Chevrolet Suburban Visibility Problems
Owners have filed 304 complaints with NHTSA about visibility problems on the Chevrolet Suburban across 18 model years. The 1995 model year has the most (50). The words owners use most often: “windshield wipers” (33% of reports).
- 304visibility complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 1mention a crash
- 4mention an injury
- 4related recalls
- 71%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Windshield wipers: mentioned in 101 of 304 complaints (33%)
- Wiper motor: mentioned in 37 of 304 complaints (12%)
- Rear window: mentioned in 18 of 304 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do visibility problems happen?
Based on 111 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 304 complaints, 1 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 4 an injury.
Chevrolet Suburban visibility complaints by model year
| Model year | Visibility complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Suburban | 1 | 1% | 50,000 |
| 2016 Suburban | 3 | 1% | 141,000 |
| 2015 Suburban | 2 | 0% | 45,500 |
| 2013 Suburban | 1 | 1% | 39 |
| 2012 Suburban | 2 | 2% | 16,043 |
| 2008 Suburban | 4 | 2% | 106,000 |
| 2007 Suburban | 2 | 1% | 73,510 |
| 2005 Suburban | 4 | 3% | 163,968 |
| 2004 Suburban | 7 | 3% | 60,539 |
| 2003 Suburban | 13 | 4% | 49,615 |
| 2002 Suburban | 9 | 3% | 50,000 |
| 2001 Suburban | 14 | 3% | 45,000 |
| 2000 Suburban | 21 | 7% | 62,591 |
| 1999 Suburban | 44 | 7% | 80,000 |
| 1998 Suburban | 48 | 24% | 74,500 |
| 1997 Suburban | 37 | 9% | 103,940 |
| 1996 Suburban | 42 | 12% | 120,000 |
| 1995 Suburban | 50 | 11% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (4)
Visibility:rearview mirrors/devices:exterior
Model years: 2016, 2017
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Chevrolet Suburban HD vehicles. These vehicles were assembled with a convex right-hand outside mirror, instead of with a non-convex (flat) right-hand outside mirror. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Risk: If equipped with the incorrect right-side rear-view mirror, the driver may misjudge the distance of other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the convex mirror with a non-convex mirror and provide a new page for the owner's manual with the customer notification letter, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2017. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17017.
Visibility:windshield wiper/washer
Model years: 1995, 1996, 1997
Problem: On certain minivans, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles with certain model-engine combinations, the windshield wiper motor may fail due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. The windshield wipers could work intermittently or not at all.
Risk: If this were to occur during bad weather, driver visibility would be reduced, which could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover. Owner notification began on june 19, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
Visibility:rearview mirrors/devices:exterior
Model years: 1997, 1998
Problem: Certain sport utility vehicles, mini vans, and pickup trucks may develop a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch.
Risk: If this were to happen, it could result in an inoperative switch, heat damage to the driver's door, and/or ignition of components in the driver's door and a subsequent vehicle fire without prior warning.
Fix: Dealers will install a fused jumper harness to the electric outside rearview mirror switch. Owner notification began on april 24, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or gmc at 1-800-462-8782.
Visibility:windshield wiper/washer
Model years: 1995, 1996
Problem: Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, 2 and 4-wheel drive. Solder joints near the wiring harness connector can crack causing the windshield wipers to work intermittently.
Risk: This condition can result in inoperative wipers, reducing a driver's visibility, and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was a loud booming sound coming from the vehicle, and the sunroof glass exploded. During the failure, the sunroof cover was closed. Upon inspection, the contact discovered shards of glass…
The contact owned a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH on the highway, the contact and his wife noticed an abnormal odor coming from the air conditioning unit. The contact pulled over to a rest stop and exited the vehicle to inspect the front of the vehicle. The…
1995 chevrolet suburban, consumer writes in regard to windshield wiper motor failure. The consumer stated the dealer did not honor the recall. The consumer requested to be reimbursed for the recall repair.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet suburban. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the rear windshield detached completely from the vehicle. The contact stated he continued to drive the vehicle to his residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired as of yet. A dealer was not contacted…
I googled "air not working 2016 suburban" earlier on in the week. I found a video saying chevy has had a problem with the air compressors going bad. Was hoping that wasn't the case with mine. Took it to a mechanic today and he said the air compressor went bad and leaked. $1025 to repair. I told him…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Chevrolet Suburbans have visibility problems?
No. NHTSA has 304 owner complaints about visibility for the Chevrolet Suburban. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Chevrolet Suburban visibility?
Yes: 4 safety recalls list visibility. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about visibility problems on the Chevrolet Suburban?
The most frequent phrase is “windshield wipers”, in 101 of 304 complaints, followed by “wiper motor” (37).
Other Chevrolet Suburban problems
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (940)
- Electrical System problems (747)
- Air Bags problems (651)
- Power Train problems (629)
- Service Brakes problems (566)
- Engine problems (529)
- Steering problems (452)
- Structure problems (363)
See all Chevrolet Suburban problems.