Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Chevrolet Suburban owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt: the consumer states 1997 Chevrolet Suburban has brake problems. This resulted in a crash, and there were only minor injuries. The brakes just started having problems for a couple of weeks. Before the consumer could get a chance to have the brakes checked, had an accident. The brakes were checked and fixed after the accident, and the mechanic at the dealership told the consumer that this was very common with corrosion build up. The consumer had to pay $1300.00 to fix the braking system. Prior to the accident the brakes were losing power, and it was difficult to stop. This was an intermittent problem. The consumer contacted GM about the problem with an e-mail, with no response. The consumer lives in a salt-belt state. The mechanic stated that there was a corrosion build up on the ABS sensor. A police report and an insurance report were taken. The speed was around 20 MPH. …
First time applied brakes at intersection, extented stopping. Brakes checked OK, replaced brakes anyway. Six mo. Latter, second time, driving 25 MPH. Dry, clean paved road. Applied brakes, anti-lock comes on, brakes failed, caused accident. Traveled at least 2 an a half car length before inpact. Suburban checked, only thing found was brake oil read at 190 degrees, after driving 1 mile.
Dt: the contact states there is NHTSA recall campaign 05V379000 concerning the anti- lock brakes. This vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall, but it is not included in the recall due to VIN. The contact repaired the vehicle at his own expense. The consumer stated due to the defective part, he crashed into another vehicle. Updated 11/29/05.
In July/August 2005 I began experiencing activation of the ABS at very low speeds of 5-10 MPH in 1997 Chevrolet Suburban. I took the car to repair shop and found out that the front brake units, calipers, etc., were corroded and needed to be replaced. I did this. Also ,found out that the ABS units were not reading the speed correctly and this was causing the ABS bumping at low speeds. Advised they should be replaced at cost of $1200! In January 2006 I read about the Suburban recall for malfunctioning ABS and unusual corrosion of brakes. Unfortunately, the recall started for 1999 models. I believe my 1997 vehicle has the same problem. I contacted the local Chevrolet dealer where I bought the vehicle, but was told it was not covered by the recall and they recommended the ABS units be cleaned and that they will function properly. …
ABS brakes problems on my 1997 Chevy tahoe 4dr 4-wheel drive. The brakes have been terrible since I obtained this vehicle when it was brand new. They would grunt & groan, skip and act erratic. On ice and snow, I would actually go faster when I would apply the brakes and slide much faster than a car with regular brakes. On dry roads at slow speeds in town driving, the brakes didn't seem to take hold all the time. There would be a delay action when applying the brakes. I almost rear-ended other vehicles three times, through no fault of my own. I hate ABS brakes and would like to buy one without it. ABS brakes systems are very dangerous, especially on this 1997 chev tahoe 4-wheel drive. I checked with mechanics and they all say that's just ABS brakes, and I have to put up with it. This is wrong as they are a very real danger. …
Dt: the contact was driving at a low speed and applied brake pressure and the ABS pulsated. There was extended stopping distance as indicated in a current recall on the anti lock brakes. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who replaced both wheel speed sensors on the front brakes. That corrected the problem ,however, in August of this year the problem recurred two years later. The vehicle was returned to a dealer. The dealer did replace one of the wheel speed sensors, but the other one was cleaned and kept on the brakes. Since this repair there have been no further problems. The contact contacted GM, and filed a complaint. This vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN and the model. Updated 11/29/05.
Fuel pump wiring inside the fuel tank short circuited, and could have caused my Suburban to blow up, since I had just filled it with over 30 gallons of gas that morning. My fuel pump had to be replaced, along with a new wiring assembly and float mechanism. My mechanic said the short circuit was more than likely due to over amperage of the fuel pump. That in turn, caused the wires inside the fuel tank to melt together and short out the ECM fuse, twice. I believe Chevrolet is very lucky that no one was hurt. I hope others are as lucky as I was! P.s. Power steering and brakes are also very poor!! Bad design...1997 was a lemon Suburban, and should have been recalled and designed all over again!
I have a 1997 Chevy Suburban with a 7.4 engine. For the most part its been a good vehicle, but the brakes are another story. The Suburban has been through 2 sets of front brakes, and none in the rear. Being concerned, the 3rd mechanic to really spend time figuring out the problem, found out the brake pressure modulator valve has malfunctioned. $800 for replacement. Doing a little research, GM had recalled this part on several of there 2000 SUV models. Contacted the GM customer service line, and they told me that it is an "old vehicle" and GM will not do anything about it. So I guess GM's safety systems are only good for 10 years. This will be my last GM vehicle I will ever own.
Heater and ac controls went out twice. Factory replaced them @ $125, then 9 months later it went out again. Factory said it was under 12 months, but I had driven over 12,000 miles so it was not under warranty any longer. Windsheild wiper module goes bad. Wipers will suddenly stop or wont turn on. On 3rd module now. Brakes, constant grinding and weak stops. Have replaced rotors 4 times. Same results. Steering loses tension when steering to the left. Problem is still ongoing but has made me almost lose control several times.
I had brake trouble on this car from day one. Many brake pads, two master cylinders, many shoes and drums. This vehicle is defective because it weight is too great for the braking system. I would like some help. Please call. My accident was caused by brake failure. Dealership where I live in kings mtn, now diamond Chevrolet admits. I took the car to the dealer in shelby, nc carter Chevrolet eight times in one year for brake problems.
NHTSA investigations
Poor brake performance
Poor performance of ABS brakes
Brake complaints in other Suburban years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban?
NHTSA has 96 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban, 23% of the model year's 414 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (64 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Suburban brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Suburban brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 10 crashes, 0 fires and 6 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.