RoadVitals

2001 Chevrolet Suburban Suspension Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the suspension system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Suspension reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
11
Latest Nov 28, 2018
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
3%
of 440 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 11 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming suspension

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

BrakesSuspension
Filed Nov 28, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE WHEN BRAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COMMONWEALTH CHEVROLET (155 MARSTON ST, LAWRENCE, MA 01841, (978) 687-3000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLIES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V379000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 210,000.

NHTSA ID
11154591
Incident
Nov 14, 2018
Mileage
210,000 mi
Body & structureBrakesSuspension
Filed Aug 1, 2005

DT: THE BRAKES AT LOW SPEEDS WERE WORKING POORLY, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES. THEY ALSO MADE A THUMPING SOUND WHEN THE ABS SYSTEM FAILED. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY CLAIMED IT WAS OTHER THINGS BESIDES THE ABS SYSTEM. DEALERSHIP WANTED CONSUMER TO SPEND MONEY ON THE BRAKE PADS/ROTORS, AND CALIPERS FIRST AND THEN ON DEFECTIVE WHEEL BEARING. TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC, AND STATED THAT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM HE RECOMMENDED TO THE DEALER, BUT DEALER DID NOT WANT TO FIX THE ACTUAL PROBLEM.*AK THE VEHICLE HAD EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF RUST ON IT (FRAME, CALIPERS, ROTORS AND NON-BODY PARTS). THE CALIPERS WERE RUSTED AND LEAKING. THE ROTORS WERE WARPED AND CORRODED AND THE BRAKE PADS WERE WORN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *NM

NHTSA ID
10127009
Incident
Jun 16, 2005
Mileage
36,600 mi
Body & structureElectricalInterior & seats+4 more
Filed Nov 30, 2004

WHILE DRIVING OR IDLING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUT DOWN INTERMITTENTLY AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE DEALER STILL WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK THE REAR FLOOR PLASTIC PLATE HAD BROKEN, THE LEFT REAR WINDOW MOTOR WAS INOPERATIVE UP AND DOWN, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT WAS COMING APART BY THE DOOR, SEAT TRACK HAD BROKEN, THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT BELT SHOULDER STRAP SOMETIMES TIGHTENED UP, THERE WAS NOISE IN THE REAR END HAD A HARMONIC VIBRATION, THE RIGHT SECOND WINDOW WOULD NOT GO DOWN, THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT IN THE FRONT LOCKED UP RIGHT FRONT RETRACTOR LOCKED, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR SQUEAKS REALLY BAD, THE MOLDING FOR THE RUBBER COMING OFF, AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT LIGHT HAD COME OUT. *SC

NHTSA ID
10099988
Incident
May 17, 2001
Mileage
4,368 mi
Suspension
Filed May 28, 2004

2001SUBURBAN Z55 AUTORIDE SUSPENSION, NOT WORKING. HARSH RIDE WITHOUT SHOCK DAMPERING. DEALRER EXAMINED WITH NO CODE PROBLEMS. HOWEVER, HARSH RIDE CONTINUES. HELP. *LA

NHTSA ID
10073281
Incident
Apr 15, 2004
Mileage
36,000 mi
SuspensionTires & wheels
Filed Dec 8, 2003

I HAD TO REPLACE TIRES ON THIS VEHICLE AT 29,000 MILES TO DUE EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE TIRES. THESE TIRES HAD BEEN ROTATED AND BALANCED EVERY 4,000 MILES. I ASSUMED THE TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE TIRES WERE MANUFACTURED POORLY.*AK WELL AFTER REPLACING THE ORIGINAL TIRES WITH GOODYEAR TIRES, I HAVE AGAIN HAD PROBLEMS WITH TIRE WEAR ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. I HAD A GOODYEAR SERVICE TECHNICIAN INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE AND WHEN THE TIRE WAS REMOVED THE INNER TIE ROD ASSEMBLY WAS VERY LOOSE. THE INNER TIE ROD HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE. THIS CAN CAUSE INSTABILITY IN VEHICLE CONTROL RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE SAID THAT THEY HAD NEVER SEEN A PROBLEM. THE EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT I PURCHASED SPECIFICALLY DOES NOT COVER THIS ITEM. I OBTAINED A SERVICE BULLETIN THAT INDICATES THESE PARTS HAVE TO BE REPLACED QUITE FREQUENTLY. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE SERVICE FROM CHEVROLET AND THE ANSWERS GIVEN TO ME BY THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. I SAW THE INNER TIE ROD CONNECTION WITH MY OWN EYES AND IMMEDIATELY COULD TELL THERE WAS AN ISSUE. VERY CURIOUS THAT THERE HAVE BEEN SO MANY ISSUES WITH TIRES AND STERRING ON THESE VEHICLES AND NOW I SEE THIS PROBLEM WITH THE TIE ROD. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD WARRANT SOME INVESTIGATION.

NHTSA ID
10049404
Incident
Dec 8, 2003
Mileage
47,000 mi
Body & structureEngineInterior & seats+3 more
Filed Oct 6, 2003

OIL CONSUMPTION, STEERING COLUMN, SIDE DOOR PANELS, REAR-END, SEATS CRACKING, FRONT POPPING NOISE, STEERS TO RIGHT CONSTANTLY. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING THING SINCE WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW IN 2001. WE HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCY HERE IN N.C. AND ALSO TALKED TO THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURE ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. DEALER SAID THEY HAVE HAD SEVERAL VEHICLES WITH OIL CONSUMPTION THAT THEY HAVE TRADED BECAUSE OF IT AND THEY JUST KEPT TELLING US IT IS WITHIN MANUFACTURE LIMITS. THEY HAVE TRIED TO FIX THE OIL PROBLEM BUT WITH NO SUCCESS. ALSO THE STEERING HAS BEEN BROKEN DOWN TWICE BECAUSE OF ITS PROBLEM. THE DOOR PANELS ARE STILL NOT FIXED AFTER 2 TRIES. THE REAR-END HAS BEEN WORKED ON 2 TIMES BECAUSE OF DIFFERENTIAL FLUID, THE STEERING WHEEL STILL SCRUBS WHEN TURNING TO THE RIGHT AND THE DRIVER'S SEAT IS STARTING TO CRACK. THE CONSUMER PEOPLE IN RALEIGH WILL NOT HELP US AFTER WE FILLED THE COMPLAINT, THEY WROTE US AND TOLD US TO HIRE A LAWYER AND THE MANUFACTURE ONLY OFFERED US A $1000.00 OWNER/LOYALTY CERTIFICATE TOWARDS A NEW VEHICLE. WHAT IS OUR NEXT STEP WITHOUT HIRING AN ATTORNEY? *JB

NHTSA ID
10041312
Incident
Apr 9, 2001
Mileage
3,000 mi
BrakesHeating & air conditioningElectrical+4 more
Filed Jan 12, 2003

WE BOUGHT A 2001 CHEVY SUBURBAN , BRAND NEW. SINCE WE OWNED IT, THE AIR CONDITIONER MOTOR FAILED THE FIRST MONTH, FRONT LEFT SHOCK POPS WHEN TURNING, DRIVER'S SEAT WARMER DOESN'T WORK (POSSIBLE FAULTY SWITCH), THE 5.3 LITER ENGINE KNOCKS AND PINGS LIKE CRAZY EVEN WHEN USING 93 OCTANE FUEL ON A STEADY BASIS. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS FOUND TO HAVE CRACKED SEAT RAILS BUT DEALER HAD NO REPLACEMENT RAILS, HAVE TO ORDER THEM. GAS GAUGE DOESN'T READ RIGHT (WHEN ON THE RED LINE IT STILL HAS 6 GALLONS IN THE TANK OR 20% FUEL LEFT) THE THING IS A PIECE OF CRAP! GM DIDN'T GIVE A DARN EITHER. IF YOU CALL TO COMPLAIN YOU GET THE RUN AROUND. THIS IS THEIR TOP OF THE LINE PASSENGER TRUCK (SUBURBAN LT) AND DEFINITELY NOT SOMETHING THEY SHOULD BE PROUD OF. I DEFINITELY WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER, MY PARENTS JUST BOUGHT A NEW FORD EXPEDITION SINCE THEY SAW ALL THE CRAP BREAKING ON THIS THING. OTHER FRIENDS HAVE ALSO NOT GM AFTER SEEING FIRST HAND MY BRAND NEW LEMON. ANOTHER FRIEND OF MINE IS ON HIS 3RD REPLACEMENT MOTOR FOR HIS CAMARO WINDOW. HE BOUGHT AC DELCO MOTORS EACH TIME AND THEY ALL STOPPED WORKING WITHIN ONE YEAR. ALL OF THESE PRODUCTS, INCLUDING MY SUBURBAN ARE BEING MADE IN MEXICO I JUST FOUND OUT. I THINK THAT THEY MUST HAVE A BIG PROBLEM WITH QUALITY CONTROL DOWN THERE OR THEIR SAMPLING SIZE IS NIL. WELL I HOPE GM HAS MADE A BUNDLE OF PROFITS OFF NAFTA BECAUSE THEY'VE DEFINITELY LOST AT LEAST 7 SALES THAT I KNOW OF DUE TO MY $40,000 PIECE OF CRAP. I WOULDN'T RECOMMEND THIS CAR TO ANYONE. I HAVE HEARD OF OTHERS COMPLAINING OF THE SAME PINGS/KNOCKS IN THEIR 5.3 LITER GM ENGINES. DOES ANYONE KNOW OF A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT REGARDING THIS? OH AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IS WAY TOO LOOSE.

NHTSA ID
10000985
Incident
Jan 1, 2003
Mileage
20 mi
Suspension
Filed Oct 16, 2002

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE TWO FRONT BOLTS THAT HOLD THE FRONT END WILL COME LOOSE AND THE FRONT END WILL START TO RATTLE. CONTACTED DEALER AND THE DEALER IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. MR

NHTSA ID
8020906
Incident
Aug 2, 2002
SteeringSuspension
Filed Apr 24, 2002

REAR END WENT OUT ON THREE OCCASIONS. DEALER HAS REBUILT REAR END ONCE AND REPLACED RING AND PINION WEARING AND SEAL. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ID
8008480
Suspension
Filed Dec 30, 2001
Crash reported

RECEIVER WELD BROKE CAUSING TRAILER TO SWING AND ROLL SUBURBAN. *AK

NHTSA ID
756206
Incident
Dec 20, 2001
BrakesEngineInterior & seats+1 more
Filed Sep 25, 2001

# 1. THE DAY AFTER I FIRST PUCHASED AND PICKED UP MY VEHICLE IT SMOKE US OUT OF THE PARKING GARAGE ON OUR VACATION IN OCEANSIDE, CA. #2 THE BRAKES WERE VERY SPONGY AND NOT ANYTHING LIKE THE ONE I DEMOED WHEN I FOUND THIS VEHICLE. I ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT ON ROUTE TO OCEANSIDE. THE LAST TWO TRIPS IN THIS HAS NOT BEEN FIXED AND I HAD TO RENT A CAR AGAIN. # 3 ABOUT THE 3 RD. DAY INTO OUR NEW VEHICLE I NOTICED THE PARKING BRAKE WOULDN,T ALWAYS HOLD THE VEHICLE, EVEN AFTER PUTTING IT IN GEAR, WITH THE BRAKE FULLY APPLIED IT WOULD FAIL BUT NOT ALL THE TIME. # 4 AFTER REPORTING THE SMOKING PROBLEM, (STILL ON-GOING) I HAD A NO OIL PRESSURE WARNING AND NOTICE THE GAGE DIDN'T RESPOND FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE, THEN I HAD PRESSURE BUT A CONSTANT LOW OIL WARNING KEPT APPEARING ON THE MESSAGE CENTER. THIS IS WHEN IT ONLY HAD 1400 MILES ON IT. I NOTICED SOME OIL SPOTS FORMING WHERE I PARKED, I CRAWLED UNDER NEAR THE RIGHT REAR SIDE OF THE MOTOR TO FIND OIL DRIPPING FROM THE ENGINE AND OFF THE SUSPENSION NEAR THE ENGINE. ITS NOW BEEN IN 3 TIMES FOR SMOKING, LEAKS AND VARIOUS OTHER ENGINE NOISES (LIFTERS, RIGHT BANK). # 5 THE VEHICLE HAS PULLED TO THE RIGHT SINCE NEW. I CALLED THEM, THEY SAID WAIT TILL YOU GET A FEW MILES ON IT SO EVERYTHING BREAKS IN. WRONG ANSWER. I CHECKED THE TIRE PRESSURE. IT WAS UNEVEN ON ALL TIRES, MIND YOU THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO CHECK THIS BEFORE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. AVERAGE PSI 30, SHOULD BE 40-44PSI COLD. IT HELPED BUT STILL PULLED TO THE RIGHT. AT 5000 MILES I PERSONALLY ROTATED THE TIRES, THIS STILL DIDN'T FIX IT. UPON BRINGING IT IN FOR ALL THE FORMENTIONED AND LAST PROBLEM WHICH BY THE WAY REQUIRED RENTING A CAR TWICE THEY FINALLY TOOK A LOOK AT IT AND KNOW IT PULLS TO THE LEFT AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS NO LONGER LEVEL. # 6 THE RIGHT BUCKET SEAT WON'T LOCK IN AT THE HINGE POINT PROPERLY. THEY SAID THERE WAS A FIX COMING FOR THE ENGINE AND THE SEAT FROM THE FACTORY BUT AS OF YET NOTHING FROM CHEVY OR THE DEALERSHIP.*AK

NHTSA ID
752545
Incident
May 2, 2001

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Other components reported on this vehicle

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Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .