1994 GMC C1500 Suburban

1994 GMC C1500 Suburban

The 1994 GMC C1500 Suburban is a full-size SUV that was offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. The standard engine was a 5.7L V8 with 200 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options included a 6.5L V8 turbo-diesel with 185 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, and a 7.4L V8 with 230 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 4-speed automatic, a 5-speed manual, and a 6-speed manual.

Owners of the 1994 GMC C1500 Suburban generally praise its spacious interior, powerful engines, and rugged construction. However, some owners have reported experiencing a number of issues with the vehicle, including engine problems, transmission problems, suspension problems, electrical problems, exterior problems, and interior problems.

Engine

• 5.7L V8
  • Intake manifold gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, rough idle, loss of power
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gaskets
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200
  • Vortec head cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, loss of power
    • Solution: Replace cylinder heads
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000+
  • Oil pump failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Low oil pressure, engine knocking, catastrophic engine failure
    • Solution: Replace oil pump
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
• 6.5L V8 Turbo-Diesel
  • Injection pump failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, loss of power, black smoke from exhaust
    • Solution: Replace injection pump
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000+
  • Turbocharger failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Loss of boost, decreased power, increased fuel consumption
    • Solution: Replace turbocharger
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500
• 7.4L V8
  • Valve stem seal failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Blue smoke from exhaust, oil consumption
    • Solution: Replace valve stem seals
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000

Transmission

• 4-Speed Automatic
  • Overdrive unit failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, no overdrive gear
    • Solution: Replace overdrive unit
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500+
• 5-Speed Manual
  • Synchronizer failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears
    • Solution: Replace synchronizers
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
• 6-Speed Manual
  • No issues found

Suspension

• Front suspension
  • Ball joint failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Steering instability, clunking noises, uneven tire wear
    • Solution: Replace ball joints
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Tie rod failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Steering wander, difficulty steering
    • Solution: Replace tie rods
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
• Rear suspension
  • Leaf spring breakage
    • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, uneven tire wear
    • Solution: Replace leaf springs
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Shock absorber failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Poor ride quality, bouncing
    • Solution: Replace shock absorbers
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, weak battery, no charge light on dashboard
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
• Starter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine cranks slowly or not at all
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Exterior

• Door lock actuator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors will not lock or unlock
  • Solution: Replace door lock actuators
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Power window regulator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows will not roll up or down
  • Solution: Replace power window regulators
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Interior

• Dashboard cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks in the dashboard
  • Solution: Replace dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000

Summary

The 1994 GMC C1500 Suburban is a reliable and capable full-size SUV. However, some owners have reported experiencing a number of issues with the vehicle, including engine problems, transmission problems, suspension problems, electrical problems, and interior problems. The severity of these issues can vary, and the cost to fix them can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.