239 of the
10,571 complaints filed about the Chevrolet Suburban
are about the seat belts —
2% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 1994.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that the middle row seat belts failed to retract, and the seat belts became inoperable. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and to two dealers, and the contact was informed that the seat belts could not be replaced because parts were no longer manufactured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11750255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Since December 2020, our Suburban has been in for seven extended, documented dealership repair events at Guaranty Chevrolet and Simpson Chevrolet of Garden Grove, totaling 192 cumulative days out of service and $47,560.86 in documented repair invoices — approximately 71% of what we paid for the vehicle. Those repairs have included a complete transmission replacement (58,861 miles), a recurrence of the same active-lifter defect only ten days later, an ignition coil failure, fuel injector and air conditioning failures, an oil pump failure, and, most seriously, a complete engine replacement (66,854 miles) after the dealership documented metal in the oil and filter and engine end play. The situation has continued to worsen. We picked up the vehicle on XXX following the complete engine replacement. Only six days later, on July 6, 2026, the check-engine light returned and we brought the vehicle back to the dealership. We were initially told the issue was a sensor; the following day, we were informed that the replacement engine — which the dealership had disclosed to us at the time was a refurbished unit — was itself defective and would need to be replaced a second time. As of this writing, that repair remains open. In other words, the remedy provided for this vehicle's most serious failure did not resolve the problem, and we are once again without our vehicle. This pattern of failures has caused real, ongoing hardship for our family. We specifically purchased a full-size, top-trim Suburban for its seating and cargo capacity: we have two teenagers at home who depend on us for transportation to school and activities, we regularly care for grandchildren, and our [XXX] daughter has Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a debilitating condition that often requires her to use a wheelchair. The Suburban's cargo space is what allows us to transport her together with her wheelchair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11750421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owned a 2016 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving 30-35 MPH, the vehicle crashed into a concrete pole, and the front end of the vehicle was significantly damaged. The contact stated that the pole was 12-18 inches into the hood, and 1.5 ft. up into the engine bay. The concrete pole was damaged. The air bags and the seat belt pretensioners failed to deploy. Several warning lights, including the check engine, the ABS, the TPMS, the air bag, the StabiliTrak, and the traction control warning lights, were illuminated after the crash. The contact noticed he had sustained bumps on the head and neck from hitting the steering wheel, but did not feel sore at the time. The contact woke up dizzy the next day and sought medical assistance. The contact underwent X-rays and was informed that he had also sustained torn chest muscles. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The insurance company towed the vehicle to another lot the following day, and the vehicle was totaled. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V651000(Air Bags, Seat Belts), which was previously performed on the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the manufacturer had also issued NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V437000(Air Bags, Seat Belts) for vehicles repaired under the previous recall, and the recall information stated that the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. However, the second recall had not been performed on the vehicle. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed, but the case manager was unreachable. The failure mileage was 192,252.
NHTSA complaint #11731042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The drivers side, female end, of the seatbelt comes undone when cold. This is reproduced every single time it is cold for approximately 5 minutes of driving until the inside of the vehicle warms up. This happens with both primary divers of the vehicle. We took it to the dealership we bought it from but because there is not a current recall and they cannot reproduce the issue since our current temperature is in the 40s, they won’t replace it under warranty. No warning systems go on when this happens while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11720994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
“Service safety restraint system” light came on. I feel this is a defect and a serious concern. I’ve seen where others are experiencing the same issue. I bought this vehicle specifically because I wanted to a safe vehicle to drive my 4 children around in.
NHTSA complaint #11714022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car says "service safety restraint system" and airbag light comes on intermittently. Dealer won't cover under safety restraint warranty. They site TSB about a wire that GM made too short but are not sure it will fix it. This car has 42,000. We are worried the safety restraint system won't work and we carry 4 children in our vehicle. This should be covered and a safety recall.
NHTSA complaint #11707940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle was purchased brand new from the manufacturer. Because the third-row seating was rarely used, it was not immediately apparent that the car was delivered without one of the required seatbelts. Once the issue was discovered, it was promptly reported to the manufacturer. However, the customer service representative refused to address the problem, stating that the warranty period had expired. This is a serious safety hazard. A missing seatbelt poses a significant risk of severe injury or death in the event of an accident, and it requires immediate corrective action.
NHTSA complaint #11702886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving a 2023 Chevrolet Suburban (VIN: [XXX] ), my [XXX] son was seated in the second-row center seat and was properly buckled in with the factory shoulder/lap belt. He turned around briefly to grab something from the back of the vehicle, and during that movement the seatbelt fully extended and then locked in the automatic locking mode. The retractor would not release tension afterward. The belt continued tightening around his torso, and no amount of slack could be pulled back out. The belt became so tight that he was unable to breathe comfortably or free himself, and the locking mechanism would not disengage even after the vehicle was stopped and turned off. The seatbelt remained fully cinched and would not retract or loosen under any circumstances. Because the belt created a serious entrapment hazard and my child could not safely be removed, I was forced to cut the seatbelt to free him. This appears to be a dangerous malfunction of the seatbelt retractor/locking system and presents a significant safety risk, especially for children who may shift or turn in their seats during normal use. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11701833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The passenger seat belt will no longer just click in. In order for us to get it to latch, you have to push down on the red button as your pushing the seat belt in, then it will latch. We bought this used and within 1-2 weeks this happened. But other things happened with the engine and that took priority. It was in the shop for almost 6 months. I'm not sure if the dealer/ previous seller knew about it and they were able to "fix" it so it worked when we bought it. (We are lied to on a lot of things) I'm afraid that it might not hold up in a crash if it's not buckling right.
NHTSA complaint #11690971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The rear seatbelt in my 2022 Chevrolet Suburban RST became dangerously tight around my daughter's waist while she was lying down in the seat. The belt would not release despite multiple attempts. She was hanging off the seat and in distress, and I was forced to cut the belt to prevent injury. This raises serious concerns about the seatbelt retraction mechanism. I request a formal investigation.
NHTSA complaint #11662246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sat may 3rd We went for tire change from that date since that day, every time we try to start the car there’s always a different warning light The warning light is never the same issue. On may 15 when we received a warning light about transmission we went to the dealership that day they said they were about two weeks backed up but flushed the transmission and paid $504 for the service. Since that day we also received numerous warning light which include. Driver window. Esc. Winshield fluid. Tire pressure. Lift gate open. Forward Collision System Unavailable. Your 2021 Chevrolet Suburban detects a battery, starter or connection issue. Lastly the check engine light came on and the car won’t start.
NHTSA complaint #11661849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became stiff, and the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine, seat belt, stabili-trak, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was occasionally towed and taken to the same local dealer on several occasions, where it was diagnosed; however, the failure was not yet determined. The transmission, fuel pump, battery, alternator, and unknown wiring were replaced at the consumer's expense; however, the failure persisted. In addition, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V586000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
NHTSA complaint #11660380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When the air temperature is in the single digits the seat belt buckles do not latch or unlatch when pulled on. I thought my seat belt was latch no warning sounds indicating that it was not latch, but when i went to reach for something on my dash it unbuckled. When temperature is above 9F degrees buckles work fine. Both driver and passager side seat belt buckles do not work properly when it is cold out. Just wondering if others have brought this up.
NHTSA complaint #11630617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Service safety restraint constantly reappears. Taken into dealership 3 times and still has not been fixed. This could cause serious injury or harm and I have 4 children 10 and younger. This has been an on going problem.
NHTSA complaint #11608906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
A warning message appeared on my 2021 Chevy Suburban dashboard that says "Service Safety Restraint System". This impacts the airbag control module under the driver seat. After doing some research on my own this is a TSB PIT5759 but it is not covered under a recall, as per my local dealership. I took the vehicle to the Chevy dealership where purchased and was told this is not a recall or warranty part. This is very disappointing as it impacts the airbag controls which in an accident could cause severe injury or death.
NHTSA complaint #11601501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the second-row middle seat belt was latched; however, the seat belt failed to lock as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.
NHTSA complaint #11595012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side seat belt failed to enter the locking mechanism. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed but not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11586286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Received a safety restraint warning message. Took the vehicle into the dealership and we were told that the passenger side seatbelt and front airbag needed to be replaced. We had it fixed, however it cost us $1400. The dealership would not replace it at no cost, even though we are shortly out of the warranty period and only at 51k miles.
NHTSA complaint #11553895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.