Research · Special Purpose Vehicles
1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1500Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 16 owner complaints for the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1500. Most complaints involve visibility (5) and service brakes, hydraulic (3). The EPA rates it 12–14 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
12–14mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
16
Top: visibility
Fuel cost / yr
$4,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
16 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2006 – Feb 2018
- Visibility5
- Service brakes, hydraulic3
- Service brakes2
- Electrical system2
- Exterior lighting2
- Steering2
- Fuel system, gasoline1
- Equipment1
- Seats1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Visibility
5 reports
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR WOULD INTERMITTENTLY FUNCTION WHEN IN ACTIVATION; AND OVER A PERIOD OF TIME THE FAILURE BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V159000 (VISIBILITY: WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER) WAS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FAILURE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE RECALL WAS CLOSED. THEY ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT HAVE QUALIFIED DUE TO THE MODEL YEAR, EXCESSIVE MILEAGE; AND BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED. THE CONTACT DISAGREED WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER AND STATED THAT THE RECALL SUMMARY DID NOT MENTION THOSE FACTORS AS A REQUIREMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.”
Service brakes, hydraulic
3 reports
“ARBITRARY ACTIVATION OF THE ABS BRAKES AT SLOW SPEEDS OR WHEN PARKING. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO NOT STOP AND CONTINUE MOVING FOR A FEW INCHES TO A FEW FEET. VARY HAZARDOUS WHEN PARKING IN TIGHT AREAS OR AROUND CHILDREN IN A PARKING LOT. HAD SIMILAR PROBLEM ON CHEVY 1999 SILVERADO K1500 PICKUP THAT RESULTED IN A RECALL. WOULD SUGGEST THE SAME ON THIS VEHICLE TO AVOID SAME HAZARDOUS SITUATION. *TR”
Service brakes
2 reports
“ANTI-LOCK SYSTEMS OVERRIDES AT LOW SPEED ON DRY PAVEMENT INCREASING STOPPING DISTANCES.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Special Purpose Vehicles
- Engines
- 5.7L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 4-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suburban 1500 2WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | $4,450 | 635 |
| Suburban 1500 4WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 15 | 12 | $5,200 | 741 |
- 14mpg comb.
- 12mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 8, 2026
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
1997 Suburban 1500 questions
How many recalls does the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 8, 2026.
What are the most common 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 problems?
Owners filed 16 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are visibility (5), service brakes, hydraulic (3), service brakes (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 get?
The EPA rates the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 at 12–14 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026