1997 Chevrolet Suburban Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 47about this part
- Share
- 11%of 414 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 81,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 47 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban, 11% of the 414 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I bought a used 1997 Chevrolet Suburban. It was in excellent-looking shape and low miles. I have had it now for 3 years. I have repeatedly had to have it worked on. I have replaced the alternator, battery, battery cables, and starter; and have had the transmission rebuilt twice. I also had to have the heater core replaced and the radiator worked on. I do not drive that much, and I have my vehicle serviced regularly. It's always needing work. I've had it for sale for a while, but can't sell it for even a small sum.”
NHTSA complaint #10080604, filed 2004-07, 88,000 miles“Tranmission failed after buying used at 75000 miles. I called GM and check for recall info. They advised me that the original owner brought it back after buying new and had the trans redone. Every 15000 miles the transmission broke again. Then it broke a third time. Fortunatley I had the extended warrenty and didnt have to pay the 2nd and third times. Thought it was the transmission place but after readind other complaints I see its the vehicle. When is GM going to fix this problem when someone dies> when you lose the gear there is a dramatic decline in speed and its hard to steer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10088376, filed 2004-08, 85,000 miles“The torque converter clutch relay in the transmission overheated, causing excessive pressure, which caused the transmission fluid to push the dip stick up out of the dipstick tube. Then the transmission fluid escaped. Traveling down the undercarriage of the vehicle, the transmission fluid hit the exhaust manifold and ignited into a flame that burned along the undercarriage of the vehicle (including the steel plate under the gas tank) and extended two feet beyond the rear of the vehicle. We were forced to evacuate ourselves and our four children from the vehicle along side the highway. …”
NHTSA complaint #10052620, filed 2004-01, 77,400 miles“"check engine soon" light comes on after short highway drive (about 30 minutes). Then transmissions shifts hard from 1st to second gear, associated with a hard clunk when finally it shifts. Dealer has replaced a "spring" with a heavier duty one, but fix is temporary. Code 1870 shows up as diagnosis at dealer. L60e transmissions are the culprit.”
NHTSA complaint #10070386, filed 2004-01, 83,000 miles“Transmission shifts hard - need to be replaced for the third time. P1870 error code. This is a common problem according to this site andmany other internet sites. Gm technicians are all familiar and the only fix is to replace the transmission. Gm should be accountable for this - it appears to be a product defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10029172, filed 2003-07, 110,000 milesRelated 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 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
105 complaintsBrakes
96 complaintsFuel system
46 complaintsElectrical system
42 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
37 complaintsTires
27 complaintsEngine cooling
20 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 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