1994 Chevrolet Suburban: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1994 Chevrolet Suburban: 3 recalls, 858 owner complaints and up to 13 mpg combined.
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Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 3 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #98V150001 · 1998 · 1,557,585 vehicles
What's wrong: Solder joints near the wiring harness connector can crack causing the windshield wipers to work intermittently.
Why it matters: This condition can result in inoperative wipers, reducing a driver's visibility, and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #99V025000 · 1999 · 988,587 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles were built with the polarity of the wiring for the zero adjust brake switch reversed from what was specified on the switch drawing. With the reversed polarity, the contacts in the brake switch can wear out prematurely. The brake switch will perform normally until the brake switch contacts wear out, resulting in loss of the brake lamps without any warning to the driver.
Why it matters: This would fail to warn a following driver that the vehicle is braking and could lead to a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the brake switch and reverse the wiring.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #03V159000 · 2003 · 1,755,876 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If this were to occur during bad weather, driver visibility would be reduced, which could result in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover. Owner notification began on June 19, 2003.
3 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Engine & cooling Recall #95I005000 · 1994 · 60,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 5l diesel engine. This is not a safety recall in accordance with federal regulation part 573. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. The campaign will improve the overall driveability of these vehicles.
Why it matters: Certain vehicles can exhibit some driveability concerns such as poor throttle response, stalling, misfire, poor hot or cold starting, extended cranking of a hot engine, or stalling after start. Trucks with manualtransmissions can exhibit poor acceleration from start or could stall during…
The fix: Dealers will install some recently developed enhancements which will improve the overall driveability of these vehicles.
Brakes (hydraulic) Recall #01I006000 · 2001 · 255,770 vehicles
What's wrong: This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: 1992-1994 Chevrolet and GMC suburbans equipped with vacuum power-brake assist and ebc4 anti-lock brake (ABS) modules. These vehicles exhibit poor brake system performance.
Why it matters: This could be attributed to brake pedal feel.
The fix: Dealers will install a new brake pedal pad. In addition, dealers will inspect the brake-booster output rod and replace it if necessary.
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E043000 · 2006 · 88,303 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: This condition May cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The fix: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 10 mention a fire, 55 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (568): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (239), noise or vibration (48).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (167): the most common themes are electrical failure (12).
- Seat belts (26): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine & cooling (23): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (7), fire / smoke (4).
The 1994 Chevrolet Suburban has 858 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 35 Suburban model years for complaints (3.7× the average Suburban year). Complaints peaked in 1999 (160 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 122,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1993 (499 complaints, 0 recalls), 1995 (457 complaints, 6 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 | 16 | 13 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 14 | 13 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1994 Chevrolet Suburban.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1994 Chevrolet Suburban have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1994 Chevrolet Suburban, plus 3 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1994 Chevrolet Suburban problems?
Owners have filed 858 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (568), visibility (wipers, glass) (167), seat belts (26).
What gas mileage does the 1994 Chevrolet Suburban get?
EPA ratings run up to 13 mpg combined (5.7 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1994 Chevrolet Suburban repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.