASIS OF VEHICLE POPULATION AND EXPOSURE.ODI, WITH THE INFORMATION CURRENTLY AVAILABLE, IS UNABLE TO EXPLAIN THIS PHENOMENON.ODI DOES HAVE INFORMATION INDICATING THAT THE PROBLEM OCCURS INFREQUENTLY AND VERY EARLY IN THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE.FOR THE 24 FIELD REPORTS, INCLUDING THOSE REPORTING ACCIDENTS, A FAILURE OCCURRED, ON AVERAGE, 129 DAYS AND 3900 MILES AFTER THE TRUCK WAS BUILT.BASED ON INFORMATION FROM ALL SOURCES, CURRENT THROUGH NOVEMBER 1995, ODI HAS FOUND THAT ONE INCIDENT HAS OCCURRED INVOLVING A SUBJECT VEHICLE BUILT SINCE JULY 8, 1995, - A PERIOD OF 257 DAYS.THE DATA REVIEWED INDICATES ACCIDENTS, ALLEGEDLY DUE TO THE SUBJECT FAILURE, OCCUR EVEN EARLIER IN ACCIDENTS, ALLEGEDLY DUE TO THE SUBJECT FAILURE, OCCUR EVEN EARLIER IN THE LIFE OF A SUBJECT TRUCK, AT AN AVERAGE OF APPROXIMATELY 103 DAYS. FINALLY, BASED ON THE 115 WARRANTY AND FILED REPORTS COMBINED, THE INCIDENT RATE IS 12/100,000 VEHICLES.OF THE 115 REPORTS, 69 INVOLVE VEHICLES BUILT AT THE JANESVILLE AND FT. WAYNE ASSEMBLY PLANTS (35 AND 34 RESPECTIVELY).THE JANESVILLE FAILURE RATE IS 15/100,000 AND THE FT. WAYNE RATE IS SLIGHTLY LOWER AT 14/100,000. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN INDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF T
EA95026 · Poor Brake Performance
Opened Sep 20, 1995 · Closed Sep 20, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
POOR PERFORMANCE OF ABS BRAKES
Illustration