1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 31%of 16 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 98,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1500, 31% of the 16 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 98,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Brake failure due to rusted brake lines on 2 separate occasions. Around march 2008 I was traveling on the southern state parkway in long island, ny when I depressed the brake pedal and it went to the floor and a large cloud of smoke came out of the engine compartment which was caused by brake fluid hitting the hot exhaust manifold. The brake line had rusted through and caused a hole in the line which caused the brakes to fail. Only that particular line was replaced due to the high cost of replacing all lines from front to back. …”
NHTSA complaint #10469450, filed 2012-08, 132,000 miles“Arbitrary activation of the ABS brakes at slow speeds or when parking. This causes the vehicle to not stop and continue moving for a few inches to a few feet. Vary hazardous when parking in tight areas or around children in a parking lot. Had similar problem on chevy 1999 silverado k1500 pickup that resulted in a recall. Would suggest the same on this vehicle to avoid same hazardous situation.”
NHTSA complaint #10194043, filed 2007-06, 98,500 miles“Front brakes wearing out every 6,000 mi, rear brakes show virtually no wear after 138,000 mi. The antilock brakes feel spongy and vehicle won't stop properly. Why does some one have to die before you people listen.”
NHTSA complaint #10193617, filed 2007-06, 2,000 milesBrakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 | 2 | 12% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 4% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 3 | 3% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 6 | 19% |
| 2005 | 8 | 9% |
| 2004 | 38 | 21% |
| 2003 | 65 | 37% |
| 2002 | 66 | 55% |
| 2001 | 48 | 52% |
| 2000 | 47 | 70% |
| 1999 | 50 | 68% |
| 1998 | 4 | 29% |
| 1997 | 5 | 31% |
| 1996 | 5 | 56% |
| 1995 | 2 | 25% |
| 1994 | 1 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
5 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology