Reliability
Chevrolet

Suburban (GMT800)

2000-2006 · Full-Size SUV · 5 engines
2,525 NHTSA Complaints
24 Recalls
46 Fire Reports
140 Crash Reports
Data covers 3 NHTSA model names
SUBURBANSUBURBAN 1500SUBURBAN 2500
View all 5 generations of the Chevrolet Suburban → Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

7.8 / 10

Reliability score

Fewer owner complaints than similar full-size SUVs

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 544 powertrain complaints. A typical full-size SUV fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 768.

Scores this high have held: three years on they had moved 0.2 points in the typical case.

Breakdown
Complaints overall544 complaints against about 768 for similar vehicles
7.8
Last three years
n/aNot enough data
Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced58 complaints against about 169 for similar vehicles
9.0
Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating20 complaints against about 31 for similar vehicles
8.0

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

By model year
  • 20007.5
  • 20016.9
  • 20027.6
  • 20038.4
  • 20048.4
  • 20058.4
  • 20069.2

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

Chevrolet Suburban Unidentified Engine

524 complaints 74.9 per year
7 fire reports 2 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
151
electrical
103
wheels tires
49
fuel system
37
engine
36

L18

8.1L 8-cyl
127 complaints 21.2 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
46
cooling
41
brakes
25
fuel system
20
electrical
16
Show 11 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints. A low count can mean a clean record, and it can also be a VIN-decode anomaly in NHTSA's data.

L9H

6.2L 8-cyl
6 complaints 2.0 per year Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)
1 fire report
View details

LE8

2.5L 6-cyl
2 complaints 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

L52

3.5L 5-cyl
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

L34

2.0L 4-cyl
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
1

L86 - SIDI VVT, AFM, E85 MAX, ALUM

6.2L 8-cyl
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

wheels tires
1

Same engine used in

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Chevrolet Suburban, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Brakes: 880 owner complaints
Electrical System: 479 owner complaints
Fuel System: 231 owner complaints
Engine: 191 owner complaints
Wheels & Tires: 159 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban

On a used 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the brakes (880), the electrical system (479) and the fuel system (231). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

  1. On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 880 owner complaints on the 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban about the brakes.
  2. Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 479 owner complaints on the 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban about the electrical system.
  3. Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 231 owner complaints on the 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban about the fuel system, all engines combined.
  4. Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 191 owner complaints on the 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban about the engine, all engines combined.
  5. Measure the tread on all four tires, read the date codes and look at each wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 159 owner complaints on the 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban about the wheels and tires.
Open the full inspection checklist for the 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban

Recalls (24)

07E106000Dec 17, 2007serious
Wheels

CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.

07V521000Nov 7, 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.

06V289000Aug 3, 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.

06E043000May 19, 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.

06E026000Mar 23, 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.

Show 19 older recalls
05V552000Dec 7, 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.

05V379000Aug 29, 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 22, 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.

05V155000Apr 14, 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.

05V103000Mar 18, 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.

05V055000Feb 14, 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.

05V043000Feb 8, 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.

05V005000Jan 7, 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.

04V376000Aug 2, 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.

04V045000Feb 4, 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.

03V094000Mar 7, 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.

03V037000Feb 6, 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.

03V019000Jan 27, 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.

02V178000Jul 1, 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 17, 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 2, 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 30, 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 25, 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 8, 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.

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

Alternatives in Full-Size SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Owners have filed 2,525 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban. The systems they name most often are the brakes, the electrical system and the fuel system.

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

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 2,525 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

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

NHTSA has 2,525 owner complaints on file for the 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban?

NHTSA lists 24 recalls covering some 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.

What should I check before buying a used Chevrolet Suburban?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the brakes, the electrical system and the fuel system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and 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. 2,525 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

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