Chevrolet Suburban Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Chevrolet Suburban options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Chevrolet Suburban has 852 owner complaints and 36 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is ENGINE. 2021 drew the most complaints; 2024 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Suburban
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 852
- Safety recall campaigns
- 36
- Crash-related complaints
- 26
- Fire-related complaints
- 8
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2021 (189 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2024 (39 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Chevrolet Suburban: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe CHEVROLET SUBURBAN has 852 NHTSA complaints and 36 recalls on record. 26 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 852 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 36 federal recall campaigns
- 26 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
36 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
TIRES
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING
SUSPENSION:REAR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
SEAT BELTS
SEAT BELTS
SEATS
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 852 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
852 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
driving down i30 at 70MPH and the rear passenger window exploded on my 10 year old child.
Valve spring broke at approximately 5200 miles. Dealer replaced the head.
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, a banging noise was heard coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle decelerated. In addition, several warning lights, including the check engine light and the anti-lock braking system light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off the vehicle, and had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the engine and radiator failed and needed to be replaced. The engine and radiator were replaced. Approximately 5 months and 6,000 miles later, the failure recurred and the engine began to run rough. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine failed again. The engine was in the process of being replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.
3.0 Duramax engine failure at 5900 miles. Apparently is from the known thrust bearing issue. MIL, CEL, TCM illuminated. Failure occurred at 60 mph during rush hour traffic. Engine is being replaced under warranty. GM should issue recall for the affected lot of this engine.
3.0 Duramax, thrust bearing engine failure. Less than 6000 miles on vehicle. Driving at 60 mph when vehicle went into major limp mode. Had TCM, Charging and coolant lights illuminate. GM is replacing engine under warranty. Indicated there was approximately a 2 week engine production window where this issue is being traced back to. GM should issue recall if they know the extent of condition and the cause(s).
2025 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN HIGH COUNTRY. Vehicle is parked in my garage. Went out in the AM and the engine only cranks, will not start. Called On Star for roadside assistance. Sent a tow truck, the vehicle could not be towed due to the electronic transmission. There is no way for an owner to place the transmission in neutral. Vehicle is stuck in my garage. GM customer service referred me back to roadside assistance who for the second time stated that they could not help me. This is a serious issue. The fact that the transmission can NOT be shifted into neutral unless the engine is running is a very serious safety concern.Called GM helpline a second time. They said that I should call for a tow on my own. Waiting for the selling dealer to call me back. Vehicle is currently stuck in my garage and GM does not care.
Read 14 more owner reports
Car was parked (in covered area) when back window shattered sometime after 12pm. Car had not been driven in two days and outdoor temperature started at 62 that morning so there were not extreme temperature changes as at the time the window shattered, it was approximately 75 degrees. No apparent reason for breakage as we live in a secluded area and were nearby outside enjoying the day.
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, a yellow triangle warning icon was displayed, and a message to "Please Add Oil" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with a broken part and oil was leaking oil onto the oil filter. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that approximately 1,000 miles later, the same triangle icon was displayed and with the same message displayed while driving. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer, where it was diagnosed that the oil needed to be changed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that approximately 1,000 miles later; while driving at an undisclosed speed, the same triangle warning icon and the message were displayed with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the vehicle was consuming engine oil, and the oil needed to be changed. The vehicle was repaired, but the check engine warning light illuminated again, and the contact became aware that there was no oil in the oil pan. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 2,203.
Driving on Highway at approx 70mph, lost propulsion and speedometer went to 0. Came back after approx. 5 seconds. After exiting highway and stopping, clear knocking/clanging noise from engine. GM states full engine replacement needed. This is a 2025 6.2 V8, thought these issues were fixed?
Purchased a brand new vehicle on 23Dec2025 (evening) and then drove it home and parked it in my garage. Vehicle was in my garage at 64 miles on the odometer. Vehicle started smoking and the transmission cooler line had the catastrophic failure spilling oil all over the street, driveway, and garage. It was towed from my garage to the selling dealer (Walser Polar Chevrolet in White Bear Lake, MN) on 24Dec2025. Service center confirmed a manufacturing defect in the transmission cooler line from the factory.
We have 8,625 miles on our 2025 Suburban. We were going down the highway when began to hear a unfamiliar noise. We pulled over into an error to inspect and didn't notice anything under the vehicle, which we thought might have cause the noise. We put into drive and went less than an 1/8 of a mile and our suburban lost acceleration and stopped. It would not start and couldn't not be moved, until roadside assistance took it to a Chevrolet dealership. The dealer stated the engine seized up and needs to be replaced. We were fortunate we were not going any more than 20 miles per hour and were not on a major highway.
