Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
1997 GMC Suburban- multiple engine & transmission failures. At 60,000 miles, vehicle began to shift hard. Returned to shop for diagnosis and repairs several times for work. Finally, while driving the vehicle in city traffic, the transmission failed compeletly. Required valve cover and transmission rebuild @ cost of $2,000. On December 27 '03, had to replace the radiator. On jan 17 '04, discovered that there was no antifreeze in new radiator. Returned to mechanic who replaced the radiator. Said the intake manifold needed to be replaced. Cost: ~$600. Took to another mechanic for second opinion. Same diagnosis. Both state that GM is aware of both problems, however, they will not cover the costs of repairs or replacement. Additionally- replaced alternator two times; replaced water pump two times; replaced the master cylinder in fall 2003.
Automatic transmission-driving down the interstate on vacation when a cloud of smoke was noticed out the rear of the Suburban. Pulled over to the side of the road to find transmission fluid sprayed all out of the over flow tube. I was told that too much pressure was built up and the suburbans are known for that. Filled it back up with transmission fluid and the transmission continued to slip. Had to give up the vacation and get a tow back home. Fluid had sprayed all over my vehicle and vehicles behind me. It was extremely hot. Luckily I got it shut down before a fire caught. Had to replace the transmission at a heavy cost.
Normal highway speed I noticed a lot of smoke coming from rear of vehicle I stopped and heard a hissing noise under vehicle and saw oil spraying on the exhaust pipes near transmission it then caught fire put fire out I checked fluid level in transmission it was low help showed up with oil filled it back up continued home at slow speed approximately 50 miles later o.d. Started to slip then drive started to slip so I drove 30 MPH in 2nd was told that transmission was going out because of fluid loss out of vent tube
Lost control traveling down interstate I-20 eastbound in conyers, ga. Axle separated, and rear wheel came off. Suburban flipped 3x, skidded on passenger side & came to rest upside down. Airbags did not deploy but car was totally destroyed, including multiple hits on front bumper. 1 passenger airlifted to medical ctr; 3 others transported by ambulance. All alive & healing (thank god), but don't understand why airbags didn't deploy & axle could separate.
On a 400 mile trip over easter weekend, we noticed that the transmission started shifting very hard in the first through third gears. We became aware of the problem as we began driving the Suburban after a rest stop. We became very concerned about the transmission when we tried to pass vehicles of accelerate up hills and it seemed as though the overdrive was not engaging. The following day, I took the vehicle to the only repair shop in a small town on the mississippi gulf coast. They advised me to have the transmission serviced, (replace filter, and fluid). I paid $135 to do that. The problem was not solved. The week of April 16th, through the advise of a GMC customer rep, I took the sub to the dealer in hopes that a computer upgrade would solve the problem. …
While turning corner in subdivision transmission would not shift into 2 gear. Jumped into 3rd gear and the truck jumped forward. Proceeded to drive on highway to get home and once slowed the truck continued to roar until jumping into 3rd gear. Once the truck was stopped, I had no reverse. I was told the reverse housing broke,which causes the gears to slip and this happens without any warning...no previous "transmission slipping" and is a common thing in this model Suburban . Transmission tech also showed me where this reverse part broke and said general motors is aware of the problem and has made a stronger part for the transmission. If GM knows this is a problem why is this not a recall? It is caused from a faulty part. To fix this problem is costing me over 1500.00 dollars. The ABS brakes have to be held to the floor and then the back wheels skid. …
Example of problem, when the truck has run 50 miles or so on the freeway, stop at off ramp. The truck shifts hard from 1st to 2 nd when I pull away. This continues until I shut the truck off, wait a few minutes and start again. Then it is fine for a while and will repeat the same, sometimes weeks apart, more often in the summer months. My driving pattern is one of short trips, so I guess this is why my problem is sparodic. I have read many complaints one web sites about this problem with other GM cars and trucks,the code #1870 seems to figure in most cases, most people have had no luck with GM, and are stuck with bills of 2-3000 dollars. I hope you can check this out, seems to cover GM cars and trucks from the 80s-01. Thank's graham brown. Dt
Rear end of transmission crack in half causing fluid to leak out vehicle had to be towed on flat bed 140 miles to get home the entire end of the transmission was broke had to defect in the casting of housing or a design flaw car has high miles due to much travel mechanic stated never saw transmission brake like that before contacted dealer and had dealership mechanic look at it but they stated they were not going to help us they say lack of maintanince to the car we have had our car checked every 3 -4 thousand miles oil changes ect we have receipts for everything we feel GMC had a craftsmanship defect on should cover this even if we are out of warranty
On April 10, transmission failed and vehicle was returned to dealership. On April 18, the vehicle was returned to the owner after having replaced the transmission, the transmission cooler, and intake manifold gasket. On April 27, 2000, the engine failed on a busy road as schools were letting out. The engine failure, put both the occupants of the vehicle at risks and the schoolchildren also, as the engine failure resulted in loss of power steering and power brakes. The driver avoided collision but with no steering and loss of braking power, the results could have been catastrophic.
The front brakes of the Suburban has been replaced for the second time with raybestos (lifetime wear) brake shoes. My transmission started shifting very hard, as if someone had rearended the truck at a slow speed. I took it to aamco transmission's for repears. Aamco rebuilt the transmission, but did'nt fix the problem. After $2200.00 and the fifth attemt to fix the problem I took it to a GMC dealer and they actually fixed the problem the first time for $308.
Transmission complaints in other Suburban years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1997 GMC Suburban?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1997 GMC Suburban, 12% of the model year's 200 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (21 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 GMC Suburban transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 132,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 4 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.