Last updated: 2026-03-04
2019 Chevrolet Suburban Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2019 Chevrolet Suburban scores 68/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 61 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2019 is 2 years after the new features and trims refresh.
Recalls
2
Complaints
61
Complaint Rate
11.7
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$944
Above avgMajor Repair Risk
15%
NHTSA Rating
4/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
2 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is 2 years after the new features and trims refresh.
- Year 5 in the Eleventh generation (GMT K2YC/G) (2015–2020).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 11th generation Suburban (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
Eleventh generation (GMT K2YC/G)
Should You Buy the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban?
The 2019 Chevrolet Suburban scores 68/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2019 is 2 years after the new features and trims refresh.
With 61 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to power train (28). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban, which scored the same. See also the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- Low major repair risk (15%)
- Low recall count
- Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- Above-average repair costs for its class
- POWER TRAIN: Frequent transmission failures in the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban, often requiring... (28 complaints)
- ENGINE: Lifter failures and resulting catastrophic engine damage (10 complaints)
Compare 2019 Chevrolet Suburban With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- POWER TRAIN (28)
- ENGINE (10)
- STEERING (6)
- SERVICE BRAKES (4)
- AIR BAGS (2)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2)
- SEAT BELTS (2)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)
- LANE DEPARTURE (1)
- STRUCTURE (1)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2019 Chevrolet Suburban has 2 recalls on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
11.7
per 10k soldSegment avg: 20.3
Safety Incidents
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Injuries
2
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Chevrolet Suburban Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
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.
Consequence
Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.
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."
Consequence
If the child seat is not properly secured in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seatbelt retractors and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18315.
2019 Chevrolet Suburban NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 21.2%
Safety Technologies
Chevrolet Suburban Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3Maintenance rating: 3 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$944
vs $784 avg for fullsize SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.5
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
15%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2019 Chevrolet Suburban
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect transmission for jerking or slipping during test drive
- Check engine for knocking sounds or warning lights
- Test power steering at low speeds for intermittent loss
- Verify brake assist system for grinding noise or vibration
- Ensure airbag system warning lights are not active
- Check for any recalls related to transmission or engine components
- Inspect seat belts for proper release function
Check Any 2019 Chevrolet Suburban's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2019 Suburban in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Chevrolet Suburban with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2019 Chevrolet Suburban Common Problems by Component
61 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
28 complaintsOwners report frequent transmission failures in the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban, often requiring full replacements. Complaints commonly mention symptoms such as jerking, slipping gears, hard shifting, and shuddering, with many issues arising between 75,000 and 130,000 miles. Some reports describe loud vibrations and unusual noises, and a few note the presence of metal fragments in the transmission fluid. Safety concerns include loss of power while driving, which could pose risks in traffic or on highways. These patterns suggest potential buyers should be cautious of transmission issues in vehicles with similar mileage.
ENGINE
10 complaintsOwners report significant engine issues with the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban, particularly involving lifter failures and resulting catastrophic engine damage. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as sudden loss of engine power, rough running, and warning lights like the oil and check-engine indicators. These issues often lead to severe consequences, including engine seizing and the need for costly repairs or replacements, with some reports citing repair costs upwards of $8,000 to $13,000. The problems tend to occur around or beyond 50,000 miles, with some owners experiencing failures as early as 50,000 miles and others over 100,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, as sudden engine failures have led to dangerous situations on highways, necessitating emergency maneuvers and posing a risk of accidents.
STEERING
6 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban frequently report issues with the steering system. Common symptoms include the vehicle pulling to one side, drifting at highway speeds, and intermittent loss of power steering at low speeds, particularly during parking maneuvers. Some complaints also describe the steering as dangerously stiff and difficult to control, leading to physical fatigue and, in one case, an injury. These issues often appear around 68,000 miles, but some owners report problems shortly after purchasing the vehicle. Safety concerns are highlighted by reports of near-collisions due to steering control loss and the vehicle veering out of lanes. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring steering issues and consider having the system thoroughly inspected before purchase.
