RoadVitals

2018 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.
84
Latest Oct 14, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
13
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 2018 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

Engine

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

19
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

On August 7, 2026, while driving a rental vehicle in the Denver, Colorado area with my family, including two young children, the vehicle unexpectedly lost engine power while traveling downhill. The engine shut off, resulting in a significant reduction in brake assistance and creating an extremely dangerous situation. We were able to bring the vehicle to a stop without a collision or injury. After restarting the vehicle, the check-engine light illuminated. The vehicle was no longer considered safe to operate and ultimately required towing by the rental operator. The exact mechanical cause is UNKNOWN. I do not know whether the vehicle was subsequently inspected or repaired by a qualified service center, and I do not have access to its diagnostic or maintenance records. After the incident, I discovered that another renter had reported a substantially similar failure involving the same vehicle approximately one week earlier, including engine problems and a check-engine warning. I have since discovered an additional report of an engine-related issue involving this vehicle after my rental. Despite these recurring reports, the vehicle appears to remain available for rental to the public. I am concerned that this vehicle has a recurring, potentially unresolved defect involving engine shutdown or loss of power while driving. Such a failure creates a serious collision risk, particularly on hills, at highway speeds, or in traffic. I request that NHTSA investigate whether this vehicle's repeated failures indicate a broader engine, electrical, or powertrain safety defect. The vehicle remains in the possession or control of the rental operator and may be available for inspection. I can provide supporting documentation of the reported incidents.

NHTSA ID 11771060 · filed Oct 14, 2026

My 2018 LT Chevy suburban with 110000 miles has been giving me transmission and motor problems. I took it to chevy vannuys and they took 3 days and did nothing. I saw a recall on line for the same year. Explaining about transmission problems. Where can I go to have it fixed.

NHTSA ID 11723745 · filed Mar 12, 2026
All 19 reports naming engine →

Electrical

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

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My suburban shut off 5 times while turning. Very unsafe given I have 4 children and it could have been while we were driving on the freeway, which could have been fatal.

NHTSA ID 11769978 · filed Oct 8, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while purchasing an aftermarket warranty coverage, the warranty company informed the contact that there was a mileage discrepancy based on the Carfax report. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 123,959; however, the Carfax report listed the mileage at 129,000 one month prior to the purchase.

NHTSA ID 11730756 · filed Apr 13, 2026
All 18 reports naming electrical →

Powertrain (other)

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

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My 2018 Chevrolet Suburban is experiencing transmission problems that raise serious concerns about the reliability and potential safety of General Motors transmissions used in trucks and SUVs from this period. When I contacted an independent transmission repair shop to describe the problems, the employee immediately asked whether my vehicle was a 2014–2018 model. When I confirmed it was a 2018 Suburban, she explained that the shop encounters transmission problems in these vehicles regularly. Her familiarity with the issue, before even inspecting my vehicle, was particularly concerning. This is now the second 2018 General Motors vehicle in my household to experience significant transmission problems. My 2018 GMC Sierra previously suffered a complete transmission failure despite remaining substantially below its warranty mileage threshold. General Motors declined financial assistance because the warranty's time limitation had expired. I recognize that these are two separate vehicles and that the mechanical cause of the Suburban's current symptoms has not yet been independently confirmed. However, the recurrence of transmission problems, the repair shop's observations, and publicly reported complaints involving GM trucks and SUVs from this period warrant further investigation. I am concerned that transmission defects could cause unexpected hesitation, slipping, loss of propulsion, or unpredictable shifting, potentially creating dangerous driving conditions. I am not claiming that all these conditions have occurred in my Suburban, but I believe the potential safety implications deserve examination. I request that NHTSA investigate whether these vehicles exhibit recurring transmission defects, review relevant manufacturer technical service bulletins and consumer complaints, and determine whether additional corrective action or a safety recall is warranted.

NHTSA ID 11770116 · filed Oct 9, 2026

My suburban shut off 5 times while turning. Very unsafe given I have 4 children and it could have been while we were driving on the freeway, which could have been fatal.

NHTSA ID 11769978 · filed Oct 8, 2026
All 17 reports naming powertrain (other) →

Brakes

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

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

On August 7, 2026, while driving a rental vehicle in the Denver, Colorado area with my family, including two young children, the vehicle unexpectedly lost engine power while traveling downhill. The engine shut off, resulting in a significant reduction in brake assistance and creating an extremely dangerous situation. We were able to bring the vehicle to a stop without a collision or injury. After restarting the vehicle, the check-engine light illuminated. The vehicle was no longer considered safe to operate and ultimately required towing by the rental operator. The exact mechanical cause is UNKNOWN. I do not know whether the vehicle was subsequently inspected or repaired by a qualified service center, and I do not have access to its diagnostic or maintenance records. After the incident, I discovered that another renter had reported a substantially similar failure involving the same vehicle approximately one week earlier, including engine problems and a check-engine warning. I have since discovered an additional report of an engine-related issue involving this vehicle after my rental. Despite these recurring reports, the vehicle appears to remain available for rental to the public. I am concerned that this vehicle has a recurring, potentially unresolved defect involving engine shutdown or loss of power while driving. Such a failure creates a serious collision risk, particularly on hills, at highway speeds, or in traffic. I request that NHTSA investigate whether this vehicle's repeated failures indicate a broader engine, electrical, or powertrain safety defect. The vehicle remains in the possession or control of the rental operator and may be available for inspection. I can provide supporting documentation of the reported incidents.

NHTSA ID 11771060 · filed Oct 14, 2026

No official incident has happened yet, but the brake assist kicks in, yet does not work until it's revving engine to over 4000rpm, which causes a sudden jerk and scary sounds from engine. I have had a few instances where the vehicle did not want to stop almost causing an accident, and these have happened without anything in the car other than my daughter who is 2 and myself. The most recent problem is a weird rattling sound while going uphill. Before this going uphill is extremely sluggish, where I have the gas peddle almost to the floor, but nothing happens other than decrease in speed until it finally, about 30 seconds-1 minute, where it kicks into overdrive. Even then, speed does not increase by more than 5-10 mph depending on the incline. I have not brought it to get looked at yet, as I've seen these issues have been reported by numerous consumers without any recalls being sent out other than the breaking system update.

NHTSA ID 11686951 · filed Sep 12, 2025
All 15 reports naming brakes →

Steering

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

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TECHNICIAN - Was unable to perform test drive of vehicle. Inspected operation & found; Vehicle will not turn over, battery very weak. Removed battery, put on charger for approximately 45 minutes. Reinstalled battery. Vehicle had power but did not start. Was unable to get shifter into neutral. Found engine still not turning over. Found starter motor making clicking sounds. Got to turn over once but was very labored, but did not start. Disconnected shift cable at transmission and rolled vehicle into shop for diagnostic. - Scanned computer control modules & found; Approximately 30 codes total in multiple modules, with high and low voltage codes. - Inspected & found; Performed basic electrical faulty tracing. Performed battery test, voltage was low at 16%.Battery(new FY22) failed load test. Found starter making "thunking and clicking" sounds. Unable to move shift lever out of park position. Let battery charge an additional 1 hour and found battery failed testing. Tester states "short" which indicates internal failure. Tested starter draw, found excessive draw at 400amps, spec is 70-120amps. After testing tried to start. Engine turned over slowly for approximately 1 second and then made clicking sounds. Found body module voltage codes returned. Verified engine does turn over when manually turned with breaker bar. FURTHER SHIFT LOCK ISSUES OR OTHER ISSUES. Technician removed and replaced the starter assembly and the battery. Found engine started up and ran. Verified repair. Found shift lock still not working. Shifter will not leave the park position. Performed testing. Verified transmission will shift to drive and to reverse. Verified brake switch working properly and sending signal out to ABS module. Verified shift cable not frozen. Found no fault tracing available for this type of shift lock. Eliminated other possibilities which indicates the issue is with the shift lock actuator/gear shifter. Determined/Suspect; The shift lock actuator/gear shifter is faulty.

NHTSA ID 11550013 · filed Oct 15, 2023

While slowing down to make a left hand turn at an intersection, my vehicle suddenly lost power steering and the entire system completely shut down. There was no electronic function during that time. I had to put the vehicle in park, turn the key to the off position and then start it back up. It has happened multiple times, both at low speeds in drive and reverse. This would have caused a collision if there was oncoming traffic at the intersection at that time.

