Home · 2017 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 · Complaints

What 139 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban 1500

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (139)Crash / fire / injury (11)Brakes (43)Transmission & drivetrain (38)Engine (25)Electrical system (20)Fuel system (6)Speed control (6)Steering (6)Lights (5)Airbags (4)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (3)

Newest first · 139 complaints · page 1 of 6

Jun 26, 2026Brakes

when applying the brakes and come to a complete stop and when you try to apply the brakes you have no power assist and when backing up if you apply the brakes more then once you have no power assist.

NHTSA ODI 11746786

Jun 17, 2026Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly came to a complete stop. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to accelerate, and the vehicle drove sluggishly as if the tires were flat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission and motor mounts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.

NHTSA ODI 11744890

Jun 10, 2026Transmission & drivetrain

I am writing to formally report a critical safety defect in the vehicle’s transmission system. While driving, the vehicle began experiencing severe vibrations, accompanied by an abnormal increase in engine RPMs, while the vehicle failed to accelerate appropriately. The vehicle became unresponsive, limiting my speed to 15-20 mph. This forced me to make frequent stops every 6-7 minutes to allow the transmission to cool down, as the car would not sustain normal speeds. ​This failure created an extremely dangerous situation on the highway. Due to the sudden loss of power and inability to maintain traffic flow, I was subjected to aggressive behavior from other drivers, who were honking, gesturing, and clearly endangered by my inability to accelerate. This transmission failure is a major safety hazard that renders the vehicle unreliable and dangerous to operate in any traffic condition. I am requesting an immediate investigation into this transmission defect and a permanent resolution from General Motors, as this issue poses a significant risk of causing a collision. I spoke with the owner of AAMCO, and he showed me that they have 7 of these Chevy Suburbans, GMC Yukons, and Chevy Tahoes, Escalades, and they all have the same problem, the transmission needs to be replaced, and General Motors is not notifying car owners about this problem, but it should.

NHTSA ODI 11743335

May 29, 2026Fuel system1 injury

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The fuel delivery system has failed. Specifically, the fuel lines are leaking at the connection point on the top of the fuel tank. The vehicle and the affected components are currently available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This defect poses an immediate fire and life-safety hazard. Because the fuel leaks while the vehicle is powered on, any spark or heat source could ignite the fuel tank, leading to a vehicle fire or explosion. Additionally, the cabin environment has become toxic; the concentration of gasoline vapors is so high that it causes physical illness. One of my children vomited due to the fumes. The vehicle is currently undrivable because the vapors are intoxicating and hazardous to the health of all occupants. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the leak has been inspected, reproduced, and confirmed by an independent service center. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, the vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, law enforcement, or insurance representