Last updated: 2026-10-10
2019 Chevrolet Suburban Reliability Report
The 2019 Chevrolet Suburban has a good reliability standing, but transmission failure between 85,000 and 130,000 miles is the main risk.
Recalls
2
Complaints
61
Complaint Rate
11.7per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$944
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,300–$4,300
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Middle of the pack among Suburban years, with transmission failure as the leading complaint and two recalls covering brakes and seat belts.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (28)
- ENGINE (10)
- STEERING (6)
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.
2015: Eleventh generation (GMT K2YC/G) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2016: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2017: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2018: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2019: This Model Year
2019 is 2 years after the new features and trims refresh.
Should You Buy the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban?
Buy it with care. This year has a good reliability standing, but it does not lead the pack. Among 2019 SUVs it sits close to average, and it lands in the middle of the nine scored Suburban years. The 2018 and 2020 rate about the same. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs at $944 for the Suburban, against $784 for its class.
Transmissions cause the most trouble. Owners describe hesitation pulling away, slipping in 2nd and 3rd gear, very hard shifts, and shuddering at speed, usually between 85,000 and 130,000 miles. Some lose power in traffic with no warning light. Fluid and filter service rarely fixes it, and replacement is the usual outcome. Engine failures are less common but costly. Lifter and bearing failures, often on the 6.2L V8, show up around 101,000 to 113,000 miles. There are two recalls, covering the brakes (hydraulic and electronic stability control) and seat belts.
Ask for transmission service records and any engine repair history. Confirm both recalls were completed. On a test drive, watch for hesitation, slipping, and shudder.
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: Transmission failure dominates these reports, usually between 85,000 and... (28 complaints)
- −ENGINE: Sudden engine failure is the main pattern, often tied to the 6.2L V8 (10 complaints)
Compare 2019 Chevrolet Suburban With
2019 Cadillac Escalade
Reliability: 66/100
2019 GMC Yukon
Reliability: 71/100
2019 Chevrolet Tahoe
Reliability: 74/100
2019 Lincoln Navigator
Reliability: 59/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (28)
- ENGINE (10)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2019 Chevrolet Suburban carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
11.7
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 21.2
Safety Incidents
2
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 4/5 Stars
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.
Buying a used 2019 Chevrolet Suburban? Check its history first
Power train problems lead owner complaints about the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 Chevrolet Suburban NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 21.2%
Safety Technologies
Chevrolet SuburbanRepair 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.
Chevrolet Suburban Resale Value
The Chevrolet Suburban is estimated to retain about 66.4% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the Chevrolet Suburban model overall and is not specific to the 2019 model year.
- Value Retained
- 66.4%
- Depreciation
- 33.6%
- Listings Analyzed
- 106
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.
Explore Chevrolet Suburban depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comMPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
16–18 MPG
Running cost: $4,250–$5,250/yr
Fuel + repair
14–15 city / 20–23 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suburban C1500 2WD 5.3L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,300 |
| Suburban C1500 2WD 5.3L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,300 |
| Suburban K1500 4WD 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 14 | 21 | 16 | $3,750 |
| Suburban K1500 4WD 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 14 | 21 | 16 | $3,750 |
| Suburban C1500 2WD 6.2L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 10-spd | 14 | 23 | 17 | $4,050 |
| Suburban K1500 4WD 6.2L 8-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 10-spd | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,300 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban.
Accelerate from stops and at highway speed; reject any slipping, hesitation, hard shifts, or shudder between gears.
Ask whether the transmission was replaced, and check the fluid for black color or a burnt smell.
Listen at idle and under load for ticking or knocking, a sign of lifter or bearing failure.
Run the VIN for open recalls and request records of any lifter, bearing, or engine repair.
Drive a straight highway stretch with a light grip and note any drift or pull.
Turn the wheel quickly at parking-lot speed; watch for lost assist, dimming lights, or random dash messages.
