2010 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."

2010 Chevrolet Suburban

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Common 2010 Chevrolet Suburban problems

The Chevrolet Suburban has been a popular full-size SUV for many years, but it has had its share of problems, particularly in the 2010 model year. Here are some of the most common problems with the Chevrolet Suburban 2010 based on complaints from owners of this car:

  • Expensive to maintain: Chevy Suburbans are pretty expensive to maintain if you buy one from 2019 or earlier. The average cost per year will be about $800 for 5 years if you buy one from 2019 or newer. The average cost per year will be 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. The average cost of running a 2011 model is over $2,000 per year!.
  • Severity of Repair Score: According to the RepairPal "Severity of Repair" score, the Chevrolet Suburban is more likely than most other vehicles to need severe repairs. The score of 15% is higher than an average of 12% for all vehicle models.
  • Engine problems: Many people have complained about engine problems with their 2009 Chevrolet Suburbans, specifically about the rate at which they consume oil. The 2009 Chevrolet Suburban had so many oil consumption issues that it ranked as one of the worst vehicles for oil Car Complaints.
  • Costly to insure: The average cost of car insurance for a Chevy Suburban is $1,800 per year—more than 10% of what other SUVs cost.
  • Depreciation: The Chevy Suburban depreciates at about 7% per year, or 35% in 5 years. That means that if you purchase a new Chevy Suburban today for around $60,000, it will be worth almost half that amount when you go to sell it five years from now.
  • Transmission problems: Earlier models had many transmission issues, as reported on Car Complaints. The issue was that the torque converter clutch would apply during the shift from first to second gear, causing harsh shifts and engine bogging. The wiring needs to be redone to resolve this problem permanently. But in many cases, it may take several attempts before it’s resolved completely.
  • Later model transmission problems: 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.

In summary, the Chevrolet Suburban 2010 has had several common problems, including issues with the A/C, maintenance costs, engine problems, insurance costs, depreciation, and transmission issues. Owners of this car have reported experiencing these problems, and it's important to be aware of them before purchasing a 2010 Suburban.

2010 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.

How many miles can a 2010 Chevy Suburban last?

For the average Suburban SUV owner with average luck, 125,000 to 150,000 miles you can pretty much take to the bank. Should you maintain a Chevy Suburban and investigate any symptoms that arise, you may just hit 175,000-200,000 without needing a new motor or tranny.

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.

Are Suburbans expensive to fix?

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.

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.

How many miles can a 2010 Chevy Suburban last?

For the average Suburban SUV owner with average luck, 125,000 to 150,000 miles you can pretty much take to the bank. Should you maintain a Chevy Suburban and investigate any symptoms that arise, you may just hit 175,000-200,000 without needing a new motor or tranny.

Is a Chevy Suburban reliable?

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.

2010 Chevrolet Suburban complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2010 Chevrolet Suburban.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2010 Chevrolet Suburban recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2010 Chevrolet Suburban.

2021-02-05
  • Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
  • Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
  • Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
  • Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed to 40 VIN owners on May 11, 2021. A second owner notification letter was mailed to all other owners on January 24, 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 N212328800.
2021-02-05
  • Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
  • Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and Sierra 3500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
  • Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
  • Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 1, 2021. 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 N212328760.
2021-02-05
  • Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
  • Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C."
  • Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
  • Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 24, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328790.

Negative 2010 Chevrolet Suburban car reviews

  1. Jacey Harris 2025-01-05

    I have always been a fan of Suburbans, but I must say that the 2007-2014 body style has left me disappointed. Unfortunately, GM has missed the mark on the interior design. The dash is awkward and lacks space for important items during long drives. Additionally, the fold flat interior is no longer offered, which is a shame. It's frustrating that they claim it's not cost-effective, yet they charge a hefty price of 60k for one. I have decided to sell mine because it's not suitable for hauling cargo, dogs, or camping gear. I prefer the older models, and I won't be purchasing anything newer than 2006. Despite my disappointment, I still have faith in GM and their future endeavors.

  2. Bennett Bernier 2024-08-01

    This is my fourth Suburban, and unfortunately, it's my least favorite. The air vents are in an inconvenient location, and the navigation system and knobs for the heat and air are positioned too low, making them difficult to see. It would have been better if they had placed them higher, like other cars. The cup holders in the older models were much more practical, and there is nowhere to put things in this one. The DVD system is also not very user-friendly, especially if you have kids. If the TV control gets lost, you can't even operate it from the back seat. It seems like the designers did not consider the needs of families. I miss my old Suburban and wish I had it back. Overall, this model is not very convenient for my needs.

  3. Brendan Stehr 2024-03-23

    I have only owned my suburban for 1.5 months and have already had to visit the dealership twice, with one of those visits lasting a week. Unfortunately, the sunroof leaks, which is quite frustrating. Despite the dealer installing a new piece of glass, the issue persists. While the drip pan is currently handling the water, I am concerned about the long-term effects of this issue. The dealer's explanation that sunroofs are designed to leak is not satisfactory, especially since this was not disclosed to me by the salesman. Additionally, the vehicle runs rough, and I was told that this is normal for a Chevy. However, I find this hard to believe and am disappointed with my purchase. I regret not sticking with my Ford diesel.

  4. Jayson Runolfsdottir 2024-02-28

    We're sorry to hear about the issues you've been experiencing with your vehicle. It sounds like you've had to make several trips to the dealership to address shuddering/vibration and power issues, which can be frustrating. We understand that the car has an intermittent shudder at low speeds while accelerating up inclines, and that it now occurs any time accelerating. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. We recommend bringing the car back to the dealership to have it looked at again. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

  5. Aurelio Anderson 2024-02-21

    Although this was my first American car, unfortunately, it will also be my last. Within six months of purchasing it, I had to visit the dealership four times to address various issues. The first issue was with the seating, which felt uncomfortable due to an extra bar pushing upwards. It was unbearable to drive for more than 5 miles. The second issue was with the A/C, which blew hot air even when it was turned on. This was not ideal, especially on a 100-degree day. Overall, I am disappointed with the quality of the car. I had expected much more from a company that has made such a dramatic financial turnaround.

Positive 2010 Chevrolet Suburban car reviews

  1. Alessandro Smitham 2024-11-26

    Congratulations on your purchase of a 2009 Suburban! It's great to hear that you've been a loyal Suburban customer since 1980 and that this latest model is the best one yet. The fit and finish are perfect, and the engine noise is non-existent, making for a smooth and enjoyable ride. The handling and steering are perfectly tuned, making it feel like a lightweight crossover when driving in the city. It's impressive how Chevy has accomplished this. While the middle row seats not laying flat is a minor issue, it's understandable that it can be frustrating. Overall, it sounds like you're very satisfied with your purchase, and we're thrilled to hear that. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!

  2. Sage McDermott 2024-11-18

    Just traded in an 07 on an 09 suburban and I'm really pleased with the six-speed transmission. The 07 had a four-speed transmission (I think the 08 year had both but on different models) and the shifting is much smoother. It also finally has Bluetooth. Other than that, it's the same truck as what we had and we were pretty happy with it.

  3. Alexie Zboncak 2024-11-13

    Congratulations on your new Suburban LTZ! I'm glad to hear that you and your family are enjoying it so far. While you mentioned some disappointment with the plastic materials, it's great to hear that the overall feel inside is good. The truck's smoothness and backup sensors make it easy for your wife to drive, and the power tailgate and 20 inch rims with Bridgestones are impressive features. It's also great to hear that the Suburban has plenty of power and good mileage in town. If you're considering a mini van but are worried about mileage, the Suburban is definitely worth considering. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!

  4. Ola Kertzmann 2024-11-12

    Best car ever! Congratulations on your first Chevy, and I'm sure it won't be your last either.

  5. Terrill Ullrich 2024-10-10

    Our 5th Suburban in the last 20+ years, and I must say, this is the best one yet! The creature comforts have significantly improved over previous years, and the 6-speed transmission and proven 5.3 V8 are both strong and smooth. It looks like this vehicle will be a great choice for many years to come.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2010 Chevrolet Suburban problems:

2010 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 Problems and Complaints - 16 Issues
2010 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 Problems and Complaints - 16 Issues
https://repairpal.com/2010-chevrolet-suburban-1500/problems

Problem with your 2010 Chevrolet Suburban 1500? Our list of 16 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2010 Chevrolet Suburban 1500.

Chevy Suburban 2010 Electrical Problems - Q&A with Experts
Chevy Suburban 2010 Electrical Problems - Q&A with Experts
https://www.justanswer.com/chevy/9lhtz-chevrolet-suburban-1500-z71-2010-chevy-suburban-electrical.html

Mar 14, 2016 ... The reason it is causing communication issues with the gauges is because this vehicle relies on the battery to regulate voltage flow.

2010 Suburban electrical issues - Chevrolet Forum - Chevy ...
2010 Suburban electrical issues - Chevrolet Forum - Chevy ...
https://chevroletforum.com/forum/tahoe-suburban-25/2010-suburban-electrical-issues-82778/

Apr 19, 2017 ... Suburban was doing these quick outages (traction and stabilizer reset, radio cuts out, low voltage reading for the battery) AND after you turn ...

Chevrolet Suburban common problems — Suburban Camping
Chevrolet Suburban common problems — Suburban Camping
https://www.suburbancamping.com/common-repairs

Oil leaks. All vehicles develop oil leaks over time and the Suburban is no exception. The biggest leak in mine was the rear main seal between the engine and ...

Which Year Models of Used Chevrolet Suburban to Avoid - CoPilot
Which Year Models of Used Chevrolet Suburban to Avoid - CoPilot
https://www.copilotsearch.com/posts/which-year-models-used-chevrolet-suburban-avoid/

May 31, 2023 ... The 2000, 2006, 2010, and 2017 models all have very few complaints, but there are some issues to be addressed with each. 2000 Suburbans have had ...

Other years of Chevrolet Suburban

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Suburban 2011
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2010 Chevrolet Suburban photo