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Chevrolet Suburban Problems

The Chevrolet Suburban is the longest-running nameplate in automotive history, offering maximum passenger and cargo capacity in a full-size SUV. With 20,602 complaints and 40 reported deaths, the Suburban's size and longevity mean issues are spread across many generations. The Suburban shares most components with the Tahoe, just stretched for more space.

20,602
Total Complaints
74
Total Recalls
47
Model Years
40
Reported Deaths
!

Years to Avoid

These years have significantly more complaints than average.

2015 1999 1997
✓

Best Years

These years have the fewest reported problems.

1977 1978 1979

Common Problem Categories

Service Brakes, Hydraulic 4,668
Electrical System 1,618
Power Train 1,308
Air Bags 1,308
Visibility 1,126

Complaints by Model Year

All Model Years

Year ↓ Complaints Recalls Crashes Fires Rating
2024 68 1 0 2 Good
2023 214 3 0 0 Good
2022 216 3 14 4 Good
2021 376 12 20 6 Average
2020 110 3 6 2 Good
2019 154 2 6 4 Good
2018 200 3 6 0 Good
2017 350 4 14 2 Average
2016 552 6 22 2 Average
2015 1,156 10 58 18 Avoid
2014 154 3 0 6 Good
2013 336 4 8 0 Average
2012 278 4 6 10 Average
2011 382 3 6 0 Average
2010 318 3 6 2 Average
2009 266 4 2 0 Average
2008 552 3 8 0 Average
2007 714 3 8 16 Below Average
2006 66 0 0 4 Good
2005 322 0 10 2 Average
2004 528 0 28 14 Average
2003 720 0 78 10 Below Average
2002 704 0 68 18 Below Average
2001 1,086 0 76 12 Below Average
2000 764 0 60 16 Below Average
1999 1,722 0 130 30 Avoid
1998 598 0 22 6 Average
1997 1,112 0 54 30 Avoid
1996 1,062 0 50 34 Below Average
1995 1,174 0 128 16 Avoid
1994 2,076 0 316 24 Avoid
1993 1,232 0 220 6 Avoid
1992 452 0 90 14 Average
1991 130 0 12 14 Good
1990 134 0 4 14 Good
1989 136 0 8 12 Good
1988 70 0 4 0 Good
1987 42 0 0 8 Good
1986 14 0 0 0 Good
1985 24 0 2 2 Good
1984 12 0 2 0 Good
1983 8 0 0 4 Good
1982 2 0 0 0 Good
1981 2 0 0 0 Good
1979 2 0 0 0 Good
1978 6 0 2 0 Good
1977 6 0 0 0 Good

Chevrolet Suburban Years to Avoid

The 1994 Suburban is the worst model year, with brake issues, fuel pump failures, and dashboard cracking that plagued early GMT400 production. The 1995-1999 models continued fuel pump and brake concerns typical of that era. The 2007-2009 Suburbans had the same 5.3L oil consumption issues affecting the Tahoe. The 2015-2017 models experienced 8-speed transmission shuddering requiring torque converter replacement. The 2021 first-year K2XX redesign had various electronic glitches and build quality issues.

Best Chevrolet Suburban Years

The 1979-1991 R/V Suburbans with the 350 V8 are simple and nearly indestructible. The 2010-2014 GMT900 Suburbans represent the refined version of that generation. The 2018-2020 K2XX Suburbans offer modern features with proven reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions