2011 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 2011 Chevrolet Suburban problems
The 2011 Chevrolet Suburban has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. Many of these issues revolve around the engine, steering and suspension, and transmission.
One of the most significant problems with the 2011 Chevy Suburban is excessive oil consumption with no sign of leakage.
The steering and suspension of the 2011 Suburban has also been reported to have issues. Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage, power steering, wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension are all components that have been reported to have problems. These issues can lead to power steering failure, as well as noises and leaks in the steering and suspension system.
The transmission of the 2011 Suburban has also been reported to have problems. Transmission major issues have been reported, including the transfer case dying early in the Suburban's lifespan, around 72,000 miles. This issue can lead to significant repair costs and inconvenience for owners.
In addition to these major issues, the 2011 Chevy Suburban has also been reported to have problems with the accelerator pedal, headlights and daytime running lights, and exterior moldings. These issues can lead to additional repair costs and inconvenience for owners.
Despite these common problems, many owners of the 2011 Chevy Suburban have reported positive experiences with the vehicle. Some owners have reported driving over 150,000 miles with no real issues, and have praised the vehicle's performance, comfort, and safety features. However, it is important for potential buyers to be aware of these common problems and to consider the potential repair costs and inconvenience associated with them.
Is a 2011 Suburban a good car?
An old suburban is a great first car. It's big so if you're in an accident you'll likely walk away. Also, that 2011 Chevy Suburban was equipped with either a 4.8L V8 or a 5.3L V8, and is surprising good on gas mileage for an engine that size and they are very durable with low maintenance.
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 2011 Suburban last?
The Chevy Suburban is predicted to last 125,000-150,000 miles, so high mileage is anything around or over 115,000. Once the car reaches this point, you're much more likely to encounter expensive issues that require more money to repair than the machine is worth. At this point, many choose to sell their Suburban.
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.
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 2011 Suburban last?
The Chevy Suburban is predicted to last 125,000-150,000 miles, so high mileage is anything around or over 115,000. Once the car reaches this point, you're much more likely to encounter expensive issues that require more money to repair than the machine is worth. At this point, many choose to sell their Suburban.
What is the safety rating of a 2011 Suburban?
five stars
Suburban also earned the highest possible U.S. government frontal and side-impact crash test ratings – five stars Go With The SUV That Really Pulls Its Weight with the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban.
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.
2011 Chevrolet Suburban complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2011 Chevrolet Suburban recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban.
- 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.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.
- Consequence: If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2015. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14696 for the original equipment, and 14912 for the service replacement parts.
Negative 2011 Chevrolet Suburban car reviews
Positive 2011 Chevrolet Suburban car reviews
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I recently traded in my 2004 3/4 Ton and got a new hitch platform that sits approximately 3 inches higher than the old one. As a result, I had to adjust the trailer tongue and hitch. The engine combo with the 6-speed transmission pulls my 24' 10' tall Wells Cargo trailer very well. The trailer weighs 3000 lbs empty and 8500 lbs with my Pierce or Bentley loaded. So far, I have driven 2400 miles, including 350 miles of towing. When in Tow Mode with a full load, the transmission downshifts to hold the load back when needed. It even shifted down to 2nd gear at 35mph, and although the tach popped to 4500rpm, it did help slow the vehicle. I achieved 9.0MPG towing on highways and back roads with pretty aggressive hills and valleys. Without the trailer, I got 20 MPG on pure highway driving.
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I bought my car used in May 2012 with 30,000 miles for $34,000 out the door. Since then, I've taken it on tons of road trips, driven it around town, and even towed heavy loads up to 8000#. To keep it running smoothly, I perform basic maintenance myself using Walmart brand synthetics. Right after purchasing, I added a 30k transmission cooler and an engine oil cooler to help with the towing loads. I've only had to replace a few parts, including the AC blower motor at 95k, the rotor and pads at 90k (even though they had plenty of pad remaining, the pulsation was bad), and the battery at 60k. I plan on keeping this Suburban for a very long time. In fact, as of December 2016, it has 126,000 miles and I'm now towing 9000# often since adding some dirt bikes to the trailer. I've replaced the motor mounts at 100k and the battery and front axle seal at 115k. Unfortunately, the dash is cracking. As of June 2017, it has 136,000 miles and I had to deal with an expensive early rebuild due to a split transmission rubber line. However, I installed a 40k TruCool cooler afterwards to avoid any future issues.
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It's great for long distance traveling! During the summer, we drove about 600 miles comfortably over Donner Pass and the Grapevine (both ways) without stopping for gasoline or needing a break. The outside temperature ranged from 80 degrees (Reno) to 113 degrees (Bakersfield), but inside it was about 72 degrees. I'm still showing 19.2 mpg with a mix of city and rural driving, but I usually drive lightly on the gas pedal except when climbing hills. So far, I'm very happy with my purchase and its ability to fit lots of people and infant seats. It's easy to access the 3rd row and the large cargo area for carrying weekly groceries or bulky items. I think a full-sized mattress would fit with the rear seat removed and the 2nd row folded. Plus, it has XM radio!
