1996 GMC Suburban: common problems and reliability

186 owner complaints on record.

Most complaints are about service brakes. 4 recalls.

Should I buy a 1996 Suburban?

The 1996 GMC Suburban has 186 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and hydraulic.

Safety record for the 1996 model year

186
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
12
Crash reports
2
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1996 GMC Suburban vehicles (US, public record).

How we score it

Where owners report problems

service brakes
64
hydraulic
63
visibility
27
electrical system
20
tires
18

Recalls affecting the 1996 Suburban

fuel system, gasoline

Campaign 06E043000

CERTAIN 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 03V159000

ON 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.

vehicle speed control

Campaign 96V057000

THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH THE THROTTLE CABLE CONTACTING THE DASH MAT WHICH COULD BIND THE THROTTLE. THIS DOES NOT MEET WITH THE MAXIMUM RETURN TIMES REQUIRED BY FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS."

visibility:windshield wiper/washer

Campaign 98V150001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, 2 AND 4-WHEEL DRIVE. SOLDER JOINTS NEAR THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN CRACK CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY.

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is broadly positive, with a strong appreciation for the vehicle's core attributes of immense space, comfort, and long-term durability across many generations.

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 $7,144–$15,045 across 1983 to 1999 model years.

Compare the Suburban against its rivals

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