Chevrolet Suburban: best & worst years

No Chevrolet Suburban model year rates as one to avoid in CarVitals data. The strongest years are 2020. Below is every year (2005–2024) ranked best to worst, with the owner-reported problems behind each verdict.

Every Chevrolet Suburban year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2020 Recommended 7 The 8-speed (and 10-speed on some trims) automatic can shudder, hesitate and shift harshly, with slipping or failure reported on higher-mileage trucks. Full report ↗
2024 Caution 6 The 6.2L L87 V8 (top trims) can suffer connecting-rod and crankshaft-bearing failure leading to sudden loss of power or total engine failure; covered by GM recall 25V274.; 10-speed automatic can shudder and shift harshly, with some loss-of-propulsion complaints.; First-year redesign electrical and infotainment glitches reported, and a 2021 fuel-pump control-module recall could cause engine stalling while driving. Full report ↗
2022 Caution 6 The 6.2L L87 V8 (top trims) can suffer connecting-rod and crankshaft-bearing failure leading to sudden loss of power or total engine failure; covered by GM recall 25V274.; 10-speed automatic can shudder and shift harshly, with some loss-of-propulsion complaints.; First-year redesign electrical and infotainment glitches reported, and a 2021 fuel-pump control-module recall could cause engine stalling while driving. Full report ↗
2019 Caution 6 The 8-speed (and 10-speed on some trims) automatic can shudder, hesitate and shift harshly, with slipping or failure reported on higher-mileage trucks. Full report ↗
2018 Caution 6 The 8-speed (and 10-speed on some trims) automatic can shudder, hesitate and shift harshly, with slipping or failure reported on higher-mileage trucks. Full report ↗
2017 Caution 6 Vacuum pump that assists the brakes can lose performance, causing a hard brake pedal and longer stopping distances; addressed by recall on affected trucks.; Electric power steering can intermittently lose assist, and some trucks suffer a sudden electrical shutdown (Service StabiliTrak) while driving; an EPS recall applies to early build.; Automatic climate-control faults reported on early cars. Full report ↗
2014 Caution 6 Gen-IV 5.3L V8 with Active Fuel Management can consume excessive oil from worn piston rings, often starting around 50,000-80,000 miles and risking engine damage if unchecked.; 6L80 six-speed automatic can develop torque-converter shudder and harsh shifting, with repairs reported between 60,000-100,000 miles.; Dashboard can crack across the top, a widely reported cosmetic and safety concern on these full-size GM SUVs. Full report ↗
2013 Caution 6 Gen-IV 5.3L V8 with Active Fuel Management can consume excessive oil from worn piston rings, often starting around 50,000-80,000 miles and risking engine damage if unchecked.; 6L80 six-speed automatic can develop torque-converter shudder and harsh shifting, with repairs reported between 60,000-100,000 miles.; Dashboard can crack across the top, a widely reported cosmetic and safety concern on these full-size GM SUVs. Full report ↗
2012 Caution 6 Gen-IV 5.3L V8 with Active Fuel Management can consume excessive oil from worn piston rings, often starting around 50,000-80,000 miles and risking engine damage if unchecked.; 6L80 six-speed automatic can develop torque-converter shudder and harsh shifting, with repairs reported between 60,000-100,000 miles.; Dashboard can crack across the top, a widely reported cosmetic and safety concern on these full-size GM SUVs. Full report ↗
2009 Caution 6 Takata passenger-side frontal airbag inflator may rupture and is under recall; complaints also note dash cracking that can complicate the repair.; 6L80 six-speed automatic can develop torque-converter shudder and harsh shifting, with repairs reported between 60,000-100,000 miles.; Dashboard can crack across the top, a widely reported cosmetic and safety concern on these full-size GM SUVs. Full report ↗
