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 1996 GMC Suburban owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Vehicle was exhibiting no problems. Upon approaching a red traffic light the brake pedal was depressed, and the pedal went to the floor, as if the ABS system was kicking in, but the vehicle did not slow down. I replaced the master cylinder and bled all brake lines, and the condition still exists. I performed diagnostics on the vehicle according to seveal service manuals and determined that the ABS modulator valve has failed in such a manner as to allow brake fluid to bleed into the ABS accumulator, without getting an ABS diagnostic failure light. I had to drive the vehicle home for over 20 miles with severely limited breaking power and was very fortunate to have avoided an accident. I would rather not have ABS breaks on the vehicle than have a break system that can fail in this manner. …
Dt: 1996 Chevrolet Suburban. A manufacturer's recall 05068 concerning ABS brakes on the 1999 through 2002 models. Was issued. This vehicle was not included in the recall although the consumer experienced the same problem as mentioned in the recall. The consumer had not taken vehicle to the dealer yet, but the consumer knew that there was no recall on this make an model, and year for the ABS. The ABS activated between 3-10 MPH, causing extended stopping distance. This started happening about six months ago, not every time. Now, it happens every time while driving the vehicle under any road conditions. There have been no accidents because of this, but it is just a matter of time. Could not count the number of times the ABS failed.
A truck in front of me stopped when the traffic light turned yellow. I tried to stop and had plenty of time to stop. The brakes locked up (there was a slight noise of the brakes locking up) and I was surprised I was not going to be able to stop. I released the brakes to try braking again. I applied the brakes and they locked up again. To avoid rear ending the truck, I had to swerve between it and the car in the left turn lane. My passenger side rear view mirror made contact with the backside of the truck. My brakes finally caught when my Suburban was ahead of his truck. The pavement was wet but it was not raining.
Ea95026, poor brake performance: when applying the brakes in an emergency situation, pedal travels to the floorboard and the truck would not stop. This condition caused a rear end crash. This happens on any type of road surface and no inclement weather. Dealer was not able to duplicate this problem. Please provide any further information.
Noted car stopped at red light, started braking at around 300 feet, 35 MPH, full ABS, wet road,impacted rear at perhaps 10 MPH. Just traded a Ford van without ABS and am certain it would have stopped in that distance. Further note: the Suburban's tire pressure was 40 psi all four.
Limited recall limits my safety! I had a recent close call in my 1996 GMC Suburban. The brakes began to anti-lock on dry pavement when anti-lock assistance was not required, thus greatly increasing my stopping distance. The brakes were not pressed hard; the anti-lock should not have engaged. It was a close call between my truck and the vehicle in front of me. Currently my Suburban is not covered under GM's recent limited recall. However, attention needs to be given to this situation; my truck needs to be covered. My concern is not a trivial, my safety and the safety of others is at hand. GM should be more than happy to take care of a safety issue. I recently read an article in the detroit news about GM's recall of 1.4 million 99-02 full size trucks and SUV's in 20 states. The recall concerns the anti-lock brake wheel hub sensor getting inaccurate readings. …
Had faulty trailer outlet repaced in norwich,ny,while enroute to nj. While traveling down route 206 in nj my brakes for the treailer would not work.this was on a steep downhill. Was able to stop by pulling into an elks club parking lot.my trailer plug came out of the socket and was shredded do to dragging.an erlk member let me borrow his cable. The borrowed cable also came out twice. The replacement cable also would not stay in the outlet unless I tapped it. I repoted the problem to the dealer, olivers campers, norwich ny. The response that I recived was I did not know what I was doing.that I should tie the plug in with wire. I was not asking for anything other than to have the outlet looked into. I feel that this is a real safety road hazzard. It May be the only defective one but if not how many deffective outlets are there? I do have other trailers and they seem to lock okay. …
Truck pulls when braking. Tbs fix implemented with little to no improvement. Last time at dealer, dealer said GMC has problem with 3/4ton Suburban brakes but doesn't have fix. Nothing he can do. Truck has had combination valve replaced, rear shoes replaced, front pads replaced (5x total), calipers replaced, rotors replaced, tie rods replaced, idle arm replaced, steering box and pitman arm replaced, front brake hoses replaced, control arm bushings replaced, and aligned several times with no fix to the problem. Braking at highway speeds it is very dangerous. You don't know which way the vehicle will go and how hard it will try to get there. As an engine designer I find it amazing that GM has a handling/safety issue of this magnitude. This is a big truck to have such a controlability problem. Please help. A shaull
Repeated problems with brake failure following vehicle being parked in wet weather. Sometimes there is near total loss of braking capability, sometimes severe vehicle "bucking" while trying to stop. Symptoms diminish after several blocks of driving, re-appear after vehicle is parked for a few hours. Dealer examined shortly after we purchased vehicle (used) and found no problem. Have talked to other owners of suburbans and GMC/Chevy light trucks of similar vintage and have found similar complaints. Recent episode involved inability to stop and vehicle continued clear through intersection. I suspect rear brake linings/drums rust and tend to lock/release which seems to confuse the ABS system until linings wear clean again. Vehicle is a hazard to operate for first few blocks in wet weather.
I purchased my vehicle brand new. Within the first 18 months of ownership, my brakes were replaced three times with numerous other parts changed. The vehicle was pulling to the right when brakes were applied. Although I have not had any trouble within the last year, the truck still does not stop like it should under normal braking conditions. GM gave me an extended warranty to cover the cost of any extra repairs, should the need arise. I would like to know the results of the brake evaluations on the GMC trucks. Thank you.
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 1996 GMC Suburban?
NHTSA has 62 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 GMC Suburban, 36% of the model year's 172 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (52 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 GMC Suburban brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1996 GMC Suburban, though it has 3 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 1996 GMC Suburban brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 114,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 2 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.