Chevrolet

Suburban (K2XX)

2015-2020 · Full-Size SUV · 3 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (2.4)
948 NHTSA Complaints
16 Recalls
12 Fire Reports
43 Crash Reports
View all 4 generations of the Chevrolet Suburban → 📋 Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (20.4% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (20.4% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (20.3% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (20.3% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (20.3% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (20.3% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional

Engine Reliability Ratings

Chevrolet Suburban Unidentified Engine

⚠️ Caution (2.4)
36 complaints 6.0 per year
2 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
14
safety systems
4
interior
4
exterior
3
other
3

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (14 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (4 complaints)
Interior Issues (4 complaints)

L86 - SIDI VVT, AFM, E85 MAX, ALUM

6.2L 8-cyl
⚠️ Caution (2.2)
15 complaints 7.5 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
10
transmission
2
interior
1
safety systems
1
electrical
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (10 complaints)
Transmission Issues (2 complaints)
Interior Issues (1 complaints)

Same engine used in

L83 - VVT, Active Fuel Management, Aluminum.

5.3L 8-cyl
Avoid (1.6)
895 complaints 139.7 per year Gasoline
11 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
277
transmission
180
electrical
139
engine
131
steering
102

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (277 complaints)
Transmission Issues (180 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (139 complaints)
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

LV1 - VVT, E85 Max, Iron

4.3L 6-cyl
Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
1
steering
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)
Steering Issues (1 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Chevrolet Suburban regardless of engine variant.

Brakes Issues (292 complaints)
brakes critical
Transmission Issues (182 complaints)
transmission critical
Engine Issues (141 complaints)
engine critical
Electrical System Issues (140 complaints)
electrical critical
Steering Issues (103 complaints)
steering critical

Recalls (16)

26V289000Jul 4, 2026serious
Powertrain

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe vehicles. A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.

21V115000Feb 24, 2021serious
Tires

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.

19V761000Oct 23, 2019serious
Service Brakes

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.

19V837000Nov 20, 2019serious
Fuel System

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Camaro, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump may be missing a pressure regulator, allowing for over-pressurization of the fuel system.

19V645000Jun 8, 2019serious
Service Brakes

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.

18V673000Sep 25, 2018serious
Seat Belts

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. Certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelts retractor assemblies may not automatically lock when the seatbelt is fully pulled out of the retractor, possibly preventing a child seat from being properly secured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

18V586000Jul 8, 2018serious
Steering

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade vehicles. Electric power steering (EPS) assist may be lost momentarily, followed by a sudden return of EPS assist.

17V033000Nov 30, 2017serious
Visibility

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Chevrolet Suburban HD vehicles. These vehicles were assembled with a convex right-hand outside mirror, instead of with a non-convex (flat) right-hand outside mirror. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

17V437000Oct 6, 2017serious
Air Bags

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

16V256000Apr 27, 2016serious
Suspension

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. The front upper control arms may have inadequate welds near the control arm bushing.

16V651000Aug 8, 2016serious
Air Bags

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

15V640000Sep 9, 2015serious
Electrical System

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks manufactured January 24, 2014, to February 26, 2014, 2015 Chevrolet Suburban vehicles manufactured February 12, 2014 and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles manufactured February 6, 2014, to February 13, 2014. 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.

14V152000Mar 30, 2014serious
Powertrain

General Motors LLC (GM ) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Silverado Light Duty Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab 1500 series and model year 2015 Suburban and Tahoe; GMC model year 2014 Sierra Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab 1500 Series and model year 2015 Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6-Speed Automatic Transmission (feature code MYC). The subject vehicles may have a transmission oil cooler line that is not securely seated in the fitting.

14V374000Jun 26, 2014serious
Powertrain

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles, and model year 2015 GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, an electrical signal short may cause the transfer case to shift to neutral without the driver's input.

14V451000Jul 22, 2014serious
Air Bags

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Suburban, Suburban LTZ, Tahoe, Tahoe LTZ, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL Denali vehicles manufactured on May 13, 2014. The affected vehicles were assembled with a roof rail air bags (RRAB) that were not reinforced at the points were the bags contact the hardware used to attach the roof carrier.

14V719000Oct 10, 2014serious
Steering

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra, and Yukon XL vehicles, equipped with electric power steering (EPS). Due to a problem with the EPS module, the affected vehicles may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist during vehicle operation.

Alternatives in Full-Size SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban problems?

The 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban has accumulated 948 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Brakes, Transmission, Engine. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Chevrolet Suburban engine is most reliable?

The 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban was offered with 5 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 6.2L 8-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban a good used car?

The 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 948 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 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban have?

The 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban has 948 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 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban?

There are 16 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2015-2020 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, Transmission, Engine, 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 2020 Chevrolet Suburban received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 3 stars (20.4% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Optional. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 948 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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