2000 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 Problems

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe sudden brake-pedal-to-the-floor events linked to brake lines that have rusted through, typically on trucks with well over 100,000 miles and a history of road-salt exposure. A smaller but recurring group of complaints covers ABS pump and control-module problems that leave the warning lamps on or drain the battery, plus scattered reports of fuel pump stalls and seat hardware issues.

1. 1
   Brakes

   Rusted-through brake lines causing loss of braking

   • 35 complaints (52%)
   • median 140,000 mi at 13.1 yrs old (33 state mileage)
   • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2009–2017

   Complaints describe the brake pedal dropping to the floor with little or no warning, often while slowing for an intersection, backing out of a driveway, or coming down a hill. Inspection typically finds one or more hard brake lines corroded through, commonly above the rear axle or along the frame rail, with brake fluid visible underneath. Owners report replacing the lines individually at first and then all of them once the corrosion is found to be widespread, and some note the fuel tank or other components had to be moved to reach the lines. Most often reported between roughly 75,000 and 200,000 miles, frequently on vehicles driven in areas where road salt is used.

   What to check: Have the metal brake lines inspected along the frame rail and above the rear axle for corrosion or damp spots, and ask whether any lines have been replaced. A fluid leak or a spongy pedal is a reason to have the system checked before driving.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I applied the brakes and the pedal traveled all the way to the floor...I pumped them and was able to stop to avoid collision...I inspected the truck and saw brake fluid coming from under the vehicle above the fuel tank...I've seen numerous reports about this issue....the cheapest estimate was 600.00 dollars to fix...I will attempt to repair myself if it's not to difficult.”

   NHTSA complaint #10747165, filed 2015-08, 189,766 miles

   “Driving on paved road and slowed down to make turn. Brake pedal went all the way to floor and could not stop normally. Braking was very poor. There was no warning light and this was a sudden failure in braking performance. Cause was due to severely corroded brake line. I had 7 people in the car and I am grateful we were not on the highway at the time because this could have been deadly.”

   NHTSA complaint #10574199, filed 2014-03, 199,000 miles
2. 2
   Brakes

   ABS pump runs on, dash lamps, control module failure

   • 12 complaints (18%)
   • median 135,000 mi at 12.0 yrs old (11 state mileage)
   • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2006–2014

   Owners describe the ABS or brake warning light coming on intermittently or staying lit, and in some cases the ABS pump motor continuing to run after the vehicle is shut off until the battery drains. Complaints mention that the ABS can engage at very low speed during normal stopping. Several report the dealer diagnosed the electronic brake control module and quoted a four-figure repair, and some say a grounding repair did not resolve it. Reported from roughly 70,000 to 140,000 miles, with no clear seasonal pattern in the sample.

   What to check: With the engine off, listen for the ABS pump continuing to hum, and confirm the ABS and brake lamps go out after start-up. Ask whether the ABS module or pump has been replaced and whether any related recall work was done.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Upon stopping the suburban, the anti-lock braking system kicked in at a low speed resulting in a accident and rear ending the car in front of us. I'm worried for my families safety with this suburban. Updated 11/07/11”

   NHTSA complaint #10432879, filed 2011-10, 136,654 miles

   “When approaching an intersection the vehicle in front of me stopped quickly. I applied my brakes quickly to stop and the brake pedal almost reached the floor board. I could feel my foot jumping on the pedal as my truck was attempting to stop. A week after the incident my ABS light came on and has remained on and the dealership states this is an ongoing issue. I understand GM has much going on right now but they need to address and resolve all these issues before family's loose loved ones. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10598549, filed 2014-06, 140,000 miles

Buying note. Have the brake lines inspected before purchase, since corrosion-related line failure is the most common theme in these complaints, and confirm the ABS lamps behave correctly. Ask for fuel system service records and check power steering and seat hardware on the test drive.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.