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 4 recalls and 80 owner complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban.
Powertrain complaints dominate what 2018 Suburban owners report, with transmission failure being the most common thread. Owners frequently describe the transmission suddenly refusing to engage, slipping between gears, or losing the ability to shift entirely, often with no warning lights or prior symptoms. Some report being able to restart the vehicle and drive it a short distance, while others describe a complete loss of forward motion. Electrical system complaints are the second most-reported area, though the specific symptoms described vary. Engine-related reports round out the top three, with owners citing performance issues alongside the transmission complaints, sometimes in the same vehicle. The transmission failures tend to cluster around higher mileage examples, with several owners reporting the problem surfacing around or above 100,000 miles.
80
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Chevrolet Suburban has 4 recalls, the most serious involving two separate issues that can cause sudden wheel lockup or unexpected braking that pulls the vehicle sharply to one side, raising the risk of a crash.
Both drivetrain-related concerns affect four-wheel drive models. In one, a faulty sensor can trigger the driveline-protection system without warning, applying braking force to a single wheel and causing the vehicle to veer unexpectedly. In the other, a transfer case fault can cause the front or rear wheels to lock up entirely while driving. On the brake assist side, the vacuum pump that helps power the brake booster can weaken over time, meaning the brake pedal becomes harder to press and the vehicle takes longer to stop than the driver expects. There is also a safety restraint concern: the second- and third-row seatbelt retractors may not lock when the belt is pulled all the way out, which is the position required to anchor a child safety seat correctly. If the retractor does not lock, the seat can move during a crash rather than staying firmly in place.
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
Second or third-row rear seatbelt retractors may not lock when fully pulled out, preventing child seats from being properly secured.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect rear seatbelt retractors and replace them if needed, at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.