1993 Chevrolet Suburban Problems
- Complaints
- 499filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 120,000miles, 17 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns 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 1993 Chevrolet Suburban (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
The great majority of owner complaints about this model year concern the brakes, most describing the anti-lock system releasing or cycling when it should not, the pedal dropping toward the floor, and longer than expected stopping distances — often on bumpy, wet or slick surfaces. Remaining reports cluster around windshield wipers that quit intermittently, aged seat belts, and tire tread separations, typically on vehicles well past 100,000 miles.
- Brakes
ABS releases or fails to stop as expected
- 332 complaints (67%)
- median 101,000 mi at 11.2 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 87 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2007
Owners describe the pedal dropping toward the floor or the ABS engaging and then releasing during a stop, so the vehicle keeps rolling instead of slowing. Complaints say it happens on bumpy or uneven pavement, when going downhill, or in wet and snowy conditions, and several describe it leading to a rear-end impact. Dealers often told owners the system was operating normally or could not reproduce the problem, and some owners resorted to pulling the ABS fuse. Reported across the model's life and at a wide range of mileages; the sample shows no clear mileage clustering, and complaints mention wet weather, snow, downhill grades and rough pavement as common conditions.
What to check: On a test drive, brake firmly on a bumpy or wet stretch of road and note whether the pedal stays firm or drops and whether the truck actually slows as expected. Ask whether the ABS has been serviced, and whether any warning light has come on.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The ABS system failed to stop the vehicle during a rapid stop. The ABS system cycled repeatedly during the rapid stop, but failed to quickly stop the vehicle. As a result, a minor accident occurred when I hit the vehicle in from of me.”
NHTSA complaint #730001, filed 2000-09“Anti-lock brakes free wheel when trying to stop going from pavement to slick or washboard road surface. The stopping distance is not reliable. I disconnected the antilock brake system because it wasn't reliable. The dealer could not document the problem because it was intermittent. This is a major defect and nearly caused several accidents before I pulled the ABS fuse. Chevrolet sent me a video on ABS when I reported the problem to them implying that I didn't know how ABS worked. …”
NHTSA complaint #712343, filed 1999-09 - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Windshield wipers quit intermittently
- 34 complaints (7%)
- median 120,000 mi at 10.5 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 1997–2004
Owners report the wipers stopping mid-sweep or failing to start, sometimes only in rain or snow and sometimes working again after a pause or a tap on the motor. Several complaints note that a recall or service campaign covered similar vehicles but that their model year or VIN was outside it, and that the dealer declined coverage. Mostly reported on vehicles over 100,000 miles, with failures noted in rain and snow when the wipers are most needed.
What to check: Turn the wipers on during a test drive and watch for hesitation or a full stop, and try the intermittent setting. Ask whether the wiper motor or wiring has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Intermittently, the windshield wipers became inoperable, obstructing the driver's view. The dealer stated there was no recall on this vehicle. A recall had been issued on similar makes and models, however this vehicle was not included due to the VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #10024715, filed 2003-07, 13,700 miles“The windshield wiper quits working when in use. This is an intermittent problem. There was a recall on the windshield wiper motor 03v159000, but the model year was outside of the remedy scope.”
NHTSA complaint #10048375, filed 2004-01, 118,000 miles - Tires
Tire tread separation and sidewall cracking
Mentioned in 6 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe tread peeling away from the carcass at highway speed, sometimes with a bulge or bubble found beforehand, and in one case a spare tire stored inside the vehicle rupturing. Owners describe the tires being replaced by the retailer after inspection, and several name aftermarket light-truck sizes rather than the original equipment. Reported on vehicles in the 70,000 to 170,000 mile range, with failures typically at highway speed.
What to check: Check the tire date codes on all four tires including the spare, look for bulges or cracking in the sidewalls and tread, and ask how old the tires are regardless of remaining tread.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Over the coures of several years I had 5 out of 8 of these tires slip their belts before firestone acknowledged a problem and replaced them with bridgestone equivalents. My wifes van still has them on and she suffered a catastrophic tire failure last year on the highway. (tiresize: 30x9.50r15)( DOT number: tire size: 30x9.50r15 )”
NHTSA complaint #738951, filed 2001-01“Consumer noticed three tires experienced failures. The two rear driver's side tires experienced tread separation, and the passenger's front tire developed cracks. The cause of the failurue was undetermined.”