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I purchased a 2009 Ltz with only one previous owner and 49k miles about a year ago in February 2015. I absolutely love it and would never consider owning anything else. However, it is important to note that parts can be quite expensive, so it is highly recommended to have a warranty. This vehicle has a lot of electronics that can be costly to repair. Fortunately, my warranty covered the cost of small parts that needed to be fixed, which were all over $200 each, including the cruise control switch, air bag sensor, and side mirror internal clip that caused my windows to bind. I also had to pay $600 to replace a shock absorber when the suspension light came on. Despite the cost of repairs, I still think this truck is great and I love every bit of it. Overall, it is definitely worth it.
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Hi there! I've owned everything from Corvettes to Jeeps (my family owned 3 new car franchises) and at 50 years old, the Suburban is the perfect vehicle for me. My black LTZ gets looks everywhere because it evokes the Secret Service / Government impression. The LTZ package offers all of the amenities that I need. My actual mileage is a very respectable 15 MPG and would be substantially better if I didn't use the remote starter so much (to warm/cool the interior). Also, mileage would be better if I didn't have such a heavy foot. For me, this is the right vehicle at the right time. Thanks for reading!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2011 Chevrolet Suburban problems:
2011 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 Problems and Complaints - 14 Issues
Top 2011 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 Problems · Power Door Lock Actuators May Fail · 4WD Transfer Case Position Sensor/Selector Switch May Fail · Speedometer or ...
2011 Chevrolet Suburban Reliability - Consumer Reports
Owner Reported Trouble Spots · Steering And Suspension · Body Hardware · Engine Minor · Brakes · Transmission Major · In-car Electronics · Exhaust · Noises And ...
Chevy Suburban Q&A: 2011 Starting Problems, Common Issues ...
Aug 16, 2020 ... Then have someone crank the engine while you watch the reading. More than 100mv or 0.1 V is a reading that is too high and indicates the cable ...
2011 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban 1500? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next ...
Q&A: 2011 Suburban 2500 Engine Issues & Common Problems
Nov 22, 2019 ... Mechanic's Assistant: What is the model of your '11 Chevy? Is an LS model; 4x4. Mechanic's Assistant: Are you fixing your vehicle yourself? What ...
Other years of Chevrolet Suburban
Are you having problems with your 2011 Chevrolet Suburban?
Ashton Parker 2025-10-15
I purchased my Suburban less than a month ago and unfortunately, I have been experiencing some issues with it. The check engine light has come on twice due to the ECU (Computer) changing my fuel settings which has led to my truck not starting or running extremely rough. Despite multiple trips to the dealership, the issue persists. However, I am confident that the dealership will be able to resolve the issue and I will be able to enjoy my truck without any further problems. It is important to note that while I have experienced some issues, I believe that this is an isolated incident and does not reflect the quality of the Suburban as a whole.
Adolphus Ziemann 2025-08-08
My 2009 Suburban has been to the dealership three times for the same issue. Despite their efforts, the clanking noise that occurs when the car is driven cold persists. I am deeply concerned about the safety of the vehicle and feel that the dealership may be withholding information from me. During my second visit, I had to argue with them to release my paperwork. As a confident car owner, I expect the dealership to provide me with a clear explanation of the issue and a satisfactory resolution. Safety is my top priority, and I will not settle for anything less than a safe and reliable vehicle.
Hayden Beatty 2025-08-06
Hello everyone, I wanted to share my experience with my 2009 Suburban with the 5.3 liter engine. Unfortunately, I have been experiencing some ongoing issues with it. Despite visiting the dealership 4 times for engine-related issues, my family and I have been left stranded on the roadside due to this truck. The dealership even rebuilt the engine at 38000 miles, but the truck continues to consume oil at 41000 miles. As a result, I have lost confidence in this truck. I have requested a new engine or buyback, but the best GM has offered is a $2000 certificate towards the purchase of another GM product. I would advise avoiding the 5.3 liter versions of the Suburban/Tahoe/Yukon, as many have reported engine problems. Thank you for listening to my experience.
Maximo Abshire 2025-07-08
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to share my experience with a vehicle I purchased for my family. It was a great size and we were thrilled to find a good deal on a used one. Unfortunately, after a few months, we noticed cracks on the dashboard near the passenger-side airbag and instrument cluster. I later learned that this is a common issue with 07-13 full-size GM trucks and SUVs. Despite the widespread occurrence of this issue, GM has not issued a recall, which is disappointing. I believe this is a safety issue, as the dashboard could potentially cause harm during a crash. I was also disappointed to learn that GM dealerships are authorized to repair the issue, but there is no uniform pricing. Some customers pay $100, while others pay $300, $750, or nothing at all. I don't think it's fair for customers to have to pay for a defect that is not their fault. I have owned cars and trucks from other manufacturers that were more than 5 years old and did not experience any issues with the dashboard or other interior materials. Unfortunately, this experience has left a bad taste in my mouth and I don't think I will be purchasing another GM product in the future. On a positive note, we have since traded in the Suburban and are much happier with our current vehicle.
Brain Kovacek 2025-05-03
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.