VehicleVerdict

1992 GMC Suburban problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 105 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 12.4 times the median Suburban year — the 1992 model ranks #8 of 26 Suburban years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 74% of all reports (78 of 105), far ahead of visibility & wipers at 12.

105

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

2

Investigations

25

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other Suburban years?

Suburban NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 highlighted490 complaints1966: 0 complaints1974: 1 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 2 complaints1984: 5 complaints1985: 6 complaints1986: 4 complaints1987: 8 complaints1988: 8 complaints1989: 24 complaints1990: 28 complaints1991: 33 complaints1992: 105 complaints1993: 254 complaints1994: 490 complaints1995: 294 complaints1996: 220 complaints1997: 268 complaints1998: 137 complaints1999: 393 complaints2000: 20 complaints2001: 5 complaints2002: 9 complaints2003: 8 complaints2004: 1 complaints
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 GMC Suburban problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes7874%
Visibility & Wipers1211%
Transmission44%
Engine33%
Electrical System33%
Suspension22%
Trailer Hitch22%
Body & Structure11%

Does the 1992 GMC Suburban have recalls?

4 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.

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, APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS AGO, EXPERIENCED DURING PANIC STOPPING DIMINISHED STOPPING POWER WHEN ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM OVERRODE BRAKING CAPABILITY, VEHICLE CONTINUED ROLLING FORWARD, REAR ENDING A TRUCK, NO PRIOR WARNING, NO INJURY. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · crash

“EA95-026 ACTIVE, WENT GOING DOWN INCLINE ON UNEVEN PAVEMENT, COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS. TT CONSUMER STATED THE HEATER BAR IS INOPERABLE IT DOES NOT MOVE, ALSO UNABLE TO TURN THE HEAT ON IF THE SYSTEM IS OFF FROM THE NIGHT BEFORE, AFTER THE VEHICLE RUNS FOR A PERIOD OF TIME IT WILL TURN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · November 1, 1995

“TRANSMISSION CAUGHT FIRE UNDERNEATH MY 1992 GMC K2500 SUBURBAN IT BURNED TRANNY UP IF I DIDN'T HAVE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER VEHICLE WOULD HAVE BEEN FULLY ENGULFED 1 PERSON RECEIVED A NON SUTURED LACERATION ON FOR HEAD FELL WHEN TRYING TO GET OUT OF VEHICLE TO GET AWAY FROM FIRE AND SMOKE COMING FROM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 28, 2009 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ON HIGHWAY, 65-70MPH, FOOT FELT HEAT, TURNED HEAT OFF, VAN STARTED SMOKING AND WHEN EVERYONE WAS OUT OF VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME, REPORT WAS TAKEN, NO INJURIES. VEHICLE TOTALLED. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 21, 1999 · fire

“THE SERPENTINE BELT MAKES NOISE TOOK TO DEALER EIGHT TIMES DEALER CAN'T FIND PROBLEM . TT DEALER HAS REPLACED WATER PUMP PULLEY ALSO. VEHICLE KEEPS EXPERIENCING OIL LEAKS, DEALER HAS REPLACED 3 GASKETS AND AN OIL FILTER. FRONT BRAKES REPLACED. ALTERNATOR REPLACED. REAR SPEAKERS REPLACED. *SLC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 1, 1992

1992 GMC Suburban — common questions

Is the 1992 GMC Suburban reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 105 complaints put the 1992 model at #8 of 26 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 (78 complaints), visibility & wipers (12 complaints), transmission (4 complaints).

Does the 1992 GMC Suburban have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 GMC Suburban. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1992 GMC Suburban under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which GMC Suburban years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Suburban years to avoid are 1994, 1999, 1995, 1997, 1993, 1996, 1998, 1992, 1991. 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.