1995 GMC Suburban Problems
- Complaints
- 227filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 125,000miles, 9 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 6campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 13 mpgcombined, 5.7L 8-cyl RWD · 12 city / 16 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1995 GMC Suburban (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints on this model year cluster heavily around braking, with owners describing pedal travel to the floor, long stopping distances, vibration and pull to one side, often recurring after pad and rotor work. A second large group concerns the driver's seat frame breaking at its mounting points, and a third covers tire belt or tread separation during highway driving. Engine stalling, transmission fluid leaks and wiper failures appear in smaller numbers.
- Brakes
Brake pedal sinks, long stopping distance, pulling
- 93 complaints (41%)
- median 121,000 mi at 7.4 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 13 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2003
Owners describe the brake pedal going to the floor or feeling slow to respond, with the vehicle continuing forward and needing extra distance to stop. Some report the vehicle pulling left or right under braking, front-end shudder, or the rear wheels locking and the truck skidding. Several had pads, rotors, calipers or master cylinders replaced repeatedly, and some say the dealer could not duplicate or correct the problem. Reported across a wide mileage range, including within the first few years of use.
What to check: Drive the truck and brake firmly from highway speed on a clear road; note any pedal sink, pull, pulsing or vibration. Ask for brake service records, including how often rotors and calipers have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Ea95026; poor brake performance; on normal road conditions, when applying the brakes the pedal, feels like it is stopping, but goes to the floor. A friction reline was done about (3) months ago, and problem still exists with the brakes. About (2) weeks ago, the brakes were rebuilt. No problem with brakes exists at this time.”
NHTSA complaint #817315, filed 1998-01“Consumer can drive at any speed ,puts brake to floor, does not stop right away,pumps brakes,changes brake pads every 9000 miles , in between changes brake fluid, dealership cannot find any kind of leak,changed 3 master cynlinders since it was new,defect can cause a serious accident due to this defect.”
NHTSA complaint #817358, filed 1997-10 - Tires
Tire belt or tread separation
- 19 complaints (8%)
- median 101,500 mi at 8.6 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1999–2021
Owners describe vibration, bulges in the tread or sidewall, and sudden blowouts at highway speed, in several cases soon after the tires were installed or within a few hundred miles. Reports include tread separation on original-equipment tires and on replacements, sometimes following a pothole impact. In most cases the tire was replaced, occasionally with related wheel or body damage. Reported at highway speeds, often on hot days; several cases on tires with very low mileage.
What to check: Inspect all tires for bulges, sidewall cracking and uneven wear, and check the date codes; ask how old the tires are and whether any have been replaced under warranty.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Tire: 265/70R16. New tire, bought less than 20 days earlier. Hit minor pothole on LA Hwy 1019, northbound on July 8, 2021. Immediately noticed a vibration originating from rt front area of Suburban. Speed limit on highway was 45 mph; I was driving at the required limit. Took vehicle to my tire man July 9, 2021. He explained that damage to tire was slipped belt, not the result of a thrown wheel weight. I had to replace a new tire with less than 100 miles on the tire. $190.”
NHTSA complaint #11430239, filed 2021-08“Tread separation of (2) firestone brand tires, size 235/75r15, causing damage to vehicle, and creating a dangerous situation as I maneuvered the vehicle to the shoulder, twice, to perform repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #10018316, filed 2003-05, 101,500 miles - Seats
Driver's seat frame breaks at the mount
- 47 complaints (21%)
- median 117,000 mi at 9.8 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2005
Owners report the metal frame of the driver's seat cracking or tearing near where it attaches to the track or floor bracket, letting the seat tip backward or drop down and forward while driving. Several describe the failure happening at low speed in normal use and affecting control of the vehicle. Complaints mention dealer or manufacturer responses ranging from acknowledgement of similar cases to refusal of a free repair. Mostly reported between roughly 100,000 and 125,000 miles, though some describe it earlier in the vehicle's life.
What to check: Push and rock the driver's seat firmly while watching the frame and track mounts for cracks, welds lifting or flex; check both front corners of the seat pan.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“48202 seat frame driver side bucket made of thin metal. The metal failed which caused the driver seat to fall backwards while braking. Research reveals this has been a long term problem. Researching your reports reveals 94-11 reports for Suburban, 7 under yukon, 95 - 35 reports under Suburban, 20 under yukon, and other reports under 96 and 93.”
