1997 GMC Suburban: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 GMC Suburban: 2 recalls, 200 owner complaints and up to 14 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #03V093000 · 2003 · 507,171 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain sport utility vehicles, MINI vans, and pickup trucks May develop a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch.
Why it matters: If this were to happen, it could result in an inoperative switch, heat damage to the driver's door, and/or ignition of components in the driver's door and a subsequent vehicle fire without prior warning.
The fix: Dealers will install a fused jumper harness to the electric outside rearview mirror switch. Owner notification began on April 24, 2003.
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.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
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. 4 mention a fire, 16 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (57): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (14), leaks (7).
- Steering (39): the most common themes are steering problems (32).
- Transmission & drivetrain (24): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (12), noise or vibration (5), leaks (4).
- Electrical (21): the most common themes are electrical failure (16), leaks (9).
The 1997 GMC Suburban has 200 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 15 Suburban model years for complaints (1.7× the average Suburban year). Complaints peaked in 1999 (42 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 96,800 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (172 complaints, 3 recalls), 1998 (100 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 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 1997 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.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 GMC Suburban have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1997 GMC Suburban, plus 1 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 1997 GMC Suburban problems?
Owners have filed 200 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (57), steering (39), transmission & drivetrain (24).
What gas mileage does the 1997 GMC Suburban get?
EPA ratings run up to 14 mpg combined (5.7 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 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.