2006 Caution 6 Instrument-cluster gauge failure, speedometer, fuel/temperature gauges and the shift (PRNDL) indicator read erratically, stick, or go dim, a common GMT800-era defect.; 4L60E/4L65E automatic transmission can develop slippage and require a rebuild at higher mileage.; Assorted electrical faults including heated-seat modules cycling on their own and burnt body/ground wiring. Full report ↗
2023 Caution 5 The 6.2L L87 V8 (top trims) can suffer connecting-rod and crankshaft-bearing failure leading to sudden loss of power or total engine failure; covered by GM recall 25V274.; 10-speed automatic can shudder and shift harshly, with some loss-of-propulsion complaints.; First-year redesign electrical and infotainment glitches reported, and a 2021 fuel-pump control-module recall could cause engine stalling while driving. Full report ↗
2021 Caution 5 The 6.2L L87 V8 (top trims) can suffer connecting-rod and crankshaft-bearing failure leading to sudden loss of power or total engine failure; covered by GM recall 25V274.; 10-speed automatic can shudder and shift harshly, with some loss-of-propulsion complaints.; First-year redesign electrical and infotainment glitches reported, and a 2021 fuel-pump control-module recall could cause engine stalling while driving. Full report ↗
2016 Caution 5 Vacuum pump that assists the brakes can lose performance, causing a hard brake pedal and longer stopping distances; addressed by recall on affected trucks.; Electric power steering can intermittently lose assist, and some trucks suffer a sudden electrical shutdown (Service StabiliTrak) while driving; an EPS recall applies to early build.; Automatic climate-control faults reported on early cars. Full report ↗
2015 Caution 5 Vacuum pump that assists the brakes can lose performance, causing a hard brake pedal and longer stopping distances; addressed by recall on affected trucks.; Electric power steering can intermittently lose assist, and some trucks suffer a sudden electrical shutdown (Service StabiliTrak) while driving; an EPS recall applies to early build.; Automatic climate-control faults reported on early cars. Full report ↗
2011 Caution 5 Takata passenger-side frontal airbag inflator may rupture and is under recall; complaints also note dash cracking that can complicate the repair.; Gen-IV 5.3L V8 with Active Fuel Management can consume excessive oil from worn piston rings, often starting around 50,000-80,000 miles and risking engine damage if unchecked.; 6L80 six-speed automatic can develop torque-converter shudder and harsh shifting, with repairs reported between 60,000-100,000 miles. Full report ↗
2010 Caution 5 Takata passenger-side frontal airbag inflator may rupture and is under recall; complaints also note dash cracking that can complicate the repair.; Gen-IV 5.3L V8 with Active Fuel Management can consume excessive oil from worn piston rings, often starting around 50,000-80,000 miles and risking engine damage if unchecked.; 6L80 six-speed automatic can develop torque-converter shudder and harsh shifting, with repairs reported between 60,000-100,000 miles. Full report ↗
2008 Caution 5 Takata passenger-side frontal airbag inflator may rupture and is under recall; complaints also note dash cracking that can complicate the repair.; 6L80 six-speed automatic can develop torque-converter shudder and harsh shifting, with repairs reported between 60,000-100,000 miles.; Dashboard can crack across the top, a widely reported cosmetic and safety concern on these full-size GM SUVs. Full report ↗
2007 Caution 5 Takata passenger-side frontal airbag inflator may rupture and is under recall; complaints also note dash cracking that can complicate the repair.; 6L80 six-speed automatic can develop torque-converter shudder and harsh shifting, with repairs reported between 60,000-100,000 miles.; Dashboard can crack across the top, a widely reported cosmetic and safety concern on these full-size GM SUVs. Full report ↗
2005 Caution 5 Instrument-cluster gauge failure, speedometer, fuel/temperature gauges and the shift (PRNDL) indicator read erratically, stick, or go dim, a common GMT800-era defect.; 4L60E/4L65E automatic transmission can develop slippage and require a rebuild at higher mileage.; Assorted electrical faults including heated-seat modules cycling on their own and burnt body/ground wiring. Full report ↗

Chevrolet Suburban problems by year

2024 Chevrolet Suburban Caution

Refined late T1XX with strong space, ride and tech; the 6.2L L87 engine-failure recall (6.2L trims) remains the key check while the 5.3L V8 is unaffected. A capable, comfortable full-size hauler, confirm the engine recall status on 6.2L cars.

  • The 6.2L L87 V8 (top trims) can suffer connecting-rod and crankshaft-bearing failure leading to sudden loss of power or total engine failure; covered by GM recall 25V274.
  • 10-speed automatic can shudder and shift harshly, with some loss-of-propulsion complaints.
  • First-year redesign electrical and infotainment glitches reported, and a 2021 fuel-pump control-module recall could cause engine stalling while driving.

2023 Chevrolet Suburban Caution

T1XX where the 6.2L L87 connecting-rod/crankshaft engine-failure recall (25V274, 6.2L trims) is prominent in complaints and often needs engine replacement; some 10-speed/electrical niggles too. Excellent space, ride and tech, but verify the engine remedy on 6.2L models.

  • The 6.2L L87 V8 (top trims) can suffer connecting-rod and crankshaft-bearing failure leading to sudden loss of power or total engine failure; covered by GM recall 25V274.
  • 10-speed automatic can shudder and shift harshly, with some loss-of-propulsion complaints.
  • First-year redesign electrical and infotainment glitches reported, and a 2021 fuel-pump control-module recall could cause engine stalling while driving.

2022 Chevrolet Suburban Caution

Second-year T1XX settling in; the 6.2L L87 engine-failure recall (6.2L trims) and some 10-speed/electrical complaints are the watch-items. Vastly roomier third row, refined ride, strong tech and towing. Confirm the engine recall is addressed on 6.2L cars.

  • The 6.2L L87 V8 (top trims) can suffer connecting-rod and crankshaft-bearing failure leading to sudden loss of power or total engine failure; covered by GM recall 25V274.
  • 10-speed automatic can shudder and shift harshly, with some loss-of-propulsion complaints.
  • First-year redesign electrical and infotainment glitches reported, and a 2021 fuel-pump control-module recall could cause engine stalling while driving.

2021 Chevrolet Suburban Caution

All-new T1XX redesign with independent rear suspension and a long first-year recall list: fuel-pump control-module stalling, EPS, airbag warnings, and the 6.2L L87 engine connecting-rod/lifter failure recall on 6.2L trims. Hugely improved space and ride, but verify the recalls and engine remedy.

  • The 6.2L L87 V8 (top trims) can suffer connecting-rod and crankshaft-bearing failure leading to sudden loss of power or total engine failure; covered by GM recall 25V274.
  • 10-speed automatic can shudder and shift harshly, with some loss-of-propulsion complaints.
  • First-year redesign electrical and infotainment glitches reported, and a 2021 fuel-pump control-module recall could cause engine stalling while driving.

2020 Chevrolet Suburban Recommended

Final K2XX year, lowest complaint volume of its generation and the most refined version, with proven V8 power, big interior and strong towing. The best-value used Suburban of this generation if the transmission shifts cleanly.

  • The 8-speed (and 10-speed on some trims) automatic can shudder, hesitate and shift harshly, with slipping or failure reported on higher-mileage trucks.

2019 Chevrolet Suburban Caution

Late K2XX with the 8/10-speed transmission shudder and harsh-shift as the main complaint; brakes and steering otherwise sorted. Roomy, comfortable, strong-towing. Verify smooth shifting on the test drive.

  • The 8-speed (and 10-speed on some trims) automatic can shudder, hesitate and shift harshly, with slipping or failure reported on higher-mileage trucks.

2018 Chevrolet Suburban Caution

K2XX gains an 8/10-speed automatic that can shudder or shift harshly; otherwise mature and refined with strong towing and space. A capable used hauler, test-drive for transmission smoothness.

  • The 8-speed (and 10-speed on some trims) automatic can shudder, hesitate and shift harshly, with slipping or failure reported on higher-mileage trucks.

2017 Chevrolet Suburban Caution

K2XX improving, brake-vacuum-pump complaints (recall) taper and the drivetrain is proven; refined ride, big interior, strong towing. Verify the brake recall is closed. One of the better-value used Suburbans of its generation.

  • Vacuum pump that assists the brakes can lose performance, causing a hard brake pedal and longer stopping distances; addressed by recall on affected trucks.
  • Electric power steering can intermittently lose assist, and some trucks suffer a sudden electrical shutdown (Service StabiliTrak) while driving; an EPS recall applies to early build.
  • Automatic climate-control faults reported on early cars.

2016 Chevrolet Suburban Caution

Early K2XX still showing brake-vacuum-pump and EPS power-steering/total-electrical-shutoff complaints; climate-control niggles reported. Comfortable, roomy V8 hauler, but confirm the brake and steering recalls are completed before buying.

  • Vacuum pump that assists the brakes can lose performance, causing a hard brake pedal and longer stopping distances; addressed by recall on affected trucks.
  • Electric power steering can intermittently lose assist, and some trucks suffer a sudden electrical shutdown (Service StabiliTrak) while driving; an EPS recall applies to early build.
  • Automatic climate-control faults reported on early cars.

2015 Chevrolet Suburban Caution

First K2XX redesign year and the most-complained of its generation: brake-vacuum-pump loss of pedal assist (recall) and EPS power-steering/electrical shutoff dominate. Refined, spacious and strong-towing, but verify the brake and steering recalls are closed.

  • Vacuum pump that assists the brakes can lose performance, causing a hard brake pedal and longer stopping distances; addressed by recall on affected trucks.
  • Electric power steering can intermittently lose assist, and some trucks suffer a sudden electrical shutdown (Service StabiliTrak) while driving; an EPS recall applies to early build.
  • Automatic climate-control faults reported on early cars.

2014 Chevrolet Suburban Caution

Final GMT900 year, lowest complaint volume of the generation. The 5.3L AFM oil-consumption risk is the main asterisk; drivetrain and structure are proven. A well-rounded used hauler if oil-consumption history checks out.

  • Gen-IV 5.3L V8 with Active Fuel Management can consume excessive oil from worn piston rings, often starting around 50,000-80,000 miles and risking engine damage if unchecked.
  • 6L80 six-speed automatic can develop torque-converter shudder and harsh shifting, with repairs reported between 60,000-100,000 miles.
  • Dashboard can crack across the top, a widely reported cosmetic and safety concern on these full-size GM SUVs.

2013 Chevrolet Suburban Caution

Late GMT900 with the familiar 5.3L AFM oil-consumption watch-item and occasional 6-speed torque-converter shudder; otherwise a capable, roomy V8 SUV. Verify oil-consumption history and any open Takata airbag recall.

  • Gen-IV 5.3L V8 with Active Fuel Management can consume excessive oil from worn piston rings, often starting around 50,000-80,000 miles and risking engine damage if unchecked.
  • 6L80 six-speed automatic can develop torque-converter shudder and harsh shifting, with repairs reported between 60,000-100,000 miles.
  • Dashboard can crack across the top, a widely reported cosmetic and safety concern on these full-size GM SUVs.

2012 Chevrolet Suburban Caution

Mid-GMT900, complaint volume drops, but the 5.3L AFM oil-consumption risk and dash cracking remain the things to check. Durable V8 drivetrain, big interior and towing make it a solid used family hauler if maintained.

  • Gen-IV 5.3L V8 with Active Fuel Management can consume excessive oil from worn piston rings, often starting around 50,000-80,000 miles and risking engine damage if unchecked.
  • 6L80 six-speed automatic can develop torque-converter shudder and harsh shifting, with repairs reported between 60,000-100,000 miles.
  • Dashboard can crack across the top, a widely reported cosmetic and safety concern on these full-size GM SUVs.

2011 Chevrolet Suburban Caution

Heavy Takata passenger-airbag complaint year on the GMT900, alongside the 5.3L AFM oil-consumption risk and occasional 6-speed shudder. Capable, spacious hauler; verify the airbag recall is done and review oil-burning history.

  • Takata passenger-side frontal airbag inflator may rupture and is under recall; complaints also note dash cracking that can complicate the repair.
  • Gen-IV 5.3L V8 with Active Fuel Management can consume excessive oil from worn piston rings, often starting around 50,000-80,000 miles and risking engine damage if unchecked.
  • 6L80 six-speed automatic can develop torque-converter shudder and harsh shifting, with repairs reported between 60,000-100,000 miles.

2010 Chevrolet Suburban Caution

GMT900 with the Gen-IV 5.3L AFM V8 whose piston-ring oil consumption can begin around 50,000-80,000 miles, plus lingering Takata airbag complaints. Roomy, strong-towing SUV, but check oil-consumption history and recall status.

  • Takata passenger-side frontal airbag inflator may rupture and is under recall; complaints also note dash cracking that can complicate the repair.
  • Gen-IV 5.3L V8 with Active Fuel Management can consume excessive oil from worn piston rings, often starting around 50,000-80,000 miles and risking engine damage if unchecked.
  • 6L80 six-speed automatic can develop torque-converter shudder and harsh shifting, with repairs reported between 60,000-100,000 miles.

2009 Chevrolet Suburban Caution

GMT900 settling down, fewer complaints than 07-08 though Takata airbag and dash cracking persist. The 5.3L V8 and 6-speed auto are capable, and AFM oil-consumption risk is lower than the 2010+ cars. Verify recalls closed.

  • Takata passenger-side frontal airbag inflator may rupture and is under recall; complaints also note dash cracking that can complicate the repair.
  • 6L80 six-speed automatic can develop torque-converter shudder and harsh shifting, with repairs reported between 60,000-100,000 miles.
  • Dashboard can crack across the top, a widely reported cosmetic and safety concern on these full-size GM SUVs.

2008 Chevrolet Suburban Caution

Early GMT900 still heavy with Takata passenger-airbag complaints and an electrical/heated-seat recall; dash cracking common. Capable V8 hauler with good space and towing, but confirm recall completion before buying.

  • Takata passenger-side frontal airbag inflator may rupture and is under recall; complaints also note dash cracking that can complicate the repair.
  • 6L80 six-speed automatic can develop torque-converter shudder and harsh shifting, with repairs reported between 60,000-100,000 miles.
  • Dashboard can crack across the top, a widely reported cosmetic and safety concern on these full-size GM SUVs.

2007 Chevrolet Suburban Caution

First GMT900 redesign year and the most-complained Suburban: a Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall dominates, plus dash cracking and electrical faults. Strong V8 and roomy interior, but verify the airbag recall is closed and inspect the dash.

  • Takata passenger-side frontal airbag inflator may rupture and is under recall; complaints also note dash cracking that can complicate the repair.
  • 6L80 six-speed automatic can develop torque-converter shudder and harsh shifting, with repairs reported between 60,000-100,000 miles.
  • Dashboard can crack across the top, a widely reported cosmetic and safety concern on these full-size GM SUVs.

2006 Chevrolet Suburban Caution

Last GMT800 year, low complaint volume and the proven small-block V8 make it one of the more trouble-free older Suburbans, though instrument-cluster and electrical quirks of the era can still appear. A durable, cheap-to-buy hauler.

  • Instrument-cluster gauge failure, speedometer, fuel/temperature gauges and the shift (PRNDL) indicator read erratically, stick, or go dim, a common GMT800-era defect.
  • 4L60E/4L65E automatic transmission can develop slippage and require a rebuild at higher mileage.
  • Assorted electrical faults including heated-seat modules cycling on their own and burnt body/ground wiring.

2005 Chevrolet Suburban Caution

Final-gen GMT800 with the durable 5.3/6.0L V8 and 4-speed auto, but the era's instrument-cluster gauge failure (dim/erratic gauges and shift indicator) and electrical faults are widely reported. Body-on-frame longevity is its strength; check gauges and brakes.

  • Instrument-cluster gauge failure, speedometer, fuel/temperature gauges and the shift (PRNDL) indicator read erratically, stick, or go dim, a common GMT800-era defect.
  • 4L60E/4L65E automatic transmission can develop slippage and require a rebuild at higher mileage.
  • Assorted electrical faults including heated-seat modules cycling on their own and burnt body/ground wiring.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Chevrolet models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.