1996 GMC Suburban Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 62about this part
- Share
- 36%of 172 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,173miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 62 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 GMC Suburban, 36% of the 172 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,173 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle was exhibiting no problems. Upon approaching a red traffic light the brake pedal was depressed, and the pedal went to the floor, as if the ABS system was kicking in, but the vehicle did not slow down. I replaced the master cylinder and bled all brake lines, and the condition still exists. I performed diagnostics on the vehicle according to seveal service manuals and determined that the ABS modulator valve has failed in such a manner as to allow brake fluid to bleed into the ABS accumulator, without getting an ABS diagnostic failure light. …”
NHTSA complaint #10100309, filed 2004-11, 114,346 miles“Dt: 1996 chevrolet Suburban. A manufacturer's recall 05068 concerning ABS brakes on the 1999 through 2002 models. Was issued. This vehicle was not included in the recall although the consumer experienced the same problem as mentioned in the recall. The consumer had not taken vehicle to the dealer yet, but the consumer knew that there was no recall on this make an model, and year for the ABS. The ABS activated between 3-10 MPH, causing extended stopping distance. This started happening about six months ago, not every time. …”
NHTSA complaint #10136238, filed 2005-10, 74,000 miles“Limited recall limits my safety! I had a recent close call in my 1996 Gmc Suburban. The brakes began to anti-lock on dry pavement when anti-lock assistance was not required, thus greatly increasing my stopping distance. The brakes were not pressed hard; the anti-lock should not have engaged. It was a close call between my truck and the vehicle in front of me. Currently my Suburban is not covered under GM's recent limited recall. However, attention needs to be given to this situation; my truck needs to be covered. My concern is not a trivial, my safety and the safety of others is at hand. …”
NHTSA complaint #10150785, filed 2006-02“Had faulty trailer outlet repaced in norwich,ny,while enroute to nj. While traveling down route 206 in nj my brakes for the treailer would not work.this was on a steep downhill. Was able to stop by pulling into an elks club parking lot.my trailer plug came out of the socket and was shredded do to dragging.an erlk member let me borrow his cable. The borrowed cable also came out twice. The replacement cable also would not stay in the outlet unless I tapped it. I repoted the problem to the dealer, olivers campers, norwich ny. …”
NHTSA complaint #730106, filed 2000-09“I purchased my vehicle brand new. Within the first 18 months of ownership, my brakes were replaced three times with numerous other parts changed. The vehicle was pulling to the right when brakes were applied. Although I have not had any trouble within the last year, the truck still does not stop like it should under normal braking conditions. Gm gave me an extended warranty to cover the cost of any extra repairs, should the need arise. I would like to know the results of the brake evaluations on the Gmc trucks. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #708903, filed 1999-07Related service bulletins
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 2 | 40% |
| 2002 | 1 | 14% |
| 2000 | 4 | 27% |
| 1999 | 123 | 43% |
| 1998 | 29 | 29% |
| 1997 | 58 | 29% |
| 1996 | 62 | 36% |
| 1995 | 101 | 44% |
| 1994 | 276 | 67% |
| 1993 | 162 | 76% |
| 1992 | 67 | 84% |
| 1991 | 9 | 30% |
| 1990 | 9 | 41% |
| 1989 | 2 | 12% |
| 1987 | 1 | 13% |
| 1984 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1996 GMC Suburban
26 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsTires
18 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 GMC 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