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1997 Chevrolet Suburban brakes problems

96 complaints (23% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 79,275. 13 crashes reported.

owner complaints
96
of this car's complaints
23%
typical mileage
79,275
crashes
13
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
    64
  • Foundation components: disc
    9
  • Foundation components
    8
  • Foundation components: disc: pads
    6
  • Foundation components: master cylinder
    4
  • Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
    3
  • Foundation components: disc: rotor
    3
  • Foundation components: drum
    2

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet Suburban brakes problems in other years

19901995200020052010201520202024

Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban brakes

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

ABS 27Brake failure 17Grinding brakes 11

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Related investigations

Poor brake performanceOpened September 20, 1995, closed September 20, 2001

Poor performance of ABS brakes

EA95026

What 1997 Chevrolet Suburban owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 6, 2020 · Brakes · OR

The previous owner said the brakes wore quickly but we didn't realize how quickly until we had issues and got the repair information. New brakes about every 4 months are needed. Once they start wearing the pads and rotors are gone within a day. This time I nearly ran into someone they deteriorated so fast. I've read this seems to be a problem with many more of the same vehicles

Filed Jul 15, 2012 · Brakes, Fuel system · 223,000 miles · NJ

December 2009, replaced ruptured brake lines above the rear differential. Severely rusted. July 15, 2012, ruptured brake line by the driver side floor board and fire wall. Severely rusted. Fuel lines under the vehicle is also severely rusted. Leak can cause fire. Brake failure occurred during driving on road.

Filed Mar 27, 2006 · Brakes · 115,000 miles · OR

I have a 1997 chevy suburban with a 7.4 engine. For the most part its been a good vehicle, but the brakes are another story. The suburban has been through 2 sets of front brakes, and none in the rear. Being concerned, the 3rd mechanic to really spend time figuring out the problem, found out the brake pressure modulator valve has malfunctioned. $800 for replacement. Doing a little research, gm had recalled this part on several of there 2000 SUV models. Contacted the gm customer service line, and they told me that it is an "old vehicle" and gm will not do anything about it. So I guess gm's safety systems are only good for 10 years. This will be my last gm vehicle I will ever own.

Filed Feb 24, 2006 · Brakes · 153,000 miles · OH

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle was having ABS problems. While applying the brake pedal to stop at slower speeds the ABS activated causing greater stopping distances. There is a the federal safety agency recall, # 05v379000, regarding the ABS. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the year of the vehicle. Repairs have been made and the manufacturer has been alerted.

Filed Feb 13, 2006 · Brakes · WI

Consumer complaint regarding 1997 suburban braking malfunctions. *ts the vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that two sensors were needed because the current ones were corroded. The consumer experienced the same symptom as described in the recall for the 1998-2002 vehicles.

Filed Jan 29, 2006 · Brakes · 58,000 miles · VA

In july/august 2005 I began experiencing activation of the ABS at very low speeds of 5-10 MPH in 1997 chevrolet suburban. I took the car to repair shop and found out that the front brake units, calipers, etc., were corroded and needed to be replaced. I did this. Also ,found out that the ABS units were not reading the speed correctly and this was causing the ABS bumping at low speeds. Advised they should be replaced at cost of $1200! In january 2006 I read about the suburban recall for malfunctioning ABS and unusual corrosion of brakes. Unfortunately, the recall started for 1999 models. I believe my 1997 vehicle has the same problem. I contacted the local chevrolet dealer where I bought the vehicle, but was told it was not covered by the recall and they recommended the ABS units be cleaned and that they will function properly. The other repair shop (who did the brake repairs) recommended against cleaning"and said in their experience this doesn't work. Suburban has only 61,000 miles, so it has not been over used. I put about 6,000 miles a year on it, mostly for pulling a horse trailer and for this I am very concerned about safe braking. I believe that this 1997 suburban has the same problem as the 199s. I've spent about $500 on the brake repairs so far and the ABS will cost me another $1200. For a vehicle that gets so little use by me, this is a lot of money. I would like the 1997 to be included in the recall. I am upset by the expense of repairing these apparent manufacturing flaws.

Filed Nov 29, 2005 · Brakes · 131,000 miles · MN · crash

Dt: the contact states there is the federal safety agency recall campaign 05v379000 concerning the anti- lock brakes. This vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall, but it is not included in the recall due to VIN. The contact repaired the vehicle at his own expense. *ak the consumer stated due to the defective part, he crashed into another vehicle. Updated 11/29/05.

Filed Oct 19, 2005 · Brakes · 75,044 miles · IN

Dt: the contact was driving at a low speed and applied brake pressure and the ABS pulsated. There was extended stopping distance as indicated in a current recall on the anti lock brakes. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who replaced both wheel speed sensors on the front brakes. That corrected the problem ,however, in august of this year the problem recurred two years later. The vehicle was returned to a dealer. The dealer did replace one of the wheel speed sensors, but the other one was cleaned and kept on the brakes. Since this repair there have been no further problems. The contact contacted gm, and filed a complaint. This vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN and the model. *ak updated 11/29/05.

Filed Oct 19, 2005 · Brakes · PA

Dt: the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet suburban. She received recall 05v379000 notice for a 2001 chevrolet silverado regarding the ABS system. The contact stated that the 1997 chevrolet suburban is experienced the same ABS brake problem as indicated in the recall. When the brakes were applied it seemed as if the ABS system was kicking in, and there was extended stopping distance. It did not matter what the road conditions were this would happen even on dry roads. The service dealer did stated that the sensor in the vehicle needed to be replaced. The manufacturer has not been contacted.

Filed Sep 27, 2005 · Brakes · 100 miles · WI

Abs brakes problems on my 1997 chevy tahoe 4dr 4-wheel drive. The brakes have been terrible since I obtained this vehicle when it was brand new. They would grunt & groan, skip and act erratic. On ice and snow, I would actually go faster when I would apply the brakes and slide much faster than a car with regular brakes. On dry roads at slow speeds in town driving, the brakes didn't seem to take hold all the time. There would be a delay action when applying the brakes. I almost rear-ended other vehicles three times, through no fault of my own. I hate ABS brakes and would like to buy one without it. Abs brakes systems are very dangerous, especially on this 1997 chev tahoe 4-wheel drive. I checked with mechanics and they all say that's just ABS brakes, and I have to put up with it. This is wrong as they are a very real danger. I have to be extremely careful allowing substantial distance between vehicles and then its not safe. I think I have a lemon and know there are lots of other complaints about it around here. How about a little help with recalls and a new vehicle?

Questions about the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban brakes

Does the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban have brakes problems?

Owners have filed 96 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban, 23% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Suburban brakes problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 79,275 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban brakes?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Chevrolet Suburban have bad brakes?

The Chevrolet Suburban model years with the most brakes complaints are 1994 (581 complaints), 1993 (382 complaints) and 1999 (246 complaints).

Other 1997 Chevrolet Suburban problems

Steering 105Transmission 47Fuel system 46Electrical 42Visibility 37Tires 27Engine 21Suspension 19Airbags 8Seat belts 6Locks 5Body 4Seats 4Acceleration 3Lights 2Wheels 1

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