My rear passenger door flys open while driving. It happens during very cold weather. It also will not latch when trying to shut it after getting off the road and trying to shut it. My daughter has been in the seat next to the door each time and it has happened multiple times. Betten Chevrolet has tried to fix it twice and it is currently in their shop. This is totally unsafe!
The engine failed right in the middle of a intersection completely shut down, locked up the motor
The engine self-destructed due to a thrust bearing failure as described in General Motors Technical Service Bulletin 25-NA-307 There were no warning lights prior to the engine failure. The vehicle has been inspected by Carl Black GMC in Roswell, GA and been found to fall under the Thrust Bearing Failure TSB According to the service technician, these engines have been failing in large numbers.
Was driving on highway and engine started to make a noise, performance and power were impacted, the engine service light appeared. Exited highway on near offramp, when on offramp vehicle engine stopped working. Vehicle is a 2025 Chevrolet Suburban with 6.2L engine. Dealer has stated engine is seized. Seems exactly like the current 6.2L engine recall for 2021-2024 model years that results in engine failure. Vehicle is 7-8 months old, and only has roughly 12,000 miles.
Engine failed going 70mph on highway at 2k miles. Display said acceleration no longer available and app said transmission code was needing to be checked however once taking to dealer I was told it was an oil sensor then told there was shredded metal in my engine and I needed a full engine replacement. My car was in the dealership for over 50 days. I was pregnant and with two small children in the car when engine failed at high speeds. After my car was returned to me the engine overheated and failed again. The dealer claimed GM sent them an engine with cut hoses. I was 9 months pregnant when this occurred also on the highway going 65mph. GM refused to buy back the vehicle 3 times.
While driving we received a notification on our dash board stating “reduced acceleration drive with caution”. We had it towed to the dealership where they said we needed a full engine replacement. It took 22 days to get the vehicle back
The complete infoentertainment system went out within one week of purchase and has been in the dealership possession since. The dealer’s service department tried to perform updates on the system after the radio went out and it caused the whole dash to go completely black and they haven’t been able to get it to turn back on. The vehicle has been in the shop for 8 weeks now and no estimate when I’ll receive the vehicle back. Since the dash is black you can not see the speedometer, gas gauges, etc and it is not safe to drive without it having fully working electronic components. The dealer is next going to try and replace the radio but that part is back order indefinitely.
Heat blowing cold for all passengers and defrost fails to clear windshield as stated in FMVSS-103. After reviewing forums it seems that this is a known issue/common failure.
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 dealership. They drove it and said no codes stored. Told it was probably the transmission "breaking in." Took home. Car continued to jerk/stumble. 8/28/25 to 9/15/25: Car jerking and flashing check engine light back on. Took to Autozone. A Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Code was detected (P0300). Took to dealership and confirmed P0300 Code stored. GM TAC engineers involved. Told they were unable to figure out why car was having multiple misfires. Returned car to me because no active code/light. 9/29/25: Car jerking and flashing check engine light back on. Got a warning of "reduced acceleration and drive with care." Car lost power. I have video of this and contacted On Star with report generated and P0300 code. On 10/1/25 on way to dealer, car making audible ticking noise. I have video of this. Took to dealer, the ECM was replaced and oil changed because it was "very dark" (in vehicle with 4,600 miles). Car continued to jerk/stumble. Told by dealer that problem would have to get worse before diagnosis could be made. 10/31/25: Jerking and another flashing check engine light with "reduced acceleration drive with care warning." Turned car off and engine light off. On Star report P0300. Took to dealer. The dealership was given the videos of check engine lights/reduced acceleration warnings and ticking noise video. All show problem happening around 1,200 rpms. Told by dealer on 11/11/25 that GM rep said they will not pay dealer for any work because no active engine light/codes. Told to pick up car. Asked dealer today for reason in writing, but no response. Very concerned about vehicle safety when repeatedly going into limp mode and flashing check engine lights with GM offering no solution.
Showing 20 of 852 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Chevrolet Suburban
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Chevrolet Suburban, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Chevrolet Suburban has 852 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Chevrolet Suburban has 36 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 26 of the Chevrolet Suburban's 852 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Chevrolet Suburban vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Chevrolet Suburban vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Chevrolet Suburban has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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How does the Chevrolet Suburban stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
By state
Check a Chevrolet Suburban by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Chevrolet Suburban.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Chevrolet Suburban reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Chevrolet Suburban reliable?
Poor. The Chevrolet Suburban has 852 NHTSA owner complaints and 36 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ENGINE. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Chevrolet Suburban years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2021 (189 complaints), 2017 (141 complaints), 2022 (119 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Chevrolet Suburban problems?
Top reported issues: ENGINE (329 complaints); POWER TRAIN (197 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (114 complaints).
Does the Chevrolet Suburban have recalls?
Yes — 36 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Chevrolet Suburban. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.