GradeChevrolet Suburban Reliability Grade
Below-average reliability
Grade a specific Chevrolet Suburban
Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.
The Chevrolet Suburban earns a C overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a C+ for its engine and a C- for its transmission. It ranks 3rd of 6 full-size SUVs we grade. The transmission (C-) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for transmission service records and pay close attention to shifting on a test drive. Grades are based on 1,636 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
Chevrolet Suburban reliability by year
Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.
Best years: 2006, 2012 and 2014
Years to avoid: 2001 (stalling / loss of power), 2015 (transmission slipping / rough shifting), 2021 (engine failure / knocking) and 2022–2023 (stalling / loss of power)
Faded years are recent, so fewer complaints have come in. Their grades may change.
How long does the Chevrolet Suburban last?
A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.
Chevrolet Suburban vs. other full-size SUVs
| Model | Engine | Trans. | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Sequoia | A | A | A |
| Chevrolet Tahoe | B | C+ | B- |
| Chevrolet Suburban | C+ | C- | C |
| Cadillac Escalade | C- | C | C |
| GMC Yukon | C | C- | C- |
| Ford Expedition | C | D | D |
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Rate your SuburbanChevrolet Suburban reliability FAQ
Is the Chevrolet Suburban reliable?
Below-average reliability. The Chevrolet Suburban earns a C overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a C+ for its engine and a C- for its transmission. It ranks 3rd of 6 full-size SUVs we grade. The transmission (C-) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for transmission service records and pay close attention to shifting on a test drive. Grades are based on 1,636 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
How many miles will a Chevrolet Suburban last?
We estimate a well-maintained Chevrolet Suburban lasts around 280,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.
What are the best years for the Chevrolet Suburban?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable Chevrolet Suburban model years are 2006, 2012 and 2014.
What Chevrolet Suburban years should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Chevrolet Suburban years to be most careful with are 2001, 2015, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The 2001 grades a D overall (engine D, transmission C), and its top engine/transmission problem is stalling / loss of power, which a recall covers. The 2015 grades a D overall (engine C, transmission D), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting.
Is the Chevrolet Suburban transmission reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Chevrolet Suburban transmission a C- (below-average reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.
Is the Chevrolet Suburban engine reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Chevrolet Suburban engine a C+ (average reliability).