Chevrolet Suburban 2000–2006 problems by year and mileage
9th generation (GMT800) · GMT830 (GMT800 family)
NHTSA data through 24 September 20262,426 complaints, 1,810 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2000 Chevrolet Suburban
Close- Median failure report
- 84,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 349
- Recalls naming this year
- 8
Most reported on the 2000
- Hydraulic brake circuit74 reports · median 100,000 mi
- Tyres43 reports
- Brakes42 reports · median 175,000 mi
8 recall campaigns name the 2000: Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Fuel system, gasoline — delivery; Power train — driveline. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
Close- Median failure report
- 70,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 532
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2001
- Hydraulic brake circuit114 reports · median 75,000 mi
- Fuel system54 reports · median 62,000 mi
- Parking brake49 reports · median 49,000 mi
6 recall campaigns name the 2001: Engine and engine cooling; Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Fuel system, gasoline — delivery. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
Close- Median failure report
- 75,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 406
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2002
- Hydraulic brake circuit98 reports · median 80,000 mi
- Brakes74 reports · median 131,000 mi
- Steering30 reports
2 recall campaigns name the 2002: Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Structure. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
Close- Median failure report
- 84,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 476
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 2003
- Electrical system141 reports · median 80,000 mi
- Brakes105 reports · median 120,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit44 reports · median 79,000 mi
5 recall campaigns name the 2003: Seat belts — rear/other; Service brakes, hydraulic; Structure. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
Close- Median failure report
- 78,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 386
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2004
- Electrical system156 reports · median 64,000 mi
- Brakes59 reports · median 119,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit29 reports
4 recall campaigns name the 2004: Engine and engine cooling; Seat belts — rear/other; Service brakes, hydraulic. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
Close- Median failure report
- 71,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 223
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2005
- Electrical system82 reports · median 62,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline26 reports
- Brakes24 reports
6 recall campaigns name the 2005: Engine and engine cooling; Seat belts — rear/other; Service brakes, hydraulic — pedals and linkages. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2006 Chevrolet Suburban
Close- Median failure report
- 75,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 54
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2006
- Body structure12 reports
- Electrical system10 reports
- Brakes9 reports
2 recall campaigns name the 2006: Engine and engine cooling; Equipment — other. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
Each tile shows the median mileage at which that model year’s failures were reported. The 2003 reports latest and the 2001 earliest, but part of that gap is age: the 2001 has had 2 more years on the road to accumulate mileage.
The short answer
“Is the 2000–2006 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 77,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 163,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 1,810
- Recalls
- 20
Most reported
- Electrical system18.5% of complaints · median 70,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit15.2% of complaints · median 79,000 mi
- Brakes14.9% of complaints · median 130,000 mi
Owners filed 2,426 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000–2006 Chevrolet Suburban; the electrical system leads with 18.5% of them, and half of the 1,810 that record an odometer reading came by 77,000 miles. A count like this can’t rate reliability on its own: NHTSA records what owners chose to report, not how many of each car were sold.
Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 48,000 and 115,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2000–2006 Chevrolet Suburban last?
Complaint records can’t measure how long a car lasts; they show when reported failures happened. On the 2000–2006 Chevrolet Suburban, half of the 1,810 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 77,000 miles and 90% by 163,000 miles.
244 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 70 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Suburban reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Chevrolet Suburban 2000–2006 · 1,810 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
Complaints per 5,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 101 complaints.
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 70 complaints (3.9%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 22,000
- 25%
- 48,095
- Median
- 76,667
- 75%
- 115,000
- 90%
- 163,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 63 | 3.5% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 29 | 1.6% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 46 | 2.5% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 31 | 1.7% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 22 | 1.2% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 34 | 1.9% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 44 | 2.4% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 61 | 3.4% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 73 | 4.0% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 75 | 4.1% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 101 | 5.6% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 70 | 3.9% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 84 | 4.6% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 77 | 4.3% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 66 | 3.6% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 68 | 3.8% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 67 | 3.7% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 70 | 3.9% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 65 | 3.6% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 53 | 2.9% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 59 | 3.3% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 46 | 2.5% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 41 | 2.3% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 37 | 2.0% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 40 | 2.2% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 26 | 1.4% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 35 | 1.9% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 24 | 1.3% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 34 | 1.9% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 25 | 1.4% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 31 | 1.7% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 13 | 0.7% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 23 | 1.3% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 14 | 0.8% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 20 | 1.1% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 14 | 0.8% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 18 | 1.0% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 10 | 0.6% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 22 | 1.2% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 9 | 0.5% |
| 200,000+ | 70 | 3.9% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.
