We have replaced our automatic transmission twice since owning our 96 gmc suburban. We have owned the truck since 1998.
1996 GMC Suburban transmission problems
13 complaints (8% of all complaints for this car). 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 13
- of this car's complaints
- 8%
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Automatic transmission7
- Driveline: differential unit2
- Axle assembly: axle shaft: seal2
- Driveline: driveshaft1
- Axle assembly: axle shaft1
- Automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
GMC Suburban transmission problems in other years
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 1996 GMC Suburban owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Series of email correspondence with gm regarding the transmission replacement in my 1996 gmc suburban which failed after only 75,000 miles - 25,000 miles before the gm recommended service. Gm has chosen not to offer any assistance. I have found this to be a common occurrence with gm transmissions. 12/31/2003 08:37 am michelle, I had the local dealer install a new transmission last week. I asked the service technician why the transmission had failed. He noted that it had overheated and trash and debris were found in the fluid. He also noted that they, the gm dealer, recommend servicing the transmission every 50,000 miles. I follow the short-trip service schedule even though my truck is driven on the highway and not used excessively to avoid problems like this. According to the gm owners manual, the transmission should not have required servicing for another 25,000 miles. I follow and exceed your service recommendations. I now have a failure that could have been avoided more frequent service. Please help me understand. -----original message----- from: [email protected] sent: 12/23/03 10:08:53 am to: [email protected] subject: re: 1-172307605 I had a very good conversation with joe. Unfortunately, with his best efforts, he was not able to secure any assistance. I understand the transmission is out of warranty. I understand that there have been no recalls. What I do not understand - after speaking with multiple automotive professionals including several gm service and parts associates - is why this appears to be a common issue with gm trucks. I can also speak from my sister's personal transmission replacement in her 2002 z71tahoe. If the truck had been used for business purposes, had not been serviced regularly, or had over 150,000 miles - I could understand the transmission failing. Again, this truck has less than 75,000 highway miles and has been used for family travel.
Vehicle was put into neutral from park without vehicle running and without brakes pushed on causing vehicle to roll backwards with drivers side door open into a pole causing door to be damaged.
Transfer case snap ring failed second time in 89,000 miles. Makes grinding sound from stop as gears clash. Can avoid major damage if accelerate very slowly. Snap ring is a $2 part. Labor is about $150 to replace snap ring. $700 to repair transfer case if internal damage.
Worst problem is in differential - it makes a sound like airplane ready to take off - can't believe that a 4 yr. Old car can have this happen - have spent well over $5,000 since I bought it - really upset !
Defective control module causing transmission to fail, resulting in potential safety hazard. A technical service bulletin has been issued.
Consumer has noticed leaking of bearings and all 8 seals. Also when driving of gravel surfaces and applying brakes, the vehicle exceeds the normal stopping distance.
Pressure regulator/ fuel injectors/ front differential seal failure.
Transmission failed.
Transmission failed twice.
Questions about the 1996 GMC Suburban transmission
Does the 1996 GMC Suburban have transmission problems?
Owners have filed 13 complaints about the transmission of the 1996 GMC Suburban, 8% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1996 GMC Suburban transmission problems start?
Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.
Was there a recall on the 1996 GMC Suburban transmission?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the GMC Suburban have bad transmission?
The GMC Suburban model years with the most transmission complaints are 1997 (24 complaints), 1999 (21 complaints) and 1998 (15 complaints).
Other 1996 GMC Suburban problems
Brakes 61Visibility 26Electrical 18Tires 18Fuel system 14Engine 8Steering 8Acceleration 7Suspension 4Airbags 3Lights 3Seats 3Body 2Locks 1Wheels 1
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