1995 Chevrolet K1500 Suburban

Introduction:

The 1995 Chevrolet K1500 Suburban is a full-size SUV that was offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. The most popular engine was the 5.7L V8, which produced 220 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options included a 4.3L V6 and a 6.5L diesel V8. The Suburban was available with a 4-speed automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual transmission.

People who own the 1995 Chevrolet K1500 Suburban often praise its spacious interior, powerful engine options, and towing capacity. However, there are a few common issues that people have reported with the vehicle.

Engine

5.7L V8

• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include overheating, a rough idle, and reduced engine power. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $400 - $600+
• Vortec distributor cap and rotor failure: The Vortec distributor cap and rotor can fail, causing ignition problems. Symptoms include difficulty starting, stalling, and reduced engine power. The solution is to replace the distributor cap and rotor. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+
• Throttle position sensor failure: The throttle position sensor can fail, causing the engine to run rich or lean. Symptoms include poor fuel economy, hesitation, and stalling. The solution is to replace the throttle position sensor. Estimated cost to fix: $150 - $250+

4.3L V6

• Valve stem seal failure: The valve stem seals can fail, causing oil to leak into the combustion chambers. Symptoms include blue smoke from the exhaust, high oil consumption, and reduced engine power. The solution is to replace the valve stem seals. Estimated cost to fix: $600 - $800+
• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include overheating, a rough idle, and reduced engine power. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $400 - $600+

6.5L Diesel V8

• Injection pump failure: The injection pump can fail, causing the engine to lose power or stall. Symptoms include difficulty starting, black smoke from the exhaust, and reduced engine power. The solution is to replace the injection pump. Estimated cost to fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
• Glow plug failure: The glow plugs can fail, making it difficult to start the engine in cold weather. Symptoms include long cranking times, white smoke from the exhaust, and reduced engine power. The solution is to replace the glow plugs. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+

Transmission

4-speed Automatic Transmission

• Torque converter failure: The torque converter can fail, causing the transmission to slip or shudder. Symptoms include loss of power, overheating, and a burning smell. The solution is to replace the torque converter. Estimated cost to fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
• Transmission slipping: The transmission can slip, causing the vehicle to lose power or stall. Symptoms include a rough shift, slipping gears, and a burning smell. The solution is to rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated cost to fix: $1,500 - $3,000+

5-speed Manual Transmission

• Clutch failure: The clutch can fail, making it difficult or impossible to shift gears. Symptoms include slipping, chatter, and a burning smell. The solution is to replace the clutch. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Transmission noise: The transmission can make noise, such as grinding or whining. Symptoms include a grinding or whining noise when shifting gears. The solution is to rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated cost to fix: $1,500 - $3,000+

Suspension

• Front suspension: The front suspension can wear out, causing the vehicle to handle poorly and make noise. Symptoms include a rough ride, excessive body roll, and a clunking noise when turning. The solution is to replace the worn suspension components. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Rear suspension: The rear suspension can wear out, causing the vehicle to handle poorly and make noise. Symptoms include a rough ride, excessive body roll, and a clunking noise when hitting bumps. The solution is to replace the worn suspension components. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+

Electrical

• Battery failure: The battery can fail, leaving the vehicle unable to start. Symptoms include difficulty starting, dim lights, and a clicking noise when trying to start the engine. The solution is to replace the battery. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+
• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, causing the vehicle to lose power and stall. Symptoms include a flickering dashboard, dim lights, and a grinding noise from the alternator. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500+
• Starter failure: The starter can fail, making it impossible to start the engine. Symptoms include a clicking noise when trying to start the engine, no cranking sound, and no lights on the dashboard. The solution is to replace the starter. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+

Exterior

• Rust: The Suburban can rust, especially on the body panels and frame. Symptoms include bubbling paint, holes in the metal, and weak spots in the frame. The solution is to prevent rust by regularly washing and waxing the vehicle, and to repair any rust that does occur. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $2,000+
• Paint fading: The paint on the Suburban can fade, especially in areas that are exposed to a lot of sunlight. Symptoms include a dull or chalky appearance to the paint. The solution is to wax the vehicle regularly to protect the paint from fading. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $500+

Interior

• Seat belt failure: The seat belts can fail, making it unsafe to drive the vehicle. Symptoms include frayed or torn seat belts, and a seat belt that does not lock into place. The solution is to replace the seat belts. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+
• Dashboard cracking: The dashboard can crack, especially on older vehicles that have been exposed to a lot of sunlight. Symptoms include cracks in the dashboard, and a faded or discolored dashboard. The solution is to replace the dashboard. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+

Summary

The 1995 Chevrolet K1500 Suburban is a popular vehicle that has a few common issues. The most serious issues are with the engine, transmission, and suspension, which can be expensive to repair. However, many of the issues with the Suburban are minor and can be fixed relatively inexpensively. Overall, the Suburban is a reliable and capable vehicle that is well-suited for families and those who need a lot of space and towing capacity.