RoadVitals

2011 Chevrolet Suburban Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints 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.
148
Latest May 13, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

66
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

This is not connected with a specific crash in this vehicle. It is a defect with all vehicles with this seat. There is known common defect with the stitching on the side of the front seats covering the airbag. The stitching is designed to come apart if an airbag is deployed. The defective stitching deteriorates and falls apart. This exposes the airbag system in the seat. This occurs on all GM vehicles with the same leather seats. Models include Suburbans, Yukons, and pickup trucks. In this Suburban the stiching started to come apart about 6 years ago with a few loose threads. The entire side of the seat has now come apart. The rest of the seat is in relatively good repair without any holes, rips or torn stitching. GM claims this is cosmetic and not covered. The safety issues caused by this includes the potential deterioration of the airbag system interfering with deployment in a crash. Another safety issue is the potential for foreign objects to get lodged in this space and injuring someone if the airbag goes off. The third safety issue is the potential of a person, or child, to access the airbag and cause it to go off without warning.

NHTSA ID 11645734 · filed Mar 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact later received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags) which she associated to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, upon picking up the vehicle, the contact noticed that the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who provided the contact with a diagnostic fee. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID 11458139 · filed Mar 24, 2022
All 66 reports naming airbags

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

26
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE DASHBOARD IS CRACKED AND WAS ALREADY CRACKED WHEN WE BOUGHT THE CAR. *TR

NHTSA ID 11330818 · filed Jun 25, 2020

INTERIOR DASH BOARD IS CRACKING NEAR AIR BAG, SEVERAL PLACES ON VEHICLE

NHTSA ID 11119298 · filed Aug 11, 2018
All 26 reports naming body & structure

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Dash cracked and cruise control wont turn on when button pushed.

NHTSA ID 11494786 · filed Nov 24, 2022

VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING AND WHILE PARKED. ALL ELECTRONICS SHUT DOWN, UNABLE TO ACTIVATE HAZARD LIGHTS. PREVIOUSLY PAYED TO FIX ABS LIGHT/SENSOR. DASH CRACKED DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE. HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES PRIOR.

NHTSA ID 11151153 · filed Nov 13, 2018
All 10 reports naming driver assistance

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. I SEE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON GM VEHICLES AND IT AFFECTS BOTH MY 2011 SUBURBAN AND 2012 SILVERADO WITH 5.3 FLEX FUEL ENGINES. THE SUBURBAN IS MORE NOTICEABLE SINCE WE USE IT FOR LONG ROAD TRIPS. THE TRUCK IS MOSTLY CITY DRIVING. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE CAUSED BY THE AFM AND PCV. I WILL BE INSTALLING THE UPGRADED VALVE COVER IN HOPES OF PREVENTING A MAJOR ENGINE FAILURE IN THE FUTURE. IT WOULD BE NICE IF GM RECALLED THESE ENGINES WITH AN ADEQUATE FIX. I ONLY NOTICE BURNING OIL ON STARTUP COMING FROM THE EXHAUST. CURRENT MILEAGE ON THE SUBURBAN IS 104,000. I HAVE NOT TOUCHED ANYTHING IN THE ENGINE BAY OR CABLE COVERS YET. PLEASE RESPOND QUICKLY IF I SHOULD NOT. THANK YOU, [XXX] REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC

NHTSA ID 11364820 · filed Oct 17, 2020

UNSAFE TO DRIVE SPECIALLY DRIVING OVER 40 MILES

NHTSA ID 11306404 · filed Jan 31, 2020
All 10 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Chevrolet Suburban. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 133,000. The contact stated that at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 233,793.

NHTSA ID 11715292 · filed Feb 3, 2026

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE RPMS REDUCED TO 0 AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, ALL THE DOORS UNLOCKED AND LOCKED AND THE RADIO BEGAN TO TURN ON AND OFF. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO WAIT A COUPLE OF MINUTES BEFORE SHE WERE ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY FIVE TIMES. THE CONTACT CALLED RAINBOW CHEVROLET (LOCATED AT 2020 W AIRLINE HWY, LA PLACE, LA 70068, 985-718-4683), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURES WERE RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V827000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.*JB

NHTSA ID 11282409 · filed Nov 26, 2019
All 9 reports naming electrical

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving with the cruise control feature activated, there was a clanking noise coming from under the vehicle, and the contact smelled a fuel odor. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and inspected. The contact stated that the fuel tank was swollen. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who could not provide a cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 191,000.

NHTSA ID 11604440 · filed Jul 25, 2024

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, he heard an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. Upon visual inspection, the contact observed that the rear fuel tank had expanded abnormally and was resting on the driveshaft. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and remained at the residence. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 17V664000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA ID 11529199 · filed Jun 27, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

UNSAFE TO DRIVE SPECIALLY DRIVING OVER 40 MILES

NHTSA ID 11306404 · filed Jan 31, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING DOWN A MOUNTAIN AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE BRAKE LINES FRACTURED. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAUSE THE VEHICLE DROVE THROUGH A STOP SIGN. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT. THE DEALER (DEAN PATTERSON CHEVROLET, 101 PLEASANT VALLEY BLVD, ALTOONA, PA 16602, (814) 942-2222) WAS CONTACTED AND INDICATED THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION, AND THE BRAKE LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 11104491 · filed Jun 28, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WAITED UNTIL THE RAIN STOPPED, AND RESUMED DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RANDY WISE BUICK GMC DEALER (2530 OWENS RD, FENTON, MI) AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE WIPERS WERE ONLY GOOD FOR ONE YEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE REPLACED TWO YEAR AGO BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

NHTSA ID 11021562 · filed Sep 5, 2017

CRACK THAT HAS GROWN ON THE DASHBOARD ABOVE THE STEERING COLUMN

NHTSA ID 10871144 · filed May 27, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE RECENTLY REACHED 160,000 MILES. MAINTENANCE IS UP TO DATE. TRANSMISSION APPEARS TO HAVE AN INTERMITTENT FAULT WITH ITS OPERATION AS IT WILL THROW ITSELF OUT OF DRIVE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. WE ARE UNABLE TO SAFELY DRIVE THIS VEHICLE NOW DUE TO ITS UNPREDICTABILITY.

NHTSA ID 11246388 · filed Aug 26, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ABNORMAL AND OVERPOWERING ODOR WAS PRESENT IN THE REAR INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S FOUR SMALL CHILDREN WERE ASLEEP IN THE REAR ROW SEATS AND WHEN CALLED UPON, DID NOT AWAKEN TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE TO INSPECT FURTHER AND DISCOVERED THE ODOR. ADDITIONALLY, ALL FOUR CHILDREN HAD BECOME ASPHYXIATED BY THE FUMES. TWO OF THE FOUR CHILDREN WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE CHILDREN'S ASTHMA REACTED TO THE OVERPOWERING ODOR, AND WERE GIVEN MEDICATION FOR TREATMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ONE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL FLUID HAD OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER FOR THE REPAIRS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE AND NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CONTACT ALSO EXPERIENCED RAPID ACCELERATION FAILURE WHILE SITTING AT A TRAFFIC STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TEN TIMES YET THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED EACH TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 400 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 10574427 · filed Mar 24, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The ignition key is falling out of the ignition when it is in the run position similar to other vehicles that were recalled. I am concerned that we will not be able to turn off the engine in an emergency. We are also having problems with one of the seatbelts not latching.

NHTSA ID 11521791 · filed May 13, 2023

I purchased my Suburban used in July 2018. In 2019 I realized the pretensioner for the driver's seatbelt doesn't work. I have asked my dealership if they could ask Chevy to pay for this repair, but they said they have to wait for the official recall. In my research, I have learned of other Chevy vehicles (Traverse & Malibu) in 2011 with the same problem. I have not contacted Chevrolet directly with this problem (yet). The flexible steel steel cable that connects the seatbelt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue and separate over time.

NHTSA ID 11433471 · filed Sep 18, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DASHBOARD HAS A CRACK BY AIRBAG AND ANOTHER IS STARTING ON TOP OF STEERING WHEEL AND IS SPREADING. NEVER USED ANY PRODUCTS ON DASH JUST DAMP CLOTH TO DUST. WORRIED IF AIRBAG DEPLOYS SHARP OBJECTS FROM DASH WILL CAUSE INJURY.

NHTSA ID 10882028 · filed Jul 1, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SURBUBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT SECTION OF THE DASHBOARD CRACKED IN SIX PLACES. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.

NHTSA ID 10819934 · filed Jan 13, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DASHBOARD CRACKED APART. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

NHTSA ID 11001322 · filed Jun 26, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the rear end of the vehicle was leaking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the rear end pinion yoke needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the dealer had replaced the rear end pinion yoke several times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V007000 (Suspension); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,333.

NHTSA ID 11583775 · filed Apr 18, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

PULLING A TRAILER WITH GOODYEAR MARATHON ST225/75R15 TRAILER TIRES WITH LESS THAN 1000 MILES ON THEM AND HAD A BLOWOUT WITH TREAD SEPARATION WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE INTERSTATE. TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE WAS CHECKED PRIOR TO THE TRIP.

NHTSA ID 11241407 · filed Aug 2, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .