1992 Chevrolet Suburban problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 226 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.5 times the median Suburban year — the 1992 model ranks #18 of 47 Suburban years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 18 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 71% of all reports (161 of 226), far ahead of visibility & wipers at 18.

226

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other Suburban years?

Suburban NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Suburban years to avoid →

What are the most common 1992 Chevrolet Suburban problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Brakes	161	71%	▲ up
Visibility & Wipers	18	8%	▲ up
Electrical System	9	4%	▲ up
Engine	8	4%	▲ up
Transmission	6	3%	▼ down
Tires & Wheels	5	2%	▼ down
Seat Belts	5	2%	— flat
Suspension	2	1%	▲ up
Trailer Hitch	2	1%	— flat
Other	2	1%	— flat
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)	2	1%	▲ up
Body & Structure	2	1%	▲ up
Seats	1	0%	▼ down
Lighting	1	0%	new
Airbags	1	0%	new
Steering	1	0%	▼ down

Does the 1992 Chevrolet Suburban have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

01I006000BrakesJuly 2, 2001 · 255,770 units

Defect

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1992-1994 CHEVROLET AND GMC SUBURBANS EQUIPPED WITH VACUUM POWER-BRAKE ASSIST AND EBC4 ANTI-LOCK BRAKE (ABS) MODULES. THESE VEHICLES EXHIBIT POOR BRAKE SYSTEM PERFORMANCE.

Consequence

THIS COULD BE ATTRIBUTED TO BRAKE PEDAL FEEL.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW BRAKE PEDAL PAD. IN ADDITION, DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE-BOOSTER OUTPUT ROD AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY.

93V119000BrakesAugust 2, 1993 · 341,364 units

Defect

SEVERE CORROSION DUE TO ROAD SALT AT THE JOINT OF THE STAMPED STEEL CENTER SECTION AND THE CAST OUTER SECTION CAN CAUSE THE SECTIONS TO SEPARATE.

Consequence

SEPARATION OF THE ROTOR SECTIONS CAN CAUSE LOSS OFBRAKING ABILITY IN THE AFFECTED WHEEL. THIS COULD RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPINGDISTANCE AND/OR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH NEW ROTORS WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION COATING. HOWEVER, IF REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE LININGS ARE NECESSARY, IT WILL BE DONE AT OWNER'S EXPENSE SINCE BRAKE LININGS ARE NORMAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS.

93V016000TransmissionFebruary 1, 1993 · 1,702,880 units

Defect

UNANTICIPATED HEAT IN THE TRANSMISSION CAN FORCE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID OUT OF THE VENT TUBE.

Consequence

THE VENTED TRANSMISSION FLUID CAN CATCH FIRE IF EXPOSEDTO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.

Remedy

INSTALL A LONGER TRANSMISSION VENT HOSE ROUTED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE.

92V056000BrakesApril 14, 1992 · 177 units

Defect

THE PIVOT BOLT HOLDING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO ITS SUPPORT BRACKET MAY BE IMPROPERLY TIGHTENED AND MAY NOT HAVE ENGAGED THE LOCKING MATERIAL ON THE BOLT. THE BOLT CAN DISENGAGE FROM THE NUT.

Consequence

IF THE PIVOT BOLT DISENGAGES FROM THE NUT WHILE THEVEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THERE WILL BE A LOSS OF BRAKE CONTROL AND COULD RESULT INA VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

DEALERS SHOULD INSPECT THE HAND STARTED BRAKE PEDAL BOLTS AND TORQUE THEM TO SPECIFICATION.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, APPLIED ABS BRAKES; VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP LIKE IT SUPPOSE TO. BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. PROBLEM ONLY INTERMITTENT. ON ONE OCCASION VEHICLE HIT CITY BUS IN REAR. SUBSEQUENTLY, WHILE DRIVING ON GRAVEL DETOUR ROAD, BRAKES GRABBED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO FISHTAIL. REPAIRMAN…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 5, 1996 · crash

“WHEN I BOUGHT THE TRUCK USED (85000 MLS)IT HAD A BAD FRONT END IDLER LINK AND A BAD A/C CLUTCH BEARING. NOT LONG AFTER I BOUGHT IT I HAD TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES DIDN'T STOP THE VEHICLE LIKE THEY SHOULD AND I WAS SCARED TO LET MY WIFE DRIVE IT BECAUSE OF THE SPONGY…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 1, 1998 · crash

“ALTERNATOR SEIZED AND CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD DUE TO INADEQUATE SIZE BEARING AND FRICTION FROM BELT THAT IGNITED THE INTERNAL WIRING. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 24, 1995 · fire

“ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD LEAKED COOLANT OUTSIDE ENGINE. ALSO, RADIATOR LEAKS DUE TO POOR ORIGINAL CONSTRUCTION BY GENERAL MOTORS. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 22, 1997

“WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN DRIVER EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER. AFTER PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, DRIVER SAW SMOKE AND FIRE COMING FROM THE BACK OF VEHICLE.. FIRE WAS PUT OUT BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. FIRE BELIEVED TO HAVE STARTED IN THE TRANSMISSION AREA. THE TRUCK HAS BEEN TOTALLED.…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 25, 1999 · fire

1992 Chevrolet Suburban — common questions

Is the 1992 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 226 complaints put the 1992 model at #18 of 47 Suburban years. It is one of the Suburban years to avoid.

What are the most common 1992 Suburban problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (161 complaints), visibility & wipers (18 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints).

Does the 1992 Chevrolet Suburban have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Chevrolet Suburban. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1992 Chevrolet Suburban under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Suburban years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Suburban years to avoid are 1994, 1999, 1993, 2015, 1995, 1997, 2001, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2002, 1998, 2016, 2008, 2004, 2021, 1992, 2011, 2013, 2010, 2022, 2023, 2012, 2009, 2014, 2024. The cleanest record among Suburban years belongs to 1982.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1992 compare to other Suburban years?

What are the most common 1992 Chevrolet Suburban problems?

Does the 1992 Chevrolet Suburban have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1992 Chevrolet Suburban — common questions

Is the 1992 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?

What are the most common 1992 Suburban problems?

Does the 1992 Chevrolet Suburban have recalls?

Is the 1992 Chevrolet Suburban under NHTSA investigation?

Which Chevrolet Suburban years should you avoid?

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