2011 Chevrolet Suburban Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
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
- Airbags6645.2%
- Body & structure2617.8%
- Driver assistance106.8%
- Engine106.8%
- Electrical96.2%
- Fuel system64.1%
- Brakes64.1%
- Visibility32.1%
- Powertrain (other)32.1%
- Seat belts21.4%
- Steering21.4%
- Interior & seats10.7%
- Suspension10.7%
- Other / unspecified10.7%
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.
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.
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.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE DASHBOARD IS CRACKED AND WAS ALREADY CRACKED WHEN WE BOUGHT THE CAR. *TR
INTERIOR DASH BOARD IS CRACKING NEAR AIR BAG, SEVERAL PLACES ON VEHICLE
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Dash cracked and cruise control wont turn on when button pushed.
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
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
UNSAFE TO DRIVE SPECIALLY DRIVING OVER 40 MILES
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
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.
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
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
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.
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.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
UNSAFE TO DRIVE SPECIALLY DRIVING OVER 40 MILES
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.
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.
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.
CRACK THAT HAS GROWN ON THE DASHBOARD ABOVE THE STEERING COLUMN
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .