2023 Chevrolet Suburban.

The 2023 Chevrolet Suburban is so far one of the worst years by owner complaints: 148 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 232, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 16 to 23 mpg combined. The best Chevrolet Suburban year is 2014.

Early read

232Lemon Index · 100 = average car

Early read: lemon alert. 2.3× the average car's complaints.

Best year 2014 · Worst year 2015

Photo shows a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. Ethan Llamas, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · background removed

Before you buy. What matters most for this car.

Most common problemEngine53% of owner complaints Recalls4Free fix at any dealer Better year to buy20143× fewer complaints than average Government investigation2 openOwners reported enough to trigger one

Owner complaints148first 3 years

Fuel economy16–23 mpgcombined, EPA

Crash test★★★★☆NHTSA overall

How serious. Out of 148 owner complaints, owners reported:

1crashes

3injuries

0fires

5tows

Under government investigation 1038 repair notes from Chevy

Early read. The 2023 Chevrolet Suburban hasn't finished its 3-year window yet. This counts every owner complaint filed so far (through October 2026) and compares it with other 2023 cars, which have had the same time on the road. It can change as more owners file.

What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.

engine53%

transmission & drivetrain16%

electrical11%

fuel or ev drive system6%

engine6%

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.

Transmission problems in every Chevrolet Suburban year →

When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.

half by 47K

0K50K100K150K200K

Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 24K to 100K miles on the car (18 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.

Recalls 4

engine 2025
The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
brakes 2024
The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs.
suspension 2023
The rear suspension outer control arm bolts may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause the bolts to break.

Show all 4 recalls

lights 2022
The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on.

Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.

Check a VIN for open recalls

Government investigations

OpenLoss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy2026
OpenLoss of motive power due to engine failure2025
ClosedLoss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy2026
ClosedLoss of motive power due to engine failure2025

NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.

Safety

Stability controlStandard

Collision warningUnknown

Lane departure warningUnknown

Crash test details

Version	Overall	Front	Side	Rollover
Chevrolet Suburban SUV 4WD	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★☆☆
Chevrolet Suburban SUV 2WD	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★☆☆

Fuel cost and engines

About $3800–5000 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.

In owners' words

Engine failed while driving on highway. Would not restart. Towed to Chevrolet dealer who determined engine full of metal debris requiring total engine replacement.
2023 Chevrolet Suburban owner · NHTSA complaint 11648924

More owner reports

Engine rattles and noisy, now auto light and message board states "Add Engine Oil)
NHTSA complaint 11716816

Engine died without warning on interstate. Vehicle was towed to Chevrolet dealer where defective rod bearings were found. Engine was replaced by dealer.
NHTSA complaint 11637479

Quick answers

Is the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?

It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 2.3× the average car's complaints per car sold, against other 2023 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 232; 100 is average). The best Chevrolet Suburban year by this measure is 2014.

What are the most common 2023 Chevrolet Suburban problems?

In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (53%), transmission & drivetrain (16%) and electrical (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.

How many recalls does the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban have?

4 safety recalls (latest: engine). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban get?

16 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).

Is the 2023 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.

Does the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban have transmission problems?

Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 16% of its owner complaints.

How much does the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban cost in fuel a year?

About $3800 to $5000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.

What engines does the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban have?

3.0L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.

What Chevrolet Suburban year is better than the 2023?

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