1981 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."
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Common 1981 Chevrolet Suburban problems
The 1981 Chevrolet Suburban, a part of the sixth generation, is known for its ruggedness and durability, making it a popular choice for many users. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems.
- Electrical Problems: Another common issue reported by owners is related to the electrical system. Some users have reported issues with the lights not going out when the key is turned off, which could be due to a faulty switch or wiring issue.
- Suspension Problems: Some users have reported issues with the suspension system, which could be due to worn out components or lack of maintenance.
- Transmission Problems: Some users have reported issues with the transmission, such as difficulty shifting or slipping.
- Body and Chassis Problems: Some users have reported issues with the body and chassis, such as rust and corrosion, which could be due to exposure to harsh weather conditions or lack of maintenance.
It is important to note that these issues are not unique to the 1981 Chevrolet Suburban and can be found in many other vehicles of the same era. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent these issues from becoming major problems. It is also recommended to check for recalls and safety issues related to the vehicle by searching for recalls by the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA website.
What is the most common problem with the Chevy Suburban?
Common Chevrolet Suburban Problems
Excessive oil consumption: Several suburban models have struggled with excessive oil consumption. 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.
What year is the best year Suburban to buy?
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.
Is a 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.
How long do Suburban engines last?
How Long will a Chevy Suburban Last? Expect 125,000 to 150,000 Miles Minimum, or Roughly 10-12.5 Years when Serviced Regularly.
What is the most common problem with the Chevy Suburban?
Common Chevrolet Suburban Problems
Excessive oil consumption: Several suburban models have struggled with excessive oil consumption. 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.
Is a 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 year Suburban to buy?
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.
How long do Suburban engines last?
How Long will a Chevy Suburban Last? Expect 125,000 to 150,000 Miles Minimum, or Roughly 10-12.5 Years when Serviced Regularly.
1981 Chevrolet Suburban car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Suburban problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1981 Chevrolet Suburban vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1981 Chevrolet Suburban complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1981 Chevrolet Suburban.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-15
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH CONSUMER FELT THE VEHICLE SHAKING SEVERELY. CONSUMER PULLED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND INSPECTED IT. AFTER DRIVING SEVERAL MORE MILES DOWN THE ROAD THE SHAKING BEGAN AGAIN. AFTER ANOTHER INSPECTION CONSUMER FOUND THAT THE LEFT REAR TIRE WAS OUT OF ROUND. *AK THE CONSUMER CONTINUED TO DRIVE UNTIL THE TIRE EXPLODED. THE CONSUMER CHANGED THE TIRE AND PUT ON THE SPARE. *NM
1981 Chevrolet Suburban recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1981 Chevrolet Suburban.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
- Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITHOUT THE RETAINER CLIP FOR THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSH ROD. THE ABSENCE OF THIS RETAINER CLIP COULD ALLOW THE BRAKE PEDAL TO DISENGAGE FROM THE MASTER CYCLINDER PUSH ROD.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL THE RETAINER CLIP ON ALL SUSPECT VEHICLES WITHOUT CHARGE.
Other years of Chevrolet Suburban
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