1996 Chevrolet Suburban Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 40about this part
- Share
- 11%of 360 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 46,622miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 40 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Chevrolet Suburban, 11% of the 360 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 46,622 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Latent defects and the gmc Suburban. The consumer has experienced several problems with vehicle. The front output shaft seals had to be replaced, the intake manifold gasket had to be replaced, and the AC heater knob had to be replaced. When the dealer was notified they fail to fix problems and he consumer had to pay at there own expense. Please respond promptly in helping to resolve matter.”
NHTSA complaint #10042136, filed 2003-10, 35,963 miles“Automatic transmission went out while driving on freeway without any warning. Nable to drive vehicle, had to coast to off-ramp. Transmission had to totally replace. Pre-ature wear, metal filling were found and missing part in transmission according to technician.”
NHTSA complaint #10114481, filed 2005-03, 57,280 miles“1996 Chevrolet Suburban transmission failed numerous times. There was no third gear and transmission slipping. The consumer requested to be reimbursed. The driveshaft was repaired and 2 joints were replaced in the front shaft.”
NHTSA complaint #10126876, filed 2005-06, 29,452 miles“We have had numerous problems with this vehicle which are too numerous to list here on your questionnaire. Chevrolet customer service has not been of any service or help to us. We have obtained an attorney and we were advised to contact your service and try to obtain information. If you can be of any help, please contact me. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #706747, filed 1999-05“The owner's manual states that you don't even need to change the transmission fluid until 50,000. (and then, only if you pull loads or drive in the mountains.) why should we have to replace the transmission at 50,000. The dealer LED us to believe that the transmission and heavy engine were covered to 100,000. Boy, were we gullible.”
NHTSA complaint #700025, filed 1998-10Related service bulletins
- 10013496Apr 20, 20054l80e output carrier thrust washer changes.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7 | 16% |
| 2023 | 19 | 14% |
| 2022 | 32 | 26% |
| 2021 | 39 | 19% |
| 2020 | 10 | 23% |
| 2019 | 38 | 49% |
| 2018 | 19 | 23% |
| 2017 | 39 | 27% |
| 2016 | 45 | 20% |
| 2015 | 48 | 11% |
| 2014 | 5 | 8% |
| 2013 | 6 | 5% |
| 2012 | 5 | 5% |
| 2011 | 3 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 7 | 3% |
| 2007 | 9 | 3% |
| 2006 | 2 | 9% |
| 2005 | 15 | 12% |
| 2004 | 14 | 7% |
| 2003 | 21 | 7% |
| 2002 | 23 | 8% |
| 2001 | 33 | 8% |
| 2000 | 12 | 4% |
| 1999 | 47 | 7% |
| 1998 | 19 | 9% |
| 1997 | 47 | 11% |
| 1996 | 40 | 11% |
| 1995 | 25 | 5% |
| 1994 | 14 | 2% |
| 1993 | 11 | 2% |
| 1992 | 6 | 3% |
| 1991 | 9 | 17% |
| 1990 | 7 | 13% |
| 1989 | 5 | 8% |
| 1988 | 3 | 10% |
| 1987 | 1 | 6% |
| 1985 | 2 | 22% |
Other parts of the 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
137 complaintsElectrical system
47 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
42 complaintsTires
39 complaintsEngine cooling
36 complaintsFuel system
23 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsSteering
15 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 Nov 1, 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