2011
New 2021 2020
Used 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Chevrolet Suburban Change Vehicle

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The huge Suburban might not be politically correct, but it has been the vehicle of choice for families who won't fit in a minivan or another SUV, or for those who need heavy-duty towing or offroading capabilities. It can seat nine (though more commonly seven or eight) with plenty of room for luggage. A comfortable ride, quiet interior, and a well-mannered V8 engine are among the key attributes.
Alerts
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2011
New 2021 2020
Used 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Chevrolet Suburban

Reliability

Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.

Overall Reliability
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2011 Potential Trouble Spots
The 2011 Chevrolet Suburban has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
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07*
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Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System
NA
NA
NA
Electric System
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
Suspension
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
Body Integrity
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
Power Equipment
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
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Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 420,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2019 vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2011 Chevrolet Suburban owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Calipers

"Caliper seized up causing premature wear to brake pads and rotor"

Anonymous, PA (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LT 5.3-L V8)
Master cylinder

"I went in for a brake job because the brakes felt soft and was advised the master cylinder was almost completely shot and close to failure"

Christopher M., LA (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ 5.3-L V8)

"Rear passenger brake started making noise. Dealership replace master cylinder and brake pads because of premature wear"

Anonymous, SC (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LT 5.3-L V8)

"Fluid replacement due to it being low"

Anonymous, GA (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LT 5.3-L V8)
Normal routine brake wear

"Regular brake system wear due to mileage of vehicle. Relatively inexpensive replacement part repair that I completed myself."

Richard G., IL (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ 5.3-L V8)
Premature brake wear

"Because brakes locked up had to replace cylinder (calipers), rotors, pads and everything to tune of $1600"

Susan S., MI (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LT 5.3-L V8)

"Brake pads replaced. I don't know if this was premature or not"

Anonymous, CA (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LT 5.3-L V8)
Rotors

"Replacement parts due to mileage of vehicle that I completed myself. Major savings due to purchasing parts from local auto parts store."

Richard G., IL (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ 5.3-L V8)

"Worn and needed replacement"

Thomas H., AL (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LT 5.3-L V8)
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Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"Window trim separates from door and fell off"

Anonymous, TX (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ 5.3-L V8)

"All door handles had to be replaced because they pulled out of the body of the vehicle due to failed hardware"

Anonymous, AL (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ 5.3-L V8)
Loose interior trim or moldings

"Dash cracked in two places, above instrument cluster and by the steel joint to the airbag, front left corner of the airbag frame. Had same damage to my Silverado some time ago. Fixed by dealership, $100 "co-pay""

Geir B., TX (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LT 6.0-L V8)

"The dashboard cracked in half in two places-- above the instrument cluster and over the passenger-side airbag. This problem is endemic across the Chevrolet truck fleet for quite a few model years, and a problem Chevrolet knew of and corrected for newer vehicles, but has steadfastly refused to repair or replace the damaged dashboards. I replaced it at my own expense because of my fears of what a jagged piece of plastic would do if the passenger-side airbag inflated in an accident. Until someon"

Anonymous, LA (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LS 6.0-L V8)
Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"paint peeling of at junction of side of plastic moulding above license plate and metal on trunk."

Anonymous, AB (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LT 5.3-L V8)

"paint wore of the top of side trim panel"

Christopher O., IL (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LT 6.0-L V8)
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Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Ball joints

"Front and lower ball joints were diagnosed as worn and loose and were replaced"

Gary P., MD (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ 5.3-L V8)
Electronic or air suspension

"Replaced shock absorber after indicator light appeared"

Anonymous, NC (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ 5.3-L V8)

"Keeps displaying service suspension system"

Curtis T., OR (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ 5.3-L V8)
Power steering pumps and hoses

"Power steering pump failure.... replaced at my cost and system flushed... cost $520"

Noel G., TX (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LT 5.3-L V8)
Shocks or struts

"Air shocks developed leak that caused compressor motor failure. $2300 repair bill to replace both shocks and compressor."

Anonymous, CA (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ 5.3-L V8)

"Both shocks rear axle leaking after about 45000 on road miles mostly in suburban area and highway. No towing ever. My Silverado has original shocks and lots of towing"

Geir B., TX (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LT 6.0-L V8)
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Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

Exterior lights (other than headlights)

"Recurring problem with one front driving light being inoperable as well as a recurring problem with my passenger side rear turn signal and brake light operating erratically and flashing in a weird way, leading to several visits to the mechanic for repair."

Anonymous, NJ (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LT 6.0-L V8)

"Day time running light burned out. Seems to a common problem as almost every Suburban/Tahoe I see has at least one of them burned out"

Todd B., TX (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LT 5.3-L V8)
Headlights

"Housing for bulb continue to break. replace 4 times"

Anonymous, MN (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LS 5.3-L V8)
Heated or cooled seats

"Power lumber failed in drivers seat. Heat failed in passenger seat"

David F., OH (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ 5.3-L V8)
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Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

What Owners Say

Rough shifting

"told CHEVROLET they said that was normal"

Anonymous, CA (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LT 5.3-L V8)
Slipping transmission

"It was the torque converter twice under warrant, plus the second time it was in they had to rebuild other parts of the transmission. Took about 3 days"

Anonymous, CO (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LT 6.0-L V8)
Transmission leaks

"Transmission radiator/cooler very small leak at hose connection. Not something you want to have unchecked deep in the wood. Out west Montana or up into Canada!"

Anonymous, WI (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LT 5.3-L V8)

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Seat controls - temperature

"Heating failed on bottom of drivers seat"

Anonymous, AL (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ 5.3-L V8)
Tailgate, hatch or trunk

"Tail gate motor stopped functioning in extreme cold weather (-30 deg celcius)"

Anonymous, AB (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LT 5.3-L V8)

"The door close sensor/switch would intermittently indicate that the tailgate was open and cause interior lights to illuminate, warning sound and indicator light to go off and system try to re-lock all doors while driving down the road. Usually occurred when going over bumps. When parked and locked, occasionally this would cause the car alarm to go off when the switch appeared to indicate the tailgate was open."

Anonymous, NC (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LT 6.0-L V8)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Electrical failure

"Electronics in accelerator pedal unit failed. Replaced at cost of about $400; no further issues"

Anonymous, CT (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LT 5.3-L V8)
Transfer case

"The transfer case failed at less than 72,000 miles and had to be replaced"

Anonymous, LA (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LS 6.0-L V8)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"fault in airbag warning light required replacement of clock spring coil assembly behind steering wheel"

Gary P., MD (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ 5.3-L V8)

Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

"Interior panels rattle around door locks; same thing occurred in 2008 suburban. Seem to be cheap plastic"

Todd B., TX (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LT 5.3-L V8)

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

What Owners Say

Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

"During colder than normal weather this year in central Pennsylvania, the sensor caused the truck to shut down while driving down a busy road. After disconnecting the battery, the sensor reset temporarily to get a little further down the road. It shut"

Ted M., PA (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LT 5.3-L V8)

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Backup or other camera/sensors

"One of four back-up sensor failed and had to be replaced"

Anonymous, IL (2011 Chevrolet Suburban LT 5.3-L V8)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

Compare 2011 Models

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This score shows whether the model had more or fewer problems overall than the average model of that year, calculated from the total number of problems reported by subscribers in all 17 trouble spots.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Dec 30 2014
If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.
What should you do:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2015. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14696 for the original equipment, and 14912 for the service replacement parts.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 14V827000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 84192
Hide Recall Details
STEERING:LINKAGES
Jun 28 2011
THIS COULD ALLOW THE JOINTS TO SEPARATE, AND THE DRIVER COULD EXPERIENCE LOSS OF STEERING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV; CHEVROLET SILVERADO HD, SILVERADO LD, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; AND GMC SIERRA HD, SIERRA LD, YUKON, AND YUKON XL VEHICLES. THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT ATTACHING BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION.
What should you do:
GM DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ENSURE THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT BOLTS ARE TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JULY 13, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
For more information:
GM'S SAFETY RECALL NO. 11191.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V339000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 739
Hide Recall Details
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:SPINDLE
Jan 06 2011
THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, COLORADO, EXPRESS, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; AND GMC CANYON, SIERRA, SAVANA, YUKON AND YUKON XL VEHICLES. THE REAR AXLE CROSS PINS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND COULD FRACTURE AND BECOME DISPLACED WITHIN THE REAR AXLE. SHOULD THE PIN SHIFT OUT OF POSITION, IT COULD CREATE AN INTERFERENCE CONDITION AND CAUSE THE REAR AXLE TO LOCK.
What should you do:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REAR AXLE CROSS PIN FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
For more information:
THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN IS AN EXPANSION TO 10V-643.GM'S SAFETY RECALL NO. 10426A.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V007000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 30566
Hide Recall Details
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