NHTSA ID 11538602 · filed Aug 15, 2023
All 8 reports naming steering →

Driver assistance

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

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Transmission will not go into drive or reverse. This also happens when car is in drive going down the road it will all of a sudden lose power and not go when pressing gas pedal. Vehicle has to completely shut off several times before it will go back into gear. No warning before it started. This can be dangerous when it happens in traffic and I can’t move car out of the road. It has not been inspected yet. Also blind spot warning does not always says it needs serviced.

NHTSA ID 11705521 · filed Dec 17, 2025

Hello, To whom it may concern, My vehicle is a 2018 Chevy Suburban with a 5.3 motor. GM produced these motors made from inferior metal and defective lifters. My engine began failing in May 2022, I've taking my vehicle to several shops for work but the problem has not been resolved. I have links below explaining the problems with these motors. There are tens of thousands of individuals with families struggle with this same problem I'm having as well. This is world wide news, I'm asking for help for myself and so many other people in these challenging times. I've contacted GM headquarters. [XXX] and [XXX] with no success, just the run around. I went to a GMC dealer here in Clarksville, TN where I reside this month. [XXX] with GMC told me he was hearing my lifters and I need not drive my vehicle. Called me in his office and told me he couldn't get my vehicle in to be looked at, but gave me another dealership contact information. I called and spoke with a gentleman by the name of [XXX] he also informed me that they were backed up and couldn't see me until October 5th. All warning lights came on in May of 2022, engine and steering and traction. Please view these links below that explain in further detail. Thank you for your time and help! My Contact information [XXX] https://youtu.be/EwOQbnFcAOc https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2021/12/are-there-new-problems-with-gm-v-8-engine-lifters-lurking/ INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID 11486055 · filed Sep 23, 2022

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.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The 2nd row of the vehicle has 2 captain chairs and both seatbelt retractors failed.

NHTSA ID 11626968 · filed Nov 23, 2024

The second row - driver's side seat belt no longer was retracting, making the seat unsafe. This belt had been slow to retract since we purchased this vehicle from the dealership in June 2022, but it stopped retracting in mid January 2023. As my extended warranty only covers drive chain, the dealer charged me $627.43 for parts and labor to replace the seat belt. It is disappointing that Chevrolet does not warranty the basic safety equipment for the life of the vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11504915 · filed Feb 1, 2023

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.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I am reporting a safety issue involving a Cybex Eternis S child car seat. The seat was manufactured on 02/28/2020 and has a printed expiration date of 02/25/2030, indicating a 10 year usable life. At approximately five years of use, the head impact foam failed and is broken into two separate pieces. The foam pieces are detached. This foam is a required safety component. Cybex customer service confirmed in writing that if the head impact foam is detached or broken into separate pieces, the seat does not meet safety requirements and should not be used. Cybex also confirmed that no replacement part is available and no repair or remedy is offered. As a result, the seat is unsafe and unusable halfway through its stated usable life, with no ability to repair or replace the failed safety component. This raises concerns about product safety support for child restraint systems marketed with extended usable lifespans.

NHTSA ID 11716042 · filed Feb 5, 2026

Wheels 22" Chrome upgrade from the standard wheels from the factory The tire bead where the chrome meets the interior alloy metal corrodes. Thetires start losing air pressure. The tires should be 35 PSI. The front tire dropped to 23 PSI making sterring pull to the right. This is a problem with all 4 tires on the 2018 Chev Suburban Premier. I need to check tire pressure weekly

NHTSA ID 11693400 · filed Oct 14, 2025

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

Airbags

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

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

STARTED ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO, DRIVER AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON DASH. RESET IT AND ALERT STAYED OFF FOR A WHILE AND THEN STAYED ON CONSTANTLY. TOOK VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED, AWAITING PARTS. DEALER STATED IT WAS AIRBAG IN THE OVERHEAD AREA OF THE DRIVER. I DON'T KNOW IF VEHICLE PART HAS BEEN INSPECTED. AWAITING COMPLETION OF THE REPAIR.

