1997 GMC Suburban 1500
3GKFK16R5VG515681
Vehicle history report for the 1997 GMC Suburban 1500 (VIN 3GKFK16R5VG515681). Green, sport utility vehicle [suv]/multipurpose vehicle [mpv], 5.7L 8-cyl, gasoline. 151,279 mi reported. Registered in Ca. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history
![Stock photo of a 1997 GMC Suburban 1500, Green, Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV] — not the actual vehicle with VIN 3GKFK16R5VG515681](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3d/1997_GMC_K-1500_Suburban_SLT_in_Smoky_Caramel_Metallic_%26_Dark_Cherry_Metallic_Two-Tone%2C_Front_Right%2C_11-07-2022.jpg)
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 3 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Owners most often report service brakes trouble on this model — inspect it closely.
- Lower mileage than typical for the year.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN 3GKFK16R5VG515681, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 3 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1997 GMC Suburban data →
📋 All factory specifications on file3 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
⚙️ Engine, fuel & battery
📐 Body, chassis & dimensions
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1997 GMC Suburban with this engine.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions with this engine; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1997 GMC Suburban costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1997 GMC Suburban — ranges cover the 4 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 5
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE Closed
AS A RESULT OF THIS, AND THE PRECEDING INVESTIGATION, RQ99-003, GM HAS EXPANDED THE POPULATION OF SAFETY RECALL 98V-150 (REPLACEMENT OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE) TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL 1.77 MILLION VEHICLES. INCLUDED ARE VARIOUS 1994-1997 MY M/L VANS, S/T TRUCKS AND SUVS, & C/K TRUCKS AND SUVS. SEE ATTACHED TECHNICAL REPORT FOR DETAILS.
NHTSA #EA02006 · Visibility · opened May 2002 · closed Jul 2003OEM HITCH RECEIVER PLATFORM CRACKING Closed
THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION WAS PETITIONED TO COMMENCE A DEFECT INVESTIGATION BY A RECREATION VEHICLE (RV) CLUB SAFETY COMMITTEE MEMBER IN A LETTER SIGNED BY DAVE BLUM AND DATED 7-JAN-00. THE PETITION ALLEGES THAT SOME OF THE HITCH PLATFORM AND RELATED TOWING EQUIPMENT MAY NOT MEET NATIONAL HIGHWAY SAFETY STANDARDS FOR MATERIAL AND CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATION. SPECIFICALLY, CRACKS WERE FOUND IN…
NHTSA #DP00001 · Equipment · opened Jan 2000 · closed Sep 2000BATTERY LEAKS ACID Closed
ODI HAS RECEIVED 21 COMPLAINTS WHERE OWNERS ALLEGE THAT THE STANDARD GM FACTORY SUPPLIED AC DELCO BATTERY CASE FAILED, RESULTING IN THE LEAKAGE OF SULFURIC ACID. OF THE 21 COMPLAINT VEHICLES, SIX SUBURBAN, THREE TAHOES, AND ONE YUKON OWNER(S) COMPLAINED ABOUT A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID FROM DETERIORATION OF THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LINE AS A RESULT OF SULFURIC ACID CONTAMINATION. THE REMAINING 11 COMPLAINTS PERTAIN PRIMARILY…
NHTSA #PE99073 · Electrical System · opened Dec 1999 · closed May 2000ERRATIC STEERING BOOST WHILE DRIVING Closed
ALLEGED THAT THE VARIABLE EFFORT STEERING UNIT INTERMITTENTLY PROVIDES FULL BOOST TOT HE POWER STEERING GEAR AT MODERATE TO HIGH SPEEDS.
NHTSA #PE98060 · Steering · opened Nov 1998 · closed May 1999POOR BRAKE PERFORMANCE Closed
POOR PERFORMANCE OF ABS BRAKES
NHTSA #EA95026 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Sep 1995 · closed Sep 2001An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 33
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 33.
This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
Bulletin 17-NA-073 · Equipment · Feb 2023This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Record…
Bulletin PIP4723F · Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Record…
Bulletin PIP4723D · Electrical System · Jan 2020This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
Bulletin 19NA273 · Electrical System, Equipment · Dec 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the…
Bulletin PIC4696E · Equipment · Nov 2019This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
Bulletin 17NA073 · Equipment · Sep 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the…
Bulletin PIC4696D · Equipment · Sep 2019This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
Bulletin 17NA073 · Equipment · Feb 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve th…
Bulletin PIC4696C · Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · May 2018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorde…
Bulletin PIP4723C · Electrical System, Equipment, Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2017Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the SUBURBAN. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 2
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1997 GMC Suburban. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Other
Certain vehicles (not involved in recall 98-150), may experience a windshield wiper failure due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. If this were to occur in a severe weather situation, driver's visibility could be reduced, which could result in a vehicle crash without prior warning. Correction: Dealer will replace defective wiper motor until 7 years or 112…
Transport Canada #2003064 · Mar 2003Electrical
On certain vehicles, a short in the electric outside rearview mirror switch could develop. If this were to occur, 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. Correction: Dealer will install a fused jumper harness to the electric outside rearvie…
Transport Canada #2003062 · Mar 2003Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the GMC Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban is a series of SUVs built by Chevrolet since 1934. The longest-produced automobile nameplate in the world, the Suburban is currently in its twelfth generation, in production since the 2021 model year. Beginning life as one of the first metal-bodied station wagons, the Suburban is the progenitor of the modern full-size sport utility vehicle, combining a wagon-style body with the chassis and powertrain of a pickup truck. Alongside its Advance Design, Task Force, and C/K predecessors, the Chevrolet Silverado currently shares chassis and mechanical commonality with the Suburban and other trucks.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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 AP…
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).
NHTSA Campaign #06E043000 · 19/05/2006VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
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.
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 A
NHTSA Campaign #03V159000 · manufacturer #03023 · 28/04/2003VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, MINI VANS, AND PICKUP TRUCKS MAY DEVELOP A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH.
Remedy: 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 CHE
NHTSA Campaign #03V093000 · manufacturer #03006 · 07/03/2003These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 4 Nov 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 215 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 GMC Suburban, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 16 involved a crash 🔥 4 involved a fire 🚑 17 reported injuries
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 215
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1997 GMC Suburban.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CAR LURCHES WHEN TURNING RIGHT AND LEFT, INTERMITTENTLY FEELING LIKE YOU ARE LOOSING CONTROL OF VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #10794765TIRES
PULLED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY GOT UP TO SPEED OF ROADWAY THAT IS 50 MPH FELT A VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END, SLOWED DOWN IT WENT AWAY, SO I STARTED TO SPEED UP AGAIN TO SEE IF IT CAME BACK, THEN BOOM MY FRONT PASSENGER TIRE LITERALLY BLEW UP, THE TREAD SEPARATED AND THE TIRE ALMOST BLEW COMPLETELY OFF THE RIM. I TEMPORARILY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND SKIDDED …
Crash · NHTSA ODI #10758845STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
THE IGNITION SWITCH STARTED TO FAIL WHILE DRIVING. FIRST THE HEATER FAN WOULD QUIT AND THE ABS LIGHT WOULD INSTANTLY TURN ON, AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD FAIL TO OPERATE. WHEN THE ABS LIGHT WOULD BE ON THE ABS WOULD FAIL TO OPERATE. THEN SUDDENLY ALL OPERATIONS WOULD GO BACK TO NORMAL. IT WOULD BE UNPREDICTABLE WHEN THE HEATER FAN AND THE ABS WOULD FAIL AND…
NHTSA ODI #10593726STEERING
STEERING SPEED SENSOR FAILS CAUSING THE STEERING TO SUDDENLY JERK WHILE TURNING UNDER SPEED. IT FEELS LIKE THE FRONT WHEELS HIT "SLIPPERY ICE". I HAVE REPLACED THIS ITEM 3 TIMES ON MY OWN AND THE SENSOR KEEPS FAILING. THE ONE IN MY CAR CURRENTLY IS EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEM AGAIN AND WILL NEED REPLACING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10370618FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
SPRING OF 2008 WE REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP. THEN IN NOVEMBER 2008 THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AGAIN. THE MECHANIC SAID THEY WERE BOTH BRAND NEW FUEL PUMPS BUT HE WAS UNSURE OF WHY THEY BOTH FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY WHEN WE TOOK IT BACK IN MARCH 2009. 3 NEW FUEL PUMPS ALL WITHIN ONE YEAR SOUNDS LIKE A PROBLEM TO US. THE MECHANIC ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE HARNESS. EACH TI…
NHTSA ODI #10265471VISIBILITY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 GMC SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V159000 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. UPDATED 01/07/09. *LJ UPDATED 01/12/09. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10251576FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
PARKED TRUCK NEAR DEALERSHIP AFTER HAVING TROUBLE STARTING IT, TRIED TO RESTART, IT DIDN'T. DEALER TOOK IT IN AND CALLED TO SAY THAT FUEL PUMP IS SHOT AND THEY HAD ONE IN STOCK TO REPLACE IT. THEN FOUR HOURS LATER THEY SAID THE WIRES TO IT WERE MELTED AND THE SENDING UNIT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS THE 5TH TIME TO REPLACE FUEL PUMP FOR THIS TRUCK IN 264…
NHTSA ODI #10226086FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 GMC SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC AND THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL PUMP SENDING UNIT WIRES WERE ROTTED OUT, WHICH BURNED OUT THE FUEL PUMP. THE FUEL PUMP AND SENDING UNIT HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE…
NHTSA ODI #10219285+ 207 more complaints on record.
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