Owners have filed 62 complaints
about the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban with NHTSA between 2020 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 20 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 — 10
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Suburban. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 33
6.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
61% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2020 compares with every other Chevrolet Suburban
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
844.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
211.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
15.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
15.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
527.8%
150,000+ miles
15.6%
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.
Feb 2020peak 6Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2020 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
26V289000
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe vehicles. A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.
Risk: Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
21V115000
TIRES
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
19V837000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Camaro, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump may be missing a pressure regulator, allowing for over-pressurization of the fuel system.
Risk: Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
19V761000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
Risk: Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20211032,360 units in Canada
Tires
Issue: Certain vehicles were built with tires that may have been cured too long. As a result, the sidewall could crack or the tread and belts could separate. This could lead to a sudden loss of air pressure and could cause a tire failure. Note: This recall only affects certain Continental tires, with specific date codes and mold numbers. Safety Risk: A tire failure could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify the owners by mail and instruct them to take the vehicle to a dealer to inspect and replace the tires, if necessary.
Recall 201953337,378 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, there may be an error in the electronic-brake control module software. This could cause the driveline-protection system to activate when a wheel-speed sensor fails. If this happens, the brakes could apply and cause the vehicle to pull to one side. Note: This recall only affects vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive, a 5.3-L engine, and a 3.08 ratio rear axle. The problem can only occur when the vehicle is in four-wheel drive or automatic mode, and travelling at a speed between 66 and 97 km/h (41 and 60 mph). A wheel-speed sensor failure will cause the electronic stability control (ESC) and anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning lights to turn on, and a "Service StabiliTrak" message to display. Safety Risk: A vehicle that suddenly pulls to one side could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the electronic-brake control module software. General Motors advises that using two-wheel-drive mode can eliminate the risk until the recall repair is completed.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Yonkers, NYFire
ENGINE
I put vehicle in Chevy dealership 7/8/24 for cold start knocking sound. Dealers called 2 days later said it was defective lifter issue on the 6.2 liter GM engine.Dealer ordered new engine.on 8/23/24 while test driving vehicle with new engine in it while driving on the highway a fire started under the engine. I was told by dealer that people were telling the driver the vehicle was on fire. He abandoned the vehicle on the highway as it burned up inside and outside. Fire trucks put the fire out.Vehicle is total loss. Waiting two weeks for GM to tell me what they will do to help me. No reply to phone calls or emails unless I call them to check and find out what is going on. I wrote email to GM CEO and no reply. Insurance for me offered me pay out of current value. GMis supposedly going to investigate the vehicle and the cause of fire. Lifter issue is widespread on these engines. Many lawsuits. Vehicle is still in dealer lot burned up waiting for gm to investigate it. I am getting no resolution from GM to help me fully recover from this with new vehicle. If no one had told mechanic that vehicle was on fire who knows if he would have gotten out safely before engulfed in flames. I could not upload additional photos due to site no working.
NHTSA complaint #11612983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Jordan, UTCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
Have had starter problems since we purchased the vehicle. Starter intermittently loudly grinds when pressed 2-3 times a week and won’t start. Dealership could repeat problem once, but never fixed it. Took vehicle in at least half a dozen times. Never fixed. Car also makes an odd humming when gas is applied. This week, car started and died after driving a foot. Then car wouldn’t start at all. Brakes stiffened up and wouldn’t compress without substantial effort. Everything resolved on its own within 30 minutes. But the very next day, pulled inti position in our alley to back our Suburban into the garage. Put car in reverse. While using the back up cam (that came on like normal when car is in reverse), i applied gas. The car didn’t respond at all (didn’t even rev like what happens when you apply gas while car is in neutral). I applied a touch more gas and car all of a sudden lurched forward with the full force of a V8 engine being floored. I tried to slam on the brakes, but the brakes wouldn’t respond in such a way that i thought my shoe must have gotten stuck. It hadn’t. The brakes did not work. I don’t know how long it would have taken to finally stop because we only had 5 feet to go before we slammed into our neighbor’s house (which is what stopped our vehicle). Car is not drivable and I wouldn’t drive it if it were. It is available for inspection. Will be towed once scheduled.
NHTSA complaint #11433233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Jordan, UTCrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Have had starter problems since we purchased the vehicle. Starter intermittently loudly grinds when pressed 2-3 times a week and won’t start. Dealership could repeat problem once, but never fixed it. Took vehicle in at least half a dozen times. Never fixed. Car also makes an odd humming when gas is applied. This week, car started and died after driving a foot. Then car wouldn’t start at all. Brakes stiffened up and wouldn’t compress without substantial effort. Everything resolved on its own within 30 minutes. But the very next day, pulled inti position in our alley to back our Suburban into the garage. Put car in reverse. While using the back up cam (that came on like normal when car is in reverse), i applied gas. The car didn’t respond at all (didn’t even rev like what happens when you apply gas while car is in neutral). I applied a touch more gas and car all of a sudden lurched forward with the full force of a V8 engine being floored. I tried to slam on the brakes, but the brakes wouldn’t respond in such a way that i thought my shoe must have gotten stuck. It hadn’t. The brakes did not work. I don’t know how long it would have taken to finally stop because we only had 5 feet to go before we slammed into our neighbor’s house (which is what stopped our vehicle). Car is not drivable and I wouldn’t drive it if it were. It is available for inspection. Will be towed once scheduled.
NHTSA complaint #11433233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,500 milesWasilla, AKCrash
AIR BAGS
NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING AN ACCIDENT. VEHICLE WAS MOVING FORWARD AND HIT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT QUARTER BY ANOTHER VEHICLE DOING APPROXIMATELY 45MPH. MY SUBURBAN WAS TURNING LEFT ONTO A HIGHWAY.
NHTSA complaint #11343883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Magnolia, TX
ENGINE
There is a safety recall on GM’s 6.2L V8 L87 engine model years 2021-2024. My vehicle is a 2020 Suburban with a 6.2L V8 L87 engine. My engine recently experienced the same failure as cited in the recall, but because it is outside the 2021-2024 window it is not covered by this recall. I ask that the recall be expanded to additional years where these engines are experiencing the same failure as is covered by the current recall.
NHTSA complaint #11754702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Transmission fail Drives fine then stops accelerating
NHTSA complaint #11754536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shady Side, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I just received an email with this the following: NHTSA Recall ID Number :26V289, warning about front or rear wheel lockup. Per the NTHSA website, there is no recall. The email came from: NHTSA-ODI-Consumer-Communication@service.govdelivery.com
NHTSA complaint #11737501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesCharlotte, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. A passerby helped the contact to push the vehicle into a parking lot. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact left the vehicle in the parking lot. The following day, the vehicle restarted as intended. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the vehicle failed to start. The Push to Start button occasionally became stuck, and the contact continuously pressed the button to release it. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was taken back to the residence, and upon exiting the vehicle, the contact noticed loose cables. The contact's husband plugged the cables back into place. The failure persisted, and the vehicle remained at the residence unrepaired. The contact had not driven the vehicle due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11723053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesCharlotte, NC
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. A passerby helped the contact to push the vehicle into a parking lot. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact left the vehicle in the parking lot. The following day, the vehicle restarted as intended. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the vehicle failed to start. The Push to Start button occasionally became stuck, and the contact continuously pressed the button to release it. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was taken back to the residence, and upon exiting the vehicle, the contact noticed loose cables. The contact's husband plugged the cables back into place. The failure persisted, and the vehicle remained at the residence unrepaired. The contact had not driven the vehicle due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11723053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Centralia, MO
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Driving on interstate and gradual onset of clicking/knocking. Within 5 minutes complete loss of propulsion and throttle. RPM went to zero. Oil pressure/temperature/engine lights all fine. Dealership states "catastrophic engine failure." My family was in the vehicle. Fortunately still had power steering and brakes and able to guide vehicle to shoulder.
NHTSA complaint #11710298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Centralia, MO
ENGINE
Driving on interstate and gradual onset of clicking/knocking. Within 5 minutes complete loss of propulsion and throttle. RPM went to zero. Oil pressure/temperature/engine lights all fine. Dealership states "catastrophic engine failure." My family was in the vehicle. Fortunately still had power steering and brakes and able to guide vehicle to shoulder.
NHTSA complaint #11710298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesBarrington, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced electrical failures that caused several safety and powered components to turn off and on. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally lost power steering or windshield wiper functionality and would start functioning without having been engaged manually. The contact stated that the instrument cluster occasionally went black. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and advised the contact of Technical Service Bulletin: 18-NA-161, which addressed the electrical failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact stated that the electrical failure described in TSB: 18-NA-161 should have been a national recall due to the safety factors of the systems affected. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #11709472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I hadn’t had my car a year and my solenoid in my transmission is in need of replacement. The suv will not pick up speed above 40
NHTSA complaint #11709025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Murrieta, CA
POWER TRAIN
Transmission is not functioning properly at 74,300 miles. Engine kept slipping while driving uphill and the RPMs were not matching vehicle speed. Could not go above 50mph while merging onto freeway which was very dangerous. Whirring noise occurred every time I accelerated which was also noted By dealer and transmission shop. No check engine lights on. Took to dealer, but the misdiagnosed it since no lights were on. Took to Transmission shop, and they found that the transmission had several issues that were not displayed. Besides the shop running specific tests, there are still no warning lamps or messages displayed on the vehicle dashboard or using an OBD2 sensor.
NHTSA complaint #11704286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesLake Mary, FL
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle started shuddering. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
NHTSA complaint #11701556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madison, WI
POWER TRAIN
Our engine went at 100,800 miles, costing us $15k in June 2025. Then our transmission went 3 months later, now costing us another $7k. GM is offering very little financial assistance. It's quite inconvenient that these major mechanical issues occur right after factory warranty. It is at a dealer getting fixed, again, but how can this be ok with GM to see their product be such a failure for consumers? Recall or not, this has left a horrible taste in our mouth for GM/Chevy vehicles. We will no longer trust the longevity of their vehicles and will educate others to be weary on purchasing vehicles. We can understand mechanical failures over time, but not to this extent, and we're very disappointed in the customer service and available assistance for someone that just spent nearly $23k on a vehicle that's less than 5 years old.
NHTSA complaint #11698085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madison, WI
ENGINE
Our engine went at 100,800 miles, costing us $15k in June 2025. Then our transmission went 3 months later, now costing us another $7k. GM is offering very little financial assistance. It's quite inconvenient that these major mechanical issues occur right after factory warranty. It is at a dealer getting fixed, again, but how can this be ok with GM to see their product be such a failure for consumers? Recall or not, this has left a horrible taste in our mouth for GM/Chevy vehicles. We will no longer trust the longevity of their vehicles and will educate others to be weary on purchasing vehicles. We can understand mechanical failures over time, but not to this extent, and we're very disappointed in the customer service and available assistance for someone that just spent nearly $23k on a vehicle that's less than 5 years old.
NHTSA complaint #11698085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grants Pass, OR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The transmission is not shifting appropriately from 2nd to 3rd 3rd to 4th. There is a huge whining noise when it reaches the end before shifts. There is known issues in the 2020 suburban and this vehicle was never recalled for similar issues.
NHTSA complaint #11696536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gladstone, MI
POWER TRAIN
Driving through residential area and noticed loud noise from under hood. Went to pull out onto state highway and wasn’t able to get up to speed almost causing an accident because I could not accelerate. Had to maintain speed at or below 40mph. Brought vehicle to dealership and they confirmed that the transmission was shot. Also went to a local transmission repair shop and he stated that he sees 1-2 of this same transmission weekly. That 2016-2020 Chevrolet transmissions are no good and that Chevrolet knows this. This is a $7000 repair on a vehicle that just hit 100,000 miles. Vehicle has always been well maintained. Just wondering how GM doesn’t have a recall on this particular transmission if there are so many reported problems with it. I was fortunate to be able to pull off of the highway and take back roads to get to the dealership. There was no slipping, no warning signs whatsoever. It just made the loud noise and then boom. Done.
