Owners have reported 3 crashes and 4 injuries to NHTSA for the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints13
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban frequently report transmission issues, with symptoms such as sudden loss of power, failure to accelerate, and abrupt or harsh shifting. These problems often occur without warning, and several complaints note that the issues arise during highway driving or when attempting to merge into traffic. Transmission failures are reported at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 34,000 miles, while others appear around 88,000 to 133,000 miles. Safety concerns are evident, as some owners describe near-miss accidents due to loss of control, and one incident involved a parked vehicle unexpectedly shifting into gear. Buyers should be aware of these potential transmission issues, especially given the absence of warning signs and the possibility of costly repairs.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints12
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving sudden loss of power while driving. Symptoms commonly include the vehicle stalling without warning, with several owners noting that the vehicle can sometimes be restarted after a delay, but occasionally requires towing. Complaints often reference problems with battery cables and ignition switches, with some reports indicating these issues occur around 37,000 to 208,000 miles. Additionally, multiple owners describe the instrument cluster flickering or going black, affecting the safe operation of the vehicle. Safety implications are evident, as the sudden loss of power can occur at high speeds, posing a risk of accidents. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring electrical issues and their impact on vehicle safety and operation.
Owner complaints8
STEERING
Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban frequently report issues with the steering system, including sudden loss of power steering and the steering wheel locking up during turns. Common symptoms described include the vehicle shutting down unexpectedly, power steering becoming inoperable, and the steering wheel becoming difficult to turn, sometimes resulting in near-crash situations. Some complaints also mention electrical issues, such as warning lights for the ABS and traction control systems, and problems with the shift lock actuator. These issues often occur at low speeds, particularly during turns, and can result in a temporary loss of vehicle control, posing notable safety risks. Buyers should be aware of these patterns and consider them when evaluating the vehicle's condition and safety.
Owner complaints8
ENGINE
Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban frequently report engine power loss, particularly during acceleration, which requires the vehicle to be restarted to regain power. Complaints often mention lifter failures, sometimes accompanied by camshaft damage, occurring around or after 60,000 miles. Additional issues include rough idling, rattling sounds, and check engine lights, with some attributing these to Active Fuel Management. Safety implications are noted, with sudden power loss while driving posing a potential hazard. Buyers should be aware of these issues, especially regarding the cost and frequency of repairs related to lifter and power loss problems.
Owner complaints8
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban frequently report issues with the air conditioning system, specifically related to the HVAC condenser, with some mentioning costs exceeding $1,650 for repairs. Multiple complaints highlight problems with the infotainment system, where the display goes black, affecting the backup camera functionality. Transmission issues are also noted, including gear train noise and slipping torque converters, often around 123,000 miles. Additionally, some owners express concerns about the UV protection coating deteriorating, potentially leading to rust. Safety implications are mentioned in relation to brake assist problems, where the vehicle struggles to stop, posing a potential risk of accidents.
Owner complaints5
SEAT BELTS
Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban frequently report issues with seat belt retractors and tensioners, particularly in the second row. Common symptoms include seat belts that fail to retract or lock properly, with some owners noting these issues after using child car seats. Complaints often describe problems with the seat belts not retracting or extending, making it difficult to secure passengers safely, including children. These issues are reported to occur within four years of ownership, with some owners incurring significant repair costs. While no crashes or injuries are noted, the inability to properly secure seat belts could pose safety risks, especially for families using child seats.
Owner complaints5
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners report that the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban frequently experiences brake issues, with complaints often mentioning a firm or difficult-to-depress brake pedal. Drivers describe situations where significant force is required to stop the vehicle, especially when reversing or driving at various speeds. The issues often involve the vacuum pump and brake booster, with some complaints linking these failures to specific recalls. The symptoms typically appear around 39,000 to 80,000 miles. Safety implications are notable, as several owners express difficulty in stopping the vehicle, raising concerns about potential loss of control.
Owner complaints4
AIR BAGS
Owners report several issues with the airbag system in the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban, including airbag warning lights and failure to deploy during crashes. Complaints frequently mention the driver airbag warning light appearing and remaining on, with one owner noting a delay in obtaining parts for repair. In two separate incidents, airbags did not deploy during front-end collisions, resulting in four injuries. One owner discovered the vehicle lacked any installed airbags upon purchase, preventing vehicle registration. These issues are reported at mileages ranging from approximately 4,700 to 72,000, highlighting potential safety implications for buyers considering this model.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 4 injury reports
Owner complaints2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban report issues related to unexpected acceleration and braking failures. One owner describes a situation where the vehicle spontaneously accelerates without pressing the gas pedal and experiences a complete loss of braking function, with the brake pedal lacking tension and failing to stop the vehicle. Another complaint involves engine failure attributed to defective lifters, accompanied by warning lights for engine, steering, and traction. These issues occur at varying mileages, with one report at under 18,000 miles, and may pose safety risks such as loss of vehicle control.
Owner complaints2
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban report issues related to electronic stability control, particularly involving a recall for this component. Complaints frequently mention delays in obtaining necessary parts for the recall repair, with owners indicating that dealers have informed them of parts unavailability. While no specific failures or incidents are reported, owners note manufacturer guidance to avoid using 4-wheel drive until a remedy is available. There are no reports of crashes or loss of control associated with these complaints. Used car buyers should be aware of potential delays in recall repairs for electronic stability control components.
