2020 Chevrolet Suburban Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 23%of 44 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 46,600miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban, 23% of the 44 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 46,600 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“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 miles“I had to replace my rear differential due to grinding and metal shavings in the rear end. Recently had to take my truck in for repairs due to the motor mounts breaking. Discovered the front differential is also damaged with metal shavings due to grinding. The auto shop reached out to the local Chevy dealership to order the part to place. Was told the front diff is on back order due to this being a common problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11589356, filed 2024-05“Our engine went at 100,800 miles, costing us $15k in June 2025. Then our transmission went 3 months later, now costing us another $7k. GM is offering very little financial assistance. It's quite inconvenient that these major mechanical issues occur right after factory warranty. It is at a dealer getting fixed, again, but how can this be ok with GM to see their product be such a failure for consumers? Recall or not, this has left a horrible taste in our mouth for GM/Chevy vehicles. …”
NHTSA complaint #11698085, filed 2025-11“Severe transmission shudder. Last month had taken my 2020 Chevrolet Suburban to the west Chevrolet dealer located in alcoa, tennessee. I was advised by a tech that the vehicle needed a new torque converter. I paid 2,200.00 for this repair. This repairs did not fix the issue. After paying my bill and driving through the parking lot, it started back immediately. The technician advised their was nothing else they could do after expressing how big of a safety concern it. So I attempted to drive it home. …”
NHTSA complaint #11681887, filed 2025-08“Driving on the highway and I started to slow down even while pressing the accelerator. Pulled over and turned the car off and then back on. I was able to almost get to an exit but then it completely stopped moving. Turned it off and on again but car would not move. Not a single light turned on until the last time I attempted to move the car. Had it towed to Chevy dealer and transmission was completely out. Had 2 different mechanic places (dealer and private) tell me that it is extremely common once a 2020 suburban hits around 100k miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #11657853, filed 2025-04Related recalls
- 26V289000May 7, 2026DO NOT DRIVEGeneral Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500…Covers: Chevrolet Suburban 2015, 2017–2020, Tahoe 2016–2017, 2019, 2026, GMC Yukon XL 2018–2019, 2026 +6 more
Related service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11017255Mar 25, 2025This service bulletin helps diagnose/reduce possible CCND issues on Transfer Cases - Service 4WD on DIC, Intermittent Failures, Noise Concerns, Driveline/Steering…
- 11014565Feb 13, 2025This bulletin helps aid the tech in possible noise that may be normal or abnormal depending on the concern noted.
- 11014044Feb 3, 2025This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a delayed engagement into drive, shudder at a launch, or the…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011880Dec 17, 2024Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve. The effects can cause…
- 11012009Nov 27, 2024This bulletin helps aid the tech in possible transmission noise that may be normal or abnormal depending on the concern noted.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7 | 16% |
| 2023 | 19 | 14% |
| 2022 | 32 | 26% |
| 2021 | 39 | 19% |
| 2020 | 10 | 23% |
| 2019 | 38 | 49% |
| 2018 | 19 | 23% |
| 2017 | 39 | 27% |
| 2016 | 45 | 20% |
| 2015 | 48 | 11% |
| 2014 | 5 | 8% |
| 2013 | 6 | 5% |
| 2012 | 5 | 5% |
| 2011 | 3 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 7 | 3% |
| 2007 | 9 | 3% |
| 2006 | 2 | 9% |
| 2005 | 15 | 12% |
| 2004 | 14 | 7% |
| 2003 | 21 | 7% |
| 2002 | 23 | 8% |
| 2001 | 33 | 8% |
| 2000 | 12 | 4% |
| 1999 | 47 | 7% |
| 1998 | 19 | 9% |
| 1997 | 47 | 11% |
| 1996 | 40 | 11% |
| 1995 | 25 | 5% |
| 1994 | 14 | 2% |
| 1993 | 11 | 2% |
| 1992 | 6 | 3% |
| 1991 | 9 | 17% |
| 1990 | 7 | 13% |
| 1989 | 5 | 8% |
| 1988 | 3 | 10% |
| 1987 | 1 | 6% |
| 1985 | 2 | 22% |
Other parts of the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban
17 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsForward collision avoidance
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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