NHTSA complaint #10046102, filed 2003-10, 70,000 miles
Buying note. The braking complaints are the dominant theme and worth taking seriously on a test drive in varied conditions, including wet or rough pavement. Also budget for aged safety items — belts, wiper motor and wiring, and tires — since these trucks are now decades old and many parts are no longer stocked.
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 499 consumer complaints for the 1993 Chevrolet Suburban. 17 of the complaints include a mileage, and 18% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 120,000 miles. Of all complaints, 91 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 35 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 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.
- Brakes383 77%
- Tires21 4.2%
- Seat belts18 3.6%
- Engine cooling17 3.4%
- Transmission and drivetrain11 2.2%
- Body and structure9 1.8%
- Vehicle speed control9 1.8%
- Seats8 1.6%
- Electrical system7 1.4%
Also reported: Other or unknown (7), Equipment (5), Steering (4), Exterior lighting (2), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Suspension (2), Fuel system (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “My Suburban has developed a peculiar problem that has left even the dealerships completely clueless!!! The engine heats up to about 180 f (still less than the mid point on the guage) after a couple of hours of driving -- this is quite normal. If we stop and turn the engine off, the vehicle will not start! We have to wait a couple of hours while the engine cools off to about 160 f, and it starts up just fine. We only noticed this since we were on a long cross country drive. The problem is entirely predictable, and we had to plan on two hour stops during our trip. …”
NHTSA complaint #10070707, filed 2004-01, 120,000 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “Windshield wippers stop working when im driving, and the dealer they said was a recall before but they said that I had to pay because I did not take the truck when they made the recall. But I buy the truck used and I don't know if the prior owner respond to any recall. And then I e mail Chevrolet and they said they don't have a recall for that truck.”
NHTSA complaint #740265, filed 2001-02Tires: “Traveling at highway speed, the right rear cooper 31x1050r15 tire tread separated, causing my Chevrolet Suburban to rollover 1 and 1/2 times. These tires were 21 months old, with approximately 45,000 miles on them. They were rotated every 3000 miles, the car was aligned every six months and I checked the pressure regularly. I had a tread separation with my previous cooper 30x950r15. The dealer said my load was excessive for the tire so I weighed my truck and he recommended the 1050r15s. …”
NHTSA complaint #10019132, filed 2003-05Seat belts: “The contact owns a 1993 Chevrolet Suburban. While an occupant was attempting to strap herself in the vehicle with the lap and shoulder belt, the buckle fell off in her hand. The manufacturer stated that they could not assist due to the fact that the vehicle was over ten years old. The dealer could make repairs at an estimated cost of $400. The failure and current mileages were 154,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10249839, filed 2008-11, 154,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
18% of the 17 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 82,000 and 154,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1993 Chevrolet Suburban. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suburban · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1993 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
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1993 Chevrolet Suburban in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA investigations
- DP00001Oem hitch receiver platform crackingOpen · Jan 31, 2000
- EA95026Poor brake performanceClosed · Sep 20, 1995
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1993 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 | 202 | 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 1993 Chevrolet Suburban?
The great majority of owner complaints about this model year concern the brakes, most describing the anti-lock system releasing or cycling when it should not, the pedal dropping toward the floor, and longer than expected stopping distances — often on bumpy, wet or slick surfaces. The issues reported most often: ABS releases or fails to stop as expected; Windshield wipers quit intermittently; Tire tread separation and sidewall cracking.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1993 Chevrolet Suburban have?
NHTSA recorded 499 consumer complaints for the 1993 Chevrolet Suburban as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1993 Chevrolet Suburban is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 383 complaints (77% of the total), followed by visibility with 43.
Has the 1993 Chevrolet Suburban been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1993 Chevrolet Suburban get?
The EPA rates the 1993 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 1993 Chevrolet Suburban reported?
Among the 17 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 120,000 miles and the middle half falls between 82,000 and 154,000 miles; 18% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. 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.