What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.
Common Suburban problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Chevrolet Suburban 2000–2006
When each system fails
Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.
- Tyres129 reports39,00026,000–86,000Tyres: 129 reports, median 39,000 miles, middle half 26,000 to 86,000 miles.
- Steering150 reports50,00026,000–90,000Steering: 150 reports, median 50,000 miles, middle half 26,000 to 90,000 miles.
- Transmission and driveline158 reports53,00020,000–81,000Transmission and driveline: 158 reports, median 53,000 miles, middle half 20,000 to 81,000 miles.
- Fuel system158 reports68,00045,000–100,000Fuel system: 158 reports, median 68,000 miles, middle half 45,000 to 100,000 miles.
- Electrical system449 reports70,00050,000–99,000Electrical system: 449 reports, median 70,000 miles, middle half 50,000 to 99,000 miles.
- Hydraulic brake circuit368 reports79,00050,000–109,000Hydraulic brake circuit: 368 reports, median 79,000 miles, middle half 50,000 to 109,000 miles.
- Brakes362 reports130,00093,000–170,000Brakes: 362 reports, median 130,000 miles, middle half 93,000 to 170,000 miles.
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 449 | 18.5% | 70,000 | 50,000–99,000 |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 368 | 15.2% | 79,000 | 50,000–109,000 |
| Brakes | 362 | 14.9% | 130,000 | 93,000–170,000 |
| Fuel system | 158 | 6.5% | 68,000 | 45,000–100,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 158 | 6.5% | 53,000 | 20,000–81,000 |
| Steering | 150 | 6.2% | 50,000 | 26,000–90,000 |
| Tyres | 129 | 5.3% | 39,000 | 26,000–86,000 |
| Engine and its cooling system | 115 | 4.7% | 75,000 | 38,000–120,000 |
| Parking brake | 112 | 4.6% | 50,000 | 30,000–77,000 |
| Body structure | 102 | 4.2% | 83,000 | 60,000–120,000 |
System by system, in words
Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 77,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.
The electrical system accounts for 18.5% of complaints (449 reports, 359 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 70,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 50,000 and 99,000 miles.
The hydraulic brake circuit accounts for 15.2% of complaints (368 reports, 291 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 79,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 50,000 and 109,000 miles.
The brakes account for 14.9% of complaints (362 reports, 341 of them with a mileage figure), and they fail late — a median of 130,000 miles, considerably beyond the vehicle's overall median. That pattern is consistent with normal service life rather than a defect, though it matters for anyone buying an example already near that mileage. The middle half of these reports falls between 93,000 and 170,000 miles.
The fuel system accounts for 6.5% of complaints (158 reports, 117 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 68,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 45,000 and 100,000 miles.
The transmission and driveline accounts for 6.5% of complaints (158 reports, 115 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 53,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 20,000 and 81,000 miles.
The steering accounts for 6.2% of complaints (150 reports, 94 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 50,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 26,000 and 90,000 miles.
Known problems with the 2000–2006 Suburban
Instrumentation 2003–2006
Instrument panel cluster gauge failure — the stepper motors driving the speedometer, tachometer, fuel and temperature gauges stick, flutter, or go dead. Not a safety recall but covered by GM Special Coverage Adjustment bulletin 07187 (7 years/70,000 miles) for 2003-2004 and certain 2005 vehicles; a defining defect of the late GMT800 years.
Fuel System 2000–2006
Fuel level sender/sending unit failure causing erratic or stuck fuel gauge readings, often confused with the cluster stepper motor fault.
Before you buy a 2000–2006 Suburban: the 3-minute check
Generated from 1,810 mileage-tagged complaints, 20 recall campaigns, 2 documented problem areas. Print this page — the checklist survives print.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 20 campaigns cover this generation; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
- Check instrumentation on 2003–2006 cars. Instrument panel cluster gauge failure — the stepper motors driving the speedometer, tachometer, fuel and temperature gauges stick, flutter, or go dead. Not a safety recall but covered by GM Special Coverage Adjustment…
- Check fuel system on 2000–2006 cars. Fuel level sender/sending unit failure causing erratic or stuck fuel gauge readings, often confused with the cluster stepper motor fault.
- Complaint reports are not spread evenly across model years here — see the by-model-year table below before you settle on a year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.
For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 48,000 and 115,000 miles, with a median of 77,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.
On inspection, the electrical system and the hydraulic brake circuit are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The electrical system in particular shows a median failure mileage of 70,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.
None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.
Suburban problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer reading, or read the common mileages in the table. Your marker lands on the timing chart above and on the curve below.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi36% below | At 90k mi60% below | At 120k mi76% below | At 150k mi87% below | At 200k mi96% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 50,000–99,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 50,000–109,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Brakes | 93,000–170,000 | later | later | in window | in window | earlier |
| Fuel system | 45,000–100,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 20,000–81,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Steering | 26,000–90,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Tyres | 26,000–86,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Chevrolet Suburban 2000–2006 · 1,810 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.
- 60,000 mi — 36% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 60% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 76% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 87% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 96% of reports below
- Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it above
The staircase tops out at 96%: the remaining 3.9% of reports (70) came above 200,000 miles.
Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
2000–2006 Chevrolet Suburban recalls (20)
NHTSA records 20 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.
The campaigns cluster around the hydraulic brake circuit (6), the fuel system (3), body structure (3). Several campaigns against one area can mean a remedy that did not hold, or separate defects in parts filed under the same heading; the summaries below name each defect.
Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.
Nov 2007 · 2001 · Engine and Engine CoolingIf the sensor becomes completely inoperative, the engine will quit running and will not re-start.
The defect. On certain pickup trucks equipped with an 8.1L v8 engine, the crankshaft position can operate intermittently or fail completely. If the sensor operates intermittently, the ses light may illuminate and the vehicle may run rough. The engine may stall, and if…
What can happen. If the sensor becomes completely inoperative, the engine will quit running and will not re-start. Either of these failures can increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the crankshaft position sensor free of charge. The recall began on december 18, 2007. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
Aug 2006 · 2004–2006 · Engine and Engine CoolingIf the damper comes loose, a fuel leak may result.
The defect. On certain trucks equipped with an 8.1L v8 (rpo l8-VIN g) engine have a condition in which the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip may fracture resulting in inadequate retention of the damper.
What can happen. If the damper comes loose, a fuel leak may result. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip free of charge. The recall began on august 31, 2006. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and GMC trucks at…
Dec 2005 · 2006 · EquipmentA misprinted label could lead to improper vehicle loading specifications or tire inflation which could result…
The defect. Certain trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "Tire selection and rims." These vehicles were shipped with tire and loading information labels listing an inacccurate vehicle…
What can happen. A misprinted label could lead to improper vehicle loading specifications or tire inflation which could result in a tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Owners will be provided with corrected labels and installation instructions. At the customer's option, a dealer can install the label for them. The recall began on march 31, 2006. Owners may contact…
Aug 2005 · 2000–2002 · Service Brakes, HydraulicThis can cause increased stopping distances during low-speed brake applications, which could result in a…
The defect. Certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles may experience unwanted antilock brake system (ABS) activation. This condition is more likely to occur in environmentally corrosive areas. This recall will be launched in the "salt belt" states of connecticut…
What can happen. This can cause increased stopping distances during low-speed brake applications, which could result in a crash.
The free fix. Dealers are to remove the wheel speed sensor and thoroughly clean the wheel speed sensor mounting surface on the bearing, apply rust inhibitor to the cleaned surface, grease the mounting surface…
Apr 2005 · 2003–2005 · Seat BeltsA lap portion of the seat belt routing that is not low and snug on the hips can allow the lap belt to ride up…
The defect. On certain crew cab pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the 2nd row center occupant seat belt routing may make it difficult to position the lap portion of the safety belt low around the hips of occupants, especially smaller occupants, seated in this…
What can happen. A lap portion of the seat belt routing that is not low and snug on the hips can allow the lap belt to ride up on an occupant's abdomen instead of fitting low around their hipbones, and therefore, can…
The free fix. Dealers will cut open the guide loop, remove a portion of the loop, and then the remaining two sides should be folded over and secured with a retainer free of charge. The recall began on july 21…
Apr 2005 · 2000–2001 · Fuel System, GasolineIf the ignition circuit wire is exposed, the fuel pump fuse will blow, disabling the fuel pump and causing an…
The defect. Certain trucks and sport utility vehicles were built with fuel module reservoir assemblies that contain fuel pump wires connectors may overheat under certain operating conditions.
What can happen. If the ignition circuit wire is exposed, the fuel pump fuse will blow, disabling the fuel pump and causing an engine stall or no-start condition. If sufficient heat is conducted to the pass-through…
The free fix. Dealers will remove the fuel tank, and remove the module reservoir assemblies from the tank, and install a new service kit free of charge. An interim letter to owners was mailed on may 25, 2005. The…
Mar 2005 · 2005 · Service Brakes, HydraulicThis could result in a loss of brakes which could result in a crash.
The defect. On certain sport utility vehicles, the brake pedal pushrod retainer may be missing. If the retainer is missing, the brake booster pushrod could disengage from the brake pedal.
What can happen. This could result in a loss of brakes which could result in a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the vehicles for the brake pedal pushrod retainer and install one if it is missing free of charge. The manufacturer began contacting owners by telephone on march 10, 2005. Owners…
Feb 2005 · 2005 · Power TrainThe vehicle may move in an unintended direction resulting in possible injury to others outside of the vehicle.
The defect. Certain sport utility vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 102, "Transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock and transmission braking effect." Under…
What can happen. The vehicle may move in an unintended direction resulting in possible injury to others outside of the vehicle.
The free fix. Dealers will reprogram the instrument panel cluster free of charge. The recall began on february 14, 2005. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, and GMC at…
Feb 2005 · 2004–2005 · Service Brakes, HydraulicIf a separation occurred and the hood of the vehicle were open, fragments from the accumulator could cause…
The defect. Certain trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans equipped with bosch hydro-boost brake assemblies, the hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator may crack and separate from the hydro-boost assembly during normal operating conditions.
What can happen. If a separation occurred and the hood of the vehicle were open, fragments from the accumulator could cause injury to people in the immediate area. The presence of this crack or fractured surface…
The free fix. Dealers will test the hydro-boost assembly for functional operation of the two-function valve. If the hydro-boost assembly fails the test, dealers will replace the assembly free of charge. The recall…
Jan 2005 · 2000 · Power TrainAn inoperative pump can cause increased steering effort, and in hydro-boost equipped vehicles also increased…
The defect. Some pickup trucks, vans, and sport utility vehicles equipped with a hydraulic pump driveshaft that can fracture, resulting in immediate loss of hydraulic power steering assist. On certain vehicles equipped with hydro-boost power brakes, the same condition…
What can happen. An inoperative pump can cause increased steering effort, and in hydro-boost equipped vehicles also increased braking effort, but does not completely eliminate the ability to steer or slow the vehicle.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the hydraulic pump. The campaign began on february 14, 2005. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
Aug 2004 · 2005 · Fuel System, GasolineIf the tube retainer screw breaks, fuel could leak from the fuel rail crossover joint, the engine may stall…
The defect. On certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with 5.3L (rpo l59) v8 engines, the engine fuel rail crossover tube retainer screws were not manufactured to specifications and may break.
What can happen. If the tube retainer screw breaks, fuel could leak from the fuel rail crossover joint, the engine may stall and, if an ignition source were present, an engine compartment fire could occur.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the fuel rail crossover tube and, if necessary, replace the retainer screws. Owners were notified by telephone on july 30, 2004, with a followup owner letter began august 5…
Feb 2004 · 2003–2004 · Service Brakes, HydraulicConsequently, the valve o-ring seal may fracture.
The defect. Certain sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and passenger vans fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135, ?Passenger car brake systems.? Some of these vehicles were produced with an out-of-specification brake…
What can happen. Consequently, the valve o-ring seal may fracture. Steering efforts may be slightly increased while braking or parking. Under certain driving conditions, a fractured seal may require a slight increase…
The free fix. Dealers are to replace the hydro-boost relief valve. The recall began on june 18, 2004. Owners should contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339; Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; GMC at 1-866-996-9463; or hummer…
Mar 2003 · 2000–2003 · StructureThis overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.
The defect. Certain pickup truck, van, and MINI van conversions equipped with southern comfort built running boards that contain certain courtesy lights manufactured by american technology components, inc. These units contain a courtesy light or lights that might…
What can happen. This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began march 7, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do…
Feb 2003 · 2003 · StructureAs a result, the door strength may be degraded during a side impact vehicle crash.
The defect. Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 214, "Side impact protection." These vehicles are built with four welds on the rear door upper hinge. On some of these vehicles, one or two of the…
What can happen. As a result, the door strength may be degraded during a side impact vehicle crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the welds on the left rear door upper hinge. If a weld is found out-of-specification, a bolt will be installed to secure the hinge. Owner notification began february 17, 2003.…
Jan 2003 · 2003 · Fuel System, GasolineFuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
The defect. On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, vehicles, during a 30 degree left angle frontal impact of sufficient severity, a tear could develop in the mid-frame cross member at its attachment to the left frame rail. If the mid-frame cross member…
What can happen. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will install a fuel tank shield. Owner notification began february 20, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free…
Jul 2002 · 2000 · Air BagsIn a vehicle crash, front seat occupants may receive more severe injuries.
