2007 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 Problems
- Complaints
- 190filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 72,500miles, 132 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 16 mpgcombined, 5.3L 8-cyl RWD · 14 city / 19 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about two kinds of trouble: the Takata airbag inflator recall and long waits for replacement parts, and a plastic dashboard that cracks over time around the instrument cluster and the passenger airbag. Oil consumption is the third recurring theme, with complaints describing quarts of oil used between changes and dealers varying in what they would do about it.
- Body and structure
Cracked dashboard plastic
- 33 complaints (17%)
- median 95,000 mi at 7.5 yrs old (27 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2012–2019
The upper dash cracks in several places, often above the instrument cluster and alongside the passenger airbag cover, without an impact. Some owners report sharp edges and worry about fragments if the airbag deploys. Dealers reportedly replaced a dash in some cases, sometimes at partial cost, and in others said the cracking was not a known problem or offered no assistance. Cracks often appear between roughly 40,000 and 150,000 miles; several owners link it to heat and sun exposure.
What to check: Look closely along the top of the dash and next to the passenger airbag seam for hairline cracks, and ask whether the dash has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My dash has cracked above the steering wheel control area all the way up. I have tried to repair with plastic epoxy and a vinyl repair kit and it still looks horrible. Due to the degree of poor performance with this cheap piece and possible fracturing upon airbag inflation it is very dangerous and should be recalled. Gm isn't taking responsibility for the manufacturing defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10905551, filed 2016-09, 126,000 miles“I noticed last year that my driver side dash had a crack between the windshield and the steering wheel and at first was shocked as I thought I was seeing things but infact it was cracked. I contacted my car detailer and asked if he noticed it and he told me he sees this in many suburban's and escalades that he details and thought I was aware of it and would contact the dealership! …”
NHTSA complaint #10897745, filed 2016-08, 60,000 miles - Engine
High oil consumption
- 14 complaints (7%)
- median 71,000 mi at 4.6 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- filed 2009–2018
Owners describe using a quart or more of oil every thousand miles with no visible leak, and some report low oil pressure or a need for engine replacement. Dealers sometimes ran an oil consumption test, and some repairs such as piston and ring replacement were done under warranty in individual cases. Other owners say they were told the usage was normal or were given no repair. Reported from very low mileage up to about 170,000 miles, with many complaints filed between 40,000 and 130,000 miles.
What to check: Check the oil level and look for a fuel or oil smell on the dipstick, and ask whether any oil consumption test or engine work has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Since 2008 our suburban has required oil servicing on average every 2 months. We took it to many dealers and was told we needed to be able to track the consumption somehow. I stated, can't you check when the oil servicing light comes on and was told no. Don't know why it consumes so much oil and it's not leaking.”
NHTSA complaint #10436476, filed 2011-11, 42,000 miles“I am seeing an excessive oil consumption issue with my 2007 chevy suburban. From my measure it is consuming 4 1/2 qts of oil per 3000 miles. The dealer acknowledged that this is a known issue but didn't perform any repairs. I am instead performing an oil consumption test. That's fine but I now have a family vehicle that I cant trust for anticipation of engine failure/lock up or worse engine burn up or fire from a low oil condition.”
NHTSA complaint #10344658, filed 2010-07, 111 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission harsh shifting and slipping
- 15 complaints (8%)
- median 42,500 mi at 3.6 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2007–2018
Complaints describe rough or delayed shifts between first and second gear, a transmission that locks up or slips on inclines, and in some cases a loss of acceleration. Owners report dealers unable to reproduce the problem or saying no assistance was available, and some had the transmission rebuilt or replaced with the problem returning. Reported from a few thousand miles up to about 140,000 miles, with several complaints filed under 50,000 miles.
