Used Chevrolet Suburban: Inspection checklist

Pick the model year you are going to see. Each sheet lists the checks for the problems owners reported on that year, in the order you would do them at the car. Owners filed 519 complaints across these 7 years; the 2021 drew the most.

Choose a model year

Problems that follow the Suburban from year to year

Each of these is a top-three complaint area in at least two model years. Darker cells mean more complaints that year. Whatever year you are looking at, give these extra time.

Area	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	Total
Transmission	13	28	9	21	20	9	4	104
Engine	8	12	7	56	27	44	14	168
Electrical	12	2	4	11	9	9	3	50
Steering	8	6	4			2		20

Suburban generations and updates

First years of a new generation and mid-cycle updates are marked. Each year links to its checklist.

12th generation
2021–2023
11th generation
2015–2020
2016 update: Production began in December 2013 with a redesigned exterior; New safety features implemented; Increased fuel economy via new engine technology
2017 update: Renamed LTZ to Premier; Added new color options and standard features
2018 update: Added hands-free power liftgate feature; Expanded availability for 6.2-liter V8; Updated infotainment screens

Mileages where Suburban problems start

From owner reports for each model year, lowest mileage first. Compare these with the odometer of the car you are seeing.

Typical mileage	Problem	Year
8,000–63,000 miles	Valve lifter failure	2021
30,000–62,000 miles	Engine seizure and failure	2023
30,000–62,000 miles	Fuel pump control module stall	2021
53,000–97,000 miles	Engine seizure, rod bearing failure	2022
60,000–62,000 miles	Headlight adjuster screw breaks	2021
60,000–111,000 miles	Sudden transmission failure	2018
62,000–86,000 miles	Engine failure, power loss	2021
74,300–100,000 miles	Transmission slipping and failure	2020
85,000–130,000 miles	Transmission slipping and failure	2019
95,000–120,000 miles	Lifter and engine failure	2020
101,000–113,000 miles	Engine bearing and lifter failure	2019