1997 Chevrolet Suburban Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 5%of 414 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 138,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban, 5% of the 414 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 138,000 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 1997 Chevrolet Suburban and it blew the coupling on the heater hose while driving this past saturday. The vehicle had to be towed and the repair was 93.00. I have spoken to several people with the same motor that all had the same problem. The Chevrolet dealer said that there probably should be a recall since this happens so frequently. The local shop that made the repair has so many to come in with this problem that they now stock the part.”
NHTSA complaint #10120527, filed 2005-05, 142,000 miles“The car was parked in the driveway. In the middle of the night it burst into flames. Our dogs woke us up. The fire started in the front passenger compartment. By the time the fire department arrived 7 minutes later there was nothing left to the interior of the car. The engine and underside of the car were undamaged by the fire. A tree near the car also caught fire. Chevrolet said there were no recalls on our car. They do not seem interested in examining the car since we settled with our insurance company. Neither the fire department nor the police suspect arson. …”
NHTSA complaint #10236456, filed 2008-07, 164,000 miles“While driving at any speed, the vehicle intermittently stalled. This caused lost of steering and brakes. This happened five times in a half an hour. The consumer noted he was not towing anything at the time which could've caused a serious accident if there was a lost of steering and brakes. Vehicle was repaired at a local shop when this occurred at 60,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10044410, filed 2003-11, 120,000 miles“Dt: this morning hit the brakes coming down the hill and engine shut down, could not control steering and brakes didn't work either. The electric and power failure, couldn't do anything with the vehicle. It hasn't be checked by dealer yet.”
NHTSA complaint #10125452, filed 2005-06, 138,000 miles“Sudden unexpected acceleration. At random, a 500 to 1500 RPM increase in engine spead for up to several seconds accompanied by thick black smoke and the smell of raw diesel fuel. Has occurred in drive, neutral, reverse, and park. Has occurred with cruise control turned off. Has occurred with the cruise control fuse removed. Has occurred in park with no operator in vehicle. The truck will accelerate quickly (dangerously) when in drive or reverse.”
NHTSA complaint #10069434, filed 2004-01, 160,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10139019May 3, 2013This preliminary informational bulletin provides information on High Oil Pressure on Startup After Engine Replacement Concern.
- 10014959Mar 1, 2005Replacement of connector when replacing fuel tank module/fuel pump module.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 | 13% |
| 2023 | 9 | 7% |
| 2022 | 5 | 4% |
| 2021 | 11 | 5% |
| 2020 | 1 | 2% |
| 2019 | 2 | 3% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 6 | 2% |
| 2006 | 1 | 4% |
| 2005 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 12 | 6% |
| 2003 | 10 | 3% |
| 2002 | 16 | 6% |
| 2001 | 30 | 7% |
| 2000 | 12 | 4% |
| 1999 | 33 | 5% |
| 1998 | 17 | 8% |
| 1997 | 20 | 5% |
| 1996 | 36 | 10% |
| 1995 | 11 | 2% |
| 1994 | 23 | 3% |
| 1993 | 17 | 3% |
| 1992 | 7 | 4% |
| 1991 | 4 | 8% |
| 1990 | 2 | 4% |
| 1989 | 4 | 6% |
| 1988 | 2 | 7% |
| 1987 | 2 | 11% |
| 1985 | 2 | 22% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
105 complaintsBrakes
96 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
47 complaintsFuel system
46 complaintsElectrical system
42 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
37 complaintsTires
27 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsEquipment
8 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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