2012 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 2012 Chevrolet Suburban problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Chevrolet Suburban 2012, several common problems have been reported:
- Excessive Oil Consumption: Owners of the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban have reported issues with excessive oil consumption. This problem can lead to the need for frequent oil top-ups and potential engine damage if not addressed promptly. The cost to fix this issue can vary but may be significant, impacting the overall maintenance costs of the vehicle.
- Stalling: Another common problem with the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban is stalling. This issue can be dangerous, especially when it occurs unexpectedly while driving. Stalling can be caused by various factors, including fuel system problems, ignition issues, or engine malfunctions. Addressing this problem promptly is crucial to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle.
- Transmission Failure: Owners of the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban have also reported transmission failure as a significant issue. Transmission problems can manifest in various ways, such as difficulty shifting gears, strange noises, or complete transmission failure. Repairing or replacing a transmission can be a costly endeavor, impacting the overall value and usability of the vehicle.
- Brake Problems: The 2012 Chevrolet Suburban has been associated with brake problems, including issues with brake performance, brake system malfunctions, or premature brake wear. Brake problems can compromise the safety of the vehicle and its occupants, making it essential to address any brake-related issues promptly through professional inspection and repair.
- Electrical System Malfunctions: Electrical system malfunctions have been reported by owners of the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban. These issues can range from minor electrical glitches to more serious problems affecting critical components like the vehicle's lighting, power windows, or electronic controls. Proper diagnosis and repair of electrical system malfunctions are essential to maintain the vehicle's functionality and safety.
Addressing these common problems with the Chevrolet Suburban 2012 requires thorough inspection, diagnosis, and professional repair to ensure the vehicle's optimal performance, safety, and longevity. Regular maintenance and proactive identification of potential issues can help mitigate these problems and enhance the overall ownership experience of the Chevrolet Suburban 2012.
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 will a 2012 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.
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.
2012 Chevrolet Suburban complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2012 Chevrolet Suburban recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban.
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL 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." 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 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 N212328770.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS LLC
- Components: STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN
- Summary: GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND SUBURBAN VEHICLES, AND GMC SAVANA AND YUKON XL HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES. THE STEERING GEAR PITMAN SHAFT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY HARDENED AND COULD FRACTURE.
- Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, A LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING GEAR AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR PITMAN SHAFT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON APRIL 4, 2012.
Negative 2012 Chevrolet Suburban car reviews
Positive 2012 Chevrolet Suburban car reviews
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I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your new Suburban LTZ! It sounds like you were able to get a great deal on one of the last 2010 models. I'm happy to hear that everything is going well so far. The NAV system seems to be particularly impressive, especially compared to your Acura MDX. While OnStar is also impressive, I understand that it can be a bit expensive once the free trial is up. The ride is very smooth and quiet, and the sound system is fantastic. The cylinder management system also seems to be helping with gas mileage, which is great. I know that it can take some time to get used to the braking on such a big car, but I'm glad to hear that you're adjusting. With all that extra space, I'm sure the kids and dog are loving it!
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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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I bought this vehicle brand new in 2011 and it has been a reliable companion ever since. Even with over 235,000 miles on the clock as of March 2020, it has given me very few issues to report. The only problems I've had were a driver side power mirror replacement in 2018 and a front right caliper replacement in 2017 due to a minor fluid leak. Currently, the vehicle runs a bit rough while in idle and the check engine light is on, but I will update with more information once the problem is fixed. Overall, I am very happy with this vehicle.
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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!
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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!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2012 Chevrolet Suburban problems:
Common Issues -2012 GM SUV -Suburban - Trailers & Tow Rigs ...
Feb 25, 2018 ... Speaking of fuel, the fuel pumps are known to rust out at the top, causing the truck to leak gas when filling all the way up (another lesson ...
2012 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 Problems and Complaints - 9 Issues
Problem with your 2012 Chevrolet Suburban 1500? Our list of 9 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2012 Chevrolet Suburban 1500.
2012 suburban disappointment | Chevy Tahoe Forum | GMC Yukon ...
Mar 9, 2022 ... Supposedly I need a new camshaft along with lifters etc...in other words the common 5.3 problem that has plagued this engine from about 2007.
Q&A: 2012 Chevrolet Suburban - Expert Advice on Purchasing a 5.3 ...
What are common problems to look for?Thanks. Share this conversation. Answered in 1 minute by: 8/18/2023. Chevy Mechanic: Daniel Chaidez. Verified mechanic.
2012 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban 1500? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next ...
Other years of Chevrolet Suburban
Are you having problems with your 2012 Chevrolet Suburban?
Kenton VonRueden 2025-02-04
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.
Sheridan Runte 2025-01-29
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.
Logan Leffler 2025-01-14
I purchased a new SUV in 2013, even though it was a 2012 model, for $60,000. The dealership, Bob Steele Chevrolet, provided me with a standard 3-year warranty. Unfortunately, a few months after the warranty expired, my dashboard cracked in two places, one of which was beside the airbag. When I contacted Chevrolet, they informed me that it was not a safety issue and that they could not help me since I was no longer under warranty. It's disappointing that they only offer a 3-year warranty. The dealership was sympathetic and said they would try to help, but they couldn't take responsibility since many of their customers had the same issue. It's hard to believe that thousands of buyers with the same problem can be wrong. There is even a Facebook page dedicated to Chevrolet Broken Dashes. It's important to research any potential issues before purchasing a vehicle, regardless of the price. My family has always owned Chevys, but due to their indifference to customers and real problems with their vehicles, I will be considering imports for my future cars. It's unfortunate when a company prioritizes profit over safety.
Cortez Wisozk 2024-08-29
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.
Turner Thiel 2024-08-20
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 wish I had my old Suburban back; I don't like this one at all.