Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The driver's side front axle shaft seal on the differential leaks fluid, which runs onto the hot exhaust pipe which produces a smell and a possible fire hazard I bought this 1999 GMC Suburban vehicle used at crown motors in charlevoix michigan on 02/02/01, with 21904 miles on it. About 6 months after I bought the Suburban I started smelling a burnt oil odor when I would get out of the vehicle after driving the vehicle. I couldn't figure out what the odor was. About a year ago I had my Suburban serviced and was told that the front drivers side differential seal was leaking. This was told to me as a quite common problem with this type vehicle. I went to crown motors and told them about the problem. I was referred to the service manager who said that he would not do anything about the problem because the vehicle had almost 70,000 miles on it. …
Vehicle was moving on the interstate while at 65 MPH on cruise control. The automatic gear shift column was struck by the passenger and the transmission was sent into reverse. This action caused the brakes to lockup and the control mechanical lock on the wheel column was locked into a right hand turn with no way to control the vehicle. The vehilce started to skid out of control and then proceeded to roll over three times. All occupants were in saftey belts except my daughter who was int the back seat asleep. The vehicle was totally destroyed. It took resecue crews to remove myself the driver and daughter who was trapped in the back. We were transported via ambulance to a local hospital. All five passengers were released with only minor bruises and cuts. …
The transmission on my 1998 GMC surburban failed. I was told by the dealer and another transmission specialist that this particular problem has been common to the 1997-98 GMC and Chevrolet surburbans, tahoes and comparable vehicles. It is not fair to consumers for an auto maker to know about severe problems like this with vehicles and not issue a recall or correct the problem. Of the 86 complaints listed on your website for this model, 7 involved and others involved the drivetrain which can be an associated problem.
1998 Suburban w/ 4l60e transmission, shifting hard 1-2 and 2-3. Research shows it is a known problem of manufacturer addresses under GM tech serv bulletin 01-07-30-023b. Further, internet search indicates that problem is manufacturers design error, and that only permanent fix is to use an aftermarket suppliers re-designed replacement part. Currently, I am in the position of having to seek repair at estimated costs ranging from $1800-2800 from local service providers.
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.
Series of email correspondence with GM regarding the transmission replacement in my 1996 GMC Suburban which failed after only 75,000 miles - 25,000 miles before the GM recommended service. GM has chosen not to offer any assistance. I have found this to be a common occurrence with GM transmissions. 12/31/2003 08:37 am michelle, I had the local dealer install a new transmission last week. I asked the service technician why the transmission had failed. He noted that it had overheated and trash and debris were found in the fluid. He also noted that they, the GM dealer, recommend servicing the transmission every 50,000 miles. I follow the short-trip service schedule even though my truck is driven on the highway and not used excessively to avoid problems like this. According to the GM owners manual, the transmission should not have required servicing for another 25,000 miles. …
Transfer case snap ring failed second time in 89,000 miles. Makes grinding sound from stop as gears clash. Can avoid major damage if accelerate very slowly. Snap ring is a $2 part. Labor is about $150 to replace snap ring. $700 to repair transfer case if internal damage.
Related recalls (2)
Power train › Automatic transmission
The transmission shift-cable lock clip can back out of its installed position resulting in a loss of cable adjustment. When the shift lever is placed in the "park" position, the "park" indicator light May not illuminate.
Remedy: Dealers will adjust the shift cable and install a lock clip.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines
Due to a thin case casting, an external transmission leak can occur.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transmission case assembly for the involved case casting. If the assembly is involved, the transmission will be replaced.
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Suburban years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (24), 1999 (21), 1998 (15), 1996 (13) and 1995 (11) model years. Transmission complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 1997.
Is there a recall for GMC Suburban transmission problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 95V-139 (automatic transmission, Jul 26, 1995); 95V-026 (cooling unit and lines, Feb 16, 1995). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do GMC Suburban transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles; 27% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (60 mentions), followed by the driveline › differential unit (8).
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.