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Chevrolet SuburbanModel year report

2017 Chevrolet Suburban Problems

Compared with other Chevrolet Suburban years

More complaints than typical for this model

85/100 2.2× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2014

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
142filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
53,333miles, 71 complaints with mileage
Recalls
51 do-not-drive
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
EPA fuel economy
19 mpgcombined, 5.3L 8-cyl RWD · 16 city / 23 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often report brake-pedal problems, especially a hard pedal with reduced stopping power that dealers typically trace to the brake-assist vacuum pump. Transmission complaints form a second cluster, usually appearing well past 60,000 miles as slipping, harsh shifting, jerking, or a sudden loss of drive. Engine complaints, often involving lifters, camshafts, or fuel injectors, tend to appear later in the vehicle's life.

  1. Brakes

    Hard brake pedal / reduced power assist

    • 29 complaints (20%)
    • median 55,000 mi at 2.7 yrs old (17 state mileage)
    • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2018–2024

    Owners describe the brake pedal becoming very stiff or hard to press, sometimes needing both feet or a full push to the floor, while the vehicle keeps rolling slowly. Several say the 'Service Brake Assist' light came on and that a dealer or shop diagnosed a failed brake-assist vacuum pump, in some cases along with a broken belt, vacuum hoses, or oil lines. A few report the pedal hardening mainly at low speed, while parking, or immediately after releasing and reapplying the brake. Reported from roughly 25,000 to 84,000 miles, often in low-speed parking or stopping situations.

    Recall 19V6450001 related service bulletin

    What to check: Ask whether the brake vacuum pump has been replaced and whether recall 19V645000 was performed; on a test drive, press and release the pedal repeatedly at low speed and confirm it stays firm without a hard, unassisted feel.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “We bought this vehicle and immediately had issues with the brakes. When you try and pump the brakes at a slow rate, the brakes harden up and has almost caused several accidents. We called the dealership and they said it was something we had to fix on our own and there was no recall. Looks like this is very common in these cars and you need to be aware. This is an expensive maintenance that has to be fixed.”

    NHTSA complaint #11193766, filed 2019-04, 55,000 miles

    “Service brake assist warning light continues to come on on my 2017 Suburban. I took it to the dealer and they reset the software that controls the brakes, but it is now showing the light again. Could this happen if the brakes need to be replaced?”

    NHTSA complaint #11373560, filed 2020-11, 80,000 miles
  2. Transmission and drivetrain

    Transmission slipping, harsh shifts, or loss of drive

    • 36 complaints (25%)
    • median 95,000 mi at 6.4 yrs old (17 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2019–2026

    Complaints describe the transmission slipping or hesitating before acceleration, hard or jerky shifts between gears, a whirling or abnormal noise, and in some cases a sudden inability to accelerate at all. Owners report dealers diagnosing internal transmission failure and recommending replacement or rebuild; several note the vehicle had to be towed. A few mention overheating warnings that recurred every short distance before forward drive was lost. Mostly reported between about 70,000 and 160,000 miles, though some appear near 43,000 to 55,000 miles.

    What to check: Have a transmission shop check fluid condition and shift quality on a test drive, watching for slipping, delayed engagement, or harsh 1-2 shifts; ask whether the transmission has been serviced or replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “While driving on interstate 465 in Indianapolis on Tues 9/12/23 my 2017 Chevy Suburban completely lost any ability to accelerate. Fortunately I was able to coast over to the shoulder and have the vehicle towed to the closest Chevy dealership. The dealership determined it was a catastrophic failure of the transmission and recommends full transmission replacement for the vehicle to be drivable again.”

    NHTSA complaint #11544576, filed 2023-09, 98,988 miles

    “We purchased our 2017 Chevrolet Suburban premiere 2018 at clay cooley, irving, tx and have completed every maintenance service required. When we purchased the vehicle in 2018 the certified Chevrolet Suburban premiere had 50, 000 miles. As of 11/23/20 our truck began slipping when pressing down on the accelerator pedal while driving on the highway. The truck was pausing before acceleration and noisily idling. We took the car to the dealership the next day and was told our transmission need replacement and will cost us $6, 000. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11376268, filed 2020-11, 110,800 miles
  3. Engine

    Engine shudder, misfire, or lifter and camshaft problems

    • 16 complaints (11%)
    • median 65,000 mi at 6.1 yrs old (11 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2018–2026

    Owners describe rough idle, shuddering or shaking while driving, misfires, and a flashing or steady check engine light. Some report dealers diagnosing failed fuel injectors, while others describe lifter or camshaft failure requiring valve train work or engine replacement. A few mention the vehicle becoming undrivable or needing a tow after the warning light appeared. Spread from about 29,000 to 122,000 miles, with several reports in the 43,000-61,000 mile range.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Listen for rough idle or ticking at cold start and scan for stored misfire or camshaft codes; ask whether the camshaft actuator magnet service bulletin or any lifter or injector work has been done.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Bottom line injectors! Have had this car for less than a year and replaced AC condenser, back up camera, whole fuel system dropped out bc of codes, full tune up, wires, plugs xs 2, still had misfires, rough idle codes finally after 2000$ fix and out of warranty fixed the problem! Might look nice but will never buy again!”

