1997 Chevrolet Suburban: common problems and reliability
455 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about steering. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 1997 Suburban?The 1997 Chevrolet Suburban has 455 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are steering and service brakes.
Safety record for the 1997 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1997 Chevrolet Suburban vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1997 a good year for the Suburban?
Across the 31 Suburban model years we track, complaint volume runs from 44 (2020) to 757 (1999). With 455 complaints, the 1997 Suburban sits above the model's median of 229.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1997 Suburban
fuel system, gasoline
Campaign 06E043000CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
visibility:windshield wiper/washer
Campaign 03V159000ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH CERTAIN MODEL-ENGINE COMBINATIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.
visibility:rearview mirrors/devices:exterior
Campaign 03V093000CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, MINI VANS, AND PICKUP TRUCKS MAY DEVELOP A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and generation.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Suburban. See the full Suburban owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Suburban listings typically run $17,061–$41,246.
Other Suburban model years
Compare every Suburban year side by side to see how 1997 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Suburban against its rivals
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