1997 GMC Suburban: complete transmission failure

Filed Jun 8, 2004 · Transmission · 132,000 miles · IL

Automatic transmission-driving down the interstate on vacation when a cloud of smoke was noticed out the rear of the suburban. Pulled over to the side of the road to find transmission fluid sprayed all out of the over flow tube. I was told that too much pressure was built up and the suburbans are known for that. Filled it back up with transmission fluid and the transmission continued to slip. Had to give up the vacation and get a tow back home. Fluid had sprayed all over my vehicle and vehicles behind me. It was extremely hot. Luckily I got it shut down before a fire caught. Had to replace the transmission at a heavy cost.

Filed Jan 21, 2004 · Electrical, Engine · 60,000 miles · TN

1997 gmc suburban- multiple engine & transmission failures. At 60,000 miles, vehicle began to shift hard. Returned to shop for diagnosis and repairs several times for work. Finally, while driving the vehicle in city traffic, the transmission failed compeletly. Required valve cover and transmission rebuild @ cost of $2,000. On december 27 '03, had to replace the radiator. On jan 17 '04, discovered that there was no antifreeze in new radiator. Returned to mechanic who replaced the radiator. Said the intake manifold needed to be replaced. Cost: ~$600. Took to another mechanic for second opinion. Same diagnosis. Both state that gm is aware of both problems, however, they will not cover the costs of repairs or replacement. Additionally- replaced alternator two times; replaced water pump two times; replaced the master cylinder in fall 2003.

Filed May 2, 2003 · Transmission · CA

The vehicles transmission failed at 47000 miles (1997 gmc).

Filed Sep 25, 2000 · Brakes · OK

These problems did not occur from an accident, but rather the workmanship of the vehicle. We have tried every avenue to get gmc to stand behind their automobiles and products, but were told it was not their problem. We just want someone in authority to help us with a car that is a lemon and was a danger to drive because of all the mechanical difficulties. Including: steering wheel sensor went out on a curve at 45mph, brakes went out after only 6 months of ownership, 2 altenators and a battery that would have left my wife and two kids stranded, air conditioner quit functioning at 20,000 miles, transmission went out at 45,000 miles, o2 sensors went out after the transmission, altenator went out again for third time, this was supposed to be warranty work, but said that they could not warranty since it fixed under warranty the first and second time. As you can see we have a valid complaint. When we went to try and trade the car off the transmission went out a 2nd time and we could not trade the car, even though the dealership in oklahoma city had a buyer. They were afraid to buy a car with so many problems, so we are left with a car that does'nt run 90 % of the time and no way of getting rid of it. We can't even get the loan amount out of the auto. We really need some help figuring out what to do. Your time is greatly appreciated. Thank you. Ken sutton.

Filed Apr 28, 2000 · Engine, Transmission · AL

On april 10, transmission failed and vehicle was returned to dealership. On april 18, the vehicle was returned to the owner after having replaced the transmission, the transmission cooler, and intake manifold gasket. On april 27, 2000, the engine failed on a busy road as schools were letting out. The engine failure, put both the occupants of the vehicle at risks and the schoolchildren also, as the engine failure resulted in loss of power steering and power brakes. The driver avoided collision but with no steering and loss of braking power, the results could have been catastrophic.

Filed Dec 22, 1999 · Transmission · CA

Transmission failed and the replaced transmission failed too. Yh

Filed Mar 12, 1999 · Brakes, Electrical · MI

The shaft in the power steering pump busted in two as my husband was driving into a curve @ 60 MPH. He was able to keep from crashing. But if I would have been driving it I wouldn't of been able to steer it. My husband walked in the house white as a ghost. The dealer wanted me to drive it in 10 miles on a curving road with no power steering. I tried to drive it impossible for me to do. The brakes wore out and were replaced a second time (front) @ 36000 miles. The rotors were replaced, had been 10,000 miles since last brake job. The rear brakes needed readjustment again at 43200 miles the pedal kept going to the floor and was soft. 11/98 began having more electrical problems with the rear fan blower would not turn off and will run the battery dead constantly. 1/99 both front and rear u-joints were bad, had replaced the car was wandering even worse than it used to they could not find cause. The front differential was leaking and front brakes need replacing again. 2/16/99 the transmission went out in the vechile at 53174 miles. I drove the car 3 miles into town the rpms started going up to 4000rpms wasn't shifting I stopped and parked I tried to back up it started whinning and clunking and wouldn't move. Three miles earlier I backed out of my garage with no hint of trouble 3 miles later I am stranded with two babys. My husband contacted gm they refused any assistance. I continued contacting gm through other avenues I called roy roberts one of the vp explained I had some safety concerns with the suburban. I was told he would return my phone call, no return call ever received. I finally found a factory rep. That is looking into the problem but I don't hold out much hope that gm will respond to our concerns. Every time I have talked to a gm rep. They tell me no one else has these problems, but according to your records lots of people have had similiar problems. I have all records and receipts and would love to go into more detail with you.