NHTSA complaint #10041247, filed 2003-10, 117,000 miles“The left front corned of the drivers seat frame broke off. This makes the extremely unstable and causes dangerous driving conditions. I would speculate that even if the track was not broken completely off, that if the vehicle were hit from behind the drivers seat could be thrown backwards or sideways if the weaken frame would break the rest of the way upon impact. …”
NHTSA complaint #10006378, filed 2000-09, 125,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission fluid leaks and cracked case
Mentioned in 5 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe transmission fluid leaking from underneath the vehicle, in some cases traced to a crack in the transmission case or a rusted cooling line, and one instance where fluid reached the hot exhaust. Complaints mention repeat transmission replacements and dealers unable to repair the leak. A related complaint notes the shift indicator light going out with the transmission stuck in second gear. Reported mostly over 100,000 miles, with one case at about 146,000 miles.
Recall 95V139000Recall 95V026000
What to check: Look under the truck and at the transmission pan and cooler lines for fluid residue after a drive, and ask whether the transmission or its case has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Tranmission replaced by pitre, under warranty. Second transmission failed this summer. Reason? Cracked housing. Nothing wrong with mechanical. I contacted GM and they would do nothing. I had to replace the transmission once again. The vehicle has not been in a collision. I feel the housing is faulity. Now the A/C unit failed. I will never buy another Gmc product.”
NHTSA complaint #714919, filed 1999-11“While driving consumer noticed that fluid was leaking from underneath the vehicle. Suddenly vehicle stalled. Consumer was unable to restart the vehicle, and it was towed to the dealer for inspection. The consumer has replace three transmissions in this vehicle. This last failure caused transmission fluid to leak onto the hot exhaust pipe nearly causing a fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10087616, filed 2005-09, 146,329 miles - Electrical system
Engine shuts off while driving
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report the engine quitting without warning while driving, sometimes at highway speed and sometimes repeatedly after restart. Complaints describe work on the computer module, fuel pump and ignition system, with the stall returning after repairs, and dealers replacing parts without identifying a cause. Reported from the mid-1990s onward, generally on vehicles beyond their early years of use.
What to check: Ask whether the ignition module, fuel pump or computer has been replaced, and take a longer test drive including highway speed to see whether the engine cuts out.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving the vehicle the engine shuts down for no reason. The computer module and the fuel pump were replaced in 4/97 because of problem . The compelte computer system was replaced last week. The problem is still exists.”
NHTSA complaint #814119, filed 1997-07“Engine: driving down highway and engine will shut off without any warning. Had vehicle in for repairs several times, and they continued to replace parts, but they do not know what the problem is.”
NHTSA complaint #820152, filed 1998-01
Buying note. On a vehicle this old, condition and service history matter more than the pattern of complaints. Have a mechanic inspect the brakes, seat frame mounts, tires and transmission lines before purchase, and ask for records of any prior brake or transmission work.
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 227 consumer complaints for the 1995 GMC Suburban. 9 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 125,000 miles. Of all complaints, 18 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 10 an injury, 3 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 15 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.
- Brakes101 44%
- Seats46 20%
- Electrical system18 7.9%
- Tires18 7.9%
- Transmission and drivetrain11 4.9%
- Steering8 3.5%
- Engine cooling7 3.1%
- Equipment6 2.6%
- Other or unknown5 2.2%
Also reported: Air bags (4), Seat belts (4), Fuel system (3), Suspension (3), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Body and structure (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Exterior lighting (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “The vehicle has a heavy pull to one side, and only when you slam on the brakes and the ABS kicks-in. After bringing in to the dealer, I have had the front brake lines replaced. After additional complaints for the same problem they changed the calipers, rotors and brake lines. I still have the same complaint and problem after spending close to three thousand dollars.”
NHTSA complaint #709259, filed 1999-07Seats: “Driver power seat, front left side, support bracket snapped, allowing left corner of seat to rock up and down. If right side snapped simultaneously, driver would have possibly been thrown backward and could have lost control of the vehicle. The weld on the bracket failed during normal use. Consequences could include loss of control. Correction will involve removal of seat for new weld.”
NHTSA complaint #10114712, filed 2005-03, 103,300 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “Dt: the contact stated there was NHTSA recall campaign 03v159000 concerning the windshield wiper/washer. This vehicle experienced the same failure as indicated in the recall, but was not included in the recall due to VIN. The contact has not repaired the vehicle at this time.”
