1991 Chevrolet Suburban Problems
- Complaints
- 52filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 106,744miles, 5 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 12 mpgcombined, 5.7L 8-cyl 4WD/AWD · 11 city / 15 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1991 Chevrolet Suburban (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 1991 Chevrolet Suburban most often describe brake performance problems, seatback and seat bolt failures, and tire failures. Most sampled complaints do not list mileage, so the sample offers little guidance on how symptoms change with age. Tire complaints include sudden blowouts and tread separation, and one describes a valve stem that cracked and flattened a tire.
- Brakes
Brake performance: lockup, pulling, longer stops
- 11 complaints (21%)
- typically at 5.5 yrs old
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2003
Owners describe brakes that fade, pull to one side, vibrate or pulsate, or lock up, with longer stopping distances. One owner says brake lockup led to two accidents, and another describes a pedal that sank to the floor. In one complaint a rotor separated, and the owner says the recall-type replacement part was fitted without ending the problem. None of the brake complaints in the sample list mileage, and one describes vibration when braking at speeds of 45 mph and above.
What to check: Ask whether the rotor recall 93V119000 work was done, and check the rotors for corrosion or separation at the joint between sections. A test drive can check for pulling, pedal feel and vibration during braking.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Transmission would slip out of gear into another gear while driving. Can take out of park & into reverse, vehicle would go forward instead. Brakes would make rattling sounds when applied. Would have extended stopping distance. Taking vehicle to dealer to check.”
NHTSA complaint #846059, filed 1999-08“Ongoing problem with the following: 1. Cracks developing on both sides of vehicle roof, can be a potential danger in a roll over accident; 2. Brakes cause erratic operation whenever brakes are applied, and causes vehicle to wander aross the road, which could lead to a potential accident; and 3. Seatback would continue to move backwards every time vehicle rolls over any type of bumps. Also could lead to a vehicle being out of control and a potential accident.”
NHTSA complaint #846061, filed 1999-08 - Seats
Seatback and seat bolt failures (recall 96V226000)
- 19 complaints (37%)
- median 78,872 mi at 16.0 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2010
Owners describe seatbacks that collapse or move backward, and seat bolts or a removable rear seat weld that break or separate. Some complaints say bolts were replaced under recall 96V226000, and one says the replaced bolts broke again. Two complaints describe recall parts that were unavailable at the dealer, and in another case the owner replaced the bolts instead. None of the seat complaints in the sample list mileage, and the failures are described while driving, such as while approaching a stop sign.
What to check: Ask for proof that recall 96V226000 work was completed on the seats, and check that the seatback and seat-mount bolts are tight and undamaged. Look for cracked or separated welds on any removable rear seat.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Recall # 96v226000 GM/bucket seats; bolts were replaced on driver's and passenger's side seats under recall about one year. The bolts on the passenger side seat have broken again.”
NHTSA complaint #832016, filed 1998-12“While approaching a stop sign, driver's seatback collapsed. Dealer notified. Problem fixed by owner--bolts in the seat were replaced. Under recall # 96v226000 GM/ bucket seats.”
NHTSA complaint #844302, filed 1999-09 - Tires
Tire tread separation, blowouts and valve stem cracks
- 8 complaints (15%)
- median 106,744 mi at 17.8 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2000–2020
Owners describe tread separation, blowouts, and a tire that suddenly went flat, some at highway speed. One complaint describes a valve stem that cracked and flattened a tire, and the dealer said it had not heard of that failure. Another owner reports a sidewall bulge on one tire, followed by tread separation on a different tire the next day. One owner says the tire service center attributed repeated blowouts to the aluminum wheel rims. Only two tire complaints list mileage, at roughly 51,000 and roughly 160,000 miles, so no clear mileage pattern shows.
What to check: Check the tire date codes, look for sidewall bulges or separated tread, and inspect the valve stems for cracks. Ask the seller which tires are fitted and when they were installed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a set of hankook optimo 727 tires on my family Suburban, and one of them blew out suddenly, and unexpectedly. The tire that blew out only had 14,596 miles on it. The size is p235-75-15. All four of these tires were installed in february 2016, and the vehicle was always kept in my garage. The tire that blew out showed no signs of sun ozone depletion, and again, it never sat outside in the sun. Additionally, the tire that blew out had alot of tread depth left. …”
NHTSA complaint #11350271, filed 2020-08, 159,929 miles“Dear NHTSA, I had many tire failures with my firestone atx ii tires. I purchased them when my car had 57,358 miles on 03/19/94. I drove approximately 20,000 miles per year. All the previous tire failures were blowouts I had while driving with my family on the highway. Each time I went to the firestone service center for prorated tire repairs. They kept trying to blame my blowouts on my aluminum wheel rims although I never had any problems with my previous uniroyal tires. …”
NHTSA complaint #729227, filed 2000-08
Buying note. Buyers considering a 1991 Suburban may want service records showing brake, seat and tire work, and confirmation of whether seat recall 96V226000 and rotor recall 93V119000 were completed. A pre-purchase inspection that checks the seatback bolts, rotor condition, tire age and valve stems covers the issues described above.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 30 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.
NHTSA recorded 52 consumer complaints for the 1991 Chevrolet Suburban. 5 of the complaints include a mileage, and 20% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 106,744 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 6 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes12 23%
- Seats12 23%
- Tires7 13%
- Engine cooling4 7.7%
- Seat belts4 7.7%
- Electrical system2 3.9%
- Other or unknown2 3.9%
- Steering2 3.9%
- Wheels2 3.9%
Also reported: Fuel system (1), Body and structure (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Owner involved in two accidents due to brakes locking up/failing to stop the truck. Truck is equipped w/ABS brakes. Also replaced front brake calipers/pads/rotors and master cylinder.”
NHTSA complaint #819391, filed 1998-01Tires: “The contact owns a 1991 Chevrolet Suburban. While driving 60 MPH, the contact experienced valve stem failure, which caused it to crack. The tire flattened and was ruined as a result. The dealer stated that they never heard of the valve stem failure. Through online research, the contact experienced various recalls pertaining to valve stem failures and cracks. The current and failure mileages were approximately 51,000. The tire failure mileage was approximately 12,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10233685, filed 2008-07, 51,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
20% of the 5 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 51,000 and 137,186 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1991 Chevrolet Suburban version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suburban V1500 4WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 11 | 15 | 12 | $5,600 |
| Suburban V1500 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl · diesel | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 20 | 16 | $6,000 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 96V226000Nov 4, 1996SeatsCovers: Chevrolet Suburban 1991, GMC Suburban 1991
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.
- 93V119000Aug 2, 1993Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › RotorCovers: Chevrolet Suburban 1988–1992, Blazer 1988–1992, GMC Safari 1988–1992 +6 more
Severe corrosion due to road salt at the joint of the stamped steel center section and the cast outer section can cause the sections to separate.
- 93V016000Feb 1, 1993Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: Chevrolet Suburban 1988–1992, C10 1988–1993, C20 1988–1993 +11 more
Unanticipated heat in the transmission can force the transmission fluid out of the vent tube.
Recall details for the 1991 Chevrolet Suburban → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1991 Chevrolet Suburban.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Suburban
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 45 | 16,600 | 1 | 4 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 132 | 47,000 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 89 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 124 | 58,166 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 73 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 205 | 69,224 | 12 | 4 | 17 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 44 | 30,000 | 4 | 4 | 18 | 52 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 78 | 67,000 | 3 | 4 | 18 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 84 | 42,000 | 4 | 4 | 19 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 142 | 53,333 | 5 | 4 | 19 | 85 · More | Stable |
| 2016 | 220 | 59,963 | 6 | 4 | 19 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 431 | 62,000 | 11 | 4 | 18 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 59 | 55,000 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 23 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 118 | 60,000 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 40 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 101 | 66,300 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 41 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 148 | 70,000 | 3 | — | — | 31 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 117 | 90,000 | 3 | — | — | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 106 | 85,000 | 5 | — | — | 30 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 213 | 85,000 | 4 | — | — | 32 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 292 | 85,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 23 | 90,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2005 | 129 | 83,000 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 204 | 63,200 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 301 | 76,731 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 286 | 64,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 440 | 60,650 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2000 | 282 | 70,975 | 8 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 634 | 85,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 201 | 76,500 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 414 | 100,858 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 360 | 93,100 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 457 | 113,450 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 858 | 122,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 499 | 120,000 | 0 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 189 | 30,000 | 3 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 52 | 106,744 | 3 | — | 12 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1990 | 54 | — | 3 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 62 | 127,500 | 3 | — | 12 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 30 | 112,500 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 18 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 7 | 200,000 | 0 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 9 | — | 0 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
| 1984 | 6 | — | 0 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Suburban model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Chevrolet Suburban?
Owners of the 1991 Chevrolet Suburban most often describe brake performance problems, seatback and seat bolt failures, and tire failures. The issues reported most often: Brake performance: lockup, pulling, longer stops; Seatback and seat bolt failures (recall 96V226000); Tire tread separation, blowouts and valve stem cracks.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1991 Chevrolet Suburban have?
NHTSA recorded 52 consumer complaints for the 1991 Chevrolet Suburban as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1991 Chevrolet Suburban is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 12 complaints (23% of the total), followed by seats with 12.
Has the 1991 Chevrolet Suburban been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1991 Chevrolet Suburban get?
The EPA rates the 1991 Chevrolet Suburban (Suburban V1500 4WD, 5.7L 8-cyl) at 12 mpg combined, 11 city and 15 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $5,600 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1991 Chevrolet Suburban reported?
Among the 5 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 106,744 miles and the middle half falls between 51,000 and 137,186 miles; 20% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.