Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Silverado vs Chevrolet Suburban
How the Chevrolet Silverado and Chevrolet Suburban compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Chevrolet Silverado vs Chevrolet Suburban: The Silverado averages 785.6 complaints per year over 10 years, while the Suburban averages 81.8. Both show engine, powertrain, and brake issues, but the Silverado has more frequent and severe reports. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Silverado or Chevrolet Suburban more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that, in owner reports, shows a heavy concentration of engine and powertrain troubles, with frequent electrical and brake complaints as well. Owners describe diesel particulate filter clogging, engine knocking requiring replacement, sudden loss of drive, and alarming brake system warnings. With an average of 785.6 complaints per year over the last decade, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection and a solid warranty.
Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban is a large SUV that, while having far fewer complaints per year (81.8), still shows a clear pattern of engine and powertrain issues, including rough running, loss of power, and jerking. Electrical problems can disable starting or towing, and brake failures have been reported as sudden and dangerous. It's a vehicle that may be more reliable than the Silverado but still has notable trouble spots.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Silverado | Chevrolet Suburban |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7,856 | 818 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 99 | 36 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 229 | 26 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 785.6 | 81.8 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 157 | 25 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 0 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,335
- 02POWER TRAIN2,237
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,445
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,196
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER833
Owners report diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging on Duramax diesels, requiring dealer intervention, and gasoline engines making loud knocking noises that lead to complete engine replacement. These are major, costly failures that can leave you stranded.
Sudden loss of drive, such as the transmission slipping into neutral while driving uphill or while towing, is a serious safety concern. This can happen with low mileage and without warning.
Multiple owners describe warning messages for traction control and brake system failure appearing on the dash, sometimes while parked, and issues with starting. These electrical gremlins can be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
Brake system failures are reported, with warnings of brake failure and actual loss of braking ability. This is a critical safety issue that needs immediate attention.
“My 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with the 6.6L Duramax diesel has experienced three separate P2463 Diesel Particulate Filter excessive soot accumulation events at approximately 4,300, 5,500, and 10,280 miles. Each event required a Chevrolet dealer to perform…”
“At approximately 3,000 miles, the engine began making a loud knocking noise that became progressively worse while driving. The truck was diagnosed as needing a complete engine replacement. No warning lights, no check engine light, nothing. For someone inexper…”
Chevrolet Suburban
- 01ENGINE307
- 02POWER TRAIN193
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM109
- 04SERVICE BRAKES87
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER77
Owners report rough running, jerking, loss of power, and flashing check engine lights. Some also mention a burning odor and reduced power mode, indicating potential engine management or mechanical issues.
The same jerking and shuddering symptoms are often attributed to the powertrain, and some owners report the vehicle going into limp mode, which can be dangerous if it happens in traffic.
Electrical failures can cause the vehicle not to start, and towing can be complicated by an electronic transmission that won't shift. Trailer brake disconnect messages can lead to trailer brake lockup.
Brake failure is reported, including a failed master cylinder that is on national backorder, and a sudden loss of brakes and steering in one incident. These are severe safety concerns.
“7/13/25: Car repeatedly jerking/shuddering/rough ride. A flashing check engine light came on for 10 or 15 minutes. After stopping car and restarting it, the check engine light went off. 9/15/25: Car jerking and another flashing check engine light. Took to dea…”
“Purchased the vehicle on April 7, 2025. On 7/15/25, the car had 6948 mi. and started running rough, had a loss of power, an odor from the engine, and then on the display: check engine, blinking green vehicle light, and a message stating that the car was lower…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Chevrolet Silverado — 99 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles may not have received an owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, “Child Re…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will provide the owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252532020. Vehicle Identifi…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and GMC Sierra 3500 vehicles with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks (RPOs L8T and N2N). The rear fuel pump may not transfer adequate fuel to the front tank, causing an engine stall.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: The vehicle's engine control module (ECM) will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782…
The defect: General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Cou…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-970…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yuko…
The risk: Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contac…
Chevrolet Suburban — 36 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing d…
The risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repai…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate wh…
The risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chev…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The rear suspension outer control arm bolts may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause the bolts to break.
The risk: A broken suspension bolt can result in misalignment of the rear wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace both rear suspension outer control arm bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 14, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-80…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing d…
The risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repai…
Buyer analysis
Chevrolet Silverado or Chevrolet Suburban: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Suburban has significantly fewer complaints per year (81.8 vs 785.6) and fewer recalls (36 vs 99), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. While both vehicles share similar problem areas, the Silverado's much higher complaint volume suggests a higher likelihood of encountering major failures.
Key differences
- The Silverado has a much higher complaint rate (785.6/yr) compared to the Suburban (81.8/yr), indicating a greater frequency of reported problems.
- Silverado owners report diesel particulate filter clogging and engine knocking leading to replacement, while Suburban owners report rough running and loss of power.
- Both have electrical issues, but Silverado's electrical complaints are more numerous and include traction control and brake warnings, while Suburban's include starting and towing problems.
- Brake failures are reported in both, but Silverado has more brake complaints overall (1196 vs 87).
- Check for any history of DPF-related service or engine replacement, especially on Duramax diesel models.
- Inspect the transmission for any signs of slipping or neutral drops, and ask about any powertrain repairs.
- Ask about any engine rough running or loss of power incidents, and check for flashing check engine light history.
- Verify the brake system, especially the master cylinder, and ask about any brake failure or limp mode events.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full service history and check for any open recalls on the specific VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Test drive at various speeds and inclines to check for jerking, loss of power, or transmission issues.
- Check the electrical system by testing all warning lights, starting, and towing features if applicable.
- Review NHTSA complaint data for the specific model year you're considering.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Chevrolet Silverado | Chevrolet Suburban |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 80 | 10 |
| 2025 | 132 | 27 |
| 2024 | 494 | 37 |
| 2023 | 420 | 114 |
| 2022 | 1285 | 106 |
| 2021 | 907 | 184 |
| 2020 | 826 | 42 |
| 2019 | 1973 | 76 |
| 2018 | 586 | 81 |
| 2017 | 1153 | 141 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Chevrolet Silverado or Chevrolet Suburban in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Silverado vs Chevrolet Suburban
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 7,856
- Chevrolet Suburban total complaints
- 818
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 99
- Chevrolet Suburban total recalls
- 36
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 785.6
- Chevrolet Suburban avg complaints/year
- 81.8
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Suburban
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Suburban top complaint area
- ENGINE