1991 GMC Suburban: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1991 GMC Suburban: 2 recalls, 30 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 #96V226000 · 1996 · 32,596 vehicles
What's wrong: The recliner mechanism and the seat frame May have foam and/or vinyl vetween 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 would allow the seat back to suddenly recline, and could result in loss of vehicle control 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, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Seats (11): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (hydraulic) (9): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (2).
- Seat belts (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Tires (3): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (3).
The 1991 GMC Suburban has 30 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 15 Suburban model years for complaints (well below the 118 average). Complaints peaked in 1997 (13 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 206,095 miles. Neighboring years: 1990 (22 complaints, 2 recalls), 1992 (80 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 | 20 | 16 | Diesel |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 15 | 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 1991 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 1991 GMC Suburban have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1991 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 1991 GMC Suburban problems?
Owners have filed 30 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are seats (11), brakes (hydraulic) (9), seat belts (3).
What gas mileage does the 1991 GMC Suburban get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (6.2 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1991 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.