VehicleVerdict

2018 Chevrolet Suburban problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2018 Chevrolet Suburban sits mid-pack among Suburban years: 111 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 150, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (19), engine (18), and transmission (17), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

111

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other Suburban years?

See all Suburban years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Chevrolet Suburban problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1917%
Engine1816%
Transmission1715%
Brakes1413%
Other1110%
Steering87%
Seat Belts55%
Airbags44%
Tires & Wheels44%
Speed Control33%
Fuel System33%
Driver Assistance22%
Suspension22%
Body & Structure11%

Does the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

26V289000TransmissionMay 7, 2026 · 66 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe vehicles. A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.

Consequence

Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's number for this recall is N262557620. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 7, 2026.

19V761000BrakesOctober 24, 2019 · 652,967 units

Defect

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 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.

Consequence

Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.

19V645000BrakesSeptember 6, 2019 · 3,456,719 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.

18V673000Seat BeltsSeptember 26, 2018 · 15,800 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. Certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelts retractor assemblies may not automatically lock when the seatbelt is fully pulled out of the retractor, possibly preventing a child seat from being properly secured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

If the child seat is not properly secured in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seatbelt retractors and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18315.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

THE STABILITY TRACK LIGHTS KEEPS COMING ON AND OFF. DEALER CAN'T SEEM TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. IT DOES NOT LEAVE A CODE IN ORDER TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. WHEN THE LIGHT COMES ON IT AFFECTS THE CRUISE CONTROL AND STEERING ASSIST. THIS OCCURS WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. IT DOESN'T…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 14, 2020

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN DEC OF 2019 USED. 35,000 MILES. NOW HAS 88,000 AND THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. REGULAR OIL CHANGES. NO WARNING LIGHTS. NO ISSUES. STOPPED RUNNING. AFTER HAVING SOMEONE LOOK AT IT TO SEE WHAT THE ISSUE WAS, THE MECHANIC SAID THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION HAS TO EITHER BE REBUILT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 15, 2021

VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND ENGINE OFF AND KIDS WERE GETTING INTO CAR WHEN ONE OF THE KIDS PULLED IN THE SHIFTER AND SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL. THE SUBURBAN WAS STOPPED WHEN IT HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE PARKED BEHIND. THE SLOPE WAS SMALL AND THE IMPACT WAS INCONSEQUENTIAL. UPON…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 4, 2019 · crash

The vehicle began to shake as if it would shut down. Then, the engine light came on. Then I received three text message alerts. We were shown paperwork regarding the service history that was done at Philips Chevrolet. Now we’re getting alerts regarding work that has to be completed within 7 days.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 27, 2021

I bought this vehicle in January 2019 . I had to have the AC worked on in April 2021. I was advised that the year 2017 had a recall on the same is mine is having… now in 2024 my AC has to be fixed again for the same thing … this is not a cheap fix. It should be under a recall .. please if u can…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 13, 2024

2018 Chevrolet Suburban — common questions

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 111 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Suburban year, with 4 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2018 Suburban problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (19 complaints), engine (18 complaints), transmission (17 complaints).

Does the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Suburban years should you avoid?

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.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.