1996 GMC Suburban: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 GMC Suburban: 3 recalls, 172 owner complaints and up to 14 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #96V057000 · 1996 · 379,004 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: Consequence of non-compliance: the engine speed May not return to idle increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
The fix: Dealers will inspect for adequate throttle cable to dash mat clearance, and if there is insufficient clearance, cut out a portion of the dash mat to provide proper clearance.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #98V150001 · 1998 · 1,557,585 vehicles
What's wrong: Solder joints near the wiring harness connector can crack causing the windshield wipers to work intermittently.
Why it matters: This condition can result in inoperative wipers, reducing a driver's visibility, and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #03V159000 · 2003 · 1,755,876 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 all.
Why it matters: If this were to occur during bad weather, driver visibility would be reduced, which could result in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover. Owner notification began on June 19, 2003.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E043000 · 2006 · 88,303 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from October 18, 2005, through March 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes, click on "document search" and then "bus applications"). The…
Why it matters: This condition May cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The fix: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 18 injuries and 4 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (60): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (21), noise or vibration (3).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (26): the most common themes are electrical failure (4), stalls / loses power (2).
- Electrical (18): the most common themes are electrical failure (14), leaks (9), rust / corrosion (4).
- Tires (18): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (18).
The 1996 GMC Suburban has 172 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 15 Suburban model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 118). Complaints peaked in 2000 (40 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 83,332 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (227 complaints, 6 recalls), 1997 (200 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 16 | 13 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 GMC Suburban.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 1996 GMC Suburban have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1996 GMC Suburban, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 GMC Suburban problems?
Owners have filed 172 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (60), visibility (wipers, glass) (26), electrical (18).
What gas mileage does the 1996 GMC Suburban get?
EPA ratings run up to 14 mpg combined (5.7 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 GMC Suburban repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.