1997 GMC Suburban Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 12%of 200 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 150,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the fuel system of the 1997 GMC Suburban, 12% of the 200 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 150,500 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Parked truck near dealership after having trouble starting it, tried to restart, it didn't. Dealer took it in and called to say that fuel pump is shot and they had one in stock to replace it. Then four hours later they said the wires to it were melted and the sending unit needs to be replaced. This is the 5th time to replace fuel pump for this truck in 264,000 miles. First was at 50,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10226086, filed 2008-04, 264,000 miles“Fuel gage was acting erratic went full then empty with full tank . A few days later the truck would not start. Found fuse in engine compartment blown for fuel pump. Fuel pump wiring was melted in fuel tank causing short. Had to replace pump and harness which was part of the pump housing. Also replaced fuel filter due to lack of fuel flow (no power) a week later.”
NHTSA complaint #10116159, filed 2005-03, 95,600 miles“Spring of 2008 we replaced the fuel pump. Then in november 2008 the fuel pump failed again. The mechanic said they were both brand new fuel pumps but he was unsure of why they both failed to work properly when we took it back in march 2009. 3 new fuel pumps all within one year sounds like a problem to us. The mechanic also had to replace the harness. Each time when the fuel pump went out the car just wouldn't start. It would drive fine and then just not restart once turned off.”
NHTSA complaint #10265471, filed 2009-04“Vehicle would stall about once a week at any given time. Then one day it would not start. When fuel pump was removed from the tank the power wire was shorted and melted inside the tank, had to replace the complete tank assmy. Consisting of the pump, sending unit and wiring harness, the repair shop said we were very lucky that it did not explode, after researching this site I see that this has been a problem that dates back to new models released in 1996, and still nothing has been done about it ....why????? Dt”
NHTSA complaint #768570, filed 2002-10“The contact owns a 1997 Gmc Suburban. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning and would not restart. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic and they discovered that the fuel pump sending unit wires were rotted out, which burned out the fuel pump. The fuel pump and sending unit had to be replaced. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 151,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10219285, filed 2008-02, 151,000 milesRelated 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…
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10137901May 9, 2014This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 20% |
| 2002 | 2 | 29% |
| 2000 | 2 | 13% |
| 1999 | 19 | 7% |
| 1998 | 5 | 5% |
| 1997 | 23 | 12% |
| 1996 | 14 | 8% |
| 1995 | 3 | 1% |
| 1994 | 7 | 2% |
| 1993 | 2 | 1% |
| 1989 | 1 | 6% |
| 1987 | 3 | 38% |
Other parts of the 1997 GMC Suburban
58 complaintsSteering
39 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
24 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsEngine cooling
20 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 30, 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