NHTSA complaint #11693940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maryville, TN
POWER TRAIN
SEVERE TRANSMISSION SHUDDER. LAST MONTH HAD TAKEN MY 2020 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN TO THE WEST CHEVROLET DEALER LOCATED IN ALCOA, TENNESSEE. I WAS ADVISED BY A TECH THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW TORQUE CONVERTER. I PAID 2,200.00 FOR THIS REPAIR. THIS REPAIRS DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE. AFTER PAYING MY BILL AND DRIVING THROUGH THE PARKING LOT, IT STARTED BACK IMMEDIATELY. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THEIR WAS NOTHING ELSE THEY COULD DO AFTER EXPRESSING HOW BIG OF A SAFETY CONCERN IT. SO I ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE IT HOME. AS I ENTEREDED INTO A BUSY 4 LANE HIGHWAY (ALCOA HIGHWAY) THE VEHICLE WOULD MOVE AND BEGAN SHUDDER VERY BAD, ALMOST CAUSING A CRASH. AFTER DOING LOTS OF RESEARCH, IT APPEARS I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS ISSUE. I HAVE ALSO REACHED OUT TO SEVERAL NEWS MEADIA OUTLETS TO ASSURE THIS IS ADDRESSED TO PREVENT BY FAMILY GETTING HURT AND/OR KILLED DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE 6L80 TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. PLEASE TAKE INTO CONSIDERATIONS OF THE SERIOUNESS OF THIS ISSUE. THE VEHICLE NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION THAT I CAN NOT AFFORD. THE VEHICLE HAS NO CODES/WARNING DISPLAYED ON THE DASH WHICH PUTS MY FAMNILT AND I AT RISK WHEN DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #11681887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2020 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 88,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 252,000.
NHTSA complaint #11681266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port St Lucie, FL
ENGINE
The vehicle is stuttering, intermittent, jumping, miss firing during acceleration, and hard down shifting. The check engine and forward collision unavailable light flashed as the vehicle struggled to accelerate. According to Chevrolet the camshaft and two lifter has failed.
NHTSA complaint #11680019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port St Lucie, FL
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The vehicle is stuttering, intermittent, jumping, miss firing during acceleration, and hard down shifting. The check engine and forward collision unavailable light flashed as the vehicle struggled to accelerate. According to Chevrolet the camshaft and two lifter has failed.
NHTSA complaint #11680019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ooltewah, TN
SEATS
Had to replace motor. Had to replace the vibrater in the seat. Had to replace transmission. Electric shorted
NHTSA complaint #11670111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ooltewah, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Had to replace motor. Had to replace the vibrater in the seat. Had to replace transmission. Electric shorted
NHTSA complaint #11670111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ooltewah, TN
ENGINE
Had to replace motor. Had to replace the vibrater in the seat. Had to replace transmission. Electric shorted
NHTSA complaint #11670111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Keene, NH
SUSPENSION
The vehicle has 70,000 miles. The engine has failed and been replaced two times. We are on the third engine. The first time was in 2021 the second time was in 2024. I heard that others are having a similar issue. This is a 2020 .6.2L RST. The engine failed the first time while driving at high speed the car just stopped working. The second time we heard it failing and were able to drive it to the dealer where the engine fell apart in the parking lot The vehicle has had other issues too. Currently the wire harness has failed. This has happened several times but the dealer has not figured out a repair. Each time it’s failed while driving causing power steering to fail while driving. I don’t not trust my teen drivers around the vehicle or to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11668498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Keene, NH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle has 70,000 miles. The engine has failed and been replaced two times. We are on the third engine. The first time was in 2021 the second time was in 2024. I heard that others are having a similar issue. This is a 2020 .6.2L RST. The engine failed the first time while driving at high speed the car just stopped working. The second time we heard it failing and were able to drive it to the dealer where the engine fell apart in the parking lot The vehicle has had other issues too. Currently the wire harness has failed. This has happened several times but the dealer has not figured out a repair. Each time it’s failed while driving causing power steering to fail while driving. I don’t not trust my teen drivers around the vehicle or to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11668498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Keene, NH
ENGINE
The vehicle has 70,000 miles. The engine has failed and been replaced two times. We are on the third engine. The first time was in 2021 the second time was in 2024. I heard that others are having a similar issue. This is a 2020 .6.2L RST. The engine failed the first time while driving at high speed the car just stopped working. The second time we heard it failing and were able to drive it to the dealer where the engine fell apart in the parking lot The vehicle has had other issues too. Currently the wire harness has failed. This has happened several times but the dealer has not figured out a repair. Each time it’s failed while driving causing power steering to fail while driving. I don’t not trust my teen drivers around the vehicle or to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11668498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.