For your convenience, we’ve ranked every Chevrolet Suburban model for every generation to help you avoid picking the worst.
The Chevy Suburban’s best and worst years will be highlighted throughout this guide.
Based on owner feedback, recalls, and expert reviews, I created a detailed analysis, which was backed up by research from trusted sources like NHTSA, Consumer Reports, and industry experts.
It pays to take a closer look at how each generation of Chevy Suburban performs – from common transmission problems to robust engine choices.
Let’s begin.
Chevrolet Suburban Generations
The Chevrolet Suburban was launched in 1935, making it one of the world’s longest-running auto brands. This large SUV was introduced as a full-size SUV in its inaugural form as a station wagon-bodied version of a Chevrolet truck chassis.
The table below shows the Chevrolet Suburban’s 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 |
When deciding which Chevrolet Suburban model to buy, it is important to consider generational changes that may affect your choice.
Chevrolet Suburban Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
Several factors are taken into account when constructing our rankings and categorizing the best, neutral, and worst Chevrolet Suburban years, including, but not limited to:
- Feedback from owners (surveys)
- Maintenance costs per year
- Rating systems for safety
- Reliability scores from Consumer Reports
- Consumer Reports’ ratings of owner satisfaction
- NHTSA investigations, recalls, and complaints
- Owner ratings on Edmunds
- Owner ratings for JD Power
- Kelley’s Blue Book (KBB) owner ratings
- VehicleHistory owner ratings
- Cars.com owner ratings
Soon, we will be able to see a graph that represents the combined ratings from all of the sources listed above.
The Chevy Suburban model years have been categorized by our extensive research into best, neutral, and worst years.
| 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 |
An exceptional or significant performance, reliability, or defect is not seen in a neutral year.
There is a general rule that the higher the number of NHTSA complaints and recalls, the less reliable a vehicle is.
Chevrolet Suburban specs from the best, neutral, and worst years are listed below.
Best & Worst Years for Chevrolet Suburban 9th Generation (2000-2006)
In 2000, the brand took a major step forward thanks to the 9th Generation Chevrolet Suburban’s enhanced safety, performance, and technological features. Although they pioneered new features and improved SUV design during these years, their recurring and severe problems made them less desirable.
There were significantly fewer NHTSA recalls and owner complaints in 2006 than in 2000 to 2004, making it the best year for the Chevrolet Suburban in this generation. In the current generation of Chevy Suburban, 1999 and 2000 are the worst years.
The Best Years: 2006
It is undeniable that 2006 was the best year for the 9th generation Chevy Suburban.
Featured on this year’s model was the Vortec 5300 V8 engine. The Suburban offers strong powertrains and a variety of trim levels, including the base LS and premium LTZ trim levels.
As well as an improved infotainment system and an advanced airbag system, it includes advanced technological features.
There were a few minor problems with the 2006 model despite its many positive attributes.
Its fuel economy was murmured to be 9 mpg in city driving and 19 mpg on the highway, with occasional transmission hesitation reported by owners.
The Neutral Years: 2005
A few positives and a few negatives can be said about the 2005 Chevrolet Suburban.
In addition to upgrades and new features from its 2004 predecessor, such as multiflex seating systems and DVD rear entertainment systems, it also carried some problems.
The well-respected 4-speed automatic transmission was available as in previous years, along with the 4800, 5300, and 6000 V8 engines.
Although the 2005 model was generally well received, there were some issues.
Power steering assist loss and brake problems were not rampant, but they were noticeable.
The Worst Years: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Chevy Suburban owners should avoid 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004 because they have more recalls and owner complaints.
Previous 2001 Chevy Suburban models have been reported to have power steering assist loss, stalling engines due to fuel system issues, rusty suspensions, and brake problems.
Further compounding these issues were a number of recalls related to overheating fuel pump wires and chafing brake lines.
A new crankshaft position sensor recall caused Suburban stalls and engine failures despite a similar problem in 2001.
Earlier this year, a recall for the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban was issued because of alarming wheel separation issues.
Several preexisting problems were further aggravated by the emerging problems in the 2003 Suburban’s instrument panel.
2004 Chevrolet Suburbans have been recalled for a number of reasons, including hydraulic brake recalls, brake valve recalls, and instrument cluster issues.
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)
As a symbol of Chevrolet’s commitment to improve comfort, performance, and safety, the 10th Generation Chevrolet Suburban debuted in 2007 with a number of technological innovations.
The second half of the Chevy Suburban generation (1910, 2012, 2013, and 2014) is the best, while the first half (1907, 2008, 2009, and 2011) should be avoided.
The Best Years: 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014
J.D Power and Edmunds rate the 2010 Chevy Suburban as the best of this generation.
The 2010 Chevrolet Suburban is powered by a Vortec 5.3L V8 engine and automatic transmission.
Adding Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and a backup camera to the navigation radio was now standard on higher trim levels.
In the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban, a Vortec 6.0L V8 engine was available.
With an improved interior and higher-quality materials, this year’s model offers blind-spot warnings.
Among the standout features was the Z71 off-road appearance package, which transformed the Suburban from a luxury SUV into a rugged off-roader.
There are a number of safety features that have been improved in the 2013 Suburban, such as side blind zone alert and hill start assist for a better sense of confidence during hill starts.
Active Fuel Management, heated and cooled front seats, side blind zone alert, and chrome details are among the features offered on the new Chevrolet Suburban.
Even the best years of Chevy Suburbans weren’t without problems. Oil consumption has been a complaint from some owners.
The Worst Years: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011
Based on several owner complaints and recalls by NHTSA from 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2011, the Chevrolet Suburban is classified as a model to avoid.
Chevy Suburbans from 2007 and 2008 were recalled for a number of reasons. Airbags made by Takata are notorious for posing safety risks, which was one of the greatest concerns.
Engine stalling, excessive oil consumption, and loud engine noise were reported by several owners.
Electrical problems caused glitches in the instrument panel and drained the battery as a result of a problem with the wire harness.
GM recalled its heated wiper washer system to prevent short circuits.
An issue with the fuel system control module has prompted a recall for 2009 Chevy Suburban models. There is an increased risk of an accident resulting from this potentially hazardous flaw, which could result in the engine stalling and not starting.
One recall involved ignition lock actuators that could bind and cause the 2011 Suburban to stall. Also, the rear axle cross pin posed a risk of fracture, which could result in an accident.
According to the NHTSA, the Chevrolet Suburban has been involved in recalls and complaints between 2007 and 2011.
Best & Worst Years for Chevrolet Suburban 11th Generation (2015-2020)
In its 11th generation, Chevrolet Suburban combines the brand’s trusted capabilities with contemporary design, technological advancements, and performance improvements.
In this generation of Chevy Suburban, there is no year to “avoid like the plague”. In this generation, the Chevy Suburban is at its best in 2018 and 2019.
The Best Years: 2018, 2019, 2020
The Chevy Suburban of this generation appears to be at its best between 2018 and 2020 according to J.D Power, VehicleHistory, and Cars.com ratings.
Three-cylinder engines were the most common powertrain for the 2018 Chevy Suburban, which had an automatic transmission and a 5.3L V8 engine.
Featuring a 7-inch touchscreen and Chevrolet MyLink, its infotainment system offers intuitive navigation and entertainment features.
A 22-inch wheel package and RST (Rally Sport Truck) package were also added to this year’s Suburban.
In addition to forward collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warnings, the 2019 Suburban comes standard with many safety features.
An engine with 6.2L V8 was also available in the Premier Plus special edition. 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, a power-sliding console, and advanced infotainment.
HD surround vision and a pedestrian alert at the rear further enhance safety.
The Neutral Years: 2017
Despite its spacious interior and powerful V8 engine, the 2017 Chevy Suburban remained plagued by lingering problems.
The Teen Driver mode provided parents with greater control over their children’s driving habits, which is one of the new features parents appreciated.
Several issues from 2015 and 2016 have tarnished the company’s reputation, especially those related to the powertrain.
However, the 2017 model wasn’t plagued by major flaws, making it a dependable choice for luxury and performance enthusiasts.
The Worst Years: 2015, 2016
The 2015 Chevy Suburban is the least reliable model of this generation, according to my previous comments. In 2015 and 2016, it’s the Chevy Suburban year to avoid because Edmunds and J.D. Power score it the lowest and when NHSTA recalls are at their highest.
Many owners complained about the condition of their transmissions and brakes.
GM issued several recalls, including two concerning transmission failures – one regarding a transmission oil cooler leak, which could lead to smoke and fire, and another regarding a transfer case shifting to neutral without the driver’s permission.
As a result of a major recall, power steering assistance was temporarily lost.
During the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban’s transmission test, some problems were found.
Chevrolet Suburban recalls and complaints for 2015, 2016, and 2017 can be found on the NHTSA website.
Best & Worst Years for Chevrolet Suburban 12th Generation (2021-2023)
Its reputation as a legendary American SUV was solidified as the Chevrolet Suburban entered its 12th generation with an array of notable upgrades and refinements.
The Chevrolet Suburban had a lot of recalls in 2021, making it a year to avoid when it comes to the Chevy Suburban. Compared to this generation, 2022 and 2023 were the most reliable years.
The Best Years: 2022, 2023
2022 Chevy Suburbans came with 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines, along with a 3.0L Duramax Turbodiesel that was environmentally friendly.
The interior of the vehicle has been altered to improve comfort for passengers and provide more luggage space, including increased legroom and cargo space.
The infotainment system was even more technologically advanced with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance made the drive safer and more intuitive.
The Worst Years: 2021
For Chevy Suburbans, 2021 is probably the worst year in this generation, according to Edmunds, JD Power, and Cars.com.
The recalls this year were particularly problematic, ranging from issues with exterior lighting to faulty power control modules causing fuel pump problems.
Also, a recall concerning power steering assistance resulted in the loss of power steering assistance.
In addition, there were numerous safety concerns about the seatbelts.
In spite of the vehicle’s insufficient fuel efficiency figures, it averaged 11 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
In 2021, the NHTSA has recalled and received complaints about Chevrolet Suburbans.
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Conclusion
As we examine the storied history of the Chevrolet Suburban, it becomes apparent that 2010-2014, 2018-2020, and newer are the best years to buy one.
When did you own your Chevy Suburban for the first time? Was it the best or worst year?
Feel free to share your experiences and insights below!
