Chevrolet Suburban problems
The Chevrolet Suburban is a series of SUVs built by Chevrolet since the 1935 model year. The longest-used automobile nameplate in the world, the Chevrolet Suburban is currently in its twelfth generation, introduced for 2021. Beginning life as one of the first metal-bodied station wagons, the Suburban is the progenitor of the modern full-size SUV, combining a wagon-style body with the chassis and powertrain of a pickup truck. Alongside its Advance Design, Task Force, and C/K predecessors, the Chevrolet Silverado currently shares chassis and mechanical commonality with the Suburban and other trucks.
Traditionally one of the most profitable vehicles sold by General Motors, the Suburban has been marketed through both Chevrolet and GMC for nearly its entire production. Along sharing the Suburban name with Chevrolet, GMC has used several nameplates for the model line; since 2000, the division has marketed it as the GMC Yukon XL. Since 2003, Cadillac has marketed the Suburban as the Cadillac Escalade ESV. During the 1990s, GM Australia marketed right-hand drive Suburbans under the Holden brand.
.The Suburban is sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Chile, Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Peru, Philippines, and the Middle East (except Israel), while the Yukon XL is sold only in North America (exclusive to the United States, Canada, and Mexico) and the Middle East territories (except Israel).
A 2018 iSeeCars.com study identified the Chevrolet Suburban as the car that is driven the most each year. A 2019 iSeeCars.com study named the Chevrolet Suburban the second-ranked longest-lasting vehicle. In December 2019, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce unveiled a Hollywood Walk of Fame star for the Suburban, noting that the Suburban had been in "1,750 films and TV shows since 1952."
Social links
Chevrolet Suburban model years
Common Chevrolet Suburban problems
The Chevrolet Suburban has been a popular full-size SUV for many years, but it has also been associated with a number of common problems that have been reported by owners.
One of the most common issues is poor fuel economy, which is a common complaint among owners of the Chevrolet Suburban. This is not surprising given the size and weight of the vehicle, but it is still a significant concern for many owners.
Another common problem is poor reliability, which has been reported by many Chevrolet Suburban owners. This is often attributed to the vehicle's complex systems and components, which can be prone to failure and require frequent maintenance and repairs.
The Chevrolet Suburban is also known for having expensive maintenance costs, particularly for models that are 2019 or older. The average cost per year for maintenance is about $800 for 5 years if you buy one from 2019 or newer, and about $1,500 for 5 years if you buy one in 2015 or later. If you have an older model, expect to pay even more, with the average cost of running a 2011 model being over $2,000 per year.
The Chevrolet Suburban is also more likely than most other vehicles to need severe repairs, with a "Severity of Repair" score of 15%, which is higher than the average of 12% for all vehicle models. This means that the vehicle is likely to need a lot more work done on it than most other cars, so be wary when buying one used.
Engine problems have been reported by many owners of the Chevrolet Suburban, particularly for the 2009 model year. Specifically, many people have complained about the rate at which the engine consumes oil. This can be a costly problem to fix, and it is recommended that buyers consider newer models that are less likely to have this issue.
The Chevrolet Suburban is also known for having transmission problems, particularly in earlier models. The torque converter clutch would apply during the shift from first to second gear, causing harsh shifts and engine bogging. This problem was caused by wiring issues that required redone to resolve permanently, and in many cases, it may take several attempts before it’s resolved completely.
Later models also had problems with diagnostic codes like P0776 and P0796, often caused by a pressure leak at the end of the clutch regulating valve. To fix this problem, you'll need a new bore plug or will need to buy an updated version from Chevrolet.
The 2018 Chevrolet Suburban has also been associated with a number of common problems, including issues with the torque converter and transmission that can cause the vehicle to jolt or stop completely without warning. These issues can be dangerous, particularly if they occur while driving at high speeds, and can result in costly repairs.
Electrical problems have also been reported by owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban, including issues with the battery cables and Wi-Fi system. These problems can be frustrating and can affect the overall functionality and safety of the vehicle.
Brakes problems have also been reported by owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban, including issues with the brake system that can cause the vehicle to stop suddenly or unexpectedly. These problems can be dangerous, particularly if they occur while driving at high speeds, and can result in costly repairs.
In summary, the Chevrolet Suburban is a popular full-size SUV that has been associated with a number of common problems, including poor fuel economy, poor reliability, expensive maintenance costs, and engine and transmission problems. Buyers should be aware of these issues and consider newer models that are less likely to have these problems.
What is the most common problem with the Chevy Suburban?
Common Chevrolet Suburban Problems
Many owners have reported that their Suburban consumed abnormal amounts of oil. For the 2010-2013 Suburban, the culprit was determined to be the change to the Vortec 5300 engine. Faulty A/C: Owners of the Suburban 2014-2017 complained about their vehicle's faulty A/C system.
Is the Chevy Suburban a reliable car?
For many SUV owners, much of the appeal comes from the safety and reliability of a larger vehicle. That's especially true when it comes to the Chevrolet Suburban, which routinely ranks high in reliability and safety. In fact, if you're searching for a used Suburban, you'll often find several over the 100,000 mile mark.
What year is the best for Suburban?
These are the most reliable years to consider:
- 1998 Chevrolet Suburban.
- 1999 Chevrolet Suburban.
- 2006 Chevrolet Suburban.
- 2010 Chevrolet Suburban.
- 2013 Chevrolet Suburban.
- 2017 Chevrolet Suburban.
- 2018 Chevrolet Suburban.
- 2019 Chevrolet Suburban.
Are suburbans expensive to maintain?
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Chevrolet Suburban is $944, compared to an average of $784 for fullsize SUVs and $652 for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Chevrolet Suburban years
We have researched Chevrolet problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chevrolet Suburban cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Chevrolet Suburban model years:
- Chevrolet Suburban 1994
- Chevrolet Suburban 1999
- Chevrolet Suburban 2001
- Chevrolet Suburban 1993
- Chevrolet Suburban 1995
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chevrolet Suburban model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Chevrolet Suburban years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Chevrolet Suburban car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Chevrolet Suburban , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Chevrolet Suburban vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Suburban model years
A total of 636 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Suburban model years
There were a total of 152 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Suburban model years
There were a total of 524 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Suburban model years
There were a total of 18 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 7866 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chevrolet Suburban . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chevrolet Suburban vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Chevrolet Suburban 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: 1GNSCEKD3MR
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The headlight adjuster failed. As a result, the headlight points straight down creating a safety issue at night. I have read online this is a common problem on suburbans and tahoes. This happened on my car around 60k miles and only ~3 years.
Chevrolet Suburban 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-03
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-19
- VIN: 1GNSKGKL2MR
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: The 22 inch rims on my vehicle are cast aluminum I'm assuming. I have had several cracks causing me to rapidly loose air on the tires while driving at highway speeds. I have had three cracks in different rims within the last week and have had the rims repaired twice. The vehicle has 75k miles on it. This is a major concern and safety issue. I've never seen that many cracks happen at once. Some say well your hitting potholes but that isn't the case here.
Chevrolet Suburban 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-16
- VIN: 1GNSKGKL2MR
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: Rims keep cracking on the inside where the tire is sealed. This has happen a total of three times to both front and rear passenger side. Tire pressures are 36psi as recommended by manufacturer. No major pot holes or other road hazards have been hit.
Chevrolet Suburban 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-30
- VIN: 1GNSKCKD4MR
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly and failed to restart. The transmission was in park(P) and failed to shift to neutral(N). The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V739000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was due to the fuel pump module. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was due to the module and a battery replacement was needed. The dealer jumpstarted the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Chevrolet Suburban 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-27
- VIN: 1GNSKCKD6MR
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Yesterday marked the 2nd time that the front windshield wipers on my 2021 Chevy Suburban (58k miles) randomly stopped working while driving down the highway in a rainstorm. They would not come out of the resting position regardless on what setting they were put to on the wheel switch. They continued to not work for the hour drive back to my house. The last time this happened all fuses, motor, etc were checked and tested good. The wipers started working again a day or so later, using the windshield wiper fluid button to test. This marks the second time my family has been put in a situation driving on the highway in a rainstorm with the wipers randomly stopping to work and having to navigate to safety with extremely limited visibility. This appears to be a fairly common issue with newer GM vehicles with the auto sense technology, found plenty of forums with the same experience. The major concern I have is that when this happens the wipers don’t work at all in any mode. Even trying to run in manual mode rather than auto sense the wipers will not move from the resting position. It leaves a driver with zero way to clear rain and see when this randomly occurs.
Chevrolet Suburban 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-13
- VIN: 1GNSKDKL0NR
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: While traveling back from Labor Day Weekend on [XXX], I was driving in the Dallas Fort Worth area when I experienced loss of power to our vehicle on a major highway [XXX] and [XXX] ) and directly on a bridge with my entire family in the vehicle (4 kids and all of our luggage). It was a very dangerous and scary situation. We had to wait one hour for a tow truck to come and take my vehicle to the closest GM dealership. I was left stranded, 3 hours from my home with my four children and luggage. The Chevrolet dealership contacted me 9 days later and informed me the technician looked at the vehicle and determined the engine was locked up/seized. It would take 9 months to get the vehicle back into the shop to determine what caused the issue and then take 6-12 months for a new engine. I have a family of 6 and I'm left car-less for two years. Yet I still have to make the monthly payment on a vehicle that I won't be driving or be in possession of. MY BIGGEST ISSUE: GM has known that they have had engine issues for many years. Particularly, with Dynamic Fuel Management causing lifter issues which leads to engine failure, yet never disclosed this to me when I purchased the vehicle. Furthermore, they never disclosed that the issue was so prevalent that motors were back ordered for over a year. Consumers are being misled into spending their hard earned money on vehicles that have major mechanical design flaws known to the manufacturer. Once the mechanical flaw is realized, the vehicle can't be repaired for up to two years. Hiding this data from consumers should be criminal. Furthermore, General Motors to this point has been no help, with the GM customer satisfaction team telling us they can't do anything until a dealer diagnosis the issue, and the dealer stating they can't diagnose the issue until May of next year, at which time they would then look to order the motor which will take 9-12 months to deliver and install. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Chevrolet Suburban 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-16
- VIN: 1GNSKGKL4MR
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: Service safety restraint constantly reappears. Taken into dealership 3 times and still has not been fixed. This could cause serious injury or harm and I have 4 children 10 and younger. This has been an on going problem.
Chevrolet Suburban 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-25
- VIN: 1GNFK36399R
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Fuel pump modulator, which has a recall for other vehicles for same part, malfunctioned which caused the vehicle to cut off while my son was driving on the highway without notice, where he had to avoid being hit while trying to make it to the shoulder for safety. The fuel pump module was tested by a service mechanic and was found to have corroded due to moisture. Prior to vehicle cutting off, there were no warning signals/signs, it just cut the vehicle off while driving on the highway.
Chevrolet Suburban 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-24
- VIN: 3GNFK16338G
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owned a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact received recall notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list because she no longer owns the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted.
Chevrolet Suburban 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-22
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GNSKDKD1NR
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The 2022 Suburban lost all power and came to a dead stop in the travel lane of a busy major highway. The vehicle becoming disabled in the middle of flowing travel resulted in a rear end crash from a vehicle traveling approximately 60 MPH.
Chevrolet Suburban 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-19
- VIN: 1GNEC16Z33J
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The cluster of the speedometer
Chevrolet Suburban 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-15
- VIN: 1GNSKEKL4NR
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: - Truck makes a sizzling sound when parked - Car wouldnt start and needed battery jump, unknown source draining the battery - Truck has engine issues , started shaking and died in the middle of the highway, GM replaced engine - Engine replaced after less than a week, truck would not start, Gm replaced starter - After 2 days and using the vehicle once, truck would not start again. GM is trying to root cause issue but cant find a resolution Since the car stopped when we were on the highway and none of the fixes seem to be working I am worried that the car will abruptly stop again and put my life and others at risk
Chevrolet Suburban 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-13
- VIN: 1GNSKFKD1NR
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Wipers quit working while driving through a rain episode. We tried to have the car to "reset", stopped at a gas station, stopped the car, we all got off and locked the car for at least 5 minutes. Still no wipers.
Chevrolet Suburban 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-12
- VIN: 1GNSKCKD3MR
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: A warning message appeared on my 2021 Chevy Suburban dashboard that says "Service Safety Restraint System". This impacts the airbag control module under the driver seat. After doing some research on my own this is a TSB PIT5759 but it is not covered under a recall, as per my local dealership. I took the vehicle to the Chevy dealership where purchased and was told this is not a recall or warranty part. This is very disappointing as it impacts the airbag controls which in an accident could cause severe injury or death.
Chevrolet Suburban 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-11
- VIN: 3GNFK16317G
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: My suburban 2007 drains battery overnight, tried different alternator and batteries but continuously drains battery’s.
Latest 5 recalls Chevrolet Suburban
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 167 recalls for different components of the Chevrolet Suburban.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Chevrolet Suburban 2023
- Report Received Date: 2023-09-20
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A broken suspension bolt can result in misalignment of the rear wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: 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 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232415910.
- Model: Chevrolet Suburban 2023
- Report Received Date: 2022-12-08
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
- Summary: 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 when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Consequence: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: 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, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222386380. This recall expands previous recall number 22V-827.
- Model: Chevrolet Suburban 2022
- Report Received Date: 2022-12-08
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
- Summary: 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 when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Consequence: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: 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, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222386380. This recall expands previous recall number 22V-827.
- Model: Chevrolet Suburban 2021
- Report Received Date: 2022-11-03
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
- Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Consequence: Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will provide an over-the-air (OTA) update for the Body Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222382220.
- Model: Chevrolet Suburban 2021
- Report Received Date: 2022-08-11
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Components: SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
- Summary: General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may have been improperly formed.
- Consequence: A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 28, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 1, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222372380.
Latest negative Chevrolet Suburban car reviews
Latest positive Chevrolet Suburban car reviews
-
Vehicle year: 2020
Why didn't I buy one sooner?! I absolutely love this massive vehicle! It has lots of power, leg room, and storage space. Plus, no more complaining kids! And let's not forget how beautiful it is! Update: It's been a year and I still love it just as much. I haven't had any issues at all and I would definitely purchase it again!
-
Vehicle year: 2001
We bought our 2001 Suburban used in 2002 with only 20,000 miles on it. Now, in 2018, it has over 369,000 miles on it! Our family has grown up in this Suburban, using it for everything from school and sports to vacations and work. The LT package with leather seats has been a lifesaver, as it has endured countless spills over the years. Although the leather on the front two seats has cracked and torn in some places, the power seats and seat warmers still work like a charm. The key to keeping our Suburban running smoothly has been regular maintenance. During the first four years, we put approximately 32,000 miles on it each year for work and changed the oil every month, or every 3,000 miles. As our annual mileage decreased, we changed the oil every 5,000 miles. We always went to Jiffy Lube for oil changes and used high mileage oil. We never switched around or tried a specific synthetic oil just because it was on sale. We're convinced that regular maintenance has been the best decision and has enabled us to continue driving this truck for so long. The engine is still awesome and has great response and pick up. We've put two rebuilt transmissions in it, but that's okay for the amount of miles we've driven. We've replaced the alternator twice, the brakes three times, and the shocks once. Everything has been worked on over the years, but it still has the original engine! It's always burned a little extra oil, and several interior things don't work like they used to. The anti-lock brakes went out about 11 years ago, but we didn't replace them as it wasn't mandatory to pass inspection and it was an $1800 fix at the time. Over the years, it's been in five accidents, but all have been fixed except for one dent where someone backed into it. Although it's definitely seen better days, it's still a reliable work truck.There are very few vehicles that four to seven adults can pile into and ride comfortably. Over the years, we've always been the go-to vehicle for lots of our friends and family. It's kept our family safe, secure, and extremely comfortable -- we absolutely love this Suburban!
-
Vehicle year: 1994
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with my car. I bought it used with 114,000 miles and it's been great so far! The only major repair I had to do was replacing the transmission, but luckily the previous owner had already taken care of that shortly before. I drive about 12,000 miles per year and it's been very affordable to maintain. I do have to fix a few things on it each year, but it's still much cheaper than my previous cars (used Hondas which I finally gave up on.) The gas mileage is about 14 mpg, which is pretty good considering I mostly drive around town. Even with 199,000 miles on it, I still get 17-18 mpg on long trips and it runs like a dream. Oh, and did I mention that I'm 6'5
-
Vehicle year: 2004
We traded in our 97 Tahoe for the Suburban because we needed more room. I've been driving Chevys for over 30 years, and this is the best one yet. It pulls well, rides great, and is the most comfortable SUV I've ever had. It's truly a great vehicle!
-
Vehicle year: 2003
I purchased this rare 3/4 ton SUV when it was about a decade old with over 150K miles. It was a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban LT 2500 4wd in white with grey interior. After owning the same model and year in a 1/2 ton, 1500, LT, 2wd for several years, I decided to upgrade to the BIGGER version. With a family of six very active people who love to take vacations, we definitely used this vehicle to its fullest potential. We all loved our 'BIG BURTHA' and it was a bit emotional trading her in, but with slightly over 300,000 miles, it was time to move on. I chose to enhance performance by having it custom tuned, which unleashed more power from the 6.0L engine. Although it didn't improve the typical 12.5 mpg, it definitely made it more fun to drive. The aggressive appearance, including the great looking grill, extended fenders, and stance, often invoked other truck drivers to a race. It was always fun watching the cocky smirks on the faces of newer vehicles, convert to shocked frowns, after Big Burtha ran off from their expensively disappointing performance turds. Being an LT package, this traveling Suburban was simply luxurious with roomy comfortable four Captain Chair seating and overhead DVD entertainment console. Hauling sheetrock or plywood was feasible with a simple, yet somewhat cumbersome, removal of the rear bench seat and folding the middle row seats forward and down. One of the primary reasons that we purchased the 2500 version was due to its superior ride, control, and handling. The 3/4 ton models are equipped with heavy-duty leaf-springs, which make a night and day difference from the typical 1500 truck chassis with cool springs. The road hop/shake is eliminated in the beefier 2500 truck. Handling around corners with the 2500 Suburban is better than our 2013 Escalade ESV Platinum!With over 300K miles on a well-maintained vehicle, we were amazed that nothing major needed replacing. When we traded it in 2018, it still ran like new and had great compression, including a tightly shifting 4L80E tranny. We took great care of 'Big B' and it showed. Even after a dozen years, the only thing that needed replacing were the bump-stops. We believe that it will likely be one of the best vehicles we will have owned during our more than four decades of driving. In 2014, we took an epic vacation totaling over 5000 miles, which included taking Big Burtha on Rocky Mountain, Colorado offroad trails where small 4X4 Jeeps are common. With nine people piled in our big beast, she climbed everything with the greatest of ease. No lift kit necessary. We just leveled the truck with tweaking the torsion bars, which allowed for bigger tires, and a very slight rub in the rear of the front wheel wells that a BFH alleviated. This unnoticeable slight modification proved well worth the effort. This truck conquered Cinnamon Pass and a few other off-road dirt trails around Silverton, Colorado, and got us back home without any troubles. Despite the poor quality white paint that began to flake off in small patches around the eleventh year of this vehicle's life, it was, and possibly still is, a very dependable truck, and one that will likely always invoke great memories which it afforded to a large family set on seizing life as fully as possible. For us, not many other vehicles would have sufficiently accommodated our needs like the mighty 2500 Suburban did for about eight years. It was always entertaining to see commercials of much newer vehicles, boasting of amenities that our 2003 model had. In fact, this vehicle offered amenities that the majority of luxury vehicles don't provide.The Suburban boasts a range of impressive features, including heated parking assist rearview mirrors with integrated flashing turn signals in the glass. The mirrors can fold in and out to accommodate different situations. The eight-way power seats are heated and come with two options, and there's an automatic power recall that's programmable to the two separate security remote controls. The rearview mirror displays temperature and direction, and it automatically tilts at night for bright light dimming. The car also has a two-way sliding sunroof, and the rear hatch glass opens separately from the gate. XM radio capacity and On-Star are included. In my opinion, this Suburban is one of GM's greatest success stories, despite its inferior fuel economy. The trade-off was worth it for our large family to be accommodated. We plan to extend our luxury accommodations with a Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum and then likely migrate into something smaller. After being spoiled by the 2500 LT, I'm not sure we will willingly abandon the amenities and comforts that are designed for bigger American people. Big Burtha was sold at an auction in Oklahoma.
Are you having problems with your Chevrolet Suburban?
Demetrius Luettgen 2025-08-02
Vehicle year: 2023
I leased a 2021 Suburban LT in December and initially enjoyed its sleek appearance and smooth ride. However, I have unfortunately experienced multiple issues with the vehicle, including a dead battery, service restraint system light, and check engine light, resulting in six service visits and over three weeks of dealership time. Despite my disappointment, I remain confident in my assessment of the vehicle and would advise against purchasing any Chevy vehicle. As a loyal customer, I expected better treatment and service from GM.
Kaley Boyle 2025-07-29
Vehicle year: 1996
If you're considering buying a '96 Suburban, it's important to keep in mind that it can be quite expensive. While it's true that once you own one, you may never want to drive anything else, it's also important to consider the cost of maintenance and fuel. With a gas mileage of only 14 mpg, you may find yourself filling up more often than you'd like. Additionally, the cost of maintenance can add up quickly, with an average of $2000 per year. However, if you're willing to invest in the upkeep, you'll be rewarded with a reliable and long-lasting vehicle that you'll love driving for years to come.
Frankie Upton 2025-07-28
Vehicle year: 2003
Hi there! Thank you for sharing your experience with your Suburban in the LT package. It's great to hear that you find it comfortable and secure, both in the front and rear seats. I hope that your fuel mileage improves soon, and I'm sure that being mindful of traffic and road conditions will help. Overall, it sounds like you're very pleased with your vehicle, and I hope that continues for you!
Chesley Mann 2025-07-23
Vehicle year: 2020
I am sorry to hear about the issues you have been experiencing with your leased Chevy SUV. It must have been frustrating to have your AC go out in June, and then have to wait for two months for repairs. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been to have to drive a tiny Chevy in the meantime, especially with two little babies. It sounds like you have had a number of issues with your vehicle, including problems with the window seal and visors. I understand how upsetting this must be, especially given that this is a 65k vehicle that you have leased for less than a year. I hope that Chevy will be able to address your concerns and find a solution that works for you.
Everett Cormier 2025-07-20
Vehicle year: 2022
Our 2021 High Country offers a high level of refinement and comfort that large families have come to expect and depend on from Suburban. With the new independent rear suspension and the powerful 6.2L engine, it was an easy decision to replace our 2016 LTZ 5.3L. However, we have experienced some issues with durability and dependability, which seems to be a common problem among customers. We purchased our vehicle in June for two long road trips, including a 6-week cross-country adventure. Although we had no issues for the first 2300 miles, we encountered four different issues in the next 8000 miles, some of which were major and required repairs. Despite these setbacks, we were fortunate to have an outstanding dealership (Banks Autos) in NH that replaced all 16 lifters and related parts under warranty. We were without our brand new vehicle for 10 days, but the dealership's service was exceptional. We also experienced a malfunctioning Adaptive Air Ride Suspension, which was inconvenient but luckily reset after disconnecting our travel trailer and the Suburban battery. We had a temporary repair for a fried O2 sensor that had been incorrectly installed from the plant, and parts are currently on order for final repair. Lastly, we had a massive oil leak upon our return to Oregon. Although these issues were frustrating, we appreciate the dealership's efforts to resolve them and hope that future models will address these concerns.The Suburban had a leak that went undetected by sensors and warning systems, even though the dipstick registered ZERO oil. Luckily, I was standing in the driveway when my wife backed out and discovered the lake of oil under the vehicle. I have had to visit Chevrolet service departments across the country, but the people I've met in Concord, NH, Casper, WY, and Bend, OR have been nothing but outstanding. GM has also stepped up by comp'ing us a GM Platinum Extended Service Contract (6 year / 100,000 miles) without hesitation. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or if they are merely hedging against additional inevitable mechanical issues in our future. In conclusion, I would caution any prospective buyer to pump the brakes on the purchase of even a 2022 model until performance and durability data are available.