Summary
The Chevrolet Suburban has 9 recalls spanning 2007 through 2021, with the most serious being a Takata-related passenger airbag inflator defect on 2007-2009 models where the inflator can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
The 2021 model year has two steering concerns: a software issue in the power steering control module can cut steering assist at startup or while driving, and separately, incorrect seat belt mounting bolts on 2020-2021 vehicles mean a belt may not hold an occupant in a crash. On the tire side, 2020 Suburbans are included in a broader recall covering Continental tires that were over-cured during manufacturing and can develop sidewall cracks, lose air suddenly, or shed tread while driving. The same vehicles are also part of a recall covering 2015-2020 models where a failed sensor can trigger the driveline-protection system unintentionally, causing the brakes to apply on one side and pull the vehicle sharply in that direction.
Covering the mid-production years, 2015-2018 models equipped with a vacuum-assisted brake booster can see the vacuum pump output drop over time, which reduces power brake assist and significantly increases stopping distance. The 2015 model year also has a separate recall covering vehicles with electric power steering, where the module can abruptly cut steering assist while driving.
Going back to the 2011-2012 model years, the ignition lock actuator can bind and get stuck in the Start position, then snap suddenly into Accessory, cutting engine power, power steering, and power brakes without warning. On 2016-2017 Suburban HD trims, a convex right-side mirror was installed where a flat mirror is required, which causes the driver to misjudge the distance of vehicles behind and to the right.
