One problem related to automatic transmission column shift has been reported for the 1997 GMC Suburban. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Lost control traveling down interstate I-20 eastbound in conyers, GA. Axle separated, and rear wheel came off. Suburban flipped 3x, skidded on passenger side & came to rest upside down. Airbags did not deploy but car was totally destroyed, including multiple hits on front bumper. 1 passenger airlifted to medical ctr; 3 others transported by ambulance. All alive & healing (thank god), but don't understand why airbags didn't deploy & axle could separate.