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 the braking and four-wheel-drive systems, where a faulty sensor can trigger unintended braking on one wheel and cause the vehicle to pull sharply to one side, and a separate transfer case fault can lock the front or rear wheels without warning.
Both of these issues are specific to four-wheel-drive models. There is also a brake vacuum pump concern: the pump can lose vacuum pressure over time, reducing brake assist and requiring more pedal force to stop, which extends stopping distances. On the safety equipment side, certain second- and third-row seatbelt retractors may not lock when the belt is fully extended, which means a child safety seat attached using that belt may not be held securely in a crash.
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.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the transfer case and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
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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 →
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.
