Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
The torque converter clutch relay in the transmission overheated, causing excessive pressure, which caused the transmission fluid to push the dip stick up out of the dipstick tube. Then the transmission fluid escaped. Traveling down the undercarriage of the vehicle, the transmission fluid hit the exhaust manifold and ignited into a flame that burned along the undercarriage of the vehicle (including the steel plate under the gas tank) and extended two feet beyond the rear of the vehicle. We were forced to evacuate ourselves and our four children from the vehicle along side the highway. Four other vehicles were forced off the road as white smoke hindered their field of vision. The MIL indicator (I.e., check engine light ) had a code of p1870 (transmission slipping). …
Transmission starting failing at 50,000 (coded slippage). Going down highway and blew tranny fluid all over the place leaving us stranded. Transmission shifts hard in 1st and 2nd gear. Steering has momentary oversteer, causing the feeling of slipping on ice (safety concern as no control over vehicle), replaced rotors three times, replaced fuel sending and wiring unit (wires had actually melted inside the gas tank!!). What next!!!! This vehicle only has 73,000 on it. We do not pull anything behind it, so feel that tranny should not have failed. Why will Chevrolet not recall these problems? Have heard others say that the radiator is not big enough to handle cooling the engine and transmission, essentially causing early transmission failure due to overheating. Chevrolet needs to address these issues before there is loss of life or a bad accident. Ts
Tranmission failed after buying used at 75000 miles. I called GM and check for recall info. They advised me that the original owner brought it back after buying new and had the trans redone. Every 15000 miles the transmission broke again. Then it broke a third time. Fortunatley I had the extended warrenty and didnt have to pay the 2nd and third times. Thought it was the transmission place but after readind other complaints I see its the vehicle. When is GM going to fix this problem when someone dies> when you lose the gear there is a dramatic decline in speed and its hard to steer. Feels like the antilock system kicks in. I should know it has happened 3 times to me. Now im stuck with this junk.
I bought a used 1997 Chevrolet Suburban. It was in excellent-looking shape and low miles. I have had it now for 3 years. I have repeatedly had to have it worked on. I have replaced the alternator, battery, battery cables, and starter; and have had the transmission rebuilt twice. I also had to have the heater core replaced and the radiator worked on. I do not drive that much, and I have my vehicle serviced regularly. It's always needing work. I've had it for sale for a while, but can't sell it for even a small sum.
Transmission binded in first gear and slipped in middle gears. It was determined there was coolant and/or water in the transmission and the color was a dark green/yellow color. When transmission pulled off there was much metal, bearings, and a 2 to 3 inch bolt from the valve body. Also found cracks in sunshell. Input drum and pump vain and clutch(es) needed replacing. In summary, it needed an overhaul.
"check engine soon" light comes on after short highway drive (about 30 minutes). Then transmissions shifts hard from 1st to second gear, associated with a hard clunk when finally it shifts. Dealer has replaced a "spring" with a heavier duty one, but fix is temporary. Code 1870 shows up as diagnosis at dealer. L60e transmissions are the culprit.
Transmission shifts hard - need to be replaced for the third time. P1870 error code. This is a common problem according to this site andmany other internet sites. GM technicians are all familiar and the only fix is to replace the transmission. GM should be accountable for this - it appears to be a product defect.
Consumer states "the service engine soon light illuminated, then vehicle would not shift properly afterwards. Took to dealer and dealer stated that the transmission is not flowing through freely, because of design.
Front brakes wore out prematurely at 12,000 miles. Since 1997 had been replaced seven times. Dealer and manufacturer were contacted, but problem had not been resolved. Also, automatic transmission failure.
Our Chevy Suburban has just over 50,000 miles and is past the warranty mileage. On a trip to las vegas, the truck started to jerk fiercly into gear. When I accelerated, the truck would jerk into gear. The transmission specialist that did the repairs advised us that the torque converter had gone out, and shrap metal was getting into the transmission fluid. This happened in a matter of 1 day. The technician also advised us that he had performed the same repairs on 3 other Chevy suburbans that day alone. We were told that this was not caused by "normal wear and tear" and that this should not be happening to a truck with only 50,000 miles. I took the truck in to get the tires balanced, and was told that the front brakes needed to be replaced. When the technician was beginning to remove the brake pads- he noticed that there were cracks in the rotors. …
Transmission complaints in other Suburban years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban?
NHTSA has 47 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban, 11% of the model year's 414 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (36 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Suburban transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.