The Lemon Index2015 Chevrolet Suburban.
The 2015 Chevrolet Suburban is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 183 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 355, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 11 recalls, and it gets 18 mpg combined. The best Chevrolet Suburban year is 2014.
Lemon alert. 3.5× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2014
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 431 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Suburban year. 2015 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 43K to 90K miles on the car (293 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- brakes complaints mostly came at 51K–90K miles
- steering complaints mostly came at 47K–92K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 43K–89K miles
Recalls 11
- transmission & drivetrain 2026
A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.
- brakes 2019
If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
- brakes 2019
The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
Show all 11 recalls
- steering 2018
Electric power steering (EPS) assist may be lost momentarily, followed by a sudden return of EPS assist.
- airbags 2017
While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition.
- airbags 2016
In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test.
- electrical 2015
In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.
- steering 2014
Due to a problem with the EPS module, the affected vehicles may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist during vehicle operation.
- airbags 2014
The affected vehicles were assembled with a roof rail air bags (RRAB) that were not reinforced at the points were the bags contact the hardware used to attach the roof carrier.
- transmission & drivetrain 2014
In the affected vehicles, an electrical signal short may cause the transfer case to shift to neutral without the driver's input.
- transmission & drivetrain 2014
The subject vehicles may have a transmission oil cooler line that is not securely seated in the fitting.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Chevy told dealers about
Chevy sent dealers 2543 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Gmc/chevrolet: trucks with integrated trailer brake controller (itbc) may received an…
- Loss of Electric Power Steering (EPS) Assist
- OnStar Module Battery Drain
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedBrake vacuum pump failure2018–2022
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Suburban 1500 SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Chevrolet Suburban 1500 SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 5.3L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
When moving brakes became extremely resistant, using both feet to press brake hard, vehicle would not stop.
2015 Chevrolet Suburban owner · NHTSA complaint 11152187
More owner reports
While braking at a low speeds (20-25 mph) my truck surged forward. This sudden acceleration in speed has caused two (2) accidents.
NHTSA complaint 10779620
I noticed the break light came on and within 10 mins I lost my breaks and was unable to press break pedal down to stop. This seems to be very common with this vehicle at 50k miles which mine was as well.
NHTSA complaint 11122933
Quick answers
Is the 2015 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 3.5× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 355; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Suburban year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2015 Chevrolet Suburban problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (33%), steering (14%) and electrical (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2015 Chevrolet Suburban have?
11 safety recalls (latest: transmission & drivetrain). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Chevrolet Suburban get?
18 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2015 Chevrolet Suburban safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2015 Chevrolet Suburban problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 43,200 and 90,000 miles. The middle report was at 62,000 miles, from 293 complaints.
Does the 2015 Chevrolet Suburban have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2015 Chevrolet Suburban cost in fuel a year?
About $3550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2015 Chevrolet Suburban have?
5.3L 8-cyl.
What Chevrolet Suburban year is better than the 2015?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2014, 2010 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works