    NHTSA complaint #11243105, filed 2019-08, 65,000 miles

    “Rough idle for a couple of weeks then check engine light and service traction control light came on. Could not gear down without jerking. Took to dealership and the corrected the problem. Three days later rough idling again.”

    NHTSA complaint #11121160, filed 2018-08, 29,480 miles
  4. Electrical system

    Stalling or complete electrical shutdown while driving

    • 11 complaints (8%)
    • median 22,700 mi at 3.2 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2017–2025

    Complaints describe the dash and lights going dark, the engine shutting off, and power steering dropping out while the vehicle is moving, sometimes with a 'Service Stabilitrak' message. Owners report dealers replacing the body control module or tracing the problem to battery cables; some say the issue recurred after the first repair. Others report key-fob-not-detected warnings followed by the engine cutting off. Reported from very low mileage (under 10,000 miles) up to about 60,000 miles, at a range of driving speeds.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Check whether the body control module or battery cables have been replaced, and ask about any history of stalling or warning messages; a scan for body and communication codes is worthwhile.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “We were in motion and the car suddenly died completely. We were later to learn that the body control module (bcm) had shorted out. We leased the car brand new and had only had it for three months when this occurred. Thankfully we were not in a busy road when it happened, otherwise we could have been killed. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11051337, filed 2017-11, 2,000 miles

    “Vehicle dash and headlights turn off while driving, engine stalls and dies, power steering becomes inoperative. Transmission pops out of gear and freewheels. Service stabilitrack light. Very dangerous situation for my wife and 5 kids when this happens on curvy backroads at night like just happened last night! This is also the same problem as our previous chevy tahoe so we knew the problem was likely related to poor quality battery cables that are degrading prematurely. This should not be happening on a 3-4 year old vehicle. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11395164, filed 2021-02, 5 miles
  5. Transmission and drivetrain

    Jerking or lurching forward on acceleration

    • 8 complaints (6%)
    • median 72,000 mi at 3.5 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2018–2024

    Owners report the vehicle lurching or jumping forward unexpectedly when accelerating from a stop, or revving high before engaging with a jerk. Some describe the vehicle briefly failing to move while the engine revs, then moving sluggishly, and dealers diagnosing transmission or engine problems. A few note repairs that did not fully resolve the hesitation. Reported from near-new mileage up to about 150,000 miles, often at low speeds leaving a stop.

    What to check: During a test drive, accelerate gently from several stops and note any lurch, delay, or high revving before engagement; ask whether the transmission or throttle-related software has been updated.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Car engine revs up to 3-5 rpms then jerks forward, thought I had got hit from behind, luckily there wasnt anyone in front of me this has happend several times. Brought to dealer 1st time they said it was a bent push rod and that it was fixed, but may happen again truck wasnt running the same when I got it back still hesitating very slightly. 1/24 at a red light when it turned green, stepped on the gas it jumped so far forward and that my body reacted and I thought for sure I had been hit, there was no one behind me. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11301920, filed 2020-01, 20 miles

    “The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently jolted forward. The vehicle was able to stop while the brake pedal was depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The failure recurred while the contact was driving to the residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11538862, filed 2023-08, 40,000 miles

Buying note. Brake pedal feel and transmission behavior are the two things worth checking carefully on this model year, ideally with a pre-purchase inspection that includes a scan for stored codes. Ask for service records showing whether the brake vacuum pump recall and any transmission or engine work have already been done.

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 142 consumer complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. 71 of the complaints include a mileage, and 45% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 53,333 miles. Of all complaints, 7 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns (1 marked do-not-drive) and 1,559 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Chevrolet Suburban model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 85 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

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.

Also reported: Electronic stability control (3), Forward collision avoidance (2), Suspension (2), Wheels (2), Seat belts (1), Body and structure (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).