NHTSA ID 11503260 · filed Jan 23, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while attempting to register her vehicle at the state DMV, she was advised that the vehicle did not have airbags. The contact had purchased the vehicle from a third party and not a dealer. The contact stated that the state DMV would not register her vehicle due to the absence of airbags. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics who informed her that all air bags were not installed on the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

NHTSA ID 11489035 · filed Oct 12, 2022

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

Fuel system

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

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

On August 7, 2026, while driving a rental vehicle in the Denver, Colorado area with my family, including two young children, the vehicle unexpectedly lost engine power while traveling downhill. The engine shut off, resulting in a significant reduction in brake assistance and creating an extremely dangerous situation. We were able to bring the vehicle to a stop without a collision or injury. After restarting the vehicle, the check-engine light illuminated. The vehicle was no longer considered safe to operate and ultimately required towing by the rental operator. The exact mechanical cause is UNKNOWN. I do not know whether the vehicle was subsequently inspected or repaired by a qualified service center, and I do not have access to its diagnostic or maintenance records. After the incident, I discovered that another renter had reported a substantially similar failure involving the same vehicle approximately one week earlier, including engine problems and a check-engine warning. I have since discovered an additional report of an engine-related issue involving this vehicle after my rental. Despite these recurring reports, the vehicle appears to remain available for rental to the public. I am concerned that this vehicle has a recurring, potentially unresolved defect involving engine shutdown or loss of power while driving. Such a failure creates a serious collision risk, particularly on hills, at highway speeds, or in traffic. I request that NHTSA investigate whether this vehicle's repeated failures indicate a broader engine, electrical, or powertrain safety defect. The vehicle remains in the possession or control of the rental operator and may be available for inspection. I can provide supporting documentation of the reported incidents.

NHTSA ID 11771060 · filed Oct 14, 2026

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN DEC OF 2019 USED. 35,000 MILES. NOW HAS 88,000 AND THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. REGULAR OIL CHANGES. NO WARNING LIGHTS. NO ISSUES. STOPPED RUNNING. AFTER HAVING SOMEONE LOOK AT IT TO SEE WHAT THE ISSUE WAS, THE MECHANIC SAID THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION HAS TO EITHER BE REBUILT OR REPLACED.

NHTSA ID 11395943 · filed Feb 12, 2021

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The car was slowly making right hand turn when we heard a loud noise and stopped the car Once we got out, we saw that right wheel was completely torn out. We have videos and pictures. If it would happened on the higher speed, we would be dead. The car shop told us that they never seen anything like that in the past. Per their report, upper control arm broke off then the rest followed: lower control arm, ball joint, outer tie rod, poss inner tie rod, sway bar link, abs sensor connector. Consumer also learned from dealer that certain parts do not exist anymore and new ones are available.

NHTSA ID 11449831 · filed Feb 1, 2022

THE AUTOMATIC AIR SUSPENSION HAS FAILED SEVERAL TIMES WHEN TOWING. THE SHOCKS LEAK, THE COMPRESSOR DOES NOT TURN ON, AND SOMETIMES, IF IT DOES TURN ON, THE BAGS DO NOT DEFLATE. WHEN THEY DO NOT INFLATE IT CAUSES DANGEROUS SAGGING AND SQUATTING. WHEN THEY INFLATE AND DO MOT DEFLATE AFTER TOWING THE REAR SUSPENSION IS VERY STIFF AND DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AROUND IN. I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE IN OVER 5 TIMES TO FIX THE ISSUE AND CHEVY HAS BEEN UNABLE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2018.

NHTSA ID 11390521 · filed Jan 28, 2021

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

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to merge onto the freeway at approximately 50-55 mph, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact attempted to accelerate to approximately 70 -75 mph when the vehicle failed to accelerate. The transmission suddenly failed without any warning lights. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.

NHTSA ID 11500265 · filed Jan 5, 2023

I purchased the vehicle in June. On a trip in July the transmission stopped functioning in the middle of a major highway. There was no warning and the car just stopped. After getting it to a service dealer in the state we were traveling in, we were told it was the transmission. The car had less than 34,000 miles on it. Fast forward to today and 4 garage visits later, I know own a vehicle that I am told by service dept could need an entire transmission. At less than 40,000 miles.

NHTSA ID 11437798 · filed Oct 22, 2021

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

Body & structure

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

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

FRAME WAX PEELING, RESULTING IN CORROSION. AT THE CURRENT RATE, CORROSION WILL AFFECT THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE FRAME IN THE FUTURE. PROBLEM MAY HAVE RESULTED FROM IMPROPER WAX APPLICATION TECHNIQUE OR IMPROPER PREPARATION OF FRAME PRIOR TO WAX APPLICATION. NORMAL VEHICLE USE.

NHTSA ID 11208243 · filed May 17, 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 .