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
1996 GMC Suburban: ABS light or ABS activating
23 of the 171 complaints about the 1996 GMC Suburban describe ABS light or ABS activating.
- owner complaints
- 23
- of this car's complaints
- 13%
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 4 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
ABS light or ABS activating by model year
What owners say
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.
When applying ABS brakes pedal becomes extremely soft and nearly goes to floor, causing extended stopping distance. Also, brake pads and rotors have been replaced. But has not corrected the problem. Please give any further details.
Repeated problems with brake failure following vehicle being parked in wet weather. Sometimes there is near total loss of braking capability, sometimes severe vehicle "bucking" while trying to stop. Symptoms diminish after several blocks of driving, re-appear after vehicle is parked for a few hours. Dealer examined shortly after we purchased vehicle (used) and found no problem. Have talked to other owners of suburbans and gmc/chevy light trucks of similar vintage and have found similar complaints. Recent episode involved inability to stop and vehicle continued clear through intersection. I suspect rear brake linings/drums rust and tend to lock/release which seems to confuse the ABS system until linings wear clean again. Vehicle is a hazard to operate for first few blocks in wet weather.
When applying the ABS brakes on dry pavement pedal goes to the floor, causing extended stopping distance. Please give any further details.
When applying the ABS brakes pedal goes to the floor, causing extended stoppng distance. Please give any further details.
The ABS would fade when brakes were applied. Also, after brakes were applied, vehicle surged. Had applied pressure on brakes & vehicle failed to stop/ extended stoppping distance.
Noted car stopped at red light, started braking at around 300 feet, 35 MPH, full ABS, wet road,impacted rear at perhaps 10 MPH. Just traded a ford van without ABS and am certain it would have stopped in that distance. Further note: the suburban's tire pressure was 40 psi all four.
When appyling the ABS brakes extended stopping distance occurs, especially under freezing temperatures and on rainy days.*ak.et.
The ABS on this vehicle produces poor stopping distances particularly on wet or loose (gravel or dirt) surfaces. This has resulted in several near misses and one accident involving 3 vehicles. The brakes were replaced at 42000 mi. This produced no improvement. There seems to be a large delay before the brakes actually produce any deceleration.
Traveling at approx. 20 MPH, driver tried to stop and brake pedal went completely and smoothly to the floor. Driver kept foot and pedal, pushing harder and the ABS kicked in and stopped vehicle.
Traveling at approx. 20 MPH, driver tried to stop and brake pedal went completely and smoothly to the floor. Driver kept foot and pedal, pushing harder and the ABS kicked in and stopped vehicle.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Brake lead/pull and front brake wear
- Some cab chassis, crew cab, and pickup models may exhibit a brake lead / pull and front brake wear
- Vehicles leading or pulling to either side while applying the brakes, and premature front brake wear,...
- Vehicle leading or pulling to either side while applying the brakes or front brake wear not meeting...
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1996 GMC Suburban abs
Is ABS light or ABS activating a common problem on the 1996 GMC Suburban?
23 of 171 owner complaints about the 1996 GMC Suburban (13%) mention ABS light or ABS activating. The model year with the most reports is 1994.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 GMC Suburban?
There are 0 recalls and 4 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1996 GMC Suburban
Wipers 22Brake failure 15Tire blowout 13Fuel pump 6Stalling 6Pulling 5
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