Is the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2011 Chevrolet Suburban

● Typical for this model

2011 Chevrolet Suburban
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:47:25.503Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 148
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2011: 148 complaints

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	500
1994	876
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	292
2008	213
2009	106
2010	117
2011	148
2012	101
2013	118
2014	59
2015	431
2016	219
2017	142
2018	84
2019	77
2020	44
2021	202
2022	121
2023	129
2024	45

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

45% · 66 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

This is not connected with a specific crash in this vehicle. It is a defect with all vehicles with this seat. There is known common defect with the stitching on the side of the front seats covering the airbag.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-03-01

I have been trying to get the airbag replaced for over a year. The dealers I have contacted continually tell me they cannot get the airbags.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-10-30

I was sent a recall notice and it said I would be notified when the parts were ready. That was May 2016. I have not heard from them yet

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-10-30

Structure

18% · 26 reports

Most commonly citing body.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while stopped with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle lurched forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. The technician was unable to duplicate the failure.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-04-05

Also filed under Power train

Engine

7% · 10 reports

Electrical system

7% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing interior/under dash and speedometer/odometer.

INJURY

Service brakes

4% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2015-02-12Electrical system14V827000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-03-01Air bags21V050000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500,...

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-05-11Air bags21V054000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the...

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Buy-smart checklist

2011 Chevrolet Suburban — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 66 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 26 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 10 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 14V827000 · Electrical system
Recall 21V050000 · Air bags
Recall 21V054000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.