Every Chevrolet Suburban model for every generation has been ranked to help you avoid picking the worst year.
I’ll discuss the best and worst Chevrolet Suburban years throughout this guide.
I have compiled a detailed analysis based on owner feedback, recalls, expert reviews, and research from trusted sources, such as NHTSA, Consumer Reports, and industry.
From common transmission issues to robust engine choices, knowing how each generation of Chevy Suburban performs will help you better understand how it works.
Here we go.
Chevrolet Suburban Generations
Suburbans have been manufactured by Chevrolet since 1935, making them one of the world’s oldest car brands. In its initial form as a full-size SUV, this large SUV was built on the chassis of a Chevrolet truck.
As shown in the table below, the Chevrolet Suburban has gone through several generations since 2000:
Generation | Years |
9th generation (GMT800) | 2000-2006 |
10th generation (GMT900) | 2007-2014 |
11th generation (GMTK2YC/G) | 2015-2020 |
12th generation (GMT1YC) | 2021-Present |
The generational changes that could influence your decision should be taken into account when considering Chevrolet Suburban models.
Chevrolet Suburban Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
We consider a number of factors when constructing our Chevy Suburban rankings, including, but not limited to:
In a few minutes, we will publish a graph showing the combined ratings from all the sources mentioned above.
Our extensive research has led us to categorize Chevy Suburban model years by best, neutral, and worst.
Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
9th generation (GMT800) | 2006 | 2005 | 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 |
10th generation (GMT900) | 2010 2012 2013 2014 | N/A | 2007 2008 2009 2011 |
11th generation (GMTK2YC/G) | 2018 2019 2020 | 2017 | 2015 2016 |
12th generation (GMT1YC) | 2022 2023 | N/A | 2021 |
Model years classified as neutral are those with neither exceptional performance nor significant defects.
NHTSA recalls and complaints indicate that a vehicle is less reliable if there are more of them.
Chevy Suburban specs by year, best, neutral, and worst.
Best & Worst Years for Chevrolet Suburban 9th Generation (2000-2006)
Chevrolet took a significant leap forward in 2000 when it launched the 9th Generation Suburban with enhanced performance, safety, and technological features. Despite pioneering new features and improvements in SUV design, they were less desirable due to their recurring and severe problems.
Compared to 2000 to 2004, NHTSA recalls and owner complaints were significantly lower in 2006, making 2006 one of the best years for the Chevy Suburban in this generation. Among the current generation of Chevy Suburbans, 1999 and 2000 are the worst years.
The Best Years: 2006
There is no doubt that 2006 is the best year for the 9th generation Chevy Suburban.
This year’s model came with a Vortec 5300 V8 engine. A robust powertrain complements the Suburban’s base LS trim level and premium LTZ trim level.
In addition to enhanced airbags and stability control, it has an upgraded infotainment system.
In spite of the model’s positive attributes, it had a few minor problems.
Fuel efficiency was rumored to be around 9 mpg in city driving and 19 mpg on the highway, with occasional transmission hesitation reported by owners.
The Neutral Years: 2005
Despite the 2005 Chevrolet Suburban’s positives, it was not without its negatives.
As well as adding new features over its predecessor, such as the multiflex seating system and optional DVD rear entertainment system, it also carried some of its predecessor’s faults.
In addition to the well-regarded 4-speed automatic transmission, the 4800, 5300, and 6000 V8 engine options remained available.
While this is true, the 2005 model did have a few issues.
The loss of power steering assist and brake problems were not widespread, but they were noticeable.
The Worst Years: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Chevy Suburban recalls and owner complaints are more common in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004, so these years should be avoided.
Previous 2001 Chevy Suburban models have been reported to have power steering assist loss, stalling engines due to fuel system problems, and rusted suspensions and brakes.
The issue of overheating fuel pump wires and chafing brake lines was further compounded by a number of recalls.
A new crankshaft position sensor recall in the Suburban caused stalls and engine failures, even though a similar recall occurred in 2001.
In 2002, there was an alarming wheel separation issue that caused a recall for the 2002 Chevy Suburban brakes.
A number of preexisting problems were made worse by the emerging instrument panel problems in the 2003 Suburban.
In addition to hydraulic brake recalls and brake valve recalls, the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban has been recalled for instrument cluster problems.
The NHTSA website lists Chevrolet Suburban recalls and complaints from 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004.
Best & Worst Years for Chevrolet Suburban 10th Generation (2007-2014)
The 10th Generation Chevrolet Suburban introduced in 2007 was packed with a wealth of technological innovations as a symbol of Chevrolet’s commitment to comfort, performance, and safety.
Suburbans from the second half of the generation (1910, 2012, 2013, and 2014) are preferred over those from the first half (1907, 2008, 2009, and 2011).
The Best Years: 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014
According to J.D Power and Edmunds, 2010 through 2014 are the best years for Chevrolet Suburbans of this generation.
Powered by a Vortec 5.3L V8 engine and an automatic transmission, the 2010 Chevy Suburban has an automatic transmission.
Higher trim levels now come standard with a navigation radio with a backup camera and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity.
Chevrolet Suburbans in 2012 were available with 6.0L Vortec V8 engines.
An improved interior with higher-quality materials is available this year with a blind-spot warning system.
The Z71 off-road appearance package, which turns the Suburban into a rugged off-roader, is an example of a standout feature.
