1983 Chevrolet Suburban problems

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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."

1983 Chevrolet Suburban

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Common 1983 Chevrolet Suburban problems

Based on complaints from owners of the 1983 Chevrolet Suburban, several common problems have been identified:

  • Engine and Engine Cooling Problems:
    • Complaints about engine issues in the 1983 Chevrolet Suburban include instances where the vehicle began to chug, emitted white smoke, and caught on fire while driving, indicating possible engine failure.
    • This specific incident highlights the importance of monitoring engine performance and addressing any unusual symptoms promptly to prevent serious consequences while driving.
  • General Maintenance and Repair Challenges:
    • The 1983 Chevrolet Suburban, like many older vehicles, may face challenges related to parts availability, especially in terms of aftermarket or junkyard parts, which can impact maintenance and repair processes.
    • Limited availability of parts can make it more challenging and potentially more expensive to maintain and repair the vehicle over time, requiring owners to explore alternative solutions for sourcing necessary components.

By addressing these common problems associated with the 1983 Chevrolet Suburban, owners can better understand the potential issues they may encounter and take proactive steps to maintain and repair their vehicles effectively.

1983 Chevrolet Suburban engine

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.

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.

1983 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
  • Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1983 Chevrolet Suburban vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1983 Chevrolet Suburban complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1983 Chevrolet Suburban.

2002-05-16

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-03-12
  • VIN: 1G8EC16C8DF
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: CONSUMER STATES HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE TREAD SEPARATION ON THE TIRE. GOOD YEAR #LT23585R.*JB
2002-01-18

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-09-01
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1G8GC26W9DF
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE BEGAN TO CHUG, CONSUMER NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE SO HE PULLED OVER AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE, OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT. *SLC
2002-01-18

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-09-01
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1G8GC26W9DF
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE BEGAN TO CHUG, CONSUMER NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE SO HE PULLED OVER AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE, OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT. *SLC
2000-11-27

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-11-24
  • VIN: 1G8GC26M2DF
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: REAR RIGHT TIRE PROBLEM. TREAD SEPARATED FROM TIRE WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT 65 MPH. TREAD HIT SIDE OF CHEVROLET SUBURBAN CAUSING BODY DAMAGE. TIRES HAVE APPROXIMATELY 28,000 MILES OF NON-COMMERCIAL USE, AND ARE WARRANTED FOR 50,000 MILES.*AK (TIRESIZE: 235/85 R16)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 235/85 R16 )
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