Last updated: 2026-03-04

Chevrolet Suburban

1 Chevrolet Suburban Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Chevrolet Suburban average of 68/100

The Chevrolet Suburban years to avoid are 2021 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2021 with a reliability score of 60/100. The best Chevrolet Suburban year to buy is 2025 78/100.

Verdict

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban scores significantly below the model average of 68/100. The weakest year is 2021 with a score of 60/100 due to engine (51) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2018 68/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Chevrolet Suburban Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Chevrolet Suburban average of 68/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202160/100Good12149Engine (51)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

60
GoodReliability score: 60 out of 100, rated Good

2021 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban has good reliability. There are 12 recalls and 149 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (51), Power Train (21), Fuel Propulsion System (15).

12 recalls149 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine (51), Power Train (21), Fuel Propulsion System (15), Electrical System (11), Unknown Or Other (7), Fuel System, Gasoline (6)

View full 2021 reliability report →

What Are Common Chevrolet Suburban Problems?

Top reported issues across all Chevrolet Suburban model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ENGINE

148 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

104 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

50 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SERVICE BRAKES

26 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

24 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2021

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

20 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2021, 2022

Best Chevrolet Suburban Year to Buy Instead

68
GoodReliability score: 68 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2018 Chevrolet Suburban has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 75 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (13), Electrical System (12), Engine (8).

Score: 68/100 (Good)3 recalls75 complaints
View full 2018 reliability report →

All Chevrolet Suburban Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Chevrolet Suburban years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Chevrolet Suburban years: 2021 (score: 60/100). These model years score significantly below the Chevrolet Suburban average of 68/100.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Suburban?
The best year for the Chevrolet Suburban is 2025, with a reliability score of 78/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Chevrolet Suburban have?
Across all years in our database, the Chevrolet Suburban has a total of 27 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Chevrolet Suburban worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 78/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 68/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Chevrolet Suburban problems?
The most common Chevrolet Suburban problems are engine (148 complaints), power train (104 complaints), electrical system (50 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Chevrolet Suburban reliable long-term?
The Chevrolet Suburban has an average reliability score of 68/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Chevrolet Suburban generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Chevrolet Suburban generation is the Eleventh generation (GMT K2YC/G) with an average score of 68/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Chevrolet Suburban?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Chevrolet Suburban is $944 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2025 Chevrolet Suburban a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Chevrolet Suburban is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 78/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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