2011 Chevrolet Suburban
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.
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
45% of complaints: air bags — 66 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20250301
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, 20171030
TAKATA RECALL. ARE PARTS AVAILABLE FOR THIS RECALL? IF NOT WHY AND WHEN WILL THEY BE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171030
13% of complaints: structure — 19 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20130405
7% of complaints: engine — 10 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file.
INJURY5% of complaints: structure — 7 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 14V827000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V050000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V054000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 Chevrolet Suburban — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (66 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14V827000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V050000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V054000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.