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 GMC Suburban owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt: the contact owns a 1997 GMC Suburban. The contact was calling in reference to NHTSA campaign recall 05V379000 concerning ABS brakes. The contact stated that she was receiving a false reading with ABS brakes, and her state and model year was not included in the recall. The contact has been having this problem since early summer of this year around May or June. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic, and they needed to replace the front hub. The contact disconnected the ABS system from both of the front tires and was no longer having this problem, but it will need to be repaired before winter. The ABS would activate while braking at slow speed which resulted in extended stopping distance.
ABS brakes do not and have not worked properly since this vehicle was first purchased (still original owner). Speed sensitive steering does not and has not worked properly as well. Thousands of dollars $$$ have been spent at the original dealership and at qualified automobile service repair centers continually replacing parts and sometimes the same parts of the years, this continues to this day even though the Suburban is in excellent condition and well taken care of. This includes master cylinder, brake pads, cylinders, etc. This braking defect seems to be experienced by many owners of the 1997 GMC Suburban c1500. Why hasn't something been done by GM engineers to locate and fix this problem?
When braking at slow speeds, the ABS kicks in and increases the stopping distance needed. After 3 trips to dealer (and over $500 in repairs) for brake problems, they told me that the wheel speed sensors were malfunctioning. They checked the recall, but my vehicle was not listed. I have since seen that this is a huge problem with all of their vehicles and that hundreds of others have complained that the "regional" recall didn't cover them. It seems obvious to me that there is an inherent problem with this braking system and the wheel speed sensors and GM should be held responsible for repairing this before someone else gets hurt (or worse).
The consumer routinely inspected the brakes in 11/02 and found no problems. On 06/03, while driving the consumer noticed the vehicle was pulling to the right. Upon inspection of brakes, the consumer discovered the left and right outside brake pads had a "chunk" missing. The front outside pads on the passenger side separated from the metal shoe due to rivet hole wear, and had fallen apart in the consumers hands and the pads were not worn out.
While driving the serpentine belt tensioner broke from its mounting and resulted in loss of power steering and other components including charging of the battery. The alternator also shorted out. The manufacturer and the dealer were notified. The consumer was told that the warranty not longer covered the belt. The brakes shuttered while braking from 60 MPH. The dealer replaced the front brake pads and resurfaced the rotors.
Dt*: the contact stated at speeds below 5 MPH, the braking distance was three times as far as it should be. The vehicle has been to dealership and the ABS sensors were repaired. The problem returned 6 years later. There is a NHTSA recall, # 05V379000, regarding the antilock brakes. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however, it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. Updated 03/09/06.
Dt: the contact state there is an NHTSA recall, campaign 05V379000 regarding the service brakes, hydraulic: antilock. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however, it is not included in the recall due to the model year. The vehicle was repaired by a local repair shop. The brake line was leaking due to rust. Updated 02/07/06.
Vehicle pulled to the left when applying brakes , went to dealer, replaced brake master cylinder. After this repair, defect was still occurring which resulted in an accident, causing the consumer to rearened a another vehicle at approx 40-45 MPH. ,brakes completley faile. ,no ABS warning light. Driver's and passenger's side air bags did not deploy.
Anti-lock brakes suddenly engaged, without notice or ap plication, while driving at 55 to 60 MPH. This action caused the vehicle to swerve violently, to skid @ 150 feet across driving lanes, spin 180 degrees and hit the opposite road easement. The vehicle then rolled over twice. The insurance company has deemed the vehicle a total loss.
I have owned a 1997 GMC Suburban 4x4 since new. The last 2 years the ABS braking system malfunctions at slow speed increasing stopping distance. I have recently disconnected the power to the system as it has worsened. I know that this is widespread on this truck and should be addressed.
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 GMC Suburban?
NHTSA has 58 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 GMC Suburban, 29% of the model year's 200 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (44 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 GMC Suburban brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1997 GMC 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 GMC Suburban brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 10 crashes, 0 fires and 10 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.