In 1933, the Chevrolet Suburban became a traditional station wagon. Depending on the year and trim picked, it has now developed into a luxurious modern SUV that can accommodate up to 8 or 9 passengers.
With each successive model, the business added fresh, cutting-edge features that enhance user experience and driver safety. Unfortunately, they could not always uphold such high standards since the models they would occasionally release were, at best, below average.
Model years 2019, 2018, 2017, 2013, 2010, 2006, 1999, and 1998 of the Chevrolet Suburban are the best and most reliable overall years to buy. However, The worst Chevrolet Suburban model years are 2015, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2005, 2004, 2003, and 2000.
It cannot be easy to navigate the Suburban line’s latter decades, but you’re in luck! We will guide you through the best and worst Chevrolet Suburban models year, assisting you along the way. In our rankings, we will use three numbers:
Edmunds customers ratings, NHTSA recalls, and complaints. We will use these three numbers to create a rating on a 5-stars scale and sort the cars based on that number. Let’s start with the following:
Chevrolet Suburban That You Should Avoid
Driving a reliable SUV like a Chevrolet Suburban should make you feel secure and relaxed. Even though this is guaranteed for the majority of Suburban models, there have been a few stellar years that might disappoint you. Below are certain Chevrolet Suburban models from specific years that you should try to avoid.
#1 Worst Year: 2015 Suburban (2.04 Stars)
The Chevrolet Suburban 2015 marked the end of the Suburban’s eleventh generation, but it fell short in a few key respects. The release of the vehicle was met with a rush of issues and negative feedback.
Most frequently, the air conditioner would quit functioning. Similarly, the brakes frequently failed and were challenging to apply. The interior wasn’t much better, too, since the panes in windows frequently detached or water made its way inside.
Problems with the brakes and air conditioning in Suburbans 2015 are common after roughly 55,000 miles, and many people find them annoying.
Consumer Reviews & Recalls Rate:
- The 2015 Chevrolet Suburban got 28 reviews on Edmund, of which 25% are 5-star, with a total rating of 2.9 stars.
- According to NHTSA, the 2015 Chevrolet Suburban has faced 10 recalls and 367 complaints till 2023.
#2 Worst Year: 2000 Suburban (2.64 Stars)
Improved from its predecessors, the 2000 Chevrolet Suburban was a significant step forward in the subcompact SUV segment. In the realm of interior decoration specifically. The chassis of this vehicle was reworked extensively. This year, the engineers updated the cabin as much as possible.
The effort paid off, though, because the resulting SUV was among the most comfortable of its day. Seats in this SUV have more legroom and headroom than in the previous model. Still, this model years had many complaints and recalls, making it one of the worst years even with the improvements it got.
Consumer Reviews & Recalls Rate:
- The 2000 Chevrolet Suburban got 32 reviews on Edmund, of which 68% are 5-star with a total rating of 4.5 stars.
- According to NHTSA, the 2000 Chevrolet Suburban has faced 11 recalls and 303 complaints till 2023.
#3 Worst Year: 2004 Suburban (2.87 Stars)
The 9th generation of the Chevrolet Suburban was criticized in 2003, and the subsequent model was even less reliable. The 2004 Suburban experienced a wide range of issues, including mechanical issues (with the engine and the air conditioner) and electrical issues (with the speedometer, the heated seats, and the battery).
The front end of the steering would pull to one side and refuse to stay in alignment, and the air conditioning would blow hot air, making for a very uncomfortable driving experience.
Consumer Reviews & Recalls Rate:
- The 2004 Chevrolet Suburban got 114 reviews on Edmund, of which 76% are 5-star with a total rating of 4.6 stars.
- According to NHTSA, the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban has faced 7 recalls and 404 complaints till 2023.
#4 Worst Year: 2007 Suburban (2.92 Stars)
The 2007 Chevrolet Suburban is, in my opinion, one of the worst vehicles of its type that Chevrolet has ever produced. Numerous issues and poor performance in comparison to other models attest to this.
The model’s downfall was due to the engine’s excessive oil consumption. Not even the car’s active fuel management system could prevent this. Problems caused by a missing or broken cover on a valve are technically covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
However, after that, the issues persisted to the point that the mechanics advised getting a new engine. In my opinion, a vehicle is not worth anything if you have to replace the engine.
Consumer Reviews & Recalls Rate:
- The 2007 Chevrolet Suburban got 97 reviews on Edmund, of which 53% are 5-star with a total rating of 4.2 stars.
- According to NHTSA, the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban has faced 4 recalls and 469 complaints till 2023.
#5 Worst Year: 2003 Suburban (3.09 Stars)
Chevrolet produced one of the worst models it would bring out since 1999 with the 2003 Suburban, in the middle of its 9th generation. The car’s engine was noticeably underpowered compared to other models.
Furthermore, it frequently failed and used excessively oil. The interior was similarly problematic, ranging from a broken instrument cluster and an inaccurate fuel gauge to power window and lock failures.
Consumer Reviews & Recalls Rate:
- The 2003 Chevrolet Suburban got 156 reviews on Edmund, of which 68% are 5-star with a total rating of 4.6 stars.
- According to NHTSA, the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban has faced 7 recalls and 325 complaints till 2023.
#6 Worst Year: 2005 Suburban (3.28 Stars)
The 2005 Chevrolet Suburban, the second-to-last model of the 9th generation, was released in a poor state, making it the third consecutive model in the generation to receive a hostile reception from consumers.
While vastly superior to the prior two generations, this vehicle was not without flaws, most notably in the gearbox and the cabin.
It was difficult to shift gears, and transmission failure was pretty common. The previous model’s flaw of producing hot air when using the air conditioner was not resolved, either.
Consumer Reviews & Recalls Rate:
- The 2005 Chevrolet Suburban got 76 reviews on Edmund, of which 73% are 5-star with a total rating of 4.7 stars.
- According to NHTSA, the 2005 Chevrolet Suburban has faced 8 recalls and 227 complaints till 2023.
#7 Worst Year: 2008 Suburban (3.4 Stars)
The Suburban’s latest generation got off to a terrible start with the 2007 model year. Because of the failed launch, the manufacturer had to rush out a newer, better model the following year, and while it was a significant upgrade, it still had its flaws.
Even after changing the oil, the 2008 Chevrolet Suburban’s engine ran roughly and shook. A common failure point of this type was the door knobs. In addition, the body rusts easily, which is a major flaw.
According to carcomplaints.com, the 2008 model of Chevrolet Suburban is one of the worst model years.
Consumer Reviews & Recalls Rate:
- The 2008 Chevrolet Suburban got 37 reviews on Edmund, of which 65% are 5-star with a total rating of 4.3 stars.
- According to NHTSA, the 2008 Chevrolet Suburban has faced 4 recalls and 309 complaints till 2023.
#8 Worst Year: 2009 Suburban (3.72 Stars)
Chevrolet had already launched two terrible Suburban models the previous year, and this year would be no different. The corporation deserves credit, though, since it has successfully mitigated several critical issues over the past few years.
Unfortunately, the sluggish engine, which continued to go through oil at an alarming rate, was still repairable. This was now accompanied by a cheap, easily cracked dashboard in the car’s interior.
2009 is not far behind, with similar high maintenance expenses possible at roughly 50,000 miles. An extra $5,000 in maintenance costs could result from excessive oil usage in this model.
According to carcomplaints.com, the 2009 model of Chevrolet Suburban is the worst model year.
Consumer Reviews & Recalls Rate:
- The 2009 Chevrolet Suburban got 51 reviews on Edmund, of which 61% are 5-star, with a total rating of 4.3 stars.
- According to NHTSA, the 2009 Chevrolet Suburban has faced 5 recalls and 156 complaints till 2023.
Chevrolet Suburban That Are Safe To Buy
There’s a good reason why Chevrolet’s Suburban has been one of the most popular SUVs for so long, especially for both military and civilian law enforcement agencies. If you’re in the market for an SUV and you see a Suburban, you can be assured that you’ll get a large vehicle that meets all applicable safety standards.
We hope our list of the greatest Suburbans will help you narrow your search and make an informed purchasing decision.
#8 Best Year: 2017 Suburban (3.83 Stars)
The Chevrolet Suburban 2017 is part of the 11th generation, and its redesign sparked a lot of controversies when it was released. Chevy’s Suburban was never meant to be a car; it was always meant to be a truck. But on the other hand, it morphed into a crossover SUV with a sedan body.
This particular model was the one in which the benefits of a sedan and those of an SUV were most successfully combined. The cabin is lavishly appointed and still comes with the powerful V8 engines for which Suburbans are famous.
There was only one report of a loss of power in a 2017 model-year vehicle. The fact that this issue was only reported once makes it noteworthy despite the negligible likelihood that it will recur.
Consumer Reviews & Recalls Rate:
- The 2017 Chevrolet Suburban got 36 reviews on Edmund, of which 56% are 5-star, with a total rating of 3.7 stars.
- According to NHTSA, the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban has faced 4 recalls and 90 complaints till 2023.
#7 Best Year: 2010 Suburban (3.84 Stars)
Chevrolet Suburban owners were unhappy with one key improvement made to the 2010 model year vehicle. This model narrowed the number of available versions down to three: LS, LT, and LTZ. Some noticed 2010 Suburban had a cracked dashboard, while another had a door handle come off.
However, This shift was well-received by the public because it simplified access to product information before purchase. For example, better materials were used for the interior’s general finish and the seats, making them more comfortable and attractive.
Consumer Reviews & Recalls Rate:
- The 2010 Chevrolet Suburban got 27 reviews on Edmund, of which 59% are 5-star, with a total rating of 4.4 stars.
- According to NHTSA, the 2010 Chevrolet Suburban has faced 4 recalls and 166 complaints till 2023.
#6 Best Year: 2013 Suburban (4.02 Stars)
The Chevrolet Suburban was a solid vehicle from 2010 to 2013. However, this one was unique in that it featured enhanced security options. The first innovation in this model was a new braking mode that significantly cuts down on brake wear while descending steep and lengthy inclines.
In addition, both the driver and front passenger benefited from front and side airbags in this model. Improvements such as automatic crash notification systems, stolen car help, emergency communication systems, and many more are noticed. However, There has been a history of engine issues in 2013 Suburbans.
Consumer Reviews & Recalls Rate:
- The 2013 Chevrolet Suburban got 28 reviews on Edmund, of which 64% are 5-star with a total rating of 4.4 stars.
- According to NHTSA, the 2013 Chevrolet Suburban has faced 4 recalls and 104 complaints till 2023.
#5 Best Year: 2018 Suburban (4.14 Stars)
The 2018 Chevy Suburban improved upon the innovations introduced by the 2017 model. This model improved upon its predecessor, 2017, in specific ways but underwent no radical design changes.
The 2017 model has a maximum towing capacity of 8000 pounds; On the other hand, the 2018 model can carry an additional 3000 pounds. Aside from that, it’s great that this model got more economical gas mileage updates, especially given the current market.
Consumer Reviews & Recalls Rate:
- The 2018 Chevrolet Suburban got 31 reviews on Edmund, of which 61% are 5-star, with a total rating of 3.9 stars.
- According to NHTSA, the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban has faced 3 recalls and 44 complaints till 2023.
#4 Best Year: 2006 Suburban (4.34 Stars)
The Chevrolet Suburban 2006 did not receive many changes for the new model year, but it was still one of the models with the fewest customer complaints. The lack of significant updates is the primary cause of this low number of complaints, while one of the owners of 2006 has reported a rattle in the steering.
The SUV’s cabin is also well-appointed, making long trips more pleasant. This automobile is among the best in its class in terms of fuel economy.
ConsumerReviews & Recalls Rate:
- The 2006 Chevrolet Suburban got 93 reviews on Edmund, of which 69% are 5-star with a total rating of 4.6 stars.
- According to NHTSA, the 2006 Chevrolet Suburban has faced 3 recalls and 56 complaints till 2023.
#3 Best Year: 2019 Suburban (4.35 Stars)
With its third-row seating and potent 6.2L V8 engine, the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban ranks among the best of the latest generation of this popular SUV ones on the market.
The 2019 Chevrolet Suburban has a 420 HP (10-speed) automatic transmission as standard equipment. When it comes to reliability reviews, 2019 receives the fewest submissions. It got 4 out of 6 ratings in 2019 affordable large SUVs.
Consumer Reviews & Recalls Rate:
- The 2019 Chevrolet Suburban got 26 reviews on Edmund, of which 65% are 5-star with a total rating of 4.0 stars.
- According to NHTSA, the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban has faced 2 recalls and 25 complaints till 2023.
#2 Best Year: 1998 Suburban (4.46 Stars)
Since their origin, Chevrolet Suburbans have included standard seating for nine people. The 1998 Chevrolet Suburban is an exception to the rule that not all older models are inferior to the cutting-edge vehicles of today.
This SUV was revolutionary for its time because of its 255-horsepower engine. Additional color choices, four-wheel drive, heated seats, and even a theft-deterrent system were available in this model’s various trim levels.
Vehicles of a similar vintage are now considered collectibles and are priced much beyond the reach of most people.
Consumer Reviews & Recalls Rate:
- The 1998 Chevrolet Suburban got 33 reviews on Edmund, of which 36% are 5-star with a total rating of 4.1 stars.
- According to NHTSA, the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban has faced 2 recalls and 0 complaints, but it isn’t easy to find in 2023.
#1 Best Year: 1999 Suburban (4.67 Stars)
Even though the 1999 Chevrolet Suburban was considered a bad year for this car with many issues. Ratings, recalls, and complaints show this car as a very reliable vehicle.
With 0 recalls and just 11 complaints, this car is one that you should consider buying if you have the chance to find a clean one these days.
Consumer Reviews & Recalls Rate:
- The 1999 Chevrolet Suburban got 108 reviews on Edmund, of which 41% are 5-star with a total rating of 4.1 stars.
- According to NHTSA, the 1999 Chevrolet Suburban has faced 0 recalls and 11 complaints till 2023.
What Are The Most Common Chevrolet Suburban Problems?
The company has been making cars for over a century, but it still has periods where it has the same problems from one model to the next.
1. High Oil Consumption
Several popular suburban models have high oil consumption problems. There have been numerous reports of abnormally high oil consumption in Suburbans. The switch to the Vortec 5300 engine for the 2010–2013 Suburban model years was traced as the root cause.
2. Problematic A/C
Many 2014-2017 Suburban drivers experienced problems with the air conditioning in their vehicles. In addition, there is no assurance that it will function correctly if it does operate, as it regularly emits hot air. The condenser is faulty, allowing air to enter the air conditioning system and eventually leading to a pressure buildup.
3. Faulty and Cracked Dashboards
There were numerous reports of damaged dashboards in 2007-2014 Suburbans. Problems with production are likely found in manufacturing the GMT900-series platforms on which most of these models were constructed.
4. Excessive Shakes And Vibrations
There were mysterious vibrations felt in many General Motors vehicles, including the Suburban. Mirrors shook, and glasses rattled in their holders due to the intense vibrations. Drivers report that this is an even more serious problem at higher speeds.
In any case, the human body is not designed to withstand such intense vibrations, and doing so might cause serious physical harm.
There have been no reported problems with the airbag system in any Chevrolet Suburban vehicles till now. However, the 2014 Chevrolet Suburban is one of the over 100 million vehicles affected by the Takata airbag recall.
Conclusion
Using the data presented above, you can quickly identify the top-performing years of the Chevy Suburban’s production run, like 1999’s, and the worst-performing ones, like the 2000s.
Both the 2000 and 2015 Chevrolet Suburban have a large number of remarkably comparable customer complaints. Some other production years are suspect as well. Therefore, There’s a lot of hit-or-miss with some of them.
However, the 2019 Chevy Suburban is the best year to purchase if you are looking for a new one, or 1999 if you don’t mind getting an old vehicle. So far, the 2019 model had received high marks for dependability and value retention while declining to a more reasonable price than when it was brand new.
