1990 GMC Suburban: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1990 GMC Suburban: 2 recalls, 22 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #93V016000 · 1993 · 1,702,880 vehicles
What's wrong: Unanticipated heat in the transmission can force the transmission fluid out of the vent tube.
Why it matters: The vented transmission fluid can catch fire if exposedto a source of ignition.
The fix: Install a longer transmission vent hose routed to the left side of the engine compartment of the vehicle.
Seats Vehicle recall #93V187000 · 1993 · 604,207 vehicles
What's wrong: The recliner mechanism and the seat frame May have foam and/or vinyl between them, creating a "soft" joint. This "soft" joint results in lower than specified bolt torque which leads to joint looseness, causing bolt fatigue and eventual bolt failure.
Why it matters: If bolt failure occurs to the driver's seat, it wouldallow the seat back to suddenly recline, and could result in loss of vehiclecontrol and a vehicle crash without prior warning.
The fix: Dealers will remove the foam and/or vinyl from between the recliner mechanism and the seat frame "soft" joint and replace the recliner bolts.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Seats (7): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (hydraulic) (7): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Parking brake (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Speed control / throttle (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1990 GMC Suburban has 22 owner complaints, ranking #10 of 15 Suburban model years for complaints (well below the 118 average). Complaints peaked in 2001 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 9 years old. Neighboring years: 1991 (30 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Diesel |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 15 | 13 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Manual 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 13 | 12 | 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 1990 GMC 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 1990 GMC Suburban have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1990 GMC Suburban. 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 1990 GMC Suburban problems?
Owners have filed 22 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are seats (7), brakes (hydraulic) (7), parking brake (3).
What gas mileage does the 1990 GMC Suburban get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (6.2 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1990 GMC 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.