Skip to content
Chevrolet SuburbanModel year report

2019 Chevrolet Suburban Problems

Compared with other Chevrolet Suburban years

Typical for this model

50/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical

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
78filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
67,000miles, 26 complaints with mileage
Recalls
31 do-not-drive
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
EPA fuel economy
18 mpgcombined, 5.3L 8-cyl RWD · 15 city / 22 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often write about transmission problems — slipping, shuddering, harsh shifting and in several cases complete transmission failure, usually in the 70,000–130,000 mile range. Engine complaints follow, mostly lifter, bearing and misfire failures on the V8 engines, and a smaller group describes power steering assist dropping out at parking speeds and brake-assist warnings at low mileage.

  1. Transmission and drivetrain

    Transmission shudder, slipping and failure

    • 41 complaints (53%)
    • median 77,000 mi at 4.0 yrs old (11 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2020–2026

    Complaints describe shuddering between roughly 30 and 50 mph, harsh or delayed shifts, RPM flares while cruising, and a jerking or knocking feel when pulling away from a stop. In several cases the vehicle lost power or stalled while driving, and dealers or independent shops diagnosed internal transmission failure, torque converter problems or burned fluid and recommended a full replacement. Some owners say a fluid and filter service did not resolve the symptoms. Most reports fall between about 70,000 and 130,000 miles, though a few describe symptoms beginning much earlier.

    Recall 26V289000 · DO NOT DRIVE1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Ask for transmission service records and whether the fluid has been changed; during a test drive watch for shudder or hesitation at steady 40–50 mph and for a clunk when shifting from park to drive. A pre-purchase inspection by a transmission shop is worthwhile.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Transmission stalling, hesitating, affecting engine performance and rpm's. broke down on highway. We replaced the transmission, now it's doing a similar problem and the mechanic says the engine is failing, cylinders issues. I've read up it's happening to many of the same year make and model. I spent 7k on a new transmission. Now a new engine??? ...frustrating! Please help”

    NHTSA complaint #11739110, filed 2026-05

    “My certified used 2019 Chevy Suburban, with all routine maintenance completed, transmission abruptly failed. The vehicle was just serviced the month prior and with no current issues revealed during that appointment. We have never seen a transmission just fail suddenly with no warnings, no light on dash, and the transmission fluid was a good color and with no burn smells. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11647748, filed 2025-03
  2. Engine

    Engine lifter, bearing and misfire failures

    • 20 complaints (26%)
    • median 98,000 mi at 7.0 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2022–2026

    Owners describe sudden rough running, shaking at low RPM, a flashing check-engine light and loss of power, sometimes followed by a stall. Diagnoses in the complaints include collapsed lifters, failed rod bearings with metal found in the oil, cylinder misfire and, in a few cases, a seized or destroyed engine requiring replacement or rebuild. Several owners connect their experience to broader coverage of the V8 engines used in these vehicles. Reports cluster from roughly 80,000 to 125,000 miles, with some failures reported earlier.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Check the oil level and condition, listen for ticking or knocking at cold start and at idle, and ask for any records of lifter, camshaft or engine work. A scan tool check for stored misfire codes is a reasonable step before purchase.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “My engine had a defect which required the entire engine to be rebuilt. The engine lifters, push rod and crankshaft all failed and I had to incur a $9000 repair. I believe this is in line with the current recall of Chevy 6.2L V8 engines like mine. I believe this is defect of Chevy's that they should be required to reimburse.”

    NHTSA complaint #11657218, filed 2025-04

    “I was driving yesterday when my car began to shake at low RPMs. The traction control light came on steadily and the check engine light was blinking. I was unable to safely accelerate. I took it to my mechanic who tested spark plugs and coils, which he confirmed aren't the problem. He informed me that this is a common issue with the GM 6.2L engine, but mine isn't part of the recall. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11730201, filed 2026-04
  3. Steering

    Reduced power steering assist at low speed

    • 6 complaints (8%)
    • median 800 mi at 0.6 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2019–2026

    Complaints describe the steering becoming heavy or briefly losing assist at low speeds, typically while turning in parking lots or changing direction, sometimes together with dimming lights and warning messages on the cluster. Another group reports the vehicle drifting or pulling to one side at highway speed and an alignment that did not correct it. Reported from very low mileage — some under 1,000 miles — up into the tens of thousands.

    What to check: During the test drive, turn the wheel lock to lock at parking speed with the engine idling and watch for heavy steering or flickering lights; also drive a straight stretch and check for pull or wander.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The suburban pulls to side. I got it into the service center and they tried to fix the alignment but when we got it back it still does it. So im not driving it til it gets a second opinion because its definitely not the alignment if it is still doing it. So I dont feel safe driving it with me or especially my kids in it.”

    NHTSA complaint #11714003, filed 2026-01

    “We have suddenly experienced a problem with our 2019 Suburban, seemingly identical to a problem that plagued 2015 GM light trucks and SUVs (NHTSA campaign number: 18V586. GM's own number for this recall is 18289). At low speeds (typically parking lots, under 5 MPH), when turning, we intermittenly lose power steering. This is more common when switching directions rapidly such as during a parking maneuver. Simultaneously, headlights and interior lights intermittenly dim. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11554756, filed 2023-11
  4. Brakes

    Brake assist warning and grinding pedal feel

    Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints

    Owners describe a grinding or vibrating sensation through the brake pedal, a pedal that feels harder or mushy than normal, and a 'Service Brake Assist' message on the cluster. In the complaints, dealers replaced a brake booster sensor in one case, and one owner was told the electronic brake control module needed replacement. Reported between about 10,000 and 90,000 miles, several at low mileage.

