15 problems related to automatic transmission have been reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Tranmission failed after buying used at 75000 miles. I called gm and check for recall info. They advised me that the original owner brought it back after buying new and had the trans redone. Every 15000 miles the transmission broke again. Then it broke a third time. Fortunatley I had the extended warrenty and didnt have to pay the 2nd and third times. Thought it was the transmission place but after readind other complaints I see its the vehicle. When is gm going to fix this problem when someone dies> when you lose the gear there is a dramatic decline in speed and its hard to steer. Feels like the antilock system kicks in. I should know it has happened 3 times to me. Now im stuck with this junk.
Transmission shifts hard - need to be replaced for the third time. P1870 error code. This is a common problem according to this site andmany other internet sites. Gm technicians are all familiar and the only fix is to replace the transmission. Gm should be accountable for this - it appears to be a product defect.
Consumer states "the service engine soon light illuminated, then vehicle would not shift properly afterwards. Took to dealer and dealer stated that the transmission is not flowing through freely, because of design.
Driving on the freeway on 4 different occasions the "engine service light came on. First time at 52,000 miles in July '01, second time at 55,076 miles in sept. '01, third time at 63,196 miles in June '02 and fourth time at 63,766 miles in July '02. First time it was a transmission code, but transmission performed fine on test drive. Second time unknown code. Third time, no code given. Fourth time transmission code of 1870, internal slippage. We noticed that coming off the freeway after 1/2 hour or so, the transmission shifts abruptly from 1st to 2nd gear. Neither we nor the former owner towed anything with it. We had to get a remanufactured transmission which is good for 50,000 or 3 years.
I bought a used 1997 Chevrolet Suburban. It was in excellent-looking shape and low miles. I have had it now for 3 years. I have repeatedly had to have it worked on. I have replaced the alternator, battery, battery cables, and starter; and have had the transmission rebuilt twice. I also had to have the heater core replaced and the radiator worked on. I do not drive that much, and I have my vehicle serviced regularly. It's always needing work. I've had it for sale for a while, but can't sell it for even a small sum.
There is a major problem with gm and Chevrolet truck transmissions. Hard shifting is experienced followed by " engine light on panel. A code 0f 1870 is reported when it is serviced. I have had the dealer look at this several times and there appears to be no way to fix it. I have heard of many people paying $3000 for rebuilt trtansmissions and the problem stil is not corrected. Gm has been contacted but will not respond.
Jurks into second gear when transmission shifts from first to second intermittently, informed by 4 different mechanics and dealer that this was a common problem.
Our Suburban is 3 1/2 years old and just went over the 50,000 mile mark when the transmission went out on it. We have also had problems with the drivers seat coming loose. It was supposedly fixed once but came loose again after about 3 months. I'm concerned that if the car was ever in a crash the seat would not hold.
Hard shift between 1st and 2nd gears; slippage in trans. Producing heat/smell; much metal/debris in bottom of trans. From failing components; manufacturers defect in production/assembly.
Transmission shifts very abruptly from gear to gear after car is driven at highway speeds for a length of time (usually 10 miles or more). Dealer has checked the transmission and everything appears fine (no error codes) but continues to have problem. Looks like the ecm is bad but because the codes are not present, no one is willing to diagnose.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
While traveling on highway for an hour soon after making a stop vehicle shift gears hard from one to another. Dlr has been notified.
Driving 65 mph and towing a boat on interstate when transmission "went out" (under 50,000 miles) almost causing collision. Employee of dealership advises gm has had problem with transmissions overheating but no recall or service bulletins. Purchased new transmission with supposedly "corrected" problem. Need help to see if gm will help cover any costs with problem they were aware of.
Chevrolet did not pay for any of the repairs. They offered to pay half, when I did not accept , they withdrew the offer. At the time my vehicle was in the shop there were 3 others in for the same problem. They all had to have the transmissions replaced. I believe there is a definite problem with the transmissions they have put in these vehicles, and they are not standing behind them. My vehicle has always been properly serviced by Chevrolet, and it has not been abused. I feel that these vehicles should be recalled and Chevrolet have to fix them.
Transmission needed to be replaced / warranted after literally exploding. There is no other brand to choose from for this size and style vehicle. Please investigate gm's warrantee ratio of this particular component and, if applicable, demand they upgrade to a "heavy duty" truck caliber component.