Is the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2012 Chevrolet Suburban

▲ Better than typical

2012 Chevrolet Suburban
RENDERED 2026-11-01T17:03:41.697Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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: 101
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2012: 101 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

26% · 26 reports

Most commonly citing side/window.

CRASH

Structure

24% · 24 reports

Most commonly citing body and dashboard.

FIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Went to put my shoes on and I saw that my front end of my truck was on fire .it had been 15 hours since I had driven the truck . There were flames coming out of the front passagner side on the grill. And engulfed the front end of my truck.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-29

Also filed under Engine and electrical system

Engine

12% · 12 reports

FIRE

Electrical system

10% · 10 reports

FIRE

Power train

5% · 5 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

My auto gear shift disingaged from the transmission the car started moving as I was trying to get into the driver seat with driver door catching the tree limbs and opening the door and me holding onto the inside door handle brooke and I fell onto...

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-08-12

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

R

2012-04-04Steering12V112000 General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet express and Suburban vehicles, and GMC savana and yukon xl heavy duty vehicles. The steering gear pitman shaft may not have been…

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering gear and, if necessary, replace the steering gear pitman shaft. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is…

Check if this car was fixed →
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

2021-05-11Air bags21V051000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL originally sold, or...

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

2012 Chevrolet Suburban — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 26 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 24 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 12 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 12V112000 · Steering
Recall 14V827000 · Electrical system
Recall 21V051000 · Air bags
Recall 21V054000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban have?: 4 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.