Chevy Suburban Years To Avoid and The Best Years

Chevy Suburban Years To Avoid – When it comes to SUVs, the Chevrolet Suburban has held a place of trust and admiration for generations. This iconic full-size SUV boasts a rich history dating back to 1935, making it one of the longest-running automobile models ever produced.

Its popularity is evident in its recognition as the car most frequently seen on the road and even receiving a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame.

However, not all years of the Suburban have lived up to the hype, and it’s essential to be well-informed before making a purchase.

If you’re considering buying a Chevrolet Suburban, navigating the extensive lineup of models can be overwhelming.

But fear not! CarNamesList is here to be your guide, assisting you every step of the way.

Chevy Suburban Years To Avoid

In this article, we’ll explore both the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Suburban, helping you steer clear of potential pitfalls.

Identifying the years to avoid is crucial because some models have experienced significant issues, including total engine and transmission failure, excessive oil consumption, and faulty speedometers.

To ensure you make a well-informed decision, we’ll specifically highlight the 2007 and 2009 models as ones to avoid at all costs.

Read Also: Chevy Cruze Years to Avoid

If you desire an SUV that guarantees minimal stress and maximum reliability, our detailed analysis will equip you with the knowledge needed to make the right choice.

Let’s dive into the world of the Chevrolet Suburban and ensure you find the perfect SUV for your needs!

Chevy Suburban Years To Avoid

For several decades, the Chevrolet Suburban has held its place as a revered and reliable full-size SUV.

Known for its safety features and spaciousness, this iconic vehicle has been a popular choice for families and adventurers alike.

To help you make an informed decision and maximize your chances of purchasing an excellent Suburban, we’ve meticulously compiled a list of the best year models.

Chevy Suburban Years To Avoid

We’ll explore some potential concerns and issues associated with certain models, including the Chevy Suburban years to avoid, so you can confidently choose the right Suburban for your needs.

Chevy Suburban Years to Avoid:

  1. 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  2. 2001 – 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  3. 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  4. 2008 Chevrolet Suburban
  5. 2009 Chevrolet Suburban
  6. 2014 Chevrolet Suburban
  7. 2015 Chevrolet Suburban
  8. 2016 Chevrolet Suburban

The Worst Years to Avoid – 2007 and 2009 Chevrolet Suburban

Among the Suburban year models to avoid, the 2007 and 2009 models stand out as the most problematic.

The 2007 Suburban has garnered the highest number of complaints, with expensive issues like a transmission failure, costing nearly $3,000, and engine failure, reaching almost $6,000 in repair costs.

The 2009 Suburban closely follows, presenting potential high costs at around 50,000 miles due to excessive oil consumption, which could run up to $5,000 in repairs.

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These two model years should be avoided at all costs due to their extensive and expensive problems.

The Concerning 1999 Suburban

While the 1999 Suburban doesn’t have significantly high repair costs, it has shown a tendency to break down after reaching around 100,000 miles.

If you’re considering a used 1999 Suburban, it’s crucial to carefully inspect its maintenance history and overall condition to avoid any unforeseen breakdowns.

2001 – 2005 Suburbans with Transmission Issues

Each Suburban model released between 2001 and 2005 has been associated with reports of total transmission failure, leading to repair costs of approximately $2,500 late in their life cycle.

Additionally, these models have experienced various other problems, such as fuel pump failure and corroded brake lines, making them less desirable choices.

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The Troublesome 2008 Suburban

If you’re considering a 2008 Suburban, be prepared to spend excessive money on repairs for a litany of engine issues.

One of the most problematic problems in this model is a sudden loss of oil pressure, which could incur over $4,000 in repairs.

2014, 2015, and 2016 Suburbans with Early Defects

The 2014 Suburban models have relatively few complaints, but the ones that do arise occur almost immediately, with troublesome brake and engine defects appearing under 10,000 miles.

The 2015 Suburbans, on the other hand, have numerous complaints about brakes and A/C ceasing to work after approximately 55,000 miles, making them a hassle to deal with.

In the case of the 2016 model, although it doesn’t have many complaints, the ones reported are severe, with catastrophic transmission failure costing $4,400 in repairs.

Avoiding the mentioned year models is essential to ensure a positive ownership experience. The 2007 and 2009 models, in particular, have been associated with extensive and costly problems, making them unfavorable choices.

Read Also: Chevy Tahoe Years to Avoid

Always conduct proper research, inspect potential purchases carefully, and consider seeking professional advice to make an informed and stress-free decision when selecting your Chevy Suburban.

