1983 Chevrolet Suburban
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 3 |
| 1984 | 6 |
| 1985 | 9 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1987 | 18 |
| 1988 | 30 |
| 1989 | 62 |
| 1990 | 54 |
| 1991 | 52 |
| 1992 | 189 |
| 1993 | 499 |
| 1994 | 858 |
| 1995 | 457 |
| 1996 | 360 |
| 1997 | 414 |
| 1998 | 201 |
| 1999 | 634 |
| 2000 | 282 |
| 2001 | 440 |
| 2002 | 286 |
| 2003 | 301 |
| 2004 | 204 |
| 2005 | 129 |
| 2006 | 23 |
| 2007 | 291 |
| 2008 | 213 |
| 2009 | 106 |
| 2010 | 117 |
| 2011 | 148 |
| 2012 | 101 |
| 2013 | 118 |
| 2014 | 59 |
| 2015 | 427 |
| 2016 | 216 |
| 2017 | 139 |
| 2018 | 81 |
| 2019 | 70 |
| 2020 | 40 |
| 2021 | 177 |
| 2022 | 104 |
| 2023 | 107 |
| 2024 | 36 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 3 total reports mention: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
REAR RIGHT TIRE PROBLEM. TREAD SEPARATED FROM TIRE WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT 65 MPH. TREAD HIT SIDE OF CHEVROLET SUBURBAN CAUSING BODY DAMAGE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20001129
1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE BEGAN TO CHUG, CONSUMER NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE SO HE PULLED OVER AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE, OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT. *SLC
NHTSA ODI report, 20020514
WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE BEGAN TO CHUG, CONSUMER NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE SO HE PULLED OVER AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE, OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT. *SLC
NHTSA ODI report, 20020131
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1983 Chevrolet Suburban — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1983 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1983 Chevrolet Suburban?
The most-reported component is tires:tread/belt, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1983 Chevrolet Suburban have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.