7 Best & Worst Chevy Suburban Years (Stats & Examples)

Throughout the years, demand for an SUV such as the Chevrolet Suburban has only grown, especially for drivers in need of third-row seating.

If you are in the market for an SUV for third-row seating or for advanced safety features, knowing which years are the best and worst for the Chevrolet Suburban can help you save time once you begin shopping for a make and model that is right for you.

Note that General Motors is also behind the GMC Suburbans models. Here are the best and worst years for GMC Suburban.

The Chevrolet Suburban originally debuted in 1933 as a classic station wagon. Since then, it has evolved into a luxury modern SUV, suitable for up to 8-9 passengers, depending on the year and trim chosen.

Before selecting a Chevrolet Suburban that is right for you and your household, compare features that stand out for both the best and worst Chevrolet Suburban years.

Best Years for the Chevrolet Suburban

The Chevrolet Suburban has plenty to offer.

However, a few specific years stand out among the rest.

1. 2019 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2019 is one of the most impressive modern makes of the Chevy Suburban with its third-row seating options and 6.2L V8 engine.

Included with the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban is a 10-speed automatic transmission with 420 HP, or horsepower. The 2019 has the fewest consumer reports when it comes to reliability.

Some of the most notable features of the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban include:

• Third-row seating available for up to nine passengers in total
• Impressive V8 engine with increased acceleration and additional cargo room for added storage needs
• Above-average cargo storage room

2. 1993 Chevrolet Suburban

Although the 1993 Chevrolet Suburban is extremely outdated in terms of modern design, it is still known as one of the best Chevy Suburbans on the market today.

Impressive how long the Chevy Surban will last.

With a base V8 engine (5.7L), it gets up to 60 MPH in under 10 seconds, which is quite impressive for an SUV released in 1993.

This Chevrolet Suburban also has few customer complaints, with most users reporting the ability to receive up to 450,000 driving miles before any issues begin to occur.

Some of the most notable features of the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban include:

• Extensive storage room
• No major issues for most drivers until after an estimated 450,000 miles
• 4-speed automatic transmission
• V8 cylinder engine with 210 HP @ 4000 RPM
• 300 lb-ft torque @ 2800 RPM

3. 1995 Chevrolet Suburban

Although at first glance, the 1995 Chevrolet Suburban may appear outdated in its design, it should not be underestimated when it comes to performance and longevity.

The 1995 Chevrolet Suburban is one of the most well-known years of the Chevrolet Suburban due to its power and reliability.

Owners of the 1995 make of the Suburban rave about the vehicle’s ability to maintain fuel mileage and its ability to tackle just about any terrain without issue.

Some of the most notable features of the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban include:

• 5.7 L V8 base engine (on all base trims)
• 200 HP when the vehicle is at 400 RPM
• 310 LB-GT of torque (2400 RPMs)
• 4×4 AWD

4. 2010 Chevrolet Suburban

For those in the market for a luxury, yet affordable SUV, the 2010 is ranked as one of the highest options available, regardless of budget.

With five trims and a 5.3 L V8 base engine, it’s no wonder so many turned to the 2010 Chevrolet Suburban for their SUV pick of the year.

Some of the most notable features of the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban include:

• 5.3 L V8 base engine with active fuel management solution fully-integrated
• 6.0 L V8 engine available for 2500 models
• 2500 model includes the ability to tow up to 9,600 lbs
• Blind zone technology included
• Rear audio controls included
• USB ports built-in

5. 2019 Chevrolet Suburban

In many circles, the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban stands above the rest in terms of reliability, power, performance, and safety features.

From the ability to tow up to 9 passengers with additional impressive cargo space, the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban has no shortage of forward-thinking features and technologies. Overall, the 2019 has an 83% rating when it comes to its useful lifespan by verified owners.

Some of the most notable features of the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban include:

• 6.2L V8 engine on base trims
• 460 lb-ft of torque
• 10-speed automatic transmission
• 420 HP, or horsepower
• Seats up to 9 passengers
• Impressive cargo space

Worst Years for the Chevrolet Suburban

Whenever you are in the market for a new vehicle, including an SUV such as the Chevrolet Suburban, it is important to review both the good and the bad, including the worst years of the vehicle.

Knowing which years of the Chevrolet Suburban to avoid can help you on your journey to finding the perfect SUV.

1. 2003 Chevrolet Suburban

Unfortunately, the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban is plagued with a myriad of issues, including transmission troubles, as reported by owners.

Out of all vehicles listed on the publicly available NHTSA, the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban is one of the worst-rated vehicles of all time.

With instrument panels failing, and inaccurate readings while driving, owners of the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban are often left clueless whenever an incident occurs while on the road or behind the wheel.

Issues with the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban include, but are not limited to:

• Inaccurate gage and panel readings
• Instrument panel issues
• Fuel system failures
• Seat belt connection failure
• Exterior light flickering (on and off)

2. 2004 Chevrolet Suburban

Another year of the Chevrolet Suburban that should be avoided at all costs is the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban, due to the sheer number of complaints lodged against the vehicle.

