2018 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
- 84
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2018
None on file
23% of complaints
Complaints per year
2018: 84 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.
Engine
23% · 19 reportsShow complaint excerpts
9/29/22 (123k miles) TECHNICIAN: - Test drove vehicle, inspected transmission operation & found gear train noise / L3, in approximately 1st through 3rd gears.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-15
Power train
23% · 19 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle was parked and engine off and kids were getting into car when one of the kids pulled in the shifter and shifted the vehicle into gear. The vehicle began to roll. The Suburban was stopped when it hit another vehicle parked behind.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-12-05
My 2018 Chevrolet Suburban is experiencing transmission problems that raise serious concerns about the reliability and potential safety of General Motors transmissions used in trucks and SUVs from this period.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-09
My suburban shut off 5 times while turning. Very unsafe given I have 4 children and it could have been while we were driving on the freeway, which could have been fatal.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-08
Also filed under Electrical system
Electrical system
20% · 17 reportsMost commonly citing speedometer/odometer and instrument cluster/panel.
Service brakes
18% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Steering
10% · 8 reportsShow complaint excerpts
TECHNICIAN - Was unable to perform test drive of vehicle. Inspected operation & found; Vehicle will not turn over, battery very weak. Removed battery, put on charger for approximately 45 minutes. Reinstalled battery.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-15
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2018-11-07Seat belts18V673000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seatbelt retractors and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2018.
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R
2019-10-08Service brakes, hydraulic19V645000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019.
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R
2019-12-11Electronic stability control (esc), service brakes, service brakes, hydraulic19V761000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782.
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R
2026-05-18Power train26V289000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain...
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026.
Buy-smart checklist
2018 Chevrolet Suburban — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 19 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 19 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 17 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 18V673000 · Seat belts
- Recall 19V645000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 19V761000 · Electronic stability control (esc), service brakes, service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 26V289000 · Power train
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2018 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.