Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1982 Chevrolet Suburban — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
1
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 100% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE PLATFORM TRAILER HITCHES ON THE SUSPECT VEHICLES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH SUFFICIENT HITCH-TO-ATTACHMENT BOLT CLAMP LOAD. IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE TRAILER HITCH ATTACHING PARTS MAY LOOSEN AND BREAK.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPOSITION THE HITCH AND REAR BUMPER, RETORQUE THE ATTACHMENT BOLTS AND REPLACE THE EXISTING REAR HITCH-TO-FRAME BOLTS AT NO COST TO OWNER.
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1982 Chevrolet Suburban. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Suburban years to avoid are 1994, 1999, 1993, 2015, 1995, 1997, 2001, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2002, 1998, 2016, 2008, 2004, 2021, 1992, 2011, 2013, 2010, 2022, 2023, 2012, 2009, 2014, 2024. The cleanest record among Suburban years belongs to 1982.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.