VehicleVerdict

1995 Chevrolet Suburban problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 1995 Chevrolet Suburban carries two red flags at once: 587 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 3.9× the Suburban norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: OEM HITCH RECEIVER PLATFORM CRACKING). It is one of the Suburban years to avoid. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 63 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 191 reports (33% of the total).

587

NHTSA complaints

7

Recalls

8

Investigations · 1 open

64

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

63

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1995 compare to other Suburban years?

Suburban NHTSA complaints by model year, 1995 highlighted1,038 complaints1977: 3 complaints1978: 3 complaints1979: 1 complaints1981: 1 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 4 complaints1984: 6 complaints1985: 12 complaints1986: 7 complaints1987: 21 complaints1988: 35 complaints1989: 68 complaints1990: 67 complaints1991: 65 complaints1992: 226 complaints1993: 616 complaints1994: 1,038 complaints1995: 587 complaints1996: 531 complaints1997: 556 complaints1998: 299 complaints1999: 861 complaints2000: 382 complaints2001: 543 complaints2002: 352 complaints2003: 361 complaints2004: 265 complaints2005: 161 complaints2006: 33 complaints2007: 358 complaints2008: 276 complaints2009: 133 complaints2010: 161 complaints2011: 193 complaints2012: 139 complaints2013: 170 complaints2014: 77 complaints2015: 588 complaints2016: 297 complaints2017: 184 complaints2018: 111 complaints2019: 92 complaints2020: 60 complaints2021: 241 complaints2022: 149 complaints2023: 140 complaints2024: 50 complaints
Suburban NHTSA complaints by model year, 1995 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Suburban years to avoid →

What are the most common 1995 Chevrolet Suburban problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes19133%
Seats9116%
Visibility & Wipers539%
Tires & Wheels458%
Electrical System397%
Transmission295%
Airbags214%
Body & Structure163%
Steering142%
Engine132%
Suspension132%
Other122%
Seat Belts112%
Latches & Locks102%
Speed Control92%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)81%
Fuel System71%
Lighting51%

Does the 1995 Chevrolet Suburban have recalls?

7 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).

03V159000Visibility & WipersApril 28, 2003 · 1,755,876 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR DURING BAD WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

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.

98V150001Visibility & WipersJuly 1, 1998 · 1,557,585 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INOPERATIVE WIPERS, REDUCING A DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER.

96V057000Speed ControlApril 4, 1996 · 379,004 units

Defect

THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH THE THROTTLE CABLE CONTACTING THE DASH MAT WHICH COULD BIND THE THROTTLE. THIS DOES NOT MEET WITH THE MAXIMUM RETURN TIMES REQUIRED BY FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS."

Consequence

CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THE ENGINE SPEED MAY NOT RETURN TO IDLE INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR ADEQUATE THROTTLE CABLE TO DASH MAT CLEARANCE, AND IF THERE IS INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE, CUT OUT A PORTION OF THE DASH MAT TO PROVIDE PROPER CLEARANCE.

95V139000TransmissionJuly 26, 1995 · 36,641 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THE VEHICLE CAN MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT NOTICE THAT THE INDICATOR LIGHT IS NOT ON AND DOES NOT APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL ADJUST THE SHIFT CABLE AND INSTALL A LOCK CLIP.

95V140000AirbagsJuly 25, 1995 · 3,651 units

Defect

THE VEHICLES HAVE BOTH THE SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (SIR) LABEL AND AN ENGINE START LABEL INSTALLED ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE SUN VISOR. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO.208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."

Consequence

CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: OPERATORS COULD FAIL TO NOTICE AND HEED THE WARNING LABEL.

Remedy

THE ENGINE START LABEL WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE STOWED SIDE OF THE SUN VISOR AND A NEW ENGINE START LABEL WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE HEADLINER IN THE SUN VISOR DEPRESSION. OWNERS WILL RECEIVE THE NEW LABEL AND CAN INSTALL THE LABEL THEMSELVES OR HAVE A DEALER INSTALL IT.

95V026000TransmissionFebruary 16, 1995 · 13,853 units

Defect

DUE TO A THIN CASE CASTING, AN EXTERNAL TRANSMISSION LEAK CAN OCCUR.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE TRANSMISSION OIL TO SPRAYONTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND RESULT IN A POSSIBLE VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION CASE ASSEMBLY FOR THE INVOLVED CASE CASTING. IF THE ASSEMBLY IS INVOLVED, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED.

Open NHTSA investigations

DP00001

OEM HITCH RECEIVER PLATFORM CRACKING

THE PETITION ALLEGES THAT CRACKS IN THE HITCH RECEIVER PLATFORM MAY LEAD TO SEPARATION OF THE TRAILER AND LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHEN MAKING A SUDDEN STOP THE BRAKES FAIL, THE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR WHICH HAPPENDED ON 010301 RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCASSION. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE DEALER ON EACH OCASSION. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE SITUATION. ANY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 3, 2001 · crash

“PE90056, POWER SEAT WAS A LITTLE LOOSE AND CAUSED IT TO CUT THE WIRES. THEN SMALL FIRE UNDER THE SEAT BROKE OUT. AFTER WIRES MELTED FIRE EXTINGUISHED BY ITSELF. DEALER'S SERVICE MANAGER REPORTED PROBLEM AND DIRECTED CONSUMER TO CALL GMC. GMC INDICATED THEY WOULD ACT ACCORDING TO WHAT THE SERVICE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · March 25, 1999 · fire

“WITHOUT WARNING, DURING DRIVING IN A RAIN STORM @ 65 MPH THE WIPERS "STOPPED" IN MID-STROKE . IT WAS DIFFICULT TO SEE TO SAFELY SLOW DOWN AND STOP. WITHIN A FEW SECONDS THEY STARTED WIPING AGAIN. THIS CONTINUED EVERY FEW MINUTES UNTIL WE LEFT THE RAIN STORM. I CAN NOT DUPLICATE THIS WHEN IT IS DRY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · October 3, 1999

“WAS DRIVING VEHICLE ABOUT 55 MPH, LEFT FRONT WHEEL FELL COMPLETELY OFF, 3 STUDS WERE BROKEN, WAS DRIVING ON AXLE/BRAKE ASSEMBLY/IGNITION LOCK STICKS/ REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER AND LEAKING OIL PAN, HEADLAMP WAS ALSO REPLACED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 26, 1996 · crash

“A CLUNKING NOISE CAME FROM VEHICLE WHILE IN OPERATION. CONSUMER COULD SMELL SMOKE BEFORE ENTERING STORE. WHEN EXITING STORE, VEHICLE WAS SMOKING VISIBLY. CONSUMER CONTACTED FIRE DEPARTMENT. FIRE BURNED THROUGH FIREWALL, AND BURNED A LARGE HOLE IN DASHBOARD. CONSUMER HAS NOT CONTACTED DEALERSHIP TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 18, 2001 · fire

1995 Chevrolet Suburban — common questions

Is the 1995 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 587 complaints put the 1995 model at #5 of 47 Suburban years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Suburban years to avoid.

What are the most common 1995 Suburban problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (191 complaints), seats (91 complaints), visibility & wipers (53 complaints).

Does the 1995 Chevrolet Suburban have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 1995 Chevrolet Suburban. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1995 Chevrolet Suburban under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (OEM HITCH RECEIVER PLATFORM CRACKING). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

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.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.