    Recall 19V7610001 related service bulletin

    What to check: Ask whether the brake assist recall work was completed for this vehicle, and note any brake warning messages or unusual pedal feel during a test drive.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “2019 Chevrolet Suburban. After starting the vehicle, when I stepped on the brake to come to a stop, I heard and felt a grinding in the brake pedal and the pedal was a little mushy as well when coming to a stop. The instrument cluster displayed a warning which said service brake assist. The vehicle was taken to my local Chevrolet dealer who advised that they are replacing the brake booster sensor. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11325089, filed 2020-05, 11,750 miles

    “On 12/16/2020, while driving our 2019 Suburban with 10,041 miles around town, the brake peddle would vibrate when my wife applied the brakes and it was harder than normal for her to push the peddle down and come to a stop. Shortly after she pulled over, with the car running, a message appeared on the dash service braking assist . The vibration and difficultly stopping continued several more times that day before before it went away.”

    NHTSA complaint #11384064, filed 2020-12, 10,041 miles

Buying note. Give the transmission and engine the most attention on this model year: ask for service history, take a longer test drive covering steady highway speed and stop-and-go driving, and have a shop inspect both before committing. Also confirm the open recalls for the rear seat belts, brake system and transfer case were completed.

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 78 consumer complaints for the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. 26 of the complaints include a mileage, and 38% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 67,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns (1 marked do-not-drive) and 979 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 50 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (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: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Electronic stability control (1), Lane departure (1), Body and structure (1), Vehicle speed control (1).

Example complaints

Transmission and drivetrain: “2019 Chevrolet Suburban 4x4. When starting the vehicle, the transmission selector is in the park position and the emergency brake is set. On monday, february 10, 2019, I started the vehicle and it lurched forward while the emergency brake was set and the vehicle was parked. Additionally, my foot was on the brake pedal. The vehicle was on a slight incline and facing forward when this happened.”

NHTSA complaint #11308560, filed 2020-02, 9,850 miles

Engine: “Driving our newly purchased 4 week old Suburban down i95. Following a bathroom break at a rest stop, we loaded up in the car, started it via the push ignition and drove down the on ramp onto the highway. Within seconds, smoke began billowing from the hood. A fire under the hood ensued. We were traveling at approximately 30-40mph, when the smoke became suddenly heavy. We pulled over and parked the car on the shoulder and attempted to turn it off. For 30-40 seconds, the car would not turn off, rather, it shook and sputtered. …”

NHTSA complaint #11241952, filed 2019-08, 1,200 miles

Electrical system: “The 2019 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a wiper for the rear window. On an intermittent basis after the vehicle has gone through a car wash or after starting following a drenching rain, the rear wiper will not work even though it is switch on with the switch on the turn signal stalk. If the vehicle is restarted, the wiper will then work as if nothing had happened. Likewise, if the wiper does not work and you wait a few minutes, it will work as it normally should.”

NHTSA complaint #11308558, filed 2020-02, 9,800 miles

Steering: “Vehicle will not go streight, constantly drifts left and right, takes control away from driver nearly running into parked cars and people cause mental and physical fatigue after a few minutes. Vehicle accelerator peddle erratice, sensetive then stiff then no response runs into other vehicles, electronic gadgets a distraction, poor visibility windshield cluttered up with electronics. Had to stop suing vehicel after 1000 miles.”

NHTSA complaint #11297148, filed 2020-01, 800 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

38% of the 26 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 11,750 and 98,000 miles.

19%0–1012%10–258%25–5015%50–7523%75–10019%100–1504%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (26 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 67,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

2019202020212022202320242025222026
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 2019 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 · 20.4% risk
Suburban 1500 · SUV RWD★★★★☆4 / 4543 · 21.2% risk

Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2019 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.

Neighbouring years: 2018: same overall rating; 2020: 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 2019 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 automatic152218$3,700
Suburban C1500 2WD6.2L 8-cyl10-speed automatic142317$4,850
Suburban K1500 4WD5.3L 8-cyl6-speed automatic142116$4,200
Suburban K1500 4WD6.2L 8-cyl10-speed automatic142016$5,150
Suburban C1500 2WD5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel6-speed automatic152218$3,700
Suburban K1500 4WD5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel6-speed automatic142116$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

Recall details for the 2019 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. 979 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 979 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 2019 Chevrolet Suburban?

Owners of this model year most often write about transmission problems — slipping, shuddering, harsh shifting and in several cases complete transmission failure, usually in the 70,000–130,000 mile range. The issues reported most often: Transmission shudder, slipping and failure; Engine lifter, bearing and misfire failures; Reduced power steering assist at low speed.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban have?

NHTSA recorded 78 consumer complaints for the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban is reported most often?

Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 38 complaints (49% of the total), followed by engine with 26.

Has the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban been recalled?

NHTSA lists 3 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 2019 Chevrolet Suburban do in NHTSA crash tests?

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2019 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 2019 Chevrolet Suburban get?

The EPA rates the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban (Suburban C1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban reported?

Among the 26 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 67,000 miles and the middle half falls between 11,750 and 98,000 miles; 38% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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.