The 2013 Suburban introduced a number of safety features, such as side blind zone alerts and hill start assist.
Active Fuel Management, heated and cooled front seats, side blind zone alert, and chrome details are some of the features offered on the new Chevrolet Suburban.
Even in their best years, Chevrolet Suburbans had their share of problems. Oil consumption has been a source of complaints from owners.
The Worst Years: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011
In 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2011, the NHTSA recalled the Chevrolet Suburban due to several owner-reported problems.
In 2007 and 2008, Chevy Suburbans were recalled for a number of reasons. The safety of Takata airbags, which are notorious for posing safety risks, was one of the greatest concerns.
Engine stalling, excessive oil consumption, and loud engine noise have all been reported by owners.
In the instrument panel, there were glitches caused by electrical problems due to a wire harness issue.
The heated wiper washer system was recalled by GM to prevent short circuits and electrical anomalies.
Chevrolet Suburban 2009 models have been recalled due to a short circuit in the fuel system control module. There is a potential risk of an accident as a result of this potentially hazardous flaw.
Several recalls have been issued for the 2011 Suburban, including one regarding ignition lock actuators that could bind and cause the vehicle to stall. Rear axle cross pins also posed an accident risk because they might fracture, leading to an accident.
From 2007-2011, the NHTSA has recalled and complained about the Chevrolet Suburban.
Best & Worst Years for Chevrolet Suburban 11th Generation (2015-2020)
With its 11th generation, the Chevrolet Suburban marries the brand’s trustworthiness with advanced technology, modern styling, and improved performance.
The Chevy Suburban year of this generation should not be avoided like the plague. The Chevy Suburban’s best years in this generation are 2018 and 2019.
The Best Years: 2018, 2019, 2020
It appears that 2018 through 2020 are the best years for the Chevy Suburban of this generation, according to ratings from J.D Power, VehicleHistory, and Cars.com.
Chevrolet’s 2018 Suburban was primarily driven by three-cylinder engines and a 6-speed automatic transmission.
It offers intuitive navigation and entertainment solutions with its 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
A 22-inch wheel option and RST package have also been added for this year’s Suburban.
A forward collision warning system, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning are all standard on the 2019 Suburban.
6.2L V8 engines were also available in a special edition Premier Plus. A number of luxurious features are included with the vehicle, including a head-up display and enhanced speaker systems.
On the 2020 Suburban, there are more USB ports, an advanced infotainment system, and a power-sliding center console.
Safety is further enhanced by a pedestrian alert on the rear and HD surround vision.
The Neutral Years: 2017
Despite offering a spacious interior, powerful V8 engine, and some lingering issues, the 2017 Chevy Suburban was stronger than its predecessors.
A new Teen Driver mode, which allows parents to better control their children’s driving habits, was one of the new features that parents appreciated.
Some issues with the company’s powertrain in 2015 and 2016 have tainted its reputation.
However, the 2017 model did not suffer from any dramatic flaws, making it a reasonably reliable option for those looking for luxury and performance.
The Worst Years: 2015, 2016
Based on my previous comments, the 2015 Chevy Suburban is the least reliable vehicle of this generation. 2015 and 2016 are the Chevy Suburban years to avoid since Edmunds and J.D. Power give it the lowest score, while NHSTA recalls are the highest.
There were widespread transmission and brake problems, with many owners complaining about their powertrains.
GM issued several recalls, including two concerning transmission failures – one related to a transmission oil cooler leak that could cause smoke and fire, and one related to a transfer case shifting to neutral without driver input.
There was a recall related to a temporary loss of power steering assist as part of one of the major recalls.
2016 Chevrolet Suburban transmission problems were reported.
On the NHTSA’s website, you can find recalls and complaints for Chevrolet Suburbans from 2015, 2016, and 2017.
Best & Worst Years for Chevrolet Suburban 12th Generation (2021-2023)
Chevrolet Suburban’s 12th generation featured numerous notable enhancements and refinements, solidifying its reputation as a legendary American SUV.
The Chevrolet Suburban had many recalls in 2021, making it a year to avoid. Among this generation’s years, 2022 and 2023 were most reliable.
The Best Years: 2022, 2023
A 5.3L V8 or 6.2L V8 engine was available, as well as a 3.0L Duramax Turbodiesel engine for eco-conscious buyers.
Increased legroom and cargo space are among the interior changes, making the ride more comfortable for passengers and providing more space for luggage.
Even further technological advances were made with the integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
In addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, the infotainment system had even more technological advancementsping assist.
The Worst Years: 2021
Several sources predict that 2021 will be the worst year to buy a Chevy Suburban in this generation, including Edmunds, J.D Power, and Cars.com.
Power control module problems have caused several recalls this year, including issues with fuel pumps and exterior lighting.
As a result of another concerning recall, power steering assistance was also lost.
Additionally, there were numerous issues with the seatbelts.
This vehicle averaged 11 mpg in city driving and 22 mpg on the highway, despite its fuel efficiency not improving significantly.
In 2021, NHTSA will be posting recalls and complaints about Chevrolet Suburbans.
Conclusion
We know that the best Suburban years are 2010-2014, 2018-2020, and newer based on the Suburban’s storied history.
Was there a year when you owned a Chevy Suburban when it was at its best or worst?
I’d love to hear your experiences and insights in the comments below!