1996 Chevrolet Suburban Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 4%of 360 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,200miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Chevrolet Suburban, 4% of the 360 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,200 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving, the steering failed. This caused the consumer to lose control of the vehicle. The consumer regained control of the vehicle and pulled over and turned the vehicle off. The consumer was able to restart vehicle, but the steering would not turn. The consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic determined that the steering pump needed to be replaced. The steering was extremely stiff. The power steering pump was found inoperative.”
NHTSA complaint #10084038, filed 2004-08, 49,049 miles“When making right turns it was difficult to steer and the steering wheel became stiff. The dealer replaced the steering pump, but problem still occurred.”
NHTSA complaint #10054059, filed 2004-01, 89,200 miles“Chevrolet, Suburban 1996, ls 1500, 4 x 4 I have only owned this car 2yrs, I had to put on 5 sets of brakes, 2 sets of rotors, drums, steer knuckles, alternator, windshield wiper motor, battery, differential/axles replaced and air condition unit has fowl smell and the back passager door sticks and won't open most of the time. I bought it as a lease return with 34,900 miles on it. Please help me find out why this car is still being sold. I only drive this Suburban in emergency.”
NHTSA complaint #733543, filed 2000-10“The contact owns a 1996 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH while towing a trailer, the trailer brakes malfunctioned causing the wheels to lock and blowing the trailer front passenger side tire. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the steering column harness was underside causing one of the wires to burn out. As a result, the wiring had to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 140,000 and the current mileage was 250,000. Updated 08/11/2014”
NHTSA complaint #10606400, filed 2014-06, 140,000 miles“Consumer has replaced brakes 5 times; 2 sets of rotors & replaced drums 1 time. Dealer said that vehicle was heavy, and it was going to go through brakes. They have tried to put different pads on, but nothing worked. Pinion seal was leaking and the vehicle makes noise while turning. Wipers malfunction due to wiper module failure. There is a whine in the front part of the engine due to alternator failure.”
NHTSA complaint #872388, filed 2000-10Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 | 3 | 2% |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 3 | 1% |
| 2020 | 4 | 9% |
| 2019 | 6 | 8% |
| 2018 | 8 | 10% |
| 2017 | 6 | 4% |
| 2016 | 23 | 10% |
| 2015 | 60 | 14% |
| 2014 | 1 | 2% |
| 2013 | 2 | 2% |
| 2012 | 3 | 3% |
| 2011 | 2 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 2% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 3 | 13% |
| 2005 | 5 | 4% |
| 2004 | 14 | 7% |
| 2003 | 20 | 7% |
| 2002 | 22 | 8% |
| 2001 | 29 | 7% |
| 2000 | 20 | 7% |
| 1999 | 52 | 8% |
| 1998 | 21 | 10% |
| 1997 | 105 | 25% |
| 1996 | 15 | 4% |
| 1995 | 13 | 3% |
| 1994 | 5 | 1% |
| 1993 | 4 | 1% |
| 1992 | 1 | 1% |
| 1991 | 2 | 4% |
| 1989 | 3 | 5% |
| 1988 | 1 | 3% |
| 1986 | 1 | 14% |
| 1985 | 1 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
137 complaintsElectrical system
47 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
42 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
40 complaintsTires
39 complaintsEngine cooling
36 complaintsFuel system
23 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsEquipment
9 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsSeat belts
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
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