Chevrolet

Suburban (GMT800)

2000-2006 · Full-Size SUV · 4 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (3.3)
2,625 NHTSA Complaints
23 Recalls
46 Fire Reports
148 Crash Reports
Includes data from: SUBURBANSUBURBAN 1500SUBURBAN 2500
View all 4 generations of the Chevrolet Suburban → 📋 Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5 (21.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5 (21.9% risk)
ESC: Optional FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5
ESC: Optional FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

LQ4

6.0L 8-cyl
⚠️ Caution (3.3)
107 complaints 15.3 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
46
electrical
19
fuel system
19
steering
10
engine
8

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (46 complaints)
Est. repair: $1,200–$2,500 (5 reports)
Electrical System Issues (19 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (19 complaints)

L18

8.1L 8-cyl
⚠️ Caution (3.2)
128 complaints 21.3 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
46
cooling
41
brakes
25
fuel system
20
electrical
16

Known Issues

Engine Issues (46 complaints)
Typical onset: 69,750–93,000 mi
Cooling System Issues (41 complaints)
Typical onset: 69,000–90,000 mi
Brakes Issues (25 complaints)

17 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Chevrolet Suburban regardless of engine variant.

Brakes Issues (743 complaints)
brakes critical
Electrical System Issues (389 complaints)
electrical critical
Fuel System Issues (197 complaints)
fuel_system critical
Transmission Issues (123 complaints)
transmission critical
Body/Trim Issues (65 complaints)
body critical

Recalls (23)

07V521000Jul 10, 2007serious
Engine & Cooling

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN 8.1L V8 ENGINE, THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION CAN OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY OR FAIL COMPLETELY. IF THE SENSOR OPERATES INTERMITTENTLY, THE SES LIGHT MAY ILLUMINATE AND THE VEHICLE MAY RUN ROUGH. THE ENGINE MAY STALL, AND IF SO, MAY RE-START IMMEDIATELY OR AFTER A COOL DOWN PERIOD.

06E026000Mar 22, 2006serious
Exterior Lighting

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

06E043000May 18, 2006serious
Fuel System

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

06V289000Mar 7, 2006serious
Engine & Cooling

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN 8.1L V8 (RPO L8-VIN G) ENGINE HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP MAY FRACTURE RESULTING IN INADEQUATE RETENTION OF THE DAMPER.

05V379000Aug 28, 2005serious
Service Brakes

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE UNWANTED ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) ACTIVATION. THIS CONDITION IS MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR IN ENVIRONMENTALLY CORROSIVE AREAS. THIS RECALL WILL BE LAUNCHED IN THE "SALT BELT" STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ONLY.

05V163000Apr 21, 2005serious
Seat Belts

ON CERTAIN CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE 2ND ROW CENTER OCCUPANT SEAT BELT ROUTING MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO POSITION THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT LOW AROUND THE HIPS OF OCCUPANTS, ESPECIALLY SMALLER OCCUPANTS, SEATED IN THIS POSITION. APPROPRIATE USE OF A CHILD SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT, AS RECOMMENDED FOR SMALL CHILDREN, DOES IMPROVE THE FIT CONDITION FOR THIS USER GROUP. IN ADDITION TO INSTRUCTIONS ON PROPER INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD RESTRAINT (WITH CHILD SEATS OR BOOSTERS), SPECIAL VERBIAGE FOR RESTRAINING OLDER CHILD IS INCLUDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. ALSO, THE SUGGESTED SEAT BELT FIT/ROUTING FOR ADULTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF SEATING POSITION, IS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL TEXT.

05V103000Mar 17, 2005serious
Service Brakes

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSHROD RETAINER MAY BE MISSING. IF THE RETAINER IS MISSING, THE BRAKE BOOSTER PUSHROD COULD DISENGAGE FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL.

05V155000Apr 13, 2005serious
Fuel System

CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH FUEL MODULE RESERVOIR ASSEMBLIES THAT CONTAIN FUEL PUMP WIRES CONNECTORS MAY OVERHEAT UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS.

05V055000Feb 13, 2005serious
Powertrain

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT." UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE STARTING CONDITIONS, THE SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATOR LOCATED IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. IF THE SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATOR DOES NOT ILLUMINATE, THE DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE IS IN.

05V043000Aug 1, 2005serious
Service Brakes

CERTAIN TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH BOSCH HYDRO-BOOST BRAKE ASSEMBLIES, THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR MAY CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY DURING NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS.

05V552000Jul 11, 2005serious
Equipment

CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS LISTING AN INACCCURATE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.

05V005000Jun 30, 2005cosmetic
Powertrain

SOME PICKUP TRUCKS, VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HYDRAULIC PUMP DRIVESHAFT THAT CAN FRACTURE, RESULTING IN IMMEDIATE LOSS OF HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING ASSIST. ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRO-BOOST POWER BRAKES, THE SAME CONDITION CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER ASSIST FOR BRAKING AFTER THE RESERVE PRESSURE IS DEPLETED.

04V045000Apr 1, 2004cosmetic
Service Brakes

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST HOUSING RELIEF VALVE BORE.

04V376000Feb 7, 2004serious
Fuel System

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 5.3L (RPO L59) V8 ENGINES, THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL CROSSOVER TUBE RETAINER SCREWS WERE NOT MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY BREAK.

03V019000Jan 26, 2003serious
Fuel System

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, VEHICLES, DURING A 30 DEGREE LEFT ANGLE FRONTAL IMPACT OF SUFFICIENT SEVERITY, A TEAR COULD DEVELOP IN THE MID-FRAME CROSS MEMBER AT ITS ATTACHMENT TO THE LEFT FRAME RAIL. IF THE MID-FRAME CROSS MEMBER TEARS DURING FRONTAL IMPACT AND PRODUCES A SHARP EDGE, CONTACT OF THE SHARP EDGE WITH THE FUEL TANK COULD RESULT IN A PUNCTURE OF THE FUEL TANK AND POSSIBLE FUEL LEAKAGE.

03V094000Jul 2, 2003serious
Structure

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.

03V037000Jun 1, 2003serious
Structure

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 214, "SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES ARE BUILT WITH FOUR WELDS ON THE REAR DOOR UPPER HINGE. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, ONE OR TWO OF THE WELDS MAY NOT BE TO SPECIFICATION.

02V178000Jan 6, 2002serious
Air Bags

ON CERTAIN PICKUP AND UTILITY TRUCKS, SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG SENSING DIAGNOSTIC MODULE (SDM) WHICH CONTAINS AN ANOMALY THAT COULD RESULT IN THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S AIR BAG FAILING TO DEPLOY DURING CERTAIN FRONTAL CRASHES.

01V159000May 16, 2001serious
Seat Belts

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP AND UTILITY TRUCKS. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN INTERNAL COMPONENT IN THE OUTBOARD SEAT BELT RETRACTORS FOR THE 2ND AND 3RD ROW OF SEATS THAT COULD BE CRACKED. WITH REPEATED ACTUATION OF THE LOCKING MECHANISM, THE CRACK COULD SPREAD TO THE POINT SUCH THAT THE SEAT BELT WOULD NO LONGER LOCK.

01T001000Jan 31, 2001critical
Tires

TIRE DESCRIPTION: WILDERNESS LE TIRES (BOTH BLACK AND RAISED WHITE LETTER TIRES) PRODUCED DURING THE WEEK OF APRIL 24, 2000 (THE SEVENTEENTH WEEK OF 2000) AT THE CUERNAVACA, MEXICO PLANT WITH TIRE SERIAL NUMBERS V672WL11700 (BLACKWALL) AND V672WL21700 (RAISED WHITE LETTERS). THESE TIRES WERE USED AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON MODEL YEAR 2000 YUKON XL 1500 SERIES VEHICLES AND WERE ALSO OFFERED AS OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT ON THE 2000 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1500 SERIES VEHICLES. TREAD SEPARATION CAN OCCUR DUE TO A LACK OF ADHESION TO THE FIRST STEEL BELT.

00V345000Oct 29, 2000serious
Service Brakes

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CLEARANCE CONDITION BETWEEN THE FRONT RIGHT-HAND BRAKE PIPE AND THE BODY CROSS SILL THAT COULD DECREASE TO THE POINT OF ALLOWING CONTACT DURING THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. IF CONTACT OCCURS AND THE BRAKE PIPE BECOMES DAMAGED, IN HALF OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM THERE CAN BE A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND PRESSURE. THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP WILL BE ACTIVATED WHEN THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL REACHES THE INDICATOR LIMIT.

00V343000Oct 24, 2000critical
Structure

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE LOOSE OR MISSING REAR WHEELHOUSE PLUGS. UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITIONS, EXHAUST GASES CAN FLOW FORWARD AND ACCUMULATE IN THE REAR WHEELHOUSE.

00V222000Aug 7, 2000cosmetic
Service Brakes

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH VACUUM POWER, 4-WHEEL DISC BRAKES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A KINKED BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM SUPPLY HOSE.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban problems?

The 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban has accumulated 2,625 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Brakes, Electrical System, Fuel System. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Chevrolet Suburban engine is most reliable?

The 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban was offered with 21 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 5.3L 8-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban a good used car?

The 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 2,625 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban have?

The 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban has 2,625 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban?

There are 23 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Chevrolet Suburban?

Before buying a used Chevrolet Suburban, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Brakes, Electrical System, Fuel System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Suburban?

The 2006 Chevrolet Suburban received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 3 stars (21.9% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 2,625 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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