Example complaints

Brakes: “Hi I?m not sure if this will ever be read but this week while traveling across the us (in a blizzard) in my 2017 chevy Suburban the vacuum pump on my brake assist went out and left me with very little brakes I was luckily enough to get it to a dealership where they replaced the vacuum pump along with the belt that broken because of it. They did say it was a bad design and would most likely go out again. I have 4 children who are in the car with me at all times. …”

NHTSA complaint #11165712, filed 2019-01, 67,000 miles

Transmission and drivetrain: “On 3/25/20 at approximately 7:20pm I was traveling a north bound direction on us highway 51 in lane 1 (fast lane). My 2017 Chevrolet Suburban started to jerk and the RPM gauge excelled to 5/6 RPM. Then, the Suburban came to an abrupt stop in the middle of lane 1. At that time I was rear-ended by a law enforcement officer. The officer was unaware I was stopped, because I did not have any indications such as brake lights. I was trying to press the accelerator pedal to try move out of the highway, and the Suburban would not move. …”

NHTSA complaint #11319350, filed 2020-03, 76,000 miles

Engine: “While driving at different speeds, or during breaking and acceleration, the entire vehicle shirts off including the engine, a message flashes in the dash stabil brake, then the vehicle is dead while moving. Sometimes it turns back on automatically, other times I have to attempt to start it multiple times.”

NHTSA complaint #11307912, filed 2020-02, 98,800 miles

Electrical system: “While driving a message will flash service stabilitrak light will come on then a second or two later the vehicle will loose all it's power. The vehicle will shut down while driving. Once while driving at 53 miles per hour while on city street during mid traffic and twice while driving a low speed making a turn.”

NHTSA complaint #11300307, filed 2020-01, 57,556 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

45% of the 71 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 38,000 and 84,000 miles.

11%0–104%10–2530%25–5025%50–7514%75–10011%100–1504%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (71 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 53,333 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

2018212020202220242026
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Suburban 1500 · SUV 4WD★★★★☆4 / 4543 · 20.3% risk
Suburban 1500 · SUV RWD★★★★☆4 / 4543 · 21.2% risk

Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2017 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.

Neighbouring years: 2016: same overall rating; 2018: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2017 Chevrolet Suburban version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Suburban C1500 2WD5.3L 8-cyl6-speed automatic162319$3,550
Suburban K1500 4WD5.3L 8-cyl6-speed automatic152218$3,700
Suburban C1500 2WD5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel6-speed automatic162319$3,550
Suburban K1500 4WD5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel6-speed automatic152218$3,700

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

Recall details for the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban → · Check a 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. 1,559 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 1,559 bulletins →

Other model years of the Chevrolet Suburban

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20244516,6001417Too new to compareToo new
202313147,000341789 · MoreToo new
202212458,166441773 · MoreRising
202120469,22412417100 · MoreRising
20204430,000441852 · TypicalRising
20197867,000341850 · TypicalRising
20188442,000441950 · TypicalRising
201714253,333541985 · MoreStable
201622059,9636419100 · MoreFalling
201543162,00011418100 · MoreFalling
20145955,000341723 · FewerFalling
201311860,000441740 · TypicalFalling
201210166,300441741 · TypicalFalling
201114870,0003——31 · FewerFalling
201011790,0003——0 · FewerFalling
200910685,0005——30 · FewerFalling
200821385,0004——32 · FewerFalling
200729285,0004——Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20062390,0001———Falling
200512983,0006——Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200420463,2004——Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200330176,7315——Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200228664,0002——Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200144060,6506——Not compared (before 2008)Rising
200028270,9758——Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199963485,0001——Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199820176,5002——Not compared (before 2008)Stable
1997414100,8582——Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199636093,1003——Not compared (before 2008)Stable
1995457113,4506——Not compared (before 2008)Falling
1994858122,0003——Not compared (before 2008)Stable
1993499120,0000—13Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199218930,0003—13Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199152106,7443—12Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199054—3—13Not compared (before 2008)Stable
198962127,5003—12Not compared (before 2008)Stable
198830112,5003——Not compared (before 2008)Stable
198718—0———Stable
19867200,0000—13—Not enough data
19859—0—13—Not enough data
19846—0—13—Not enough data

All Chevrolet Suburban model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban?

Owners of this model year most often report brake-pedal problems, especially a hard pedal with reduced stopping power that dealers typically trace to the brake-assist vacuum pump. The issues reported most often: Hard brake pedal / reduced power assist; Transmission slipping, harsh shifts, or loss of drive; Engine shudder, misfire, or lifter and camshaft problems.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban have?

NHTSA recorded 142 consumer complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban is reported most often?

Brakes is named most often, in 44 complaints (31% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 39.

Has the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban been recalled?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year, 1 of them with a do-not-drive advisory. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

How did the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban do in NHTSA crash tests?

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.

What gas mileage does the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban get?

The EPA rates the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban (Suburban C1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 16 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban reported?

Among the 71 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 53,333 miles and the middle half falls between 38,000 and 84,000 miles; 45% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. 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.