Four problems related to transmission failure have been reported for the 1997 GMC Suburban. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
1997 GMC Suburban- multiple engine & transmission failures. At 60,000 miles, vehicle began to shift hard. Returned to shop for diagnosis and repairs several times for work. Finally, while driving the vehicle in city traffic, the transmission failed compeletly. Required valve cover and transmission rebuild @ cost of $2,000. On December 27 '03, had to replace the radiator. On Jan 17 '04, discovered that there was no antifreeze in new radiator. Returned to mechanic who replaced the radiator. Said the intake manifold needed to be replaced. Cost: ~$600. Took to another mechanic for second opinion. Same diagnosis. Both state that gm is aware of both problems, however, they will not cover the costs of repairs or replacement. Additionally- replaced alternator two times; replaced water pump two times; replaced the master cylinder in fall 2003.
The vehicles transmission failed at 47000 miles (1997 GMC).
On April 10, transmission failed and vehicle was returned to dealership. On April 18, the vehicle was returned to the owner after having replaced the transmission, the transmission cooler, and intake manifold gasket. On April 27, 2000, the engine failed on a busy road as schools were letting out. The engine failure, put both the occupants of the vehicle at risks and the schoolchildren also, as the engine failure resulted in loss of power steering and power brakes. The driver avoided collision but with no steering and loss of braking power, the results could have been catastrophic.
Transmission failed and the replaced transmission failed too. Yh.