The defect. On certain pickup and utility trucks, some of these vehicles have an air bag sensing diagnostic module (sdm) which contains an anomaly that could result in the driver and passenger's air bag failing to deploy during certain frontal crashes.
What can happen. In a vehicle crash, front seat occupants may receive more severe injuries.
The free fix. Dealers will recalibrate the sdm on the affected vehicles. Owner notification began august 28, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not…
May 2001 · 2001 · Seat BeltsIn a crash, increased occupant injury could result from the no-lock condition.
The defect. Vehicle description: pickup and utility trucks. Some of these vehicles have an internal component in the outboard seat belt retractors for the 2nd and 3rd row of seats that could be cracked. With repeated actuation of the locking mechanism, the crack could…
What can happen. In a crash, increased occupant injury could result from the no-lock condition.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the outboard seat belts for specific lot numbers and replace the belts if necessary. Gm is enclosing an inspection procedure for the owners to use or they can have their dealers…
Oct 2000 · 2000 · Service Brakes, HydraulicDuring braking, the pedal will be lower than normal and stopping distances will be longer.
The defect. Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. Some of these vehicles have a clearance condition between the front right-hand brake pipe and the body cross sill that could decrease to the point of allowing contact during the life of…
What can happen. During braking, the pedal will be lower than normal and stopping distances will be longer. If this occurs when stopping distance is limited, a crash could occur.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the front right-hand brake pipe for wear. If there are signs of wear, this section of the brake pipe will be replaced with a new designed brake pipe section. If there are not…
Oct 2000 · 2000–2001 · StructureThese gases could flow into the passenger compartment if the plug is missing or loose and could cause…
The defect. Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. Some of these vehicles have loose or missing rear wheelhouse plugs. Under certain vehicle operating conditions, exhaust gases can flow forward and accumulate in the rear wheelhouse.
What can happen. These gases could flow into the passenger compartment if the plug is missing or loose and could cause possible illness, unconsciousness, or death.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the vehicle for loose or missing wheelhouse plugs and install new plugs if necessary.
Aug 2000 · 2000 · Service Brakes, HydraulicThese vehicles do not comply with requirements of fmvss no.
The defect. Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with vacuum power, 4-wheel disc brakes. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 105, "Hydraulic brake systems." These vehicles were built with a kinked…
What can happen. These vehicles do not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 105.
The free fix. Dealers will re-route the brake booster vacuum supply hose.
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 2,426 complaints against this generation:
- Crashes
- 136 (5.6%)
- Fires
- 44
- Injury reports
- 79
- Fatality reports
- 3
These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.
Suburban problems by model year
The 2001 drew the most complaints of this generation, 532, most of them about the hydraulic brake circuit, and the 2006 the fewest, 54. A typical year drew about 386.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 349 | 195 | 84,000 | Hydraulic brake circuit (74) | 8 |
| 2001 | 532 | 371 | 70,000 | Hydraulic brake circuit (114) | 6 |
| 2002 | 406 | 299 | 75,000 | Hydraulic brake circuit (98) | 2 |
| 2003 | 476 | 388 | 84,000 | Electrical system (141) | 5 |
| 2004 | 386 | 334 | 78,000 | Electrical system (156) | 4 |
| 2005 | 223 | 179 | 71,000 | Electrical system (82) | 6 |
| 2006 | 54 | 44 | 75,000 | Body structure (12) | 2 |
What Suburban owners reported
The contact owns a 2000 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the vehicle jerked. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to move while in reverse(R) and only responded…
2000 · 100,000 miles · Fuel system
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the contact noticed the trailer attached was moving from left to right independently, and the trailer detached from his vehicle. The contact mentioned that he lost control of the vehicle into a parallel position when another…
2003 · 150,000 miles · Trailer hitches
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the instrument panel gauges, and warning lights functionality became inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
2004 · 150,000 miles · Electrical system
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for tire replacement, he was informed that the entire chassis was severely corroded. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was…
2005 · 84,000 miles · Body structure
Built from 1,810 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-09-26 · open data · how it is built
Other Suburban generations
- Suburban 1992–1999 555 reports with mileage, most about the hydraulic brake circuit
- Suburban 2007–2014 1,009 reports with mileage, most about the airbag system
- Suburban 2015–2020 561 reports with mileage, most about the brakes