2020 Chevrolet Suburban Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Suburban years
Typical for this model
52/100 1.1× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.1× that of a typical Chevrolet Suburban year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 10 of its 44 complaints were filed by the end of 2022.
- Most reported part: Engine (17 complaints, median 92,500 mi).
- 1 recall with a do-not-drive warning, 4 in total. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2018, 2019
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
- 44filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 30,000miles, 13 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 41 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 2020 Chevrolet Suburban (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 44 consumer complaints for the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban. The part named most often is engine, with 17 complaints (39% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain (10) and electrical system (8). 13 of the complaints include a mileage, and 54% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 30,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns (1 marked do-not-drive) and 844 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine complaints overlap with 72 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Transmission and drivetrain complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 109 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 15 Chevrolet Suburban model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 52 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.
- Engine17 39%
- Electrical system8 18%
- Other or unknown4 9.1%
- Steering4 9.1%
- Brakes3 6.8%
- Fuel system3 6.8%
- Vehicle speed control3 6.8%
- Air bags2 4.5%
Also reported: Suspension (2), Engine cooling (1), Forward collision avoidance (1), Seats (1), Tires (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “Out of the blue, while driving, my car started lurching and making a weird rattling noise. I was able to make it to a mechanic, where I learned the cylinder lifters collapsed and crankshaft were broken. The mechanic told me this is a common defect for GM motors. My vehicle is only five years old, so to learn we have a $10-20,000 repair on our hands was paralyzing and devastating.”
NHTSA complaint #11657746, filed 2025-04Transmission and drivetrain: “Intermittently, while accelerating, a jolt is felt emanating from the right had side, possibly toward the front of the vehicle, when the auto feature of the 4 wheel drive is engaged. This occurs at speeds over 50. What is described is an ongoing problem, since the vehicle has been purchased. Not only occurring the date and mileage provided in this form, but consistently since that date and mileage.”
NHTSA complaint #11349572, filed 2020-08, 200 milesElectrical system: “Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2020 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 88,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 252,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11681266, filed 2025-08, 252,000 milesOther or unknown: “The transmission is not shifting appropriately from 2nd to 3rd 3rd to 4th. There is a huge whining noise when it reaches the end before shifts. There is known issues in the 2020 suburban and this vehicle was never recalled for similar issues.”
NHTSA complaint #11696536, filed 2025-10Mileage when problems were reported
54% of the 13 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 775 and 90,000 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.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2020 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.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suburban 1500 · SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 · 20.4% risk |
| Suburban 1500 · SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 · 21.2% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2020 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2019: same overall rating; 2021: 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 2020 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).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suburban C1500 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Suburban C1500 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 14 | 23 | 17 | $4,850 |
| Suburban K1500 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 14 | 21 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Suburban K1500 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 14 | 20 | 16 | $5,150 |
| Suburban C1500 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Suburban K1500 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 14 | 21 | 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
- Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)Covers: Chevrolet Suburban 2015, 2017–2020, Tahoe 2016–2017, 2019, 2026, GMC Yukon XL 2018–2019, 2026 +6 more
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020…
- 21V115000Feb 25, 2021TiresCovers: Chevrolet Suburban 2020, GMC Savana 2018–2021, Chevrolet Express 2018–2021 +13 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC…
- 19V837000Nov 21, 2019Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Chevrolet Suburban 2020, GMC Sierra 1500 2020, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2020 +6 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Camaro, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump may be missing a pressure regulator, allowing for…
- 19V761000Oct 24, 2019Service brakesCovers: Chevrolet Suburban 2015–2020, Tahoe 2015–2020, GMC Yukon 2015–2020 +2 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a…
Recall details for the 2020 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. 844 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11035308Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
- 11032777May 14, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11029950Mar 2, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC'ss
- 11028700Feb 5, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates an issue with aftermarket LED headlights causing IPC warning messages and MIL along with several low speed lan DTCs.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Suburban
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 45 | 16,600 | 1 | 4 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 131 | 47,000 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 89 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 124 | 58,166 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 73 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 204 | 69,224 | 12 | 4 | 17 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 44 | 30,000 | 4 | 4 | 18 | 52 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 78 | 67,000 | 3 | 4 | 18 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 84 | 42,000 | 4 | 4 | 19 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 142 | 53,333 | 5 | 4 | 19 | 85 · More | Stable |
| 2016 | 220 | 59,963 | 6 | 4 | 19 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 431 | 62,000 | 11 | 4 | 18 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 59 | 55,000 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 23 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 118 | 60,000 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 40 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 101 | 66,300 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 41 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 148 | 70,000 | 3 | — | — | 31 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 117 | 90,000 | 3 | — | — | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 106 | 85,000 | 5 | — | — | 30 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 213 | 85,000 | 4 | — | — | 32 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 292 | 85,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 23 | 90,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2005 | 129 | 83,000 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 204 | 63,200 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 301 | 76,731 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 286 | 64,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 440 | 60,650 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2000 | 282 | 70,975 | 8 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 634 | 85,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 201 | 76,500 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 414 | 100,858 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 360 | 93,100 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 457 | 113,450 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 858 | 122,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 499 | 120,000 | 0 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 189 | 30,000 | 3 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 52 | 106,744 | 3 | — | 12 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1990 | 54 | — | 3 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 62 | 127,500 | 3 | — | 12 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 30 | 112,500 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 18 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 7 | 200,000 | 0 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 9 | — | 0 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
| 1984 | 6 | — | 0 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Suburban model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban have?
NHTSA recorded 44 consumer complaints for the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 17 complaints (39% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 10.
Has the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 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 2020 Chevrolet Suburban do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2020 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 2020 Chevrolet Suburban get?
The EPA rates the 2020 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 2020 Chevrolet Suburban reported?
Among the 13 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 30,000 miles and the middle half falls between 775 and 90,000 miles; 54% 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.