1997 GMC Suburban Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 10%of 200 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,400miles
- 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 GMC Suburban, 10% of the 200 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,400 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving the serpentine belt tensioner broke from its mounting and resulted in loss of power steering and other components including charging of the battery. The alternator also shorted out. The manufacturer and the dealer were notified. The consumer was told that the warranty not longer covered the belt. The brakes shuttered while braking from 60 MPH. The dealer replaced the front brake pads and resurfaced the rotors.”
NHTSA complaint #10042591, filed 2003-11, 46,801 miles“Engine shuts off, all warning lights flicker. Engine surge at 65mph...fluctuates between 65 & 10 MPH continuously & all warning lights flicker. Dealer diagnostics says nothing wrong. I feel it's dangerous & life threatening. Dealer service department not taking me seriously. Please help!”
NHTSA complaint #741103, filed 2001-02“Manifold gasket failed on my vehicle at 67,000 miles and probably well before this but I was not aware of the problem until picked up on routine maintenace check. Normally, I would fix the problem and move since I have gmpp (extended warranty) with no out of pocket costs. Not in this case. The problem here with the manifold gasket is not about noise pollution. It is about carbon monoxide and other noxious gas leaking into the vehicle. Before the lawyers at Gmc pick up their pencils and start taking notes, the end result in my case was only one of feeling tired at the wheel. …”
NHTSA complaint #761813, filed 2002-05“The child safety seats do not work with the seat belt system of the Suburban. Only the front passenger seat will securely hold the seat. I contacted NHTSA twice and Gmc customer service 3 times and many other places. Finally a GM engineer in the safety dept. Called me took my complaint. He tried to put a seat in a Suburban and said yes they do not work right. They wanted to take care of problem in house. I have heard nothing more from them. The vechile pulled to the right from day one had it aligned problem continues to this day. The left rear door hinge on drivers side busted off. …”
NHTSA complaint #704363, filed 1999-03“Roads were snowy when engine died for no reason. Lost control of vehicle & ended in a ditch. Towed truck/ pulled vehicle out of ditch. Had been to dealership many times for problem with engine. Vehicle placed on diagnostic machine. No codes of problem showed. Mechanic replaced fuel pump on diesel engine last moment.”
NHTSA complaint #878015, filed 2001-01Related 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 20% |
| 2000 | 2 | 13% |
| 1999 | 23 | 8% |
| 1998 | 5 | 5% |
| 1997 | 20 | 10% |
| 1996 | 8 | 5% |
| 1995 | 7 | 3% |
| 1994 | 9 | 2% |
| 1993 | 6 | 3% |
| 1992 | 2 | 3% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
| 1989 | 2 | 12% |
| 1988 | 1 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1997 GMC Suburban
58 complaintsSteering
39 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
24 complaintsFuel system
23 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsTires
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsSeats
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 GMC Suburban
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology