Here is where you will find postings of some of the email I received. I have decided to do this partly to answer the critics who believe that mine was the only GM product ever created with problems, and partly to provide a place for others to vent their frustrations. These are some of the most recent emails I have received. I will archive older ones as appropriate.

Janesville Plant employee

David has had two good Suburbans

They don't make em like this anymore

Good Tahoe

If anyone from GM is reading this and would like to offer assistance to any of these unfortunate lemon sufferers then please send me email and I will see about putting you in touch.

Suburban Saga

Chevy Metro lemon

Lemon diesel

Jumk Suburban

Robins Red Junk

Similar problems

Its Busta!

From: GM Employee

Subject: your vin #

Being a GM employee at the Janesville Assembly Plant in Wisconsin, which builds the Suburban, Tahoe and Yukon, I read your story with interest. I don't like to think we turn out the junk which you describe, but nor do I believe its not possible.

I thought you may like to know a little about how they were/are built. In their attempt at meeting a very high demand for the vehicles our plant has cranked out as many as 1200 vehicles a day!! between two ten hour shifts.That is a lot of Suburbans. And in speaking for all my co-workers, who take a lot of pride in high quality worksmanship, at that build rate some thing is going to slip by undetected sooner or later, although not to much.

Actually, the parts of your site that interested me were: 1 your vin#. And 2 a letter posted by another individual, in which he/she states that it must have been built around a strike or something. perhaps a Monday morning or even a Friday night. Well, our only recent strike took place in the fall of 96,for numerous reasons. And secondly, it takes approximately 18-20 hours for a Suburban to be built from sheet metal to ship. So to say it was because of a Monday morning is arbitrary since most of a vehicle is built throughout a shift or two.
Anyway here is the big relief for me. The first digit of your vin. is a 3 wich signifies that it was unjustly built in Mexico!!! Had it been built in The U.S. the number would have been a 1. Now I don't know about you, but if I were doing what I do at GM for $6 to $8 a day!! My pride in craftsmanship would be greatly diminished. Had your Suburban been built in Janesville you could have contacted represenatives directly from the plant who would have been very interested in helping you with your problems, which they have done in the past.

In conclusion, given the lengths to which you went to make your anguish be known it is safe to conclude that you would'nt even drive on a GM lot. But if you ever did look at a new series Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon, or Yukon XL make sure you look at the bottom of the window sticker for the final assembly point and make sure it says Janesville Wisconsin. Or at least check for a 1 at the start of the vin.

Signed; A proud GM Janesville Assembly employee

From: David

Subject: suburbans, what else?

Great web site, a real eye opener. We bought our first Sub new in 1991 and put 113k on it until it was stolen in 1997. We have fond memories of all the long trips we took in that Sub. After it was stolen we even memorialized it by placing it's picture on the refrigerator! Our kids were so sad. Our 1991 was no trouble at all. We replaced the alternator at about 90,000, but other than that..nothing.

We replaced it with a 1998 which has served us well, and at nearly 49k in two years has only had the sensors(?) replaced, which was done without charge even though it was out of warranty!! Hope you have better luck with your new auto.

From: Craig

Subject: My 'Burb is approaching the 300,000 mile mark

Hi.

A friend and member of my Early Suburban Owners Club, sent me your link.

I found your lemon site to be pretty humorous reading indeed. Sorry you ended up with such a piece of crap, but on the plus side, it did get this site created for our enjoyment.

As you might guess from the name of our club, I drive a 35 year GMC Suburban. It's mostly a hotrod these days, and is setup as a "sleeper." It's actually very fast, and will leave even most sedans in the dust. Very fun to drive!

Personally, I have very little use for new vehicles. I work for a communications company, and have been there for 22 years. We've bought out several other companies, and we all drive the newest vehicles. (at work) We just bought two FORD Expeditions, and a FORD E350 extended van for our chief installer. It has a V-10, but no tape cassette. Jeff, the installer gripes about the lack of a tape player, but loves the V-10's power!

The company owner and I drove Jeep Cherokee limiteds. (in 1991) Now, those were just about what your site is all about. We called them the $30,000 pieces of garbage. Bill's spent more time in the shop than on the road. Mine kept having annoying "little things" croak on a constant basis. The tranny died once, (on both Jeeps) but mine was mostly things like the door latch falling apart inside, so when I get to where I'm going, I can't get out!! Having the mirror drop off while I'm driving etc. etc. etc. Bill finally told the dealer to come and pick them up before he drove them both into the river. We couldn't take anymore after only 9 months.

One funny thing with his, the ignition coil failed one day. He drove in, then, 30 minutes later had a board meeting to go to, and the Jeep wouldn't start! A suit-wearing salesman brought a new unit, and told us about a recall on the coils. Bill got started on a witty rampage about jeeps, the dealership, and car salesmen in general. You could see the poor man wilt, but Bill had no mercy whatsoever. Meanwhile, one of our installers was replacing the coil, and laughing so hard (along with the rest of us) he could hardly hold onto a wrench.

The best truck I drove for field work is an Isuzu diesel box truck. That was a very dependable unit. we traded it in for the Ford van. It was in service for over 9 years, and the reason it was traded, is it was just too much truck for what we need anymore, rather than age related problems. So much for domestic truck manufactures.

My old 'Burb is going to roll over to the 300,000 mile mark sometime this summer. I plan on having a celebration, and posting the event on the website. Please take a look at my truck if you get any extra time.

Craig

From: Tony

Subject: Tahoe

I live in Edmonton, Canada and have owned a Tahoe for two years. Yes I have had lots go wrong, but always fixed quickly and efficiently, and correctly first time.

I think that the dealership is a big part of owning a good vehicle. This dealership found problems during regular service and fixed them at once without my even knowing that something was wrong. I only had to wait once for parts, and that was only for half a day.

The dealership that I use is Lakewood Chev Olds in Edmonton.

I am currently awaiting delivery of a 2000 suburban

I guess that what I am trying to say is that all manufacturers produce lemons on occasion, but once you find a good dealership, stick with it, it can make the difference.

Regards,

Tony

Trailhound says: Keep the rubber side down!

By all means post my message. I now have my Suburban, with all the bells and whistles, made in Mexico!

So far I only have 250 Km on the clock. It is a beautiful vehicle, much more solid feeling than the Tahoe, the doors close with that solid "thunk" one expects of a good car. As I said, only 250 Km. but as yet no problems. I'll keep you posted as the miles progress.

From: Anon

Subject: Suburban saga continues.....

All that I can say is Thank God for your website, time to vent. And of course, you can post this long drawn out two part story.

Part 1 began in March of last year, I "LEASED" (the phrase lease American and buy foreign comes to mind) my first brand new Suburban. A nice new Pewter Metallic 4X4 fully loaded LT Chevy Suburban. It was going to be a present for my fiancee. Keeping it well hidden in my neighbors garage as the ultimate surprise.

While I was customizing the Suburban with aftermarket parts; custom grill, front bumper, alarm, side bars, etc. I began to notice slight problems.

The vehicle was leaning to one side 3/4 of an inch, had a slight thumping noise at the differential while accelerating from a stop, missing items such as the upper console, the rear cargo doors were not sealing properly and actually had the dealer tell me that the Auxiliary transmission Cooler, that was missing, was integrated within the radiator.......What am I stupid. I informed them that I have experience working with automobiles and that the key word here is AUXILIARY.

After playing tug-o-war with the dealer for two months and feeling extremely agitated I began the process. Phoned my attorney and in one month, I was ordered by GM to halt any further payments, that they were going to refund my money. They refunded everything, which I thought was unusual. I received my down payment, all monthly payments that were made, and my attorney fees back.
Wow, thanks GM.

Of course they got their Suburban back minus all the aftermarket parts, in July, which will lead us into part 2. And oh yeah, I had to tell my fiancee.

Part 2. Since the love of the Suburban was so strong we opted to try again, this time a GMC Suburban, sorry Chevy. (Same darn company) Right after GM's check cleared, we were on the way to the nearest dealership. It's now August, and here is our new Pewter Metallic 4X4 fully loaded GMC SLT Suburban. Just in time for the New Year.

Wow, were taking all the precautions, have the paint/body inspected by my professional Detailer, in case of transportation damage, then have the vehicle delivered to my friends high performance shop for further inspection. I'm thinking, "we are going to do this one the right way," WRONG !! Within three weeks, of course after we dug deeper into our customization process, all hell breaks loose. An annoying CREAKING sound begins, anytime the steering wheel was turned slowly while parking or entering a driveway, etc. Aaaahhh.....not again.

After repeated attempts (September, October, November, etc.) to silence the undercarriage by the dealer. We are stuck with this annoying creaking. Well, not for long.

It's now January and we have opted to be nice for the year 2000. We are going to allow the Better Business Bureau resolve this issue. Preferably, I would like for GM to deliver a "quality" truck to us. A 1999 version, not the new Yukon XL, they are ugly. Otherwise, no Suburban here, and the job will be selling all the aftermarket parts we purchased. I wonder if the Excursion is any good ???

Saga continues.......

From: Nguyen

Subject: Chevrolet Motor Division/General Motors Corporation Lemon

Dear Sir/Madam:

I recently reviewed your "Our GMC Suburban was a Lemon" web site at GMCLemon.Com. I would like to take you up on the offer of if you may be able to assist me in placing my complaint below on your Mail Bag section under "The Bad." I would like to thank you for taking your time to read my complaint.

On August 28, 1999, I made my purchase at Landmark Chevrolet (Houston, TX). I bought a brand new 1999 Chevrolet Metro. During my drive home I noticed some problems that came up. They seemed minor at the time so I just let it go. I told myself that I'll get it repaired and it should be fine. Unfortunately after one repair on September 3, the problems did not go away but more problems began to show up. The problems are as follows:

1) Speedometer needle wiggles at speeds between 20 and 45 mph at constant speeds. This has caused an inaccuracy in the recorded speed.
2) The sealant (urethane) seeps from the top of the front windshield and especially a lot from the top, bottom, and sides of the rear back window. The sealant seeps out from between the rubber seal and the glass.
3) A clicking, rattling, knocking, snapping noise is heard coming from both rear left and rear right wheel area. From day one until the day Mac Haik made its second repair attempt (Oct. 15/18, 1999), only the rear left (driver) was audible. After their second repair attempt the right (passenger) side became audible; thus, they not only tried to fix it but they made it worse.
4) The key is hard to insert in the driver/passenger doors. The key becomes jammed during insertion.
5) Uneven wearing patterns on all tires, which I first noticed at approximately 1,500 miles. One of the tires (rear driver side had to be replaced because of a flat), but all 3 tires show visible uneven wearing patterns and has been progressing with the uneven wearing everyday. This has caused and is causing less traction control during all driving conditions especially during wet driving conditions.
6) The vehicle pulls to the right while driving and accelerating. This has caused more than once a loss of control of the vehicle. The repair attempts by Mac Haik Chevrolet (Hou., TX) was as follows: Sept. 3, 1999; Oct. 15, 1999; Oct. 18, 1999; Nov. 15, 1999.

All these problems continue to exist. I have been through the Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center ("CCAC") and the BBB Auto Line ("BBBAL") without any luck. I do however have compelling evidence from the BBBAL's Technical Expert & from the Arbitrator that support my claims that problems do exist. Here are direct quotes from the Arbitrator's Decision and Reasons for Decisions:

"None of the problems are things over which the consumer has any control. None of the problems should exist in a new car."

"As a matter of safety and compliance with the law, it is important for a driver to know his speed."

"Anything wrong with wheels certainly affects safety."

"As with Item 3 (refering to noises from the rear wheels), anything affecting the movement of the car is a substantial impairment of use, value, and safety."

"In spite of the comments on the service orders that some of the stated problems do not exist, they were all found by the Technical Expert in his examination or the car and by the Arbitrator in the course of his inspection and test drive."

To this day Chevrolet/GMC has failed to see that this vehicle causes "substantial impairment of the use, value, or safety of the vehicle." Not only did the Janet L. Purty, Chevrolet Motor Division representative, ask in the Manufacturer's statement that the judgment of the BBBAL's case be 'fairly' kept into consideration that it has to meet those criterias but the Arbitrator has stated it many times throughout his closing report. Here are direct quotes from Janet L. Purty's (Manufacturer's Statement):

"The manufacture would like to state that this claim being brought before this hearing panel regardless of occurance must substantially impair the use, value, and safety of the vehicle. Chevrolet only ask that this case be fairly in keeping with the premise that a substantial impairment must be proven and that it clearly affects the use, value, and safety of this vehicle."

I believe that these problems have nothing to do with the selling dealership, Landmark Chevrolet, but it is General Motors Corporation's ("Manufacturer") problem. The bottom line is that they built the vehicle and they should be fully liable and responsible enough to stand behind their product, of which they have so far failed to do. On top of that according to the Agreement to Arbitrate form provided in binding with the BBBAL, Chevrolet Motor Division/General Motors Corporation wants to be "released from liability." Here is Chevrolet Motor Division's last closing statement:

"At this time Chevrolet feels that the concerns of this vehicle have been addressed and repaired, and Chevrolet seeks to be released from this claim."

This shows that the Manufacturer does not care about the problems its vehicle is causing and will cause, and does not wish to be held at full liable if someone should loose their life while operating such a lemon.

To this day, January 22, 2000, Chevrolet Motor Division/General Motors Corporation has failed to answer two letters from the Texas Attorney General, and continues not stand behind their product. There is no doubt about it that if the representatives and those individuals in charge of this case in General Motors Corporation, that if this problem was to happen, their is not doubt that they would have to go this far to seek Justice. There is nothing more to say because that is the facts...

Thank you again for your time.

Sincerely,

Nguyen

From: Monica

Subject: Problem Suburban

I have a 1994 suburban diesel the problem IM having is with the electronically fuel injector pump. In 1995 there was a recall on this pump which I Never received in 1997 my truck started stalling on me so I took it back to the dealership who fixed the problem. That was done in April of 1997. In early Jan 2000 my truck started stalling on me again. This time on no a highspeed highway in Vegas not once but 12 times in a ten miles. I again take it back to the dealer with the same problems that I had back in 1997,again its the pump.now this is the third pump that is going into my truck this time at the tune of 2000.00 Now IM alittle upset that IM having to pay for a part that is defective.I call GMC customer service 5 times. I was baselly told to go pound salt. They could not help me because of the warranty. So now it looks like every 2 or so years I have to pay 2000.00 to have this defect of theirs fixed.What I need is to find any one who is having the same problem as I am. I am going to fight this clear to the top man, and need all the help I can get.If you think you can give me any information please email me at ....

If you would like to post this in your web site that would be great. This is not the only problem we have had with this truck. But feel that it is one of the most important ones. We have also taken it to the same dealership as you have, They have tried to work with us but its gm whos giving us the problem. We just got are truck out of the shop 3 days ago and again the same problem so back in it goes on Friday. I was able to get them to pay for a rental car for us had to go to Mr.. finnelly himself. But it any one can see this on your site and has the same problem and can help me I would love to here from them. Thank for your help and will look into the BBB.We also found out that the pump is not a gm part but a after market product as gmc does not make the injector pumps.Its is made by stantadi. Again thanks for the input.

Monica

From: Chucki

Subject: 98 LS piece o' s.....

we purchased our suburban after the wife got rear ended and we decided on something safe... jesus maria this thing goes through brakes like nothing flat!!! at 24k i am on the third set. the battery went dead at 4 months which they did not cover under the warranty because of being in arizona and the heat destroying the battery and a "faulty "battery connection was found. then the shock absorbers 3 of the 4 magically came loose. the steering wheel makes the magical clunk at times also.the dealer just has this blank who the hell are you attitude that just puts me on edge. the fit and finish just totally totally sucks! the back bumper looks like it was cut with a torch, plated and slapped on, seems someone forgot to gring off the torch marks. but then again i am comparing to a toyota. we have finally given up at 24k miles and are going back to toyota.

From: Robin

Subject: 99 Red piece of junk

My suburban was a demo with 5000 miles when I purchased that beautiful red suv.

I travel alot so I wanted a car that I could depend on. Now with 25,000 miles I have a new engine, on my 3rd set of brakes, and replace a few of items that belong to the engine. I now have oil and power steering leaks,etc. I now have a file at GMC. I will never buy another GMC or Chevy products. That truck cost me a small fortune for an unsafe vehicle. I travel with childrens, but they no longer travel in that vehicle. (The engine should had been replaced at 8000 miles but it took the service center a while to figure that I did know what I talk about) Oh well, this had been a very expensive lesson.

Thanks
Robin

From: Sean

Subject: Suburban troubles...Quality ?

Well, I am glad to see you finally got your problem taken care of. I myself just live with the problems. The dealership is useless. I did buy my Suburban used though. It seemed like it was in good condition. Mine is a 1995 and now has 99,600 miles on it. I have had just about every problem you have had with yours. As far as brakes go, the dealership only wanted to stick me with a bill for new brakes. The pulling and squealing sounds were not important to them. They wanted to replace my rotars, in which they claimed were to far worn. I measured them and they were in good shape. My back brake shoes, I was told were down to the rivets, just like the front disks pads. I went out and bought the replacement parts myself, and when I went to change them I found out that the pads on both front and back were almost new. I replaced them anyway. I also had the wire harness short problem. I have had the corroded battery and cables problem also. A week after I bought my Suburban I took it in to get it all fixed. They said they would not cover the cost. That really upset me. I know, I know, I did buy it used. I just did not like the part about driving on dangerous brakes. It seems they should not sell vehicles in that condition. Anyway, I also have had allot of problems with the rear sliding seat, the one that lets you access the very back passenger seats. The dealership said they fixed it. Yea right, just like they said they fixed my ashtray problem...see you were not the only one with that problem. My back doors do not close easily. It takes allot of muscle to close them, especially the drivers side back door. My plastic emergency brake handle broke in the first few months along with the rear fan control knob. I have had trouble starting my engine. Bad plug wires. Fuses blowing for no reason. A funny moldy smell. Vibrating when cruising at all speeds, but this is a off and on problem. Doors latches closing so not to let door close properly. I could go on, but you know how things are. My warranty is up by now and I do like the passenger room. My wife and I have 6 kids. I'm just glad they were not with me when the Suburban died on me on a long dark country road the first month I had it. Dead, but enough juice to see my clock on the radio. I got out after popping the hood. Then I heard it...the door locks automatically locked. There I was all alone no lights, no keys, they were still in the ignition, but off. I was not very happy. Thank God for the partying teens I found on down the road. They were really helpful. Well that is my partial story. At least the things that come to mind at the moment.

Good luck from Illinois,
Sean

From: Busta R

Subject: Suburbans Cool The Reason

Chevy Suburbans are The best trucks on Earth I Got a Suburban and i have not had one thing wrong with it once. and its a 1994 bought it new in 1994

your Dodge Ram Pickup Sucks it is so ugly i would rather have a suburban any day

The reason your suburban acted up was because i am sure that u probably beat the crap out of it so what do u expect moron