Owners have filed 193 complaints
about the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban with NHTSA between 2012 and 2026.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 27 of 32 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 31
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Suburban. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 24
4.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 23
13% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2011 compares with every other Chevrolet Suburban
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
1982.6%
Speedometer/Odometer
14.3%
Adaptive Cruise Control
14.3%
Hoses, Lines/Piping, AND Fittings
14.3%
Interior/Under Dash
14.3%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
32.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
32.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
54.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2217.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3931.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3124.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1411.1%
150,000+ miles
97.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Dec 2012peak 10May 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
Recalls on the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
21V050000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and Sierra 3500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
21V054000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI,
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
14V827000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.
Risk: If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2021028295,974 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Action: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the passenger-front airbag. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.
Recall 20205919,660 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: Long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Note: This recall is for vehicles that were originally sold or ever registered in certain areas of the United States that experience high or moderate levels of heat and humidity, and that were subsequently imported into Canada. Affected states: American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), Virginia and West Virginia. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the passenger-front airbag inflator. Note: This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all air
Recall 20194205,327 units in Canada
Other
Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk: Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.
Recall 20163077,809 units in Canada
Airbag
This Safety Improvement Program was replaced by Transport Canada Recall No. 2020-591. General Motors Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Program involving passenger airbag inflators in vehicles that were originally sold or ever registered in certain areas of the United States that experience high or moderate levels of heat and humidity, and that were subsequently imported into Canada. Dealers will replace the passenger inflator on affected vehicles. Owners who believe their vehicles may have been originally purchased or registered in the states listed below should contact a General Motors dealer. This action is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Affected states: American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), Virginia and West Virginia.
Recall 201500210,651 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, a defect in the ignition lock cylinder could cause the key to stick in the "start" position if the vehicle interior temperature is sufficiently high. If the vehicle is operated in this condition and the interior temperature cools or the vehicle goes off-road or is subjected to some other jarring event, the key could move out of the "start" position, rotate past the "run" position and into the "accessory" position. If this were to occur, engine power, power steering and power braking would be affected, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. The timing of the key movement out of the “run” position, relative to the activation of the sensing algorithm of the crash event, may also result in the airbags not deploying in a subsequent collision, increasing the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect the steering column for identifying information and replace if necessary.
Recall 20130223 units in Canada
Label
Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 – Tire Selection and Rims. The vehicle’s seating capacity for the front row is wrongly indicated as three (3) occupants instead of two (2) on the Tire and Loading Information vehicle placard. The typographical error is readily apparent as the vehicle is equipped with two (2) front seating positions separated by floor space. Correction: No corrective recall action is required as this technical non-compliance is deemed to be non-safety related.
Recall 201124097 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, the intermediate steering shaft attaching bolts may not have received adequate tightening torque during vehicle assembly. This could allow the joint to separate, resulting in a loss of steering capability. A loss of steering control could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will tighten the intermediate steering shaft bolts to specifications.
Recall 20104543,945 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain vehicles, the rear axle cross pin was improperly heat treated (during the manufacturing process) and could fracture and become displaced within the rear differential. As a result the driver may hear a banging noise emanating from the rear axle. Also, if the pin shifts out of position it could create an interference and cause the rear axle to lock. This could cause a loss of vehicle control, which could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the rear axle cross pin.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 92,376 milesRhome, TXCrash3 injured
AIR BAGS
WE WERE ON A TWO LANE ROAD HEADING WESTBOUND. EAST BOUND VEHICLE CROSSED CENTER STRIP STRIKING OUR FRONT DRIVERS SIDE OF VEHICLE. WE WERE ON A CURVE IN THE ROAD, TRAVELING APPROX 40-45MPH WHILE OTHER VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING THE SAME MPH IF NOT MORE. OUR VEHICLE SUSTAINED FRAME DAMAGE TO THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE AS WELL AS ALL AIRBAGS DEPLOYING EXCEPT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG/IN SEAT AIRBAG. AIRBAGS THAT DID DEPLOY INCLUDE: STEERING WHEEL, DRIVERS CURTAIN, DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG/SEAT, PASSENGER DASH BOARD, PASSENGER CURTAIN, MIDDLE ROW CURTAINS (BOTH SIDES), 3RD ROW CURTAINS (BOTH SIDES). PASSENGER SITTING IN FRONT SEAT IS AN ADULT AND LARGE ENOUGH THAT THE AIRBAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. ATTACHED ARE PICTURES TO SHOW ALL AIRBAGS IN FRONT ROW, AS WELL AS VEHICLE DAMAGE AND POLICE REPORT. I HAVE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS TO SHOW THE REST OF THE AIRBAGS IF NEEDED.
