NHTSA (USA)CriticalDo Not Drive
At a glance
What can fail
A missing drivetrain component in the transfer case can cause the front and/or rear wheels to suddenly lock up without warning.
This page covers 5 recalls and 134 owner complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban.
Brake and powertrain complaints dominate what 2017 Suburban owners report. On the brake side, a recurring pattern involves sudden and unexpected brake failure or significant loss of braking performance while driving, sometimes accompanied by the brake pedal going soft or to the floor. Powertrain complaints center on transmission issues, with owners describing rough shifts, shuddering, and in several cases full transmission failure, some noting it occurred just after the powertrain warranty expired around 60,000 miles. Engine complaints, though less frequent, include reports of sudden power loss, the vehicle entering reduced power mode, and in some cases complete engine failure requiring replacement. A handful of owners also describe electrical events where the dashboard flickers, warning lights illuminate, and the vehicle loses power steering and brake assist simultaneously before shutting down.
134
Total Complaints
7
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Chevrolet Suburban has 5 recalls, the most serious involving brake and drivetrain issues that can cause unexpected wheel lockup or the vehicle to pull sharply to one side, raising the risk of a crash.
Two of these recalls only affect four-wheel drive models. A faulty sensor in the driveline-protection system can trigger unintended braking on one wheel, pulling the vehicle sideways without warning. Separately, a transfer case issue can cause front or rear wheels to lock up abruptly. On the brake assist side, the vacuum pump can weaken over time, reducing the power assist that makes the brake pedal easier to press, which extends stopping distances. There is also a safety equipment concern: the front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy in a crash, leaving the driver and front passenger without full restraint protection. Finally, certain Suburban HD trims were fitted with the wrong right-side mirror at the factory, a convex lens where a flat one is required, which can make following vehicles appear farther away than they are.
At a glance
What can fail
A missing drivetrain component in the transfer case can cause the front and/or rear wheels to suddenly lock up without warning.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the transfer case and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A wheel-speed sensor may fail, causing the brake control computer to incorrectly activate the driveline-protection system while driving 41–60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the brake control computer at no cost to prevent the system from activating incorrectly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The vacuum pump produces less vacuum over time, which can reduce braking system performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module at no cost to restore proper braking function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The right-side mirror is curved outward instead of flat, which doesn't meet federal safety standards for rearview mirrors.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the curved mirror with a flat mirror at no cost and provide an updated owner's manual page.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Under certain driving conditions, the air bag control module's software may run a self-test that disables the front air bags and seat belt pretensioners, preventing them from deploying in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the air bag control module software. If your air bags have previously deployed, the module will be replaced. Repairs are free of charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.