AC & Heater complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | 1% | 50,000 miles |
| 2016 | 1 | 0% | 80,000 miles |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% | 60,000 miles |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% | 128,000 miles |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% | 80,000 miles |
| 2005 | 2 | 2% | 103,000 miles |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% | 174,000 miles |
| 2003 | 5 | 2% | 65,000 miles |
| 2002 | 5 | 2% | 41,000 miles |
| 2001 | 7 | 2% | 45,000 miles |
| 2000 | 8 | 3% | 60,000 miles |
| 1999 | 7 | 1% | 43,000 miles |
| 1998 | 7 | 3% | — |
| 1997 | 5 | 1% | — |
| 1996 | 6 | 2% | 36,000 miles |
| 1995 | 10 | 2% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
2003 Suburban in 10/2006 I noticed that my air conditioning was not working. At that time the vehicle was just out of warranty w/ 42,900 miles on it. I do not drive it during summer months. I purchased the vehicle with 6,000 miles on it, but was advised by the dealership that it was driven only by the sales manager and received an "a" title, as a new vehicle. I contacted GM's customer service on 10/23/06 and was advised to take it to my local dealership for an official diagnosis and estimate. I did so, and the estimate was for $1,034.25, involving rear A/C leaking vaporline at rear wheel opening. The service department assured me that there was nothing I could have done to cause that, and that the rusting started months before my warranty would have expired. After months of correspondence, I was advised to get it fixed in April, 2007. …
2003 tahoe ; 76,000m ac compressor failure that ruined entire system A/C system service/inspected every May ; driving down highway when A/C stopped blowing cold air ; few minutes later ac high pressure line to condenser burst. Stopped car and checked out noise found busted hose and oil w/ metal fillings dripping from line. It was 98 degrees outside and we were driving to family vacation at beach . Had to drive remaining 5 hrs w/o ac as it was sat pm. No dealer w/in miles so took to highly recommended local garage; hoping it was just a pressure line replacement. Shop called later that day to say entire system contaminated w/ fillings from compressor coming apart internally causing condenser to be stopped up as well dryer and evaporator . Entire system components replaced and system flushed ; $1950 . New compressor from Chevrolet not same as original due to history of problems.
Dt: 2002 Chevrolet Suburban, anti lock brakes failed to stop the vehicle when driving at slow speeds, when consumer pressed on thek brakes the vehicle slowed down , but did not completely stop the vehicle, consumer has to pump the brakes to get the vehicle to stop, consumer took vehicle to the dealer,who told him that the problem was that the hub assembly sensors needing replacement. The dealer said that vehicle was no longer under warranty, air conditioning core leaksed in the front and the rear of the vehicle. Those were the only known problems with the vehicle at this time.
Dt: the contact stated the rear window defroster did not work after multiple repairs. The wire continually became detached from the window. Every time the vehicle was taken to the dealership for repairs they reattached the wire. The defroster had not worked for the past year. The dealer determined that the rear window should be replaced to correct the problem. This has not been done due to the excessive expense.
We noticed that the driver's side mirror of my wife's 2001 tahoe appeared to have a melted place on the bottom of the plastic housing. There was a green/yellow circle in the center of the mirror where it appeared to have gotten to hot. I removed the mirror which was connected by four wires. Two wires went to the heating element and the other two controlled the automatic dimming feature. On the inside of the dimming feature wires there appeared to be black residue. You could clearly see that the molded plastic on the back of the mirror had melted along the outside edge (digital pictures available if needed). I called the dealer and ordered a mirror that only had the heated feature without the dimming effect. I installed this on the logic that I could leave the defective wires disabled. So far everything seems to be working just fine. …
The 2001 Chevrolet Suburban which I own leaks cold air on the front passenger feet. I was told by my insurance co. There May have been a recall by GM on this as it is a defect in the construction of the heating duct, it evidently falls apart and cold air from outside pours onto the passengers feet.
Whenever brakes are in use vehicle can slow up, but fails to stop right away. Stopping distance is increased. Had hit a wall & a fence due to a lack of braking power. Vehicle equipped with ABS which was not the problem. Brake pedal went to the floor. Also, parking brake went to floor. Taken vehicle to dealership at least 6 or 7 times. Now pursuing the lemon law. Battery failed. Vehicle stalled. Exhaust leaks and is loud. Air comes through the center vent when the floor control is on. 4-wheel drive would not engage due to a short in the module. Fuel sending unit was replaced.
2000 Chevrolet Suburban air conditioner compressor bracket broke completely off the engine dropping the compressor and bracket on the steering idler arm and affecting the steering. This is the third failure of the air conditioner system. (compressor failure at 62.000 2 July 2002, new compressor severe noise at only 32,000 miles on it, hose failure middle of May 2003 and broken bracket on 17 jul 03 with 101,420 miles on the vehicle).
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Suburban years have ac & heater problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (10), 2000 (8), 1998 (7), 1999 (7) and 2001 (7) model years. AC & Heater complaints make up 2% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Suburban ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for any Chevrolet Suburban model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Suburban ac & heater problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles; 35% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the appliance › air conditioner (47 mentions), followed by the defroster/defogger/hvac system (12).
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.