Brake at low speed after a fresh start; walk away from pedal grinding or a Service Brake Assist message.
Buckle and release every seat belt, and confirm no airbag or restraint warning stays lit.
2019 Chevrolet Suburban Common Problems by Component
61 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
28 complaintsTransmission failure dominates these reports, usually between 85,000 and 130,000 miles. Symptoms build over time: hesitation pulling away, slipping in 2nd and 3rd gear, very hard shifts, whining, and shuddering or vibration at speed. Several cars lose power in traffic or on the interstate with no warning light. Mechanics report black, burnt fluid, a fractured torque converter, and failed clutch packs. Fluid and filter service rarely fixes it, and full replacement is the usual outcome. At least one remanufactured warranty transmission begins grinding again within about 2,000 miles.
ENGINE
10 complaintsSudden engine failure is the main pattern, often tied to the 6.2L V8. Owners describe stuck or failed lifters, worn bearings, and engines that seize, with repair bills of $9,000 to $13,000 around 101,000 miles. Failures can hit at highway speed: the engine stutters, loses power, and the oil and flashing check-engine lights come on, creating a real rear-end crash risk. One lifter repair is followed by a second engine failure months later. Some owners link their failures to a recall or a federal investigation. A radiator weld failure at 50,000 miles also appears.
STEERING
6 complaintsDrifting and pulling are the most common complaints. The truck wanders left and right on straight roads and needs constant small corrections at highway speed, and an alignment does not cure it. One report involves an injury, with hand and arm strain from fighting the wheel. A separate pattern shows power steering cutting out intermittently at parking-lot speeds while headlights and interior lights dim, random warning messages appear, and the clock resets, at about 68,000 miles. Other reports describe dangerously stiff steering.
SERVICE BRAKES (4 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
4 complaintsA "Service Brake Assist" warning appears alongside grinding or vibration through the brake pedal, much like ABS engaging on ice. The pedal feels harder to push or mushy, and stopping takes more effort. It happens at any speed, even in a driveway, and one case occurs at only 10,041 miles. A dealer replaces the brake booster sensor in one case. Separately, the trailer brake warning light comes on and beeps intermittently, traced to a failed electronic brake control module at about 89,000 miles.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsA "Service Safety Restraint System" message and airbag warning light come on at start-up. In one case the dash also falsely shows the hood open for about 20 seconds before clearing, at 124,400 miles. In another, the dealer finds the passenger seatbelt and front airbag need replacement, a $1,400 repair the owner pays out of pocket just past warranty. A lit restraint warning means the system may not work as intended in a crash.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaintsRod bearing failure is the serious issue. A loud knock develops from the engine with no warning light, and the oil shows heavy copper contamination, meaning the engine needs replacement at about 113,000 miles. This matches the bearing and lifter failures reported under the engine category. The other complaint is minor: a check-engine light traced to a defective grille shutter, replaced at about 81,000 miles.
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
2 complaintsBuckles lock and refuse to release, trapping occupants in their seats. It happens to both the driver's belt and a rear-seat belt, and in both cases the belt has to be cut to get the person out. That is a serious hazard in any situation requiring a quick exit, such as a crash or fire. No mileage pattern appears in these reports.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsSafety-relatedAn under-hood fire is the serious report here. Smoke pours from the hood within seconds of merging onto a highway in a truck owned only weeks, and the engine keeps shaking and sputtering for 30 to 40 seconds after the driver tries to shut it off. The other complaint is minor: the rear wiper intermittently stops working after a car wash or heavy rain, then works again after a restart or a few minutes' wait.
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
Based on reliability index score2024
2020
2019
(Current Model)
Chevrolet Suburban Years to Avoid
Chevrolet Suburban Reliability Score Trend
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 |
| 2026 | 76/100 | 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?
Does the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban have transmission problems?
Does the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban have engine problems?
How much does the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban cost to repair?
Don’t buy a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban does best on how many systems draw complaints (87/100) and worst on repair costs (60/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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