2005 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 12%of 94 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,050miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 Chevrolet Suburban 1500, 12% of the 94 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,050 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The auto transmission 3 and 4th gear clutch failed in this unit which research shows is a common failure. When the transmission was opened for the repair there were two parts that showed a lot of rust which indicated an exposure to water. I would not be writing this if the transmission shop had not shown me a chevy avalanche transmission they had just came in with the same parts showing the rust pattern. Both transmissions were made in the ramos, mexico GM factory in within a short time frame. …”
NHTSA complaint #10509788, filed 2013-04, 72,000 miles“Transmission failure. As I began accelerating from a stop, in order to make a left turn across opposing traffic lanes, I had a complete failure of forward momentum. The vehicle behind me narrowly missed a rear end accident and opposing traffic was forced to quickly stop as I was left blocking their traffic lane. Vehicle still under warranty with 25,122 miles. Dealer repaired transmission and identified sprag gear found damaged ... Clutches also burnt replaced as needed... . Possible tsbs 08-07-30-027.”
NHTSA complaint #10247934, filed 2008-11, 25,122 miles“My 2005 suburban the drive shaft was broken at only about 40 MPH. If it happened on highway, probally will cause an accident because I has lost the control totally.”
NHTSA complaint #10284623, filed 2009-09, 53,000 miles“My 2005 suburban chev. Has 46,000 and the transmission will not shift between 3rd and 4th gear. The dealer said this is fairly normal to happen. It is not included in the power train warranty. The cost to repair is $3000.00 to $4000.00. The car started making an awful noise, the instrument panel said transmission hot. When I pushed on the accelerator the car would not go it just made an awful noise. Thank god I was on a road I could pull over on. The car had to be towed in to the dealer.I have a $50,000 car that can't be driven. Is this a common problem to 2005 suburban?”
NHTSA complaint #10314067, filed 2010-02, 46,202 miles“I was driving with my two young children in the car and my car made a clicking sound and then begin to shake and vibrate. Then all of a sudden it made a really loud noise that sounded like the bottom of the car fell onto the road and was being dragged along and the it would not go anymore. I tried putting it in park and it would not stop, it rolled backwards until I put the emergency brake on and turned it off. I had it towed to mechanic who informed me the drive shaft broke in two. It was a very scary incident with my two small children in the car. They were crying inconsolably and scared. …”
NHTSA complaint #10360161, filed 2010-10, 109,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10234619Apr 6, 2023This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 10228863Dec 13, 2022This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10227241Nov 18, 2022This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 11% |
| 2025 | 6 | 19% |
| 2023 | 4 | 24% |
| 2011 | 5 | 6% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 17 | 9% |
| 2006 | 1 | 3% |
| 2005 | 11 | 12% |
| 2004 | 10 | 5% |
| 2003 | 6 | 3% |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
| 2001 | 5 | 5% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 2 | 3% |
| 1998 | 1 | 7% |
| 1995 | 1 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2005 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
46 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology