Reliability
Chevrolet

Suburban (T1XX)

2021-2025 · Full-Size SUV · 3 engines
539 NHTSA Complaints
17 Recalls
3 Fire Reports
12 Crash Reports
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
SUBURBANSUBURBAN 1500
View all 5 generations of the Chevrolet Suburban → Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

3.4 / 10

Reliability score

Many more 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 266 powertrain complaints. A typical full-size SUV fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 71.

Scores this low have often eased: the three years after looked about 1.8 points better in the typical case.

Breakdown
Complaints overall266 complaints against about 71 for similar vehicles
3.4
Last three years250 complaints against about 61 for similar vehicles
3.3
Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced
n/aNot enough data
Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating
n/aNot enough data

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
  • 20213.1
  • 20223.3
  • 20233.4
  • 2024n/a
  • 2025n/a

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

By engine

5.3L 8-cyl 4.5/10
About 73% fewer powertrain complaints than this generation's other engines, per vehicle built. (123 complaints, about 197,000 built) Complaints of a failed or replaced engine, transmission or drive unit set this score: 37 against about 12 for similar vehicles.
6.2L 8-cyl 2.3/10
About 3.5 times as many powertrain complaints as this generation's other engines, per vehicle built. (112 complaints, about 45,000 built)
3.0L 6-cyl diesel Not rated
Too few complaints to compare. (27 complaints, about 16,000 built)

A complaint counts toward an engine only when its VIN names the engine. Each score is that engine on its own against similar vehicles, worked out the same way as the score above.

On the record · from NHTSA's files, not reviewed by hand

Recall25V274
Engine And Engine Cooling, Engine, Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical · 36,413 vehicles (14% of those built) · maker's estimate: 3% have the defect
Engineering analysisEA26005
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy · opened 2026, open
Recall queryRQ26001
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy · opened 2026, closed 2026
Engineering analysisEA25007
Loss of motive power due to engine failure · opened 2025, open

Complaints by Engine Code

Show

L84

5.3L 8-cyl
280 complaints 43.0 per year Gasoline
2 fire reports
View details

L87

6.2L 8-cyl
202 complaints 30.0 per year Gasoline
View details

LM2 - CRI, VGT, ALUM

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo
42 complaints 6.5 per year Diesel
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
16
engine
15
fuel system
7
cooling
4
other
3
Show 2 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.

LZ0

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo
8 complaints 8.0 per year Diesel
View details

Chevrolet Suburban Unidentified Engine

7 complaints 1.8 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
3
exterior
1
safety systems
1
fuel system
1
transmission
1

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.

Engine: 290 owner complaints
Transmission: 101 owner complaints
Electrical System: 67 owner complaints
Fuel System: 56 owner complaints
Safety Systems: 42 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2021-2025 Chevrolet Suburban

On a used 2021-2025 Chevrolet Suburban, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (290), the transmission and drivetrain (101) and the electrical system (67). 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. Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 290 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Chevrolet Suburban about the engine, all engines combined.
  2. Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 101 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Chevrolet Suburban about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
  3. Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 67 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Chevrolet Suburban about the electrical system.
  4. Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 56 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Chevrolet Suburban about the fuel system, all engines combined.
  5. Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 42 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Chevrolet Suburban about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
Open the full inspection checklist for the 2021-2025 Chevrolet Suburban

Recalls (17)

26V304000May 14, 2026serious
Wheels

General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2025–2026 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban 1500, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with 24-inch wheels. Incorrect bolts may have been installed on the left and right front wheel hubs, which can result in the bolts loosening or deforming over time.

26V085000Feb 13, 2026serious
Powertrain

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles equipped with 10 Speed Transmission with ETRS (Electronic Transmission Range Select). The transmission control valve may fail and lock up the rear wheels.

25V274000Apr 24, 2025serious
Engine & Cooling

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.

24V797000Oct 24, 2024serious
Powertrain

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.

24V674000Sep 12, 2024serious
Service Brakes

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Show 12 older recalls
23V642000Sep 20, 2023serious
Suspension

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The rear suspension outer control arm bolts may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause the bolts to break.

22V903000Dec 8, 2022serious
Exterior Lighting

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

22V827000Nov 3, 2022serious
Exterior Lighting

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

22V617000Aug 11, 2022serious
Seat Belts

General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may have been improperly formed.

22V036000Jan 27, 2022serious
Powertrain

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated properly, possibly resulting in driveshaft failure.

21V739000Sep 23, 2021serious
Fuel System

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump power control module may cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, which can interrupt fuel flow to the engine, and cause an unexpected engine stall.

21V455000Jun 17, 2021serious
Steering

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. A software issue may cause a loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving.

21V421000Jun 10, 2021serious
Air Bags

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.

21V190000Mar 18, 2021serious
Seat Belts

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Suburban, and Tahoe vehicles with third-row seating. The third-row outboard seat belts may have been entrapped or misrouted behind the outboard seat-folding mechanism, which could result in damaged seat belts.

20V811000Dec 23, 2020serious
Seat Belts

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.

20V792000Dec 17, 2020serious
Seat Belts

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.

20V735000Nov 25, 2020serious
Seats

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles. During general assembly, a repair involved removal of one or both front seats. The attachment bolts for the front seats may not have been properly reinstalled after the repair was completed.

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard & Optional LDW: Standard & Optional
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard & Optional LDW: Standard & Optional
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard & Optional LDW: Standard & Optional
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard & Optional LDW: Standard & Optional
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard & Optional LDW: Standard & Optional
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard & Optional LDW: Standard & Optional
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Optional
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (21.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Optional

Alternatives in Full-Size SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2021-2025 Chevrolet Suburban complaints?

Owners have filed 539 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021-2025 Chevrolet Suburban. The systems they name most often are the engine, the transmission and the electrical system.

Is the 2021-2025 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 539 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021-2025 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 2021-2025 Chevrolet Suburban have?

NHTSA has 539 owner complaints on file for the 2021-2025 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 2021-2025 Chevrolet Suburban?

NHTSA lists 17 recalls covering some 2021-2025 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 engine, the transmission and the electrical 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 2025 Chevrolet Suburban received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 3 stars (21.9% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard & Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Standard & Optional. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 539 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

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