What to check: Drive at low speed and note any clunk, delay, or flare on the 1-2 shift, and ask whether the transmission has been serviced or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Like to place a formal complaint regarding the oil consumption for 2007 chevy suburban and the horrible quality of vehicle. A few months after purchasing the vehicle the transmission gave out. I've been having problems with oil consumption and its horrible. I believe that chevy should stand behind their product and do a massive recalls for these vehicle. Again, chevy should stand behind their product. There are so many reviews about this same problem. Obvious there is a problem. Will never buy a chevy again nor will I recommend chevy vehicles!! …”
NHTSA complaint #10567016, filed 2014-03, 10,000 miles“Vehicle torque converter slips / disengages on inclines causing the vehicle to roll backwards after trying to proceed after a stop. Must be on the gas simultaneously with coming off the brake to prevent rolling backwards into cars or people. Happens in drive, third and first. Transmission locks in second. Torque converter also slips while at idle in gear causing a rough idle situation.”
NHTSA complaint #10226980, filed 2008-05, 11,500 miles - Air bags
Takata airbag inflator recall parts unavailable
- 43 complaints (23%)
- median 122,500 mi at 9.8 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2019
Owners describe receiving recall notices but being told by dealers that replacement inflators were not in stock, sometimes for many months or across repeat visits. Some mention the airbag warning light coming on. Complaints focus on the wait and on repeated trips to the dealer rather than on a specific failure event. Reported across a wide mileage range, from about 90,000 to over 190,000 miles, mostly in complaints filed from 2016 onward.
What to check: Ask the dealer whether the Takata inflator recall has been completed on this vehicle and get it in writing; the recall is free regardless of mileage.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Contacted dealer in 2016 about takata recall. Told me the parts were not available. Contacted dealer in oct 2017 again, told the parts were still not available. I believe the general motors has had sufficient time to acquire replacement air bag inflator and that they are deliberately stalling hoping the problem will simple go away. I need my truck fixed so that my wife can ride with me on trips.”
NHTSA complaint #11034514, filed 2017-10, 167,000 miles“Received a letter in july 2016 recalling takata airbags and it is december 2016 and no parts are available yet. This is not safe and I want parts immediately and for the work to be done immediately.”
NHTSA complaint #10934030, filed 2016-12, 100,000 miles - Electrical system
Battery draining while parked
- 17 complaints (9%)
- median 45,000 mi at 3.3 yrs old (16 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2007–2017
Owners report the battery going flat repeatedly with nothing apparently left on, sometimes while listening to the radio with the engine off. Some had multiple batteries replaced without finding the cause, and others describe difficulty getting the vehicle started after sitting. Mostly reported under about 30,000 miles, with recurrences every few months in some accounts.
What to check: Ask about battery replacement history and any parasitic drain diagnosis, and check that interior and cargo lights go out when the doors are closed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“No crashes or injuries. On the indicated date I had the engine turned off with the keys in the ignition, listening to the radio. After a short time approximately 10 minutes, I discovered that the car battery was completely drained. I have been careful not let these incidents occur again but it has repeated at least 6 times. The most recent time was when I had a flat tire replaced and the tire service tech attempted to reprogram the tire pressure monitor system at which time, the battery was drained immediately. …”
NHTSA complaint #10306602, filed 2010-02, 10,458 miles“In august last year I purchased a 2007 Chevrolet suburban. At 2000 miles the car is 1st totally draining the battery ( I was in camping in the middle of the forest- they found me after 3 hrs- sheriff dept). Since then every month same and the dealer can not find the problem. They changed 3 batteries. Today 2/21/2007 is the 7th time. I pay $825/mth + rent a car every month -- they do not pay for rent a car because they start blame each other. Gmc is blaming the dealer and the dealer gmc. I'm in the middle and I don't have a car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10183220, filed 2007-02, 2,000 miles
Buying note. Check whether the Takata airbag recall has been completed, inspect the dash top and airbag seams for cracks, and confirm oil level and transmission behavior on a test drive. Service records showing oil consumption testing or transmission work are worth asking for.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 190 consumer complaints for the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban 1500. 132 of the complaints include a mileage, and 35% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 72,500 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 6 a fire, 28 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 304 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags63 33%
- Body and structure29 15%
- Electrical system26 14%
- Other or unknown22 12%
- Transmission and drivetrain17 8.9%
- Engine cooling13 6.8%
- Engine12 6.3%
- Electronic stability control11 5.8%
- Fuel system7 3.7%
Also reported: Seat belts (5), Equipment (4), Seats (4), Tires (4), Exterior lighting (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Steering (2), Suspension (2), Wheels (2), Brakes (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “The dark in cracking in multiple places including around the air bag. The danger is the dash itself could become pieces of shrapnel in an accident where the airbag would deploy. The cracks occurred while driving and we have been told it is due to the tight fit of the dash in the space allowed. This is our second dash as the first cracked dash was already replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10854554, filed 2016-04, 65,000 milesBody and structure: “Purchased new and own a 2007 chevy suburban. We have cut our hands several times opening the driver side door when pulling the inside door handle inward. This has been caused by the peeling fake chrome plastic that covers the inside handle. This peeling fake chrome creates a sharp edge as it peels off that is directly positioned to rub across one's fingers as you pull the door handle in toward you to open the door.”