SERVICE BRAKES (4 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
4 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban frequently report issues with the service brakes, particularly involving the brake assist system. Common symptoms include a grinding noise and vibration in the brake pedal, along with warnings such as "Service Brake Assist" displayed on the instrument cluster. These issues are often accompanied by a harder-than-usual brake pedal, which can lead to diminished braking performance. Complaints suggest these problems can occur at various speeds and under different driving conditions. Notably, the brake booster sensor is mentioned as a component that dealerships have replaced in response to these issues. Incidents are reported at mileages ranging from around 10,000 to 89,000 miles, indicating that potential buyers should be aware of these issues regardless of the vehicle's age or mileage.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban report issues with the airbag system, specifically noting the activation of a "service safety restraint system" warning and the airbag light. Complaints frequently mention these warnings appearing alongside an erroneous message indicating the hood is open, which lasts for about 20 seconds. One owner reports needing to replace the passenger side seatbelt and front airbag shortly after the warranty period, with the vehicle at approximately 51,000 miles. These issues occur at varied mileage, with one report at 124,400 miles. The complaints do not mention any crashes or loss of vehicle control, but the need for costly repairs shortly after warranty expiration could be a consideration for potential buyers.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban report issues related to engine and engine cooling, with symptoms including a loud knocking sound from the engine compartment and the illumination of the check engine warning light. In one case, a failure of the rod bearings due to copper in the engine oil required engine replacement at approximately 113,000 miles. Another report highlights a defective grille shutter needing replacement at around 81,000 miles. These issues do not indicate any crashes, fires, or loss of control. Buyers should be aware of potential engine component failures at higher mileages.
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the seat belts in the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban, specifically involving the seat belts becoming locked and unable to release. Complaints frequently mention situations where occupants, both in the back seat and the driver's seat, are unable to free themselves due to the seat belt locking mechanism failing to disengage. In both reported cases, the individuals had to cut the seat belt to exit the vehicle. These incidents highlight a potential safety concern, as being unable to quickly exit the vehicle could pose risks in emergencies. The complaints do not specify the mileage at which these issues occur, leaving the timeline for these failures unclear.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban report issues with the electrical system, specifically involving the rear window wiper and the push ignition. One complaint describes the rear wiper failing to operate intermittently after exposure to water, such as after a car wash or rain, but working normally after restarting the vehicle. Another owner reports a serious incident where a fire occurred under the hood shortly after starting the vehicle using the push ignition, with smoke quickly becoming heavy while driving. This incident happened when the vehicle was only four weeks old, highlighting potential safety implications related to the ignition system. These reports suggest potential concerns for used car buyers regarding the reliability of the electrical components and the risk of fire.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH over a railroad crossing, the braking system erroneously activated causing the vehicle to stop abruptly. During the failure there were no vehicles or trains nearby to cause the Forward Collision Avoidance system to become activated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times and only at the same railroad crossing. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and experienced the failure while on a test drive over the railroad crossing. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 50,000.
LANE DEPARTURE (1 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaintElectrical: Noticed a few months ago that the lane assistance/departure and blind spot warning work off and on. At times the blind spot warning does not warn and will when there is nothing there. Lane assistance and departure have the same issue. Transmission: Gears slipping. I am not a mechanic but there were no telltale signs until it just went out on me while driving with my children in the car! The only thing I noticed in several months prior was that the vehicle would shake as if you were running over the paved warning bumps on the side of the freeway. I just thought it was possibly the road or I needed new tires. I got new tires, problem still persists. When the gears slipped while I was on the highway it took about 15 seconds to engage at which time I removed myself and my children from being a traffic hazard. I checked the transmission oil - which I just did two weeks ago because I knew it was time to change the oil for the transmission - this time it had a very defined burnt smell and black in color.
When Do 2019 Chevrolet Suburban Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Chevrolet Suburban Years
Best Chevrolet Suburban Years to Buy
The best Chevrolet Suburban year is 2025 with a reliability score of 78/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (72/100) and 2020 (68/100).
Chevrolet Suburban Years to Avoid
The worst Chevrolet Suburban year is 2021 with a score of 60/100, primarily due to engine (51) issues.
See full Chevrolet Suburban years-to-avoid analysis →Chevrolet Suburban Reliability Score Trend
Chevrolet Suburban reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 68/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 60/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 78/100 | Good |
Chevrolet Suburban Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban?
How many recalls does the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban have?
Is the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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