Most common 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 problems
Share of the 16 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Suburban 1500 complaints by model year
Best Suburban 1500 years: 1995, 1996, 1997. Years to avoid: 2025, 2023, 2011, 2004, 2007. Compare all years →
What 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 owners say
Brakes
Brake failure due to rusted brake lines on 2 separate occasions. Around March 2008 I was traveling on the southern state parkway in long island, ny when I depressed the brake pedal and it went to the floor and a large cloud of smoke came out of the engine compartment which was caused by brake fluid hitting the hot exhaust manifold. The brake line had rusted through and caused a hole in the line which caused the brakes to fail. Only that particular line was replaced due to the high cost of replacing all lines from front to back. Today August 6, 2012 I was leaving my house when I depressed the brake pedal and once again it went to the floor and a large cloud of smoke came out due to the brake fluid hitting the hot exhaust manifold. Upon inspection I found another brake line that had rusted through and caused a hole in the line which caused the brakes to fail. …
Arbitrary activation of the ABS brakes at slow speeds or when parking. This causes the vehicle to not stop and continue moving for a few inches to a few feet. Vary hazardous when parking in tight areas or around children in a parking lot. Had similar problem on Chevy 1999 silverado k1500 pickup that resulted in a recall. Would suggest the same on this vehicle to avoid same hazardous situation.
Windows, wipers & sunroof
Tl contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that the windshield wiper motor would intermittently function when in activation; and over a period of time the failure became progressively worse. The vehicle was repaired. NHTSA recall campaign id number 03V159000 (visibility: windshield wiper/washer) was associated with the failure. The dealer and manufacturer were notified and stated that the recall was closed. They also stated that the vehicle would not have qualified due to the model year, excessive mileage; and because the vehicle was purchased used. The contact disagreed with the manufacturer and the dealer and stated that the recall summary did not mention those factors as a requirement. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Side rearview mirrors.....electronic controller only moves the either mirror downward. Will not move either mirror left, right, or up. Have replaced this controller twice before for the exact same problem. One with the dealer and one on my own. Both times brand new parts. There is another recall for this item but apparently does not include my VIN. !!!!
1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 12 / 17 / 14 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 11 / 15 / 12 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 a good car?
Based on 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Suburban 1500 rates better than average: 96% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Suburban 1500 at the same age. It is one of the best Suburban 1500 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1500?
The brakes — 5 complaints, 31% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the windows, wipers & sunroof (5) and steering (2).
How many recalls does the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1500. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Suburban 1500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1995, 1996 and 1997. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2025, 2023, 2011, 2004 and 2007. See the full Chevrolet Suburban 1500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 130,000 miles; 13% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.