Last updated: 2026-03-04

2020 Chevrolet Suburban Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2020 Chevrolet Suburban scores 68/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 38 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2020 is the last model year of the Eleventh generation (GMT K2YC/G).
Recalls
3
Complaints
38
Complaint Rate
11.3
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
3 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 is the last model year of the Eleventh generation (GMT K2YC/G).
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 3 years after the last refresh (2017).
- 11th generation Suburban (US).
What this means for buyers
Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.
Eleventh generation (GMT K2YC/G)
Should You Buy the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban?
The 2020 Chevrolet Suburban scores 68/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2020 is the last model year of the Eleventh generation (GMT K2YC/G).
With 38 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 (9). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, which scored 8 points lower. See also the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- Low major repair risk (15%)
- Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- Above-average repair costs for its class
- Moderate recall count
- POWER TRAIN: Owners of the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban frequently report transmission failures,... (9 complaints)
Compare 2020 Chevrolet Suburban With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- POWER TRAIN (9)
- ENGINE (7)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
- STEERING (4)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)
- AIR BAGS (2)
- SUSPENSION (2)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)
- SERVICE BRAKES (2)
- WHEELS (1)
- TIRES (1)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (1)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)
Recall Overview
3
recalls on record
The 2020 Chevrolet Suburban has 3 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
11.3
per 10k soldSegment avg: 18.2
Safety Incidents
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Chevrolet Suburban Recall Details
3 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
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.
Consequence
Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
Consequence
Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2019. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192283991.
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.
2020 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 2020 Chevrolet Suburban
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect transmission for shuddering and delayed shifting
- Check engine for unusual noises and misfiring
- Test power steering functionality at various speeds
- Verify adaptive cruise control response and distance maintenance
- Inspect for any electrical malfunctions, especially in instrument cluster
- Check for any airbag system warnings or deployment issues
- Test brakes for firmness and responsiveness
- Review vehicle history for any major repairs or engine replacements
Check Any 2020 Chevrolet Suburban's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2020 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.
2020 Chevrolet Suburban Common Problems by Component
38 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
9 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban frequently report transmission failures, often occurring around 100,000 miles. Common symptoms include a lack of acceleration, erratic RPM behavior, and loud noises from the transmission, with some reports of severe shuddering. Multiple owners note the absence of warning lights or diagnostic codes prior to failure, complicating early detection. Safety implications are significant, as several complaints describe situations where the vehicle suddenly loses power while driving, posing risks of accidents. This pattern of transmission issues is noted by both dealerships and independent mechanics, who confirm seeing similar failures regularly.
ENGINE
7 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban frequently report engine issues, with multiple complaints highlighting problems related to the camshaft and cylinder lifters. Symptoms often include shuddering, stuttering, misfiring, and difficulty accelerating, sometimes accompanied by illuminated check engine lights. Several reports note these issues occurring around 95,000 miles, though some mention problems at lower mileages. Notably, one complaint involves a fire that resulted in a total vehicle loss during a test drive with a new engine. Prospective buyers should be aware of these engine-related issues, particularly concerning the potential for significant repairs and safety risks.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban report various electrical system issues, with the most common pattern involving intermittent electrical failures affecting safety and powered components. Symptoms include power steering and windshield wiper functionality turning on and off unexpectedly, and the instrument cluster going black. One report links these issues to a Technical Service Bulletin, suggesting a known problem. Complaints also include unrelated issues like a mileage discrepancy and an electrical short leading to major component replacements, but these do not form a clear pattern. The electrical issues are reported around 85,000 miles, and while no crashes or fires are mentioned, the loss of power steering and other functions could pose safety risks.
STEERING (4 complaints)
STEERING
4 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban report issues primarily related to steering firmness and loss of power steering. Complaints frequently mention the steering wheel becoming firm while driving, sometimes accompanied by a "Service Power Steering - Drive with Care" message, typically occurring around 55,000 miles. Another reported issue is the vehicle shutting off while driving, leading to a loss of power steering and brakes. A separate complaint describes intermittent electrical malfunctions affecting steering assist and other systems, occurring at very low mileage (816 miles). These issues suggest potential safety implications such as temporary loss of steering control, which could be particularly hazardous in challenging driving conditions.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban report issues related to vehicle speed control, with two distinct problems emerging. One complaint describes a sudden loss of propulsion and throttle while driving on the interstate, accompanied by a clicking noise and a drop in RPM to zero, despite normal oil pressure and engine lights. Another owner reports that the adaptive cruise control hesitates and fails to maintain adequate distance when the lead vehicle slows, requiring manual brake application to prevent collisions. This issue occurs frequently during highway driving, particularly at speeds above 65 mph. Both complaints highlight potential safety concerns due to loss of control or inadequate system response, which could be significant for prospective buyers to consider.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban report issues related to the airbag system, with one complaint involving a crash where none of the airbags deployed after a side impact at approximately 45 mph while turning onto a highway. Another owner describes an intermittent "Service Safety Restraint System" error code, suggesting a potential electrical issue, although this model year is not covered by the existing technical service bulletin for later models. These complaints highlight potential safety implications, particularly concerning airbag deployment failure during collisions. Owners experiencing these issues report them at various times, with no specific mileage range noted.
SUSPENSION (2 complaints)
SUSPENSION
2 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban report issues with the suspension system, particularly when the vehicle is in 4-wheel drive auto mode. Complaints frequently mention a jolt from the right front side of the vehicle during acceleration at speeds over 50 mph, which has been a consistent problem since purchase. While the mileage range isn't specified for this issue, it is noted as an ongoing concern. Safety implications are suggested by the jolt experienced during driving, though no crashes or loss of control are directly reported. Prospective buyers should be aware of this pattern, especially if considering vehicles with similar configurations.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban frequently report transmission issues, particularly with the vehicle's solenoid and shifting between gears. Symptoms described include the SUV's inability to accelerate beyond 40 mph and inappropriate shifting from 2nd to 3rd and 3rd to 4th gear. A whining noise before gear shifts is also noted. These issues appear to manifest within the first year of ownership, though specific mileage is not detailed. While no crashes, fires, or loss of control are reported, potential buyers should be aware of these transmission-related complaints.
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban report issues with the brake system, with symptoms including complete brake failure and the brake pedal going to the floor without warning. One owner describes a scenario where the brakes failed entirely while exiting a parking lot, requiring replacement of the master cylinder, brake booster, and vacuum pump. Another report involves a crash, with the brakes becoming stiff and unresponsive, resulting in a collision with a neighbor's house. These complaints highlight safety concerns due to the potential for loss of vehicle control, particularly in situations requiring immediate stopping. No specific mileage range is mentioned, but the issues appear to be severe enough to render the vehicle undrivable.
WHEELS (1 complaints)
WHEELS
1 complaintTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY MODIFIED WITH HUTCHINSON WHEELS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL DETACHED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNDISCLOSED LOCATION. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500.
When Do 2020 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).
2025
0 recalls · 0 complaints
2024
1 recall · 27 complaints
2020(this page)
3 recalls · 38 complaints
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 2020 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban?
How many recalls does the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban have?
Is the 2020 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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