NHTSA complaint #11025280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,500 milesNaples, FLCrash
AIR BAGS
ALTHOUGH GM SAYS THAT THE TRUCK IS SAFE, I FEEL THAT DRIVING A POTENTIALLY LETHAL TRUCK WITH DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS, WHOSE CONDITION IS MADE MUCH WORSE BECAUSE OF THE HEAT AND HUMIDITY OF SW FLORIDA, I DO NOT FEEL IT IS SAFE AT ALL.
NHTSA complaint #10893999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,540 milesJohnson City, NYCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
DRIVING WITH A TRAVEL TRAILER IN TOW IN I-81 IN NY ON 6/15/16 WE SUDDENLY HAD EXTREME SWAY. MY CAR/TRAILER HAD VERY GOOD HITCH/ANTI-SWAY DEVICES. WITHOUT MUCH NOTICE, I LOST CONTROL. I BELIEVE THE FRAME SUPPORTING THE HITCH RECEIVER FAILED CAUSING A BAD ACCIDENT RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF OUR TOW VEHICLE AND OUR AIRSTREAM 25 FOOT TRAVEL TRAILER. I AM A VERY EXPERIENCED DRIVER WITH THIS COMBINATION OF TOW VEHICLE, TRAVEL TRAILER, AND HITCH CONFIGURATION. THE ONSET AND MAGNITUDE OF THE SWAY (VIOLENT) CAUSED ME TO LOSE CONTROL AS WE WERE GOING 65 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. I HAVE TOWED THIS SAME CONFIGURATION FOR TENS OF THOUSANDS OF MILES WITH NO INSTANCES OF PROBLEMS. SOMETHING DRASTIC HAPPENED! I WAS PASSING A SLOW MOVING CAR , SO WAS IN THE RIGHT LANE HEADING SOUTH WHEN I STARTED TO SWAY. I REACHED FOR THE BRAKE CONTROLLER IN AN ATTEMPT TO APPLY THE TRAILER BRAKES. THE SWAY DRASTICALLY ACCELERATED TO THE EXTENT I WAS UNABLE TO REACH THE BRAKE CONTROLLER DUE TO THE VIOLENT MOTION. WITHIN A FEW SECONDS, MY VEHICLE CAME TO REST AGAINST THE GUARDRAIL ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY (HEADING NORTH) WITH THE TRAILER JACKNIFED/PERPENDICULAR TO THE GUARDRAIL SUCH THAT I WAS BLOCKING BOTH LANES OF THE HIGHWAY. I EXAMINED THE HITCH AND TRAILER COUPLING AND ALL SEEMED NORMAL EXCEPT FOR DAMAGE FROM THE CRASH. THE HITCH FRAME OF THE SUBURBAN WAS TORN AND TOTALLY RIPPED FROM THE VEHICLE ON ONE SIDE.
NHTSA complaint #10875151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesMontpelier, VA2 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE REAR LIFT GATE ON MY 2011 SUBURBAN HAS BEGUN TO SPONTANEOUSLY CLOSE ON ITS OWN. IT KNOCKED MY HUSBAND DOWN OVER THE WEEKEND AND CONKED ME ON THE HEAD YESTERDAY WHILE I WAS PARKED AND LOADING GROCERIES- GLAD I DIDN'T NEED STITCHES! THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND I HOPE CHEVROLET WILL WORK TO RECTIFY IT. A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH WILL TELL YOU THAT MANY, MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH SUBURBANS AND OTHER CHEVY MODELS.
NHTSA complaint #10836823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 400 milesArlington, TX4 injured
POWER TRAIN
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 complaint #10574427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 400 milesArlington, TX4 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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 complaint #10574427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Minneapolis, MN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am experiencing the symptoms listed for the ignition coil recall listed 20011 suburban, but the recall is not on my vin. I've been experiencing the symptoms for quite some time now yrs even, but didn't know about the ignition recall. I've been replacing and fixing the parts and damage to the vehicle. Fortunately no accidents or injuries to report. I am currently experiencing my door locks cycling , brief losses of power while vehicle is in drive, on highway, My electrical components periodically work seat warmer, sensors oil, air, coil packs, cooling fans (the relays keeps burning out), Ac motor, water pump, cruise control, the main fuse, and 4 x4 engaging on its own.
NHTSA complaint #11737613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 complaint #11715292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Zionsville, IN
AIR BAGS
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 complaint #11645734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 191,000 milesGreenwood, IN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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 complaint #11604440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,333 milesCamden Wyoming, DE
SUSPENSION
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 complaint #11583775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesBrooksville, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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 complaint #11529199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St Charles, MO
SEAT BELTS
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 complaint #11521791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denison, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dash cracked and cruise control wont turn on when button pushed.
NHTSA complaint #11494786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denison, TX
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Dash cracked and cruise control wont turn on when button pushed.
NHTSA complaint #11494786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, NY
AIR BAGS
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 complaint #11458139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bismarck, ND
AIR BAGS
Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11453455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hemet, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
A leak in the AC evaporator hose is a hazard to the environment. The replacement part is not manufactured.
NHTSA complaint #11451697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jeffersonville, OH
AIR BAGS
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who stated the parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified and referred the contact to NHTSA. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.
NHTSA complaint #11444447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winter Garden, FL
SEAT BELTS
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 complaint #11433471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boaz, AL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The dash has broken apart on the top in front of the driver. It constantly vibrates and makes a loud distracting noise. There is no way to stop this noise and it causes the driver to constantly hold the broken part down with their hand taking their attention off the road. Our Chevrolet dealer inspected it and said they've had lots of similar complaints. He also said it would cost us $2,000 to fix the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11431835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesMidland, TX
AIR BAGS
THE DASHBOARD CRACKED AROUND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AREA AND ABOVE THE TOP OF THE DRIVER SIDE INSTRUMENT PANEL.
NHTSA complaint #11416284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesMidland, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE DASHBOARD CRACKED AROUND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AREA AND ABOVE THE TOP OF THE DRIVER SIDE INSTRUMENT PANEL.
NHTSA complaint #11416284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,056 milesMerritt Island, FL
AIR BAGS
THIS IS A FLORIDA VEHICLE WHERE HEAT AND HUMIDITY (THE MAJOR FACTORS IDENTIFIED WITH FAILURES OF THESE AIRBAGS/INFLATORS) CAN CAUSE MY SUBURBAN TO BE A HIGH RISK TO ME AND MY FAMILY. WE SUBMITTED FOR THIS RECALL IN 2016 AND HAVE YET TO BE CONTACTED ON STATUS OR ESTIMATED TIME FOR THE PARTS/PROCEDURES TO BE READY TO COMPLETE THIS REPAIR. AS GM DISAGREES WITH THIS RECALL, THEY APPEAR TO BE STALLING IN HOPES THAT THE VEHICLES WILL JUST BE RETIRED BEFORE THEY HAVE TO REPAIR THEM. WE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL PEOPLE DIE FOR THE NHTSA TO FORCE THE HAND ON GM TO IMPLEMENT THIS RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #11384623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesSneads Ferry, NC
ENGINE
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).
NHTSA complaint #11364820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Antonio, TX
AIR BAGS
I'M WRITING THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE GM HAS YET TO ISSUE A SOLUTION FOR THE RECALL ON THE AIRBAGS. WHEN WILL GM ISSUE THE FIX, WITH ALL THESE NEW RECALLS COMING OUT ON THE TAKATA AIR BAGS I AM DEEPLY CONCERNED WITH WHY THIS ISSUE HASN'T BEEN ADDRESSED WITH MY VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11364306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesHarrodsburg, KY
AIR BAGS
DASH CRACKING AROUND AIRBAG HOUSING
NHTSA complaint #11353643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesWendell, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE DASHBOARD IS CRACKED AND WAS ALREADY CRACKED WHEN WE BOUGHT THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11330818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesWendell, NC
STRUCTURE
THE DASHBOARD IS CRACKED AND WAS ALREADY CRACKED WHEN WE BOUGHT THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11330818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,000 milesThiells, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
A CRACK HAS FORMED ON THE DASHBOARD ABOVE THE GAUGES AND STEERING WHEEL.
NHTSA complaint #11317498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesRepublic, MO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
ENGINE LIGHT ON-DIAGNOSIS P0455. LAST 2YRS TOOK TO MANY REPAIR SHOPS. REPLACED, GAS CAP, PURGE VALVE, CANISTER VALVE, CHARCOAL CANISTER. TOOK TO CHEVY. THEY REPLACED PURGE VALVE BECAUSE THEY SAID OTHER MECHANICS USED NON CHEVY PARTS. ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. CHEVY DID SMOKE TEST AND SWORE IT WAS THE FUEL SENSOR COST $1200+. ENGINE LIGHT BACK ON AFTER A WEEK. ANOTHER SMOKE TEST AND NOW PRESSURE TEST BLEW A SMALL SECTION OF FUEL TANK WHERE IT NOW LEAKS. CHEVY SAID THE SEAL MOST LIKELY NOT SEATED PROPERLY AND I NEED A NEW FUEL TANK ABOUT $1000. BUT THEY CAN'T GUARANTEE THIS IS THE CAUSE OF THE ENGINE LIGHT. I CAN'T AFFORD ANOTHER $1000 ESPECIALLY IF THIS DOESNT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. ALREADY SPENT THOUSANDS FIXING DIFFERENT PARTS. VEHICLE GETS ABOUT 12MPG AND HAS IN THE PAST LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING AS IF NOT ENOUGH FUEL IS GETTING THROUGH BUT THAT HASNT HAPPENED IN SOME TIME. WONDER IF ANYONE ELSE HAVING THIS P0455 ISSUE?
NHTSA complaint #11315633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.