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 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
22% of complaints: engine — 18 distinct reports on file.
Show 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, 20231015
19% of complaints: power train — 15 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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, 20191205
17% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file.
15% of complaints: service brakes — 12 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: steering — 8 distinct reports on file.
Show 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, 20231015
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 18V673000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 19V645000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 19V761000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 26V289000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Chevrolet Suburban — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V673000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V645000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V761000 (electronic stability control (esc), service brakes, service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V289000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 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.