Total Complaints
178 filings
CHEVROLET SUBURBAN · model year
178 NHTSA complaints, 8 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2017CHEVROLETSUBURBAN carries 178 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 8 crashes, 1 fire, 8 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2017 SUBURBAN is service brakes with 40 filings, followed by power train (36) and engine (24). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 2017 SUBURBAN, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
178 filings
Crashes Reported
8 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES | 40 |
| POWER TRAIN | 36 |
| ENGINE | 24 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 19 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 18 |
| STEERING | 6 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 6 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 5 |
| AIR BAGS | 4 |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 3 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3 |
| WHEELS | 2 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS | 2 |
| SUSPENSION | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR | 1 |
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is tra
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Chevrolet Suburban HD vehicles. These vehicles were assembled with a convex right-hand outside mirror, instead of with a non-convex (flat) right-hand outside mirror. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Moto
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Poli
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
The contact owned a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the rear driver side of the vehicle, causing him to lose control of the vehicle, collided into the curb, and the two right side tires, both driver's and passenger tires, became blown and damaged. The contact mentioned that after colliding with the curb, he crashed into a tree, which caused the right passenger side rim to detach from the tire. The contact also mention from the impact the whole right passenger side of the completely crushed and was damaged. The contact stated that no air bags deployed in his vehicle. The contact stated that he sustained a concussion to the head from the driver side window, brushing of the right rib, and bruises on both left and right hands. Medical attention was required. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to City Towing. The manufacturer was notified of this failure, and they requested informati
Mileage: 90,000
Component or System Failure The vehicle experienced two major mechanical failures. First, the transmission failed and required full replacement shortly after the expiration of the 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. At the time of this failure, the vehicle had approximately 61,000 miles. Second, at 100,119 miles, the engine suffered a catastrophic failure that required complete engine replacement. Safety Risk The transmission failure impaired normal drivability and created a safety risk due to reduced or unreliable propulsion, which could have resulted in loss of power while driving in traffic. The engine failure rendered the vehicle inoperable and could have posed a serious safety hazard if it had occurred while the vehicle was in motion, including sudden loss of engine power. Problem Confirmation and Inspection Both failures were diagnosed and confirmed by dealership service personnel, who determined that full replacement of the transmission and later the engine was necessary. The
Component or System Failure The vehicle experienced two major mechanical failures. First, the transmission failed and required full replacement shortly after the expiration of the 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. At the time of this failure, the vehicle had approximately 61,000 miles. Second, at 100,119 miles, the engine suffered a catastrophic failure that required complete engine replacement. Safety Risk The transmission failure impaired normal drivability and created a safety risk due to reduced or unreliable propulsion, which could have resulted in loss of power while driving in traffic. The engine failure rendered the vehicle inoperable and could have posed a serious safety hazard if it had occurred while the vehicle was in motion, including sudden loss of engine power. Problem Confirmation and Inspection Both failures were diagnosed and confirmed by dealership service personnel, who determined that full replacement of the transmission and later the engine was necessary. The
Had to have all lifters replaced even after its a known issue with the manufacturer i had to pay out of pocket with no recall
While driving, the vehicle has repeatedly experienced sudden loss of power and electrical failures without warning. During these events, the dashboard flickers, warning messages appear, and the vehicle shuts off or goes into reduced power mode. When this occurs, steering becomes extremely difficult, braking becomes stiff, and the vehicle cannot accelerate. These incidents have happened multiple times in different driving situations, including: At stoplights While pulling into intersections Backing out of parking spaces Driving on public roads, including dark rural roads Driving with my three minor children in the vehicle On at least one occasion, the vehicle shut off while pulling onto a road with oncoming traffic, leaving us stopped in the roadway with no power and limited steering/braking. This created an immediate and serious risk of collision. The vehicle eventually restarted after several attempts. The problem has occurred repeatedly over many months. Multiple independent
While driving, the vehicle has repeatedly experienced sudden loss of power and electrical failures without warning. During these events, the dashboard flickers, warning messages appear, and the vehicle shuts off or goes into reduced power mode. When this occurs, steering becomes extremely difficult, braking becomes stiff, and the vehicle cannot accelerate. These incidents have happened multiple times in different driving situations, including: At stoplights While pulling into intersections Backing out of parking spaces Driving on public roads, including dark rural roads Driving with my three minor children in the vehicle On at least one occasion, the vehicle shut off while pulling onto a road with oncoming traffic, leaving us stopped in the roadway with no power and limited steering/braking. This created an immediate and serious risk of collision. The vehicle eventually restarted after several attempts. The problem has occurred repeatedly over many months. Multiple independent
While driving, the vehicle has repeatedly experienced sudden loss of power and electrical failures without warning. During these events, the dashboard flickers, warning messages appear, and the vehicle shuts off or goes into reduced power mode. When this occurs, steering becomes extremely difficult, braking becomes stiff, and the vehicle cannot accelerate. These incidents have happened multiple times in different driving situations, including: At stoplights While pulling into intersections Backing out of parking spaces Driving on public roads, including dark rural roads Driving with my three minor children in the vehicle On at least one occasion, the vehicle shut off while pulling onto a road with oncoming traffic, leaving us stopped in the roadway with no power and limited steering/braking. This created an immediate and serious risk of collision. The vehicle eventually restarted after several attempts. The problem has occurred repeatedly over many months. Multiple independent
Warning light indicating front passenger airbag inflator which is at risk of exploding during a crash due to propellant degradation sending metal fragments into the vehicle.
The passenger seat belt will no longer just click in. In order for us to get it to latch, you have to push down on the red button as your pushing the seat belt in, then it will latch. We bought this used and within 1-2 weeks this happened. But other things happened with the engine and that took priority. It was in the shop for almost 6 months. I'm not sure if the dealer/ previous seller knew about it and they were able to "fix" it so it worked when we bought it. (We are lied to on a lot of things) I'm afraid that it might not hold up in a crash if it's not buckling right.
The factory exterior paint is failing. Most notable on the hood, roof and back passenger side lower quarter panel area. I just got an estimate to just repaint the hood through the dealership and it was over $3,000.00 (estimate attached) and ballpark estimate to repaint the entire car was around $10,000.000. They indicated that they were not aware of any factory recalls for the failing paint. I've heard that other car owners have experienced the same issue.
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering violently, prompting the contact to discontinue driving over 60 MPH. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound while making right or left turns. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 122,000.
Mileage: 122,000
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering violently, prompting the contact to discontinue driving over 60 MPH. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound while making right or left turns. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 122,000.
Mileage: 122,000
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering violently, prompting the contact to discontinue driving over 60 MPH. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound while making right or left turns. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 122,000.
Mileage: 122,000
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the check engine warning light flashed, and the traction control warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side road and contacted the dealer. The dealer advised the contact to not restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with lifter valves failure. The dealer determined that the two banks of lifter valves and the camshaft needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under warranty for the same failure. The dealer provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer for assistance in reducing the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.
Mileage: 43,000
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle hesitated to upshift while the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into the intended gear while the gear shifter was in use. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local service center, where it was diagnosed and determined that there were metal shavings in the engine, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The transmission had been replaced prior to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Mileage: 105,000
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle hesitated to upshift while the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into the intended gear while the gear shifter was in use. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local service center, where it was diagnosed and determined that there were metal shavings in the engine, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The transmission had been replaced prior to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Mileage: 105,000
Sitting in my truck and everything just stopped working. Starter was still going even with the key out of the ignition and there was a burn smelling come from under the engine and the truck wouldn't Starter. Had to get it tow from my job. Till this day my truck is still down. Engine be replace and the dealership still don't know why it still wouldn't starter. Also before the electrical problem. Me and my family was come down the highway from a vacation and the engine when i lost acceleration to the engine. The speed limit was 65 I can only do 25 because the engine lost acceleration. I only had the truck for three months. People told me that there was recalls on engine problem with the Chevrolet suburban and Tahoe. I looked it up and it is for 2019 and up. So know i have to pay 3800 to replace everything. I cant afford to replace anything I cant afford I use vehicle. The dealership that I got the vehicle from is closed down because they was lemons to people know everyone is stuck wi
Sitting in my truck and everything just stopped working. Starter was still going even with the key out of the ignition and there was a burn smelling come from under the engine and the truck wouldn't Starter. Had to get it tow from my job. Till this day my truck is still down. Engine be replace and the dealership still don't know why it still wouldn't starter. Also before the electrical problem. Me and my family was come down the highway from a vacation and the engine when i lost acceleration to the engine. The speed limit was 65 I can only do 25 because the engine lost acceleration. I only had the truck for three months. People told me that there was recalls on engine problem with the Chevrolet suburban and Tahoe. I looked it up and it is for 2019 and up. So know i have to pay 3800 to replace everything. I cant afford to replace anything I cant afford I use vehicle. The dealership that I got the vehicle from is closed down because they was lemons to people know everyone is stuck wi
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while the vehicle was taken for a routine oil change at the dealer, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle received unknown repairs, and an unknown recall repair for the lifters was performed. The contact had retrieved the vehicle and several weeks later, while driving at 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was then towed to the deale,r where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact believed that the recall repair of the lifters had caused the engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Mileage: 90,000
The contact owned a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH on the highway, the contact and his wife noticed an abnormal odor coming from the air conditioning unit. The contact pulled over to a rest stop and exited the vehicle to inspect the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was still drivable, and the contact returned to the residence. An undisclosed dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the A/C condenser needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the contact was informed that the dealer was waiting for approval from the manufacturer. The contact related the failure to the Special Coverage Adjustment: 17336(Air Conditioning Condenser (Combi-Cooler) Refrigerant Leak). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Mileage: 50,000
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
Loss of Motive Power due to the Battery Energy Control Module
Electric Vehicle Battery Fires
Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
Fuel Line Leak
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.