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GMC Suburban transmission failure problems

25 of the 1,768 owner complaints about the GMC Suburban describe complete transmission failure, most of them for the 1997 model year.

owner complaints
25
worst model year
1997
typical mileage
60,667
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2000
    2
  • 1999
    4
  • 1998
    4
  • 1997
    7
  • 1996
    4
  • 1995
    1
  • 1994
    1
  • 1993
    1
  • 1990
    1

What owners say

Filed Oct 26, 2005 · Engine, Fuel system · 23,000 miles · CA

At 52073 miles consumers suburban stalled while driving. ***no answer required*** *ts the fuel pump failed three times. The transmission was replaced, the tires had worn out and was separating, the engine light had come on due to the air injector and the rear parking brakes had worn out.

Filed Apr 4, 2005 · Transmission · 47,000 miles · CA

Replaced transmission just over the 40,000 mile mark and now having more problems with car as car dies or stall when traveling between 1-10 MPH

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 Jan 6, 2004 · Transmission · 74,200 miles · GA

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.

Filed May 2, 2003 · Transmission · CA

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

Filed Mar 17, 2003 · Transmission · 60,667 miles · ID

Premature total transmission failure at 60,667 miles due to faulty design of sun gear hub assembly. The shaft collar broke off without warning causing transmission to fail. The replacement part from gm has the collar to hub mating strengthened from the factory original, so it is known in gm this part has a design flaw from the factory. I was and am unemployed and this was a terrible financial burden at a bad time. Contacting gm was no help - "it is out of warranty". Further complaints to better business bureau auto line returned same answer - out of warranty". This vehicle has been babied and well cared for. No trailers have been towed and no off-road use. Ridiculous a $41,000 vehicle has this problem at only 60,000 miles. I have also talked to 3 other suburban owners in my small town and all have experienced the same problem. Can't someone force gm to take responsibility for their failure> I warn people about purchasing suburban's now without an extended warranty.

Filed Jan 25, 2002 · Transmission · WI

The vehicles transmission failed abruptly without warning, causing the vehicle to lose speed, the mechanic that rebuilt the transmission reported to the consumer that a technical service bulletin was issued for the problem the consumers vehicle experienced, the consumer is requesting reimbursement for the cost of repair and the expense of the rental car her family required during the time of repair. Nlm

Filed Oct 31, 2001 · Transmission · WI

Transmission failed due to a change in the manufacturing process admitted by gmc. They are aware that on 1997-1999 models of the suburban ( and possibly other gmc models?) the 4l60e transmission will suffer a fatigue failure of the sun gear reaction shell, causing the loss of reverse, 2nd and 4th gears.

Filed Oct 1, 2001 · Transmission · WI

The transmission failed and was rebuilt, the consumer was asking reimbursment because the problem was created by change in manufacturing process. *yh consumer was informed that other vehicles like these have had problems with losing reverse, 2nd and 4th gears, this being caused by a change in the manufacturing process for the sun gear reaction shell, during production the radius of the area attaching the splines on the shell to the shell housing was reduced, leading to a fatigue failure of the shell.

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported July 26, 1995 · 36,641 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The transmission shift-cable lock clip can back out of its installed position resulting in a loss of cable adjustment. When the shift lever is placed in the "park" position, the "park" indicator light may not illuminate.
Risk
The vehicle can move unintentionally if the driver does not notice that the indicator light is not on and does not apply the parking brake.
Remedy
Dealers will adjust the shift cable and install a lock clip.

Recall number 95V139000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and linesReported February 16, 1995 · 13,853 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Due to a thin case casting, an external transmission leak can occur.
Risk
This condition can cause transmission oil to sprayonto the exhaust system and result in a possible vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the transmission case assembly for the involved case casting. If the assembly is involved, the transmission will be replaced.

Recall number 95V026000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported February 1, 1993 · 1,702,880 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Unanticipated heat in the transmission can force the transmission fluid out of the vent tube.
Risk
The vented transmission fluid can catch fire if exposedto a source of ignition.
Remedy
Install a longer transmission vent hose routed to the left side of the engine compartment of the vehicle.

Recall number 93V016000 · Recall details

Questions about the GMC Suburban transmission failure

Which GMC Suburban years have complete transmission failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1997 (7 complaints), 1996 (4 complaints) and 1998 (4 complaints).

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