1992 Chevrolet Suburban Problems
- Complaints
- 189filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 30,000miles, 1 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 13 mpgcombined, 5.7L 8-cyl RWD · 11 city / 16 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1992 Chevrolet Suburban (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe problems with the antilock braking system: a pedal that sinks or goes to the floor, longer-than-expected stopping distances and, in some accounts, front-end collisions at low speed. Complaints are spread across the 1990s with no clear mileage pattern in the sample, and several owners report that dealers told them the behavior was normal for the model. A smaller but consistent group describes windshield wipers that run intermittently, stop mid-windshield or fail to park.
- Brakes
ABS pedal sinks and stopping distance feels long
- 111 complaints (59%)
- typically at 5.3 yrs old
- 33 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2003
Owners describe pressing the brake pedal and having it travel toward the floor, with the vehicle continuing to roll further than expected, especially in a panic stop or on wet, icy or gravel surfaces. Some say the ABS light comes on before or after the event, or that the ABS unit makes a popping or squealing noise when it engages. Several owners report the problem is intermittent, and a number say the dealer or a brake shop told them the ABS behavior, or the noise, was normal for this model. Others describe repeated repairs, including replacement of the ABS control unit or master cylinder, with the symptom returning. Filing dates in the sample cluster in the mid-to-late 1990s; complaints describe the symptom on wet or icy pavement, in panic stops, while towing a trailer, and at ordinary speeds.
Recall 93V119000Recall 92V056000
What to check: Drive the vehicle and make several firm stops from moderate speed on a clear surface; note whether the pedal stays firm and whether the ABS light stays on afterward. Ask whether the ABS control unit or brake pedal pivot hardware was ever serviced, and have any used vehicle inspected on a lift.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Abs does not stop my Suburban when system activated. The vehicle takes a lot longer to stop. I have talked to the dealer and several brake shops and they claim this phenomenon is normal. This problem has caused 4 near misses and one accident. I just want to know how to get it corrected before we get in a serious accident.”
NHTSA complaint #708986, filed 1999-07“Emergency stops on dry pavement at 30 MPH caused ABS to engage and caused 2 accidents. In both incidents, the vehicle seemed to roll into the car in front. After driving 30 years, I have a sense of how long it should take to stop as well as being very aware of how long it takes to stop this heavier vehicle and have attempted to compensate by allowing a great deal of stopping space in front of me. I do not follow as close as most semis. …”
NHTSA complaint #717262, filed 2000-01 - Brakes
Brakes grab, lock or pull to one side
- 58 complaints (31%)
- typically at 5.4 yrs old
- 12 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2000
Some owners describe the opposite of a soft pedal: brakes that grab suddenly, lock up, or pull the vehicle left or right during braking. A few mention rear brakes locking, rapid front brake wear with replacement every few months, or a grinding noise that accompanies longer stopping distances. Mechanics quoted in the complaints attribute some of these cases to the ABS not functioning correctly. Reported at low speeds such as pulling out of a driveway, and also at normal driving speeds; several complaints come from 1997-2000 filings.
What to check: On a safe empty stretch, brake gently and then firmly and watch for pulling, grabbing or a wheel that locks early. Ask about rotor condition and whether any brake work was done recently, since a stamped-steel and cast rotor design was the subject of a corrosion-related recall.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“About two years ago driving through a puddle of water my check ABS system light suddenly came on. When my brakes were serviced, not by a dealer, I was told that my brakes were working but that the antilock brakes were not. We were told that it would cost over a thousand dollars to fix the computer chip in the brake system. Since we did not have the money for that and we were told that our brakes were working properly (not the antilock), we have never taken it in to be replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #710242, filed 1999-08“While driving vehicle, applied ABS brakes; vehicle failed to stop like it suppose to. Brake pedal went to the floor. Problem only intermittent. On one occasion vehicle hit city bus in rear. Subsequently, while driving on gravel detour road, brakes grabbed, causing vehicle to fishtail. Repairman indicated valve failed on ABS control.”
NHTSA complaint #819666, filed 1998-01 - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Windshield wipers run intermittently or won't park
- 13 complaints (7%)
- typically at 7.8 yrs old
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1997–2005
Owners report wipers that quit without warning in rain, come on by themselves, keep running after the switch is turned off, or stop in the middle of the windshield. In several cases the fix offered was a new wiper motor or mechanism, and one owner was told an overheated circuit board was responsible. A few complaints note the dealer found no applicable recall and that warranty did not cover the repair. Described during rainstorms and in everyday use; filings span 1996 through 2005 in the sample.
What to check: Test every wiper setting, including intermittent and off, and confirm the blades return to their resting position and stop when switched off. Ask whether the wiper motor, pulse board or circuit board has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“This is not the first Chevrolet vehicle that I have had that has had wiper problems I have had 2 others that have had the same exact problem and have had several friends that have also. The wipers decide by themselves when their going to work in the rain. Sometimes they do and sometimes they dont. They have just quit on me in the middle of a rain storm in traffic and almost caused a wreck several times.”
NHTSA complaint #709431, filed 1999-07“When driving in rainy weather the windshield wipers would come on and off intermittently. The driver was able to drive to the dealer. The mechanic informed the driver that the windshield wiper needed replacement. Please provide additional information.”
NHTSA complaint #10111745, filed 2005-02
Buying note. Braking behavior is the main theme in owner complaints for this model year, so plan on a test drive with several deliberate stops and a professional inspection of the ABS and brake hardware before buying. Wiper operation and cooling-system leaks are worth checking on the same visit, and any tires should be judged on their own age and condition.
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.
NHTSA recorded 189 consumer complaints for the 1992 Chevrolet Suburban. 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 30,000 miles. Of all complaints, 38 involved a crash, 7 a fire, 18 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.
- Brakes146 77%
- Electrical system9 4.8%
- Engine cooling7 3.7%
- Seat belts5 2.6%
- Tires5 2.6%
- Other or unknown4 2.1%
- Equipment2 1.1%
- Body and structure2 1.1%
Also reported: Suspension (2), Air bags (1), Exterior lighting (1), Seats (1), Steering (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “The first brake failure occurred on march 30, 1999 at the intersection of al 150 and I-459 in hoover al. I tried to stop at the light but the Suburban just would not stop. The anti lock mechanism did not activate and there was no sliding or skidding. I ran into the back of the car in front of me at about 5 MPH. There was rain present, but it was light rain ith no water standing on the road. The second occasion was in houston tx on may 28, 1999. My daughter was driving the Suburban on the sam houston toll road when she went to change lanes. …”
NHTSA complaint #709319, filed 1999-07Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “When I bought the truck used (85000 mls)it had a bad front end idler link and a bad A/C clutch bearing. Not long after I bought it I had to replace the alternator. I also noticed that the brakes didn't stop the vehicle like they should and I was scared to let my wife drive it because of the spongy brakes. I took it in several times to different shops and also the dealer to have them look at the brakes and was always told that the brakes on this model were just that way. I put new rotors and pads on the front and new rear drums and shoes and repeatedly bled the system with slight improvement. …”
NHTSA complaint #749530, filed 2001-08Electrical system: “The brakes have always been mushy. I understsand that ABS will respond differently to emergency brakeing than normal brakes but this thing is a real adventure to drive when you've got to make panic stops.it seems to resist your foot the harder you push the less braking you feel.the front left wheel bearing module went out which caused the disk brake to grab and both front tires to wear very badly. The electric wiper control went out becauset the control box is in the engine compartment and got wet. Dah! …”
NHTSA complaint #712669, filed 1999-10Mileage when problems were reported
100% of the 1 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 30,000 and 30,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1992 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 1500 2WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 11 | 16 | 13 | $5,150 |
| Suburban 1500 4WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 11 | 15 | 12 | $5,600 |
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
- 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.
- 92V056000Apr 14, 1992Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkagesCovers: Chevrolet Suburban 1992, GMC Suburban 1992, Yukon 1992 +5 more
The pivot bolt holding the brake pedal to its support bracket may be improperly tightened and may not have engaged the locking material on the bolt. The bolt can disengage from the nut.
Recall details for the 1992 Chevrolet Suburban → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA95026Poor brake performanceClosed · Sep 20, 1995
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1992 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 | 131 | 47,000 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 89 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 124 | 58,166 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 73 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 204 | 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 1992 Chevrolet Suburban?
Owners of this model year most often describe problems with the antilock braking system: a pedal that sinks or goes to the floor, longer-than-expected stopping distances and, in some accounts, front-end collisions at low speed. The issues reported most often: ABS pedal sinks and stopping distance feels long; Brakes grab, lock or pull to one side; Windshield wipers run intermittently or won't park.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1992 Chevrolet Suburban have?
NHTSA recorded 189 consumer complaints for the 1992 Chevrolet Suburban as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1992 Chevrolet Suburban is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 146 complaints (77% of the total), followed by visibility with 17.
Has the 1992 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 1992 Chevrolet Suburban get?
The EPA rates the 1992 Chevrolet Suburban (Suburban 1500 2WD, 5.7L 8-cyl) at 13 mpg combined, 11 city and 16 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $5,150 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1992 Chevrolet Suburban reported?
Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 30,000 miles and the middle half falls between 30,000 and 30,000 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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.