NHTSA complaint #10142987, filed 2005-11Electrical system: “The ABS system has always been a problem. One morning backing out of the garage after it had rained the night before, I gently braked and the car made a grinding noise and jerked abrubtly scaring all of us. It skidded ! Up and down the driveway I did this and it jerked and skidded! We decided it was not safe. The store checked tires and brakes. This has happened again and again! The electrical problem has been ongoing. The dealer cannot figure it out, we're ok for a while - 6 mos. With a new battery and then were stranded somewhere cause its died. …”
NHTSA complaint #730080, filed 2000-09Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 9 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 108,420 and 146,329 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1995 GMC 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 | 12 | 16 | 13 | $5,150 |
| Suburban 1500 4WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 11 | 14 | 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
- 03V159000Apr 28, 2003Visibility › Windshield wiper/washerCovers: GMC Suburban 1994–1997, Chevrolet Suburban 1994–1997, C/K Pickups 1994–1997 +10 more
On certain minivans, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles with certain model-engine combinations, the windshield wiper motor may fail due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. The windshield wipers could work intermittently or not at…
- 98V150001Jul 1, 1998Visibility › Windshield wiper/washerCovers: GMC Suburban 1994–1996, Chevrolet Suburban 1994–1996, GMC Yukon 1994–1996 +7 more
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, 2 and 4-wheel drive. Solder joints near the wiring harness connector can crack causing the windshield wipers to work intermittently.
- 96V057000Apr 4, 1996Vehicle speed controlCovers: GMC Suburban 1995–1996, Chevrolet Suburban 1995–1996, K10 1995–1996 +11 more
These vehicles were assembled with the throttle cable contacting the dash mat which could bind the throttle. This does not meet with the maximum return times required by federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 124, "accelerator control systems."
- 95V139000Jul 26, 1995Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: GMC Suburban 1995, Chevrolet Suburban 1995, GMC Yukon 1995 +4 more
The transmission shift-cable lock clip can back out of its installed position resulting in a loss of cable adjustment. When the shift lever is placed in the "park" position, the "park" indicator light may not illuminate.
- 95V140000Jul 25, 1995Air bagsCovers: GMC Suburban 1995, Chevrolet Suburban 1995, GMC Yukon 1995 +1 more
The vehicles have both the supplemental inflatable restraint (sir) label and an engine start label installed on the same side of the sun visor. This does not comply with fmvss no.208, "occupant crash protection."
- 95V026000Feb 16, 1995Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and linesCovers: GMC Suburban 1995, Chevrolet Suburban 1995, GMC G35 1995 +13 more
Due to a thin case casting, an external transmission leak can occur.
Recall details for the 1995 GMC Suburban → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 15 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10232287Feb 21, 2023Equipment. This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022Fuel system, Brakes. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 10170494Dec 2, 2019Electrical system, Equipment. This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10168979Nov 22, 2019Equipment. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code…
- 10166638Sep 18, 2019Equipment. This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876Sep 5, 2019Equipment. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code…
- 10154641Feb 15, 2019Equipment. This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381May 31, 2018Equipment. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code…
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017Tires, Electrical system, Fuel system, Equipment. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
Other model years of the GMC Suburban
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 5 | 30,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2002 | 7 | 72,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 5 | — | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2000 | 15 | 47,000 | 2 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1999 | 285 | 78,800 | 1 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 100 | 90,196 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 200 | 96,800 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 172 | 83,332 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 227 | 125,000 | 6 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 411 | 113,000 | 3 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 212 | 114,000 | 0 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 80 | 170,118 | 2 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 30 | 206,095 | 2 | — | 12 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 22 | — | 2 | — | 13 | — | Stable |
| 1989 | 17 | 13,982 | 2 | — | 12 | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 8 | — | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1987 | 8 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1984 | 5 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All GMC Suburban model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1995 GMC Suburban?
Complaints on this model year cluster heavily around braking, with owners describing pedal travel to the floor, long stopping distances, vibration and pull to one side, often recurring after pad and rotor work. The issues reported most often: Brake pedal sinks, long stopping distance, pulling; Tire belt or tread separation; Driver's seat frame breaks at the mount.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1995 GMC Suburban have?
NHTSA recorded 227 consumer complaints for the 1995 GMC Suburban as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1995 GMC Suburban is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 101 complaints (44% of the total), followed by seats with 46.
Has the 1995 GMC Suburban been recalled?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1995 GMC Suburban get?
The EPA rates the 1995 GMC Suburban (Suburban 1500 2WD, 5.7L 8-cyl) at 13 mpg combined, 12 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 1995 GMC Suburban reported?
Among the 9 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 125,000 miles and the middle half falls between 108,420 and 146,329 miles; 0% 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. 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.