2012 Chevrolet Suburban
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.
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
25% of complaints: air bags — 25 distinct reports on file.
CRASH21% of complaints: structure — 21 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow 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. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120529
12% of complaints: engine — 12 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120529
10% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120529
5% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20240812
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 ADE
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 EXPE
Campaign 12V112000 — check if this car was fixed
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 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.
Campaign 21V051000 — 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
2012 Chevrolet Suburban — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 12V112000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V827000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V051000 (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 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 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban have?
4 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.