Best Year for Chevy Suburban

Known for its full-size spaciousness and advanced safety features, the Suburban has been a popular choice among families and adventurers for decades.

You’ll want to ensure you make an excellent investment.

To maximize your chances of purchasing a reliable and top-performing Suburban, we’ve compiled a list of the best-year models.

Best Year for Chevy Suburban

We’ll explore the Suburban’s most reliable and trustworthy years, helping you make an informed decision and find the perfect SUV to meet your needs.

Chevy Suburban Best Years:

  1. 1985 – 1998 Chevrolet Suburban
  2. 2000 Chevrolet Suburban
  3. 2006 Chevrolet Suburban
  4. 2010 Chevrolet Suburban
  5. 2011 Chevrolet Suburban
  6. 2012 Chevrolet Suburban
  7. 2013 Chevrolet Suburban
  8. 2017 Chevrolet Suburban
  9. 2018 Chevrolet Suburban
  10. 2019 Chevrolet Suburban
  11. 2020 Chevrolet Suburban

Reliability of Suburban Year Models from 1985 to 1998

The Suburban year models spanning from 1985 to 1998 have stood the test of time and continue to impress with their reliability.

These vehicles have received very few complaints, and any issues reported are typically natural wear and tear problems that arise after accumulating nearly 200,000 miles.

The only notable report is regarding a 1997 Suburban where a single owner had to replace the transmission at 55,000 miles.

Read Also: Most Expensive Chevrolet Cars in the World

However, this appears to be an isolated incident and shouldn’t deter you from considering these year models.

Outstanding Performance of the 2000, 2006, 2010, and 2017 Suburbans

The 2000, 2006, 2010, and 2017 Suburban year models have also exhibited outstanding performance and reliability.

While they have received very few complaints, it’s worth noting the specific issues that have been reported.

The 2000 Suburbans experienced occasional power steering pump failure, while the 2006 model had a rare case of steering rattling.

In 2010, there were reports of a cracked dashboard and a door handle coming off. As for the 2017 models, only a single report of power loss while driving was recorded.

However, these problems have had minimal occurrences, and the likelihood of experiencing them is extremely low.

Top Performers: 2018, 2019, and 2020 Suburbans

Best Year for Chevy Suburban

For those considering a Suburban from 2018, 2019, or 2020, you can rest assured that these models have received zero complaints.

These Suburbans are shining examples of reliability, offering high-quality performance and satisfying their owners without any major issues or concerns.

Read Also: Chevy Traverse Years to Avoid

Considerations for the 2011, 2012, and 2013 Suburbans

The 2011, 2012, and 2013 Suburban year models have encountered some engine-related problems, such as excessive oil consumption, stalling engines, and low oil pressure.

While these issues have been reported, they haven’t occurred frequently enough to categorize these year models as unwise purchases.

Many owners of these Suburbans have experienced high-quality performance and reliable driving.

Suburbans from 2018, 2019, and 2020 are shining examples of top performers, free from any complaints or significant issues.

Selecting a Suburban from the recommended years will ensure you have a dependable, safe, and enjoyable SUV for all your adventures.

Chevy Suburban Problems

The Chevrolet Suburban has undoubtedly left an indelible mark in the automotive world, with its long-standing legacy and diverse range of models spanning several decades.

However, like any vehicle with a rich history, the Suburban has encountered its fair share of common issues.

In this section, we will delve into some of the most prevalent Chevy Suburban problems reported by owners.

Chevy Suburban Problems

By understanding these challenges and their potential solutions, you can make informed decisions when considering a Suburban purchase and ensure a smooth driving experience.

1. Excessive Oil Consumption in Certain Suburban Models

One of the recurring problems faced by some Suburban owners is excessive oil consumption.

This issue has been particularly observed in Suburban models from 2010 to 2013.

Owners have expressed concerns about their vehicles consuming abnormal amounts of oil, leading to frequent top-ups and potential engine performance issues.

The root cause of this problem has been linked to the switch to the Vortec 5300 engine in these specific models.

Read Also: Chevy Trax Years to Avoid

If you’re considering a Suburban from this era, it’s essential to inspect the vehicle’s oil consumption history and seek professional guidance to address and monitor the issue effectively.

2. Faulty A/C Systems in Suburban Models from 2014 to 2017

Another commonly reported problem with Chevy Suburbans arises in models produced from 2014 to 2017, specifically concerning their air conditioning systems.

