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GMC Suburban premature wear problems

14 of the 1,768 owner complaints about the GMC Suburban describe rotors or pads wearing out early, most of them for the 1994 model year.

owner complaints
14
worst model year
1994
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 1999
    2
  • 1998
    2
  • 1996
    2
  • 1995
    1
  • 1994
    5
  • 1993
    2

Often reported together

Pulling 2ABS 2Seat belt 1Grinding brakes 1

What owners say

Filed May 3, 2005 · 30,000 miles · MI

Upon purchase of my vehicle the brakes have not worked properly ie very bad chatter, poor stoping distance, warped rotors. I complained numerous times to no avail and they had tried (so they say) to fix the problem but it is never right. If you pull a small trailer you have to be very cautious of your following distance as you will not be able to stop in time. I have even spoken to many dealerships and finally one in hudsonville mi. Admitted they were under engineered for the weight and size of the vehicle. Even the law enforcement agencies will tell you they are inadequate as officers that drive them have told me so in speaking with them. I even asked for a refund on my vehicle , a 1999 gmc suburban and was laughed at every time from the dealer I purchased it from. Also bought the extended warranty but it does not cover (normal wear and tear) right! I wish all that have had the misfortune of owning one of these the best of luck. I still own mine as it will not sell and have even tried to sell undervalue just to get rid of it but no luck. I hope this helps somebody

Filed Dec 31, 2001 · Brakes · NY

This vehical has intermittent left and right pulling, reduced braking performance,premature pad wear and replacment,and expensive system upgrades.

Filed Mar 30, 2001 · Brakes · CA

On 4 separate occassions consumer has had to take vehicle in for excessive grinding noise from rear brakes when coming to a stop, also there was leaking proportioning valve that caused premature wear to rear brakes.

Filed Dec 28, 2000 · Brakes · OH

Rotors warped, need to be turned every 5,000 - 7,000 miles.

Filed Aug 12, 1999 · Brakes · MI

The front brake pads wear out prematurely. The pads have been replaced at owner's expense. Please provide any furhter details.

Filed Dec 14, 1998 · Brakes, Electrical · NV

Steering gear box broken internally. Weak power steering pump. Leak in braking system at axle seal. Brake pads worn out prematurely. Vehicle pulls to left when brakes applied. Left, rear seat belt would not extend after retracting. Short circuit in wiring harness under hood - harness length too short caused inability to start vehicle.

Filed Nov 14, 1997 · Brakes · CA

Owner has ABS brakes. Vehicle has an extended stopping distance. Also, there appears to be noise coming from ABS brakes when they are applied. Owner took vehicle into repair center and was told brakes have normal pad wear.

Filed Apr 30, 1996 · Brakes · CA

When applying the ABS brakes sometimes the truck will stop and other times it will not, also excessive front brake pad/rotor wear.

Filed Feb 20, 1996 · Brakes · CA

Premature wear of front brake pads.

Filed Jan 25, 1996 · Brakes · GA

Premature wear of front brake rotors.

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuumReported August 8, 2000 · 3,758 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with vacuum power, 4-wheel disc brakes. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 105, "hydraulic brake systems." these vehicles were built with a kinked brake booster vacuum supply hose.
Risk
These vehicles do not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 105.
Remedy
Dealers will re-route the brake booster vacuum supply hose.

Recall number 00V222000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotorReported February 17, 1998 · 1,137 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. One or both front brake rotor/hubs were built with an out-of-specification gray iron that can fail during the life of the vehicle.
Risk
If a driver continues to drive with a cracked rotor, the cracks could continue around the wheel mounting bolt circle and ultimately result in a wheel separation.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rotors for a core date of "287" and, if found, replace the rotor.

Recall number 98V033000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkagesReported April 14, 1992 · 177 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The pivot bolt holding the brake pedal to its support bracket may be improperly tightened and may not have engaged the locking material on the bolt. The bolt can disengage from the nut.
Risk
If the pivot bolt disengages from the nut while thevehicle is in motion, there will be a loss of brake control and could result ina vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers should inspect the hand started brake pedal bolts and torque them to specification.

Recall number 92V056000 · Recall details

Questions about the GMC Suburban premature wear

Which GMC Suburban years have rotors or pads wearing out early problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1994 (5 complaints), 1993 (2 complaints) and 1996 (2 complaints).

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