IllustrationFRONT BRAKE PADS HAVE EXCESSIVE AND UNEVEN WEAR. DRIVER SIDE WEARING MUCH FASTER THAN PASSENGER SIDE. HAVE REBUILT FRONT BRAKE SYSTEM WITH NO IMPROVEMENT.*AK
1995 Chevrolet Suburban
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Suburban years
Owner complaints for the 1995 Chevrolet Suburban are substantially higher than the model-year median of 118.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Suburban years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 18 of 457 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 163 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Seats. Review the 87 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Visibility. Review the 50 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
50 crash reports6 fire reports24 injury reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints
163 reportsONGOING PROBLEM WITH SEVERE PULLING TO LEFT WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED WHILE DRIVING AT 45-50 MPH. VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER SHOP ON TWO OCCASIONS, AND UNABLE TO LOCATE CAUSE. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK
WHILE GOING 40MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT SLAMMED ON BRAKES. CHEVROLET'S DRIVER APPLIED BRAKES & ABS LIGHT CAME ON. PUMPED BRAKES 3 TIMES AND ALL WHEELS LOCKED UP. VEHICLE WENT INTO A SKID. THEN INTO THE LEFT HAND LANE. TOOK FOOT OFF BRAKES TO COME OUT OF SKID. VEHICLE FINALLY STOPPED. TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO DEALERSHIP & HAD IT C…
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WHILE GOING 40MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT SLAMMED ON BRAKES. CHEVROLET'S DRIVER APPLIED BRAKES & ABS LIGHT CAME ON. PUMPED BRAKES 3 TIMES AND ALL WHEELS LOCKED UP. VEHICLE WENT INTO A SKID. THEN INTO THE LEFT HAND LANE. TOOK FOOT OFF BRAKES TO COME OUT OF SKID. VEHICLE FINALLY STOPPED. TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO DEALERSHIP & HAD IT CHECKED. NOTICED ROTOR BROKE IN HALF, IT WAS NOT CORRODED. PADS SITTING ON MOUNTING HAD BROKE AWAY FROM EACH OTHER. *AK
FRONT BRAKES REPAIRED 10 TIMES. BACK BRAKES JUST DONE. PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE WITH ABS SYSTEM. NO HELP FROM CHEVROLET.*AK
WHEN MAKING A SUDDEN STOP THE BRAKES FAIL, THE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR WHICH HAPPENDED ON 010301 RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCASSION. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE DEALER ON EACH OCASSION. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE SITUATION. ANY ASSISTANCE WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATE…
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WHEN MAKING A SUDDEN STOP THE BRAKES FAIL, THE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR WHICH HAPPENDED ON 010301 RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCASSION. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE DEALER ON EACH OCASSION. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE SITUATION. ANY ASSISTANCE WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU. *AK
PROBLEMS WITH WINDSHIELD WIPERS, ENGINE OIL PAN FAILURE, FAULTY POWER WINDOWS AND LOCKS. BROKEN PLASTIC PARTS ON THE SEAT BELTS, FROZEN EMERGENCY BRAKE AND GLAZED BRAKE PADS. POOR DEALER SERVICING. ABS BREAKS WENT SKIDISH 3 TIMES AND STILL NO FIX. LOST CONTROL. *AK
EA 95 026/POOR BRAKE PERFORMANCE: ON GOING PROBLEM WITH APPLYING BRAKE HARD TO GET VEHICLE TO STOP; BEEN IN / OUT OF DEALER SHOP ON THREE OCCASION AND IN /OUT OF INDEPENDENCE SHOP ON TWO OCCASION AND CONDITION STILL GO ON UNRESOLVED. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS:
THE FRONT BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED AFTER BEING REPLACED APPROXIMATELY 20,000 MILES AGO. MY WIFE DRIVES THIS VEHICLE AND IS A VERY GENTLE DRIVER. I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND PROBLEMS RELATING TO UNSATISFACTORY FRONT BRAKE PAD WEAR ON THIS YEAR/MODEL WITH ABS BRAKES. ALSO, I READ THAT IN JULY OF 1999, GMC HAD INITIATED …
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THE FRONT BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED AFTER BEING REPLACED APPROXIMATELY 20,000 MILES AGO. MY WIFE DRIVES THIS VEHICLE AND IS A VERY GENTLE DRIVER. I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND PROBLEMS RELATING TO UNSATISFACTORY FRONT BRAKE PAD WEAR ON THIS YEAR/MODEL WITH ABS BRAKES. ALSO, I READ THAT IN JULY OF 1999, GMC HAD INITIATED A RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE/BRAKE COMBINATION, BUT HAVE HEARD NOTHING. GETTING 20,000 MILES ON A SET OF FRONT PADS (95% GONE WHEN REPLACED) WHILE THE REAR SHOES (REPLACED AT THE SAME TIME) SHOW LITTLE WEAR IS ABSURD IN MY OPINION. IT JUST SEEMS THAT "SOMETHING AIN'T RIGHT." *AK
WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKES ON WET ROAD VEHICLE SWERVES AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL. ALSO ABS INDICATOR LIGHT FLASHES ON. DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM, AND MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO FIND A SOLUTION. *AK *ML
THE PROBLEM IS ,IT GOES THROUGH A SET OFF BRAKE SHOES ABOUT EVERY 4 MONTHS.THE IS NOT PULLING A TRAILER OR ANYTHING. THE WIFE JUST DRIVES TO WORK EVERY DAY. ABOUT 10 MILES ROUND TRIP.THE CALIPERS ARE IN GOOD SHAPE AND PARTS MOVE FREELY.THE DRIVER SIDE USUALLY HAS THE PROBLEM.THE INSIDE PAD WILL COMPLETELY WEAR OUT ,WITHOUT REALL…
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THE PROBLEM IS ,IT GOES THROUGH A SET OFF BRAKE SHOES ABOUT EVERY 4 MONTHS.THE IS NOT PULLING A TRAILER OR ANYTHING. THE WIFE JUST DRIVES TO WORK EVERY DAY. ABOUT 10 MILES ROUND TRIP.THE CALIPERS ARE IN GOOD SHAPE AND PARTS MOVE FREELY.THE DRIVER SIDE USUALLY HAS THE PROBLEM.THE INSIDE PAD WILL COMPLETELY WEAR OUT ,WITHOUT REALLY EVEN TOUCHING THE OUTSIDE PAD. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY MANY SOURCES THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE PORPORTIONING VALVE THAT GOES BACK SEVERAL YEARS,BUT I CAN'T FIND IT. HELP PLEASE. *AK
Official recalls
603V159000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer
Apr 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.
98V150001 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer
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.
96V057000 · Vehicle Speed Control
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.
95V139000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission
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.
95V140000 · Air Bags
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.
95V026000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines
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