Most of the complaints lodged against the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban and issues related to the make itself include:

• Electrical wiring and system malfunctioning (this is the biggest issue reported among divers and owners of the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban).
• Engine troubles (starting and turning over ileus)
• Fuel system issues
• Wheel connection and maintenance troubles
• Reports of plastic or cheap interior

What Chevrolet Suburban years are the most reliable?

While comparing both the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Suburban, choosing a year that is reliable can also help you to maintain your own peace of mind.

2020 Chevrolet Suburban

Going with a modern 2020 Chevrolet Suburban is a way to maintain peace of mind knowing that you have advanced safety features right at your fingertips.

In addition to a 10-speed automatic transmission and powerful 6.2L V8 engine, the vehicle itself soars in safety and reliability rankings.

Additionally, 92% of owners of the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban recommend this year to other drivers who are on the road.

2019 Chevrolet Suburban

Another model to consider for reliability is the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. Most modern makes of the Chevrolet Suburban are extremely impressive with their power, performance, and safety features.

In addition to its powerful 6.2L V8 engine (with 10-speed automatic transmission included), other features include the ability to carry up to 9 passengers in total.

Most owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban recommend the vehicle to others and are satisfied with the safety and performance features that are included, even on the most basic trims.

What Chevrolet Suburban years should you avoid?

Any time you are in the market for a new vehicle, including a mid or full-sized SUV, it’s important to know which years of SUV you should always avoid.

Not all makes and models of SUVs are created equally, which is why it is essential to familiarize yourself with the Chevrolet Suburban years that should be avoided before making a decision that is right for you and your household.

2007 Chevrolet Suburban

One of the most problematic years for the Chevrolet Suburban has to be 2007.

Currently, the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban has nearly 900 complaints in total, making it the year of the Chevrolet Suburban that has received the most backlash from customers in history.

The most notable issues with the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban include:

• Excessive engine oil consumption: This is the biggest complaint against the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban. Unfortunately, drivers of the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban also state that this issue typically occurs without any signs of evidence of an existing leak.
• Engine failure: Reports of the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban dying out while driving due to collapsed valve filters is not an uncommon complaint lodged by owners. This issue typically occurs after at least 55,000 miles on the road.

2016 Chevrolet Suburban

Another one of the more recent Chevrolet Suburban years to avoid is 2016.

Altogether, there are more than 20 major issues reported by drivers and owners of the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban, making this year one of the most unsafe and notorious for negative reviews.

A few of the issues that drivers of the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban are said to have experienced when behind the wheel include:

• Hydraulic system issues are some of the most commonly reported problems for owners of the 2016 Suburban.
• Service brakes also tend to cause trouble for owners of the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban, regardless of the mileage on the vehicle.
• Transmission issues: Transmission issues are not uncommon, especially after hitting 30-50,000 miles.

What are some typical problems with the Chevrolet Suburban models?

Check here for more on problems with Chevy Suburbans.

Before choosing a Chevrolet Suburban year that is right for your driving, towing, or transporting needs, knowing what problems are typical with the Suburban is highly advisable.

The more familiar you are with the common problems you are likely to encounter with a particular vehicle, the less likely you are to feel caught off-guard once you experience unfamiliar sounds, noises, or functions while driving.

Engine Trouble

Engine issues are common with the Chevrolet Suburban, unfortunately. This issue is not exclusive to one year or another, either.

Most issues with the engine lie with the 2009 Chevrolet Suburban, where oil consumption is excessive. Other years where engine issues are most prevalent include both 2007 and 2015.

Service Brakes

In the 2003, 2004, and 2018 models of the Chevrolet Suburban, it is not uncommon for drivers to experience issues with their service brakes.

In some cases, the brakes may not be pressed down completely, resulting in the inability to stop the vehicle (even while driving).

Air Conditioner Condenser Leak

In two of the years of the Chevrolet Suburban, 2014 and 2017, drivers reported a lack of cool air due to an A/C condenser leak in the vehicle.

In some instances, water vapor is also reported to have frozen, causing hoses to burst once the condenser cracks.

Airbag Recalls

Most of the Chevrolet Suburban vehicles on the market do not have any issues reported with their airbag system.

However, for some owners of the 2014, the Takata airbag recall resulted in more than 100 million vehicles, including the 2014 Chevrolet Suburban being impacted.

Fortunately, this is the only year of the Chevrolet Suburban has had any reports regarding a system failure when it comes to airbag deployment.

Sources:

2023 Chevy Suburban Prices, Reviews, and Pictures | Edmunds

8 Best And Worst Years For The Chevy Suburban Ranked In 2022 (wvdot.com)

Used 1993 Chevrolet Suburban Specs & Features | Edmunds