Numerous owners complained that the A/C system failed to cool the interior adequately, leading to discomfort during hot weather.

Further investigations revealed that a leaky condenser was the culprit behind this widespread issue.

In fact, the problem was so pervasive that it resulted in a class-action lawsuit against Chevrolet.

If you’re considering a Suburban from this period, be sure to thoroughly inspect the A/C system and inquire about any repairs or replacements made to address the condenser leak.

3. Shakes and Vibrations in GM Vehicles, Including the Suburban

The mysterious shakes and vibrations experienced by many GM vehicles, including the Suburban, have been a cause of concern for numerous owners.

These vibrations can be severe, causing mirrors to shake and cups to rattle, particularly at higher speeds.

Addressing the root cause of this problem can be challenging due to its elusive nature.

If you encounter such issues when test-driving a Suburban, consider having a professional mechanic conduct a thorough inspection to identify and rectify the underlying cause of the vibrations.

Read Also: Chevy Colorado Years to Avoid

4. Cracked Dashboards in 2007-2014 Suburban Models

Many owners of 2007-2014 Suburban models have reported cracked dashboards, which has been a notable concern.

These models were primarily built on the GMT900-series platforms, indicating a potential production issue.

Although the problem has been categorized as a “cosmetic issue” by some, it can still be an eyesore and diminish the overall aesthetics of the vehicle’s interior.

Unfortunately, most owners have been unsuccessful in filing warranty claims related to this matter.

If a cracked dashboard is a major concern for you, consider inspecting the condition of the dashboard thoroughly before finalizing your Suburban purchase.

Is the Chevrolet Suburban a Reliable Car?

Yes, the Chevrolet Suburban is generally considered a reliable car, especially when you choose from the most reliable year models. While it may require some repairs and maintenance to keep it running smoothly, there are no consistent issues from model to model, which is reassuring.

Most repairs are related to age, mileage, and the vehicle’s usage.

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Routine maintenance and care play a significant role in keeping the Suburban reliable for many years.

However, it’s essential to budget for upkeep, as the average maintenance cost is around $649, according to Repair Pal.

How many miles is too many for a used Suburban?

The maximum predicted life span of a Chevrolet Suburban is over 300,000 miles, making it a durable vehicle. If you drive around 15,000 miles annually, you can expect to get approximately 15 years of service on the road from a new Suburban.

However, for used Suburban models with around 200,000 miles, they may be near the end of their life.

It’s crucial to carefully inspect a used Suburban with high mileage and consider factors like maintenance history and overall condition before making a purchase.

Is Chevy Suburban a reliable SUV?

Yes, the Chevy Suburban is considered a reliable SUV, and it often ranks high in reliability and safety. Many used Suburbans can be found with over 100,000 miles, indicating their durability and longevity.

Owners often appreciate the safety and reliability of this larger vehicle, making it a popular choice for families and adventure seekers.

Regular maintenance and proper care are key factors in ensuring the Suburban’s continued reliability.

What GMC is comparable to Chevy Suburban?

The GMC Yukon XL is a comparable model to the Chevy Suburban. Both the 2021 GMC Yukon XL and the 2021 Chevy Suburban share similarities, with the Yukon XL being an enlarged version of the GMC Yukon.

Both the Yukon XL and Suburban have undergone complete redesigns for the 2021 model year.

The 2021 Suburban, Chevrolet’s largest SUV, introduces an all-new generation.

Both vehicles offer ample space and utility, making them popular choices for those seeking a roomy and capable SUV.

Conclusion

The Chevrolet Suburban has proven itself to be a reliable and enduring SUV over the years, with several standout models offering exceptional performance and longevity.

If you’re looking for the best year models, the Suburbans from 1985 to 1998, along with the 2000, 2006, 2010, and 2017 models, have garnered significant praise for their reliability and minimal complaints.

For those seeking a Suburban with no reported issues, the 2018, 2019, and 2020 models shine as top performers, providing a worry-free driving experience.

While the 2011, 2012, and 2013 Suburbans have faced engine-related problems, their overall reliability and high-quality performance make them worthy options.

Choosing a Chevrolet Suburban from the recommended years ensures you’ll have a dependable and safe SUV to accompany you on all your journeys.

By avoiding the Suburban years with known issues, you can steer clear of potential headaches and make a well-informed decision when selecting your ideal Chevy Suburban.

So, if you’re in the market for a reliable and trustworthy SUV, remember to keep this comprehensive guide in mind and focus on the best-year models to ensure a satisfying ownership experience. Happy driving!

 

 

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