NHTSA complaint #10340740, filed 2010-06, 17,000 milesElectrical system: “Safe lite auto glass placed polyeurethane glue on the rear window auto defroster metal contact to the rear window of my chevy 2007 lt suburban. I hit the remote starter and allowed the car to run for 9 minutes, the vehicle will auto shut off after 10 minutes. My daughter smelled smoke in the car so I inserted my ignition key and I rolled down the windows. I then backed my car out of the garage, pulled out of the driveway and my rear window exploded into pieces of glass everywhere. …”
NHTSA complaint #10694462, filed 2015-03, 277,000 milesOther or unknown: “Our car has 86,500k miles and is garaged. We have two cracks in the dash board. One is on the passenger side by air bag and the other is on the driver side over instrument panel. My concern is if the passenger air bag deploys in an accident it will be compromised by the crack in the dash board leaving the passenger unprotected from the airbag. The latest crack occurred just this past week. My car was at a stop light and I heard the crack occur on the drivers side. Upon looking at the dashboard I noticed the driver side crack. …”
NHTSA complaint #10991607, filed 2017-05, 86,500 milesMileage when problems were reported
35% of the 132 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 32,000 and 105,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2007 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suburban 1500 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Suburban 1500 2WD | 6.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Suburban 1500 4WD | 6.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| Suburban 1500 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Suburban 1500 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 304 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11028931Feb 16, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that some owners of Heavy Duty Trucks and Utilities may ask if they can lower their tire pressures. Tire pressures…
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11019074May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019073May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019072May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11017252Mar 28, 2025Electrical system, Other or unknown. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 11012907Dec 18, 2024Engine. This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11010544Oct 7, 2024Engine. This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11009531Sep 27, 2024Engine. This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Suburban 1500
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 18 | 8,250 | 3 | 5 | 17 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 32 | 17,000 | 1 | 5 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 17 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Too new |
| 2011 | 80 | 80,000 | 2 | — | 17 | 67 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 53 | 67,500 | 0 | — | 17 | 51 · Typical | Stable |
| 2009 | 55 | 77,500 | 0 | — | 16 | 35 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2008 | 101 | 69,000 | 0 | — | 16 | 49 · Typical | Stable |
| 2007 | 190 | 72,500 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 31 | 68,000 | 1 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 94 | 60,000 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 182 | 83,999 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 175 | 90,000 | 0 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 120 | 98,000 | 0 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 92 | 108,000 | 0 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 67 | 118,000 | 0 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 74 | 100,000 | 0 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 14 | 136,000 | 0 | — | 14 | — | Not enough data |
| 1997 | 16 | 130,000 | 0 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 1996 | 9 | 149,500 | 0 | — | 14 | — | Not enough data |
| 1995 | 8 | 159,500 | 0 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
| 1994 | 9 | 155,005 | 0 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Suburban 1500 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban 1500?
Owners of this model year most often write about two kinds of trouble: the Takata airbag inflator recall and long waits for replacement parts, and a plastic dashboard that cracks over time around the instrument cluster and the passenger airbag. The issues reported most often: Cracked dashboard plastic; High oil consumption; Transmission harsh shifting and slipping.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 have?
NHTSA recorded 190 consumer complaints for the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 63 complaints (33% of the total), followed by body and structure with 29.
Has the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 get?
The EPA rates the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 (Suburban 1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl) at 16 mpg combined, 14 city and 19 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 reported?
Among the 132 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 72,500 miles and the middle half falls between 32,000 and 105,000 miles; 35% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.