Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
Tl contact owns a 1997 GMC Suburban. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning and would not restart. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic and they discovered that the fuel pump sending unit wires were rotted out, which burned out the fuel pump. The fuel pump and sending unit had to be replaced. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 151,000.
Parked truck near dealership after having trouble starting it, tried to restart, it didn't. Dealer took it in and called to say that fuel pump is shot and they had one in stock to replace it. Then four hours later they said the wires to it were melted and the sending unit needs to be replaced. This is the 5th time to replace fuel pump for this truck in 264,000 miles. First was at 50,000 miles.
Fuel gage was acting erratic went full then empty with full tank . A few days later the truck would not start. Found fuse in engine compartment blown for fuel pump. Fuel pump wiring was melted in fuel tank causing short. Had to replace pump and harness which was part of the pump housing. Also replaced fuel filter due to lack of fuel flow (no power) a week later.
Fuel pump electrical wiring system failure. Inside cannon plug charred and wires are melted. Cannon plug is cracked. This was all discovered when the vehicle failed to start and the fuel pump was being replaced.
We have had continuous problems with the fuel injectors. The previous owner had atleast one injector to go out. We had three more go out and then the dealership replaced the other four back in sept. 2001. Sept. 2002 # 7 injector has gone out again. After speaking with a couple of mechanics and a service manager they reported to us that they have had lot of problems with the injectors in the 1997 & some 1998 models, but mid way in 1998 GM changed the type of injectors that they were using, but they have not recalled any of the old ones with the problems.
Vehicle would stall about once a week at any given time. Then one day it would not start. When fuel pump was removed from the tank the power wire was shorted and melted inside the tank, had to replace the complete tank assmy. Consisting of the pump, sending unit and wiring harness, the repair shop said we were very lucky that it did not explode, after researching this site I see that this has been a problem that dates back to new models released in 1996, and still nothing has been done about it ....why????? Dt
Spring of 2008 we replaced the fuel pump. Then in November 2008 the fuel pump failed again. The mechanic said they were both brand new fuel pumps but he was unsure of why they both failed to work properly when we took it back in March 2009. 3 new fuel pumps all within one year sounds like a problem to us. The mechanic also had to replace the harness. Each time when the fuel pump went out the car just wouldn't start. It would drive fine and then just not restart once turned off.
Roads were snowy when engine died for no reason. Lost control of vehicle & ended in a ditch. Towed truck/ pulled vehicle out of ditch. Had been to dealership many times for problem with engine. Vehicle placed on diagnostic machine. No codes of problem showed. Mechanic replaced fuel pump on diesel engine last moment.
Vehicle would stall out at any speed, which cauised fuel pump to burn out, vehicle would not restart after this incident. Consumer had repl three fuel pumps replaced, but, problem was still reoccurring. Asking NHTSA assistance in this matter. Provide any further information on this matter.
Damaged sending unit in 1997 GMC Suburban. A small plastic part in the bottom of the gas tank broke loose and caused severe damage to sending unit. The attachment of the plastic runner to the base of the tank was not secured on the assembly.
Fuel System complaints in other Suburban years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1997 GMC Suburban?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1997 GMC Suburban, 12% of the model year's 200 complaints. The component named most often is delivery › fuel pump (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 GMC Suburban fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system 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 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 151,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system 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.