1996 gmc suburban, caught on fire. Bf ohio traffic crash report #10-0580-91 updated 05/03/10
The worst 1996 GMC Suburban problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes61
- Visibility26
- Electrical18
- Tires18
- Fuel system14
- Transmission13
- Engine8
- Steering8
- Acceleration7
- Suspension4
- Airbags3
- Lights3
- Seats3
- Body2
- Locks1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 GMC Suburban
ABS 23Wipers 22Brake failure 15Tire blowout 13Fuel pump 6Stalling 6Pulling 5
Recalls 3
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 03V159000 · Recall details
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 98V150001 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control
- What is wrong
- 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."
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 96V057000 · Recall details
See all 3 recalls for the 1996 GMC Suburban
Defect investigations
Windshield wiper failure
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.
EA02006
Headlight
Based on the reports received by odi from consumers, failure of the headlight electrical circuit may occur in the subject vehicles, and may result from repeated adjustment ofthe tilt steering wheel in the subject vehicles.repeated adjustment of the steering wheel position may strain the wiring in the headlight circuit to the point of failure where they are attached to the multi-function switch, resulting in the unanticipated loss of headlights while the vehicle is in motion.odi has concerns regarding the high rate of warranty repairs for problems potentially associated with the alleged defect in the subject vehicles, with the recognition the each incident of headlight failure represents a condition of vehicle disablement.in addition, the manufacturer's evaluation of the alleged defect has not been received, and this office has interest in the details of the methodologies and results of that assessment.
PE00017
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
DP00001
Battery leaks acid
Odi has received 21 complaints where owners allege that the standard gm factory supplied AC delco battery case failed, resulting in the leakage of sulfuric acid.of the 21 complaint vehicles, six suburban, three tahoes, and one yukon owner(s) complained about a loss of brake fluid from deterioration of the right frontbrake line as a result of sulfuric acid contamination.the remaining 11 complaints pertain primarily to sulfuric acid leakage from the battery case.at least one complainant stated that the replacement battery also failed.several of the complainants note that the leaking acid had come in contact with a wire harness at the frame in the vicinity of the steel brake line.a field inspection by odi indicates that the described harness is the ABS connection to the right front wheel speed sensor.prior to the battery case failure, there is usually no warning (short of an underhood inspection), and the ensuring damage (sulfuric acid contamination) is progressive.of the known battery failures, there may be a temperature correlation, as 60% of the owner complaints came from four states; california, florida, georgia and texas.there is also a product improvement program and engineering change notice to add 1% silver to the battery's positive side terminall, with the earliest implementation date for this being feb 2, 1998.the effect of this design change is as yet unknown; further review is warranted.an ea is being opened to gather further appropriate information, clarify any defect trends, and to assess the safety implications and risks concerning these failures.
PE99073
Poor brake performance
Poor performance of ABS brakes
EA95026
Technical service bulletins for the 1996 GMC Suburban 29
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy...
- Fuel system, gasoline
- This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco...
- Equipment: electrical: anti-theft devices
- Equipment
- This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy...
- Equipment: electrical: anti-theft devices
- Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- Engine and engine cooling
- Left front axle shaft difficult to remove
1996 GMC Suburban fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7L 8‑cyl | RWD | 12 | 17 | 14 |
| 5.7L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 11 | 16 | 13 |
What 1996 GMC Suburban owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Traveling up from va, the right rear firestone tire which is a lt245/75r16 mounted on a 1996 2500 suburban load range e tire rated at max 80 psi, was inflated to 65 psi. I felt a bobbling then the tread came off the casing, damaging the side of my suburban, ripping off the mud flap and damage the paint as it flopped around and just ripped itself off. Fortunately the tire did not go flat but lost the entire tread portion. This set of four was purchase and was exact replacement from oem tire when new. There is about 80% tread on tires. Firestone is telling me to run 45 psi in the front end 80 psi in the rear. I don't believe this is accurate.
On the gmc 6.5 the pmd, or pump mounted driver fails due to heat failure, also failing for no reason in 8 degree temperatures. When it fails there are no signs, warnings just stalling the power steering, power brakes gone. Now put yourself on a 2 mile hill of an insane descent, and yourself behind the steering wheel what would you do? This is insanity that the dealership will only help you if there is less than 100,000 miles on your car, and then all they do is replace the pump, when the pump isn't the problem its the pump mounted driver. I personally have spoken to and been to the manufacturers and they refuse to admit there is a problem, this is the manufacturer! But I don't understand how after 11 years nothing has been done about this problem, only a rip and replace, and if there's to many miles to bad for you. I have tried almost every after market solution out there and these manufacturers too are baffled about this situation. So why if there is no problem are there a dozen business making money off of trying to fix the manufacturers problem? If the manufacturer doesn't have to take the blame than who does? The family of 7 that wrote in? When they die is something going to be done , because its not a matter of if, its a matter of when, and I hope that day never happens. But I hope that more than the family has trouble sleeping because I feel better for trying to avoid this catastrophe. Thank you for you time. Sincerely concerned, jon lamb
Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds on the highway, the engine stalled without warning. After stalling, the vehicle was not easily restarted. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who determined the fuel injector pump needed to be replaced. After the initial replacement, the problem persisted. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who determined the fuel pump needed to be replaced again. The manufacturer was alerted. Updated 12/18/2006 - the injector pump which was replaced under recall failed again. *nm the consumer also wanted to recall fixed, however the dealer refused to honor the recall. Recall numbers 96v057000 and 03v159000. Updated 03/21/07.
Limited recall limits my safety! I had a recent close call in my 1996 gmc suburban. The brakes began to anti-lock on dry pavement when anti-lock assistance was not required, thus greatly increasing my stopping distance. The brakes were not pressed hard; the anti-lock should not have engaged. It was a close call between my truck and the vehicle in front of me. Currently my suburban is not covered under gm's recent limited recall. However, attention needs to be given to this situation; my truck needs to be covered. My concern is not a trivial, my safety and the safety of others is at hand. Gm should be more than happy to take care of a safety issue. I recently read an article in the detroit news about gm's recall of 1.4 million 99-02 full size trucks and SUV's in 20 states. The recall concerns the anti-lock brake wheel hub sensor getting inaccurate readings. The article brought the severity and critical importance of this recall and my problem to my attention. Proper recall procedures need to cover all vehicles affected, not limited by mileage, age, or location. Safety needs to be the main concern, not a political or financial agenda of automakers. Thank you for your prompt attention to my concerns. *nm..updated 07/01/14
Dt: 1996 chevrolet suburban. A manufacturer's recall 05068 concerning ABS brakes on the 1999 through 2002 models. Was issued. This vehicle was not included in the recall although the consumer experienced the same problem as mentioned in the recall. The consumer had not taken vehicle to the dealer yet, but the consumer knew that there was no recall on this make an model, and year for the ABS. The ABS activated between 3-10 MPH, causing extended stopping distance. This started happening about six months ago, not every time. Now, it happens every time while driving the vehicle under any road conditions. There have been no accidents because of this, but it is just a matter of time. Could not count the number of times the ABS failed.*ak
I had a firestone tire on the front passenger side of my suburban. I was on the freeway when without warning the tire separated from the steel belt and caused major damage to my suburban. My suburban is currently being repaired by my insurance company but the rental coverage has already been exceeded. I am legally disabled and I cannot afford to pay for the additional rental cost.
Dt: the contact owns a 1996 gmc suburban. When he purchased the vehicle it had 26,000 miles on it. He was pulling a trailer, with the trailer and the truck it weighs from any where 10-15,000 pounds. There is a bolt that 3 quarters inch long . Put the two cables together and bolted it into the side battery. The bolt became loose. Had all the power necessary to steer or to stop the vehicle. While pulling this trailer it was extremely hard to control the vehicle. The insert in the battery, where the thread section was put the bolt into. If tighten edit it puts a hole in the battery and starts to leak battery acid. Every morning he tightens the bolt a little bit. Consumer spoken with gm , and they ignored it. Also spoke with the dealership . They did not even believe him. One of the people at the dealership replaced one cable because it deteriorated. He has replaced for four batteries since he purchased the vehicle .
Vehicle was exhibiting no problems. Upon approaching a red traffic light the brake pedal was depressed, and the pedal went to the floor, as if the ABS system was kicking in, but the vehicle did not slow down. I replaced the master cylinder and bled all brake lines, and the condition still exists. I performed diagnostics on the vehicle according to seveal service manuals and determined that the ABS modulator valve has failed in such a manner as to allow brake fluid to bleed into the ABS accumulator, without getting an ABS diagnostic failure light. I had to drive the vehicle home for over 20 miles with severely limited breaking power and was very fortunate to have avoided an accident. I would rather not have ABS breaks on the vehicle than have a break system that can fail in this manner. Pumping the brake pedal was ineffective in building brake pressure, as is normally the case when a master cylinder fails.
While driving at 70 MPH, the rear driver's side tire tread separated and blew up. As result, it damaged the vehicle. Firestone, model steeltex.*ak
Compare the 1996 GMC Suburban
Other model years
199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001200220032004
Questions about the 1996 GMC Suburban
Is the 1996 GMC Suburban reliable?
Owners have filed 171 complaints about the 1996 GMC Suburban, 34.2 times a typical Suburban model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 GMC Suburban?
Brakes, with 61 complaints. Next is visibility (26).
How many recalls does the 1996 GMC Suburban have?
3 recalls, covering visibility and vehicle speed control.
What year does the GMC Suburban have bad brakes?
The GMC Suburban model years with the most brakes complaints are 1994 (276 complaints), 1993 (162 complaints) and 1999 (123 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1996 GMC Suburban get?
Official estimates for the 1996 GMC Suburban range from 13 to 14 mpg combined. The most efficient version (5.7L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 12 city and 17 highway.
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