VehicleVerdict

2020 Chevrolet Suburban problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2020 Chevrolet Suburban sits mid-pack among Suburban years: 60 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 150, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 15 reports (25% of the total).

60

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2020 compare to other Suburban years?

See all Suburban years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Chevrolet Suburban problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1525%
Transmission1017%
Electrical System1017%
Steering47%
Brakes35%
Fuel System35%
Other35%
Speed Control35%
Suspension23%
Airbags23%
Tires & Wheels23%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Driver Assistance12%
Seats12%

Does the 2020 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.

21V115000Tires & WheelsFebruary 25, 2021 · 33,838 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.

Consequence

Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.

19V837000Fuel SystemNovember 21, 2019 · 502 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Camaro, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump may be missing a pressure regulator, allowing for over-pressurization of the fuel system.

Consequence

Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2019. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192283991.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

I put vehicle in Chevy dealership 7/8/24 for cold start knocking sound. Dealers called 2 days later said it was defective lifter issue on the 6.2 liter GM engine.Dealer ordered new engine.on 8/23/24 while test driving vehicle with new engine in it while driving on the highway a fire started under…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 23, 2024 · fire

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2020 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 88,000 and at the time of…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 18, 2025

INTERMITTENTLY, WHILE ACCELERATING, A JOLT IS FELT EMANATING FROM THE RIGHT HAD SIDE, POSSIBLY TOWARD THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, WHEN THE AUTO FEATURE OF THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE IS ENGAGED. THIS OCCURS AT SPEEDS OVER 50. WHAT IS DESCRIBED IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM, SINCE THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PURCHASED. NOT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 4, 2020

My car shut off two times while driving. When you google the issue, it auto populates meaning that this is a very common issue with GM. It starts back to 2015 searches as well. GM needs to recall their suburbans for their cars turning off while driving which caused me to lose power steering, power…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 2, 2023

Driving on interstate and gradual onset of clicking/knocking. Within 5 minutes complete loss of propulsion and throttle. RPM went to zero. Oil pressure/temperature/engine lights all fine. Dealership states "catastrophic engine failure." My family was in the vehicle. Fortunately still had power…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 3, 2026

2020 Chevrolet Suburban — common questions

Is the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 60 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Suburban year, with 4 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2020 Suburban problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (15 complaints), transmission (10 complaints), electrical system (10 complaints).

Does the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 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.