Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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).
Tl contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Suburban. While driving 65 MPH, the contact heard a loud noise and lost control of the vehicle. He crashed the vehicle into a wall. The driver side rear b.f. Goodrich tire tread separated and caused the failure. The road conditions were dry. The front end of the vehicle was damaged. The vehicle was towed. The contact still has the tire and the tread. The dot number was unknown. The tire failure mileage was 45,000 and the vehicle current and failure mileages were 132,000.
While traveling less than 5 MPH in a "rolling backup" the right rear tire on our Suburban literally exploded. I pulled off the side of the road immediately, and found a very large hole in the sidewall of the tire. There were no foreign objects in the road, and no indication of any kind of puncture to the tire. The sidewall of the tire blew outward, and left a hole approximately 4" wide by 7 inches long. The vehicle was less than two months old, and had approxmately 1200 miles on it. I had the vehicle in for its first oil change 3 days earlier, and among other things had the tire pressure checked. I contacted a local Firestone dealer about replacing the tire, and was told that they could not replace the tire with an exact match, since that particular line of tires (steeltex at) was a tire made exclusively for GM trucks as original equipment. …
While drving at highway speed felt vibration in steering wheel and stopped to determine what was wrong. Discovered that a section of tread (4x4) had come off right front tire. Replaced with spare, and continued to next town. Was unable to purchase replacement, and continued trip without spare. On return trip on September 28, 2000 and pulling a trailer, right rear tire experienced a complete tread separation. Because of no spare, had to have vehicle and trailer towed home. Firestone, steeltex r42 on a 1997, cheverolet, Suburban; original equipment, 245/75r16, dot# unavailable. Tire has about 60% of tread left. Has tires available for analysis and photos upon request.
I purchased this Suburban used from valencia Nissan with 23,000 miles on it. They stated the tires were new at that time. On the indicated date, I was towing a travel trailer on the freeway at 60mph, the truck started to rattle then the left rear tire exploded. I safely stopped on the shoulder. I had my wife, 4yr old & 2yr old in the vehicle with me. After inspecting the tire, the tread completely separated from the tire in the same fashion that the recalled Firestone tires did. I wanted to know if this set of tires was also under recall. I would like if you could call me regarding this matter. Thank you. (dot number: v611b1a tiresize: 245/75r16)
Steering wheel sometimes jerks out of my hands as if I've hit a patch of ice. Also feel the truck bouncing while driving as if there is a bubble in the right front tire. Took the truck to the dealer about 7 times with not resolution. Had the truck checked at Goodyear dealer 6 months after purchase. Goodyear said the the tires were defective. Said they were cupped or chopped. I paid $700 dollars to replace tires after dealer refused to do so, but still experience bouncing sensation at 60-70 MPH. Noticed both problems the day I bought the truck.( dot number: tire size: 245/75r16 )
I had the universal joints replaced, (dealer stated it was needed), and ever since, I have noise which seems to come from driveshaft. I had them ( dealer ) check, and they said that it was the tires, or perhaps a bearing. This noise was not present prior to getting u-joints, however I also had cupping on a right front tire, and they replaced a model, or something. I saw on the ntsa bulletin no. 9610 of jan 4, 2000 , that 1997 suburbans had a component problem.
While on vacation had two tires blow out on i75 just south of atlanta. Had to purchase new tires from the Firestone dealer on the south side of atlanta. They said this tire was not in the recall list but it came apart just like the others. It was a very, very scary experience the tires that blew out were purchased at the Firestone dealer on us41 in fort myers, fl. Which is my home. (tiresize: 245/75r/16)( dot number: tire size: 245/75r/16 )
Tire on hazardous materials response vehicle - U.S. Government owned tag no. I258844; tire is in evidence locker; tread separated from tire at highway cruising speed of 65 MPH - speed set by cruise control; tread wrapped around wheel axel, but did not go flat; left rear tire also replaced after inspection at tire shop; all tires had been regularly checked and were properly inflated. (dot number: unknown tiresize: lt245/75r1)
Left front tire belt separated at 65mph, vehicle stoped, tire replaced and upon examening remaining tires, right front tire showed signs of belt seperating. Consulted Firestone dealer in houma, and was told the seperation was caused by road hazards. Replaced both front tires on 21/May/2000 with another brand. There are 2 remaining tires on vehicle which will be replaced this month. (dot number: vn11b1a tiresize: lt24575r16)
Was driving 65mph and vehicle started vibrating. Then heard a loud noise. Pulled over & checked the tires. Noticed left front tire had lost tread. Exchange tire with spare tire. Took tire to Firestone & received a replacement. Does not have the tire or dot number. 1997 Chevrolet Suburban. Firestone size lt245/75r15 with 10,000 miles on it. Firestone 245/75/r16
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Suburban years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban, 7% of the model year's 414 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Suburban wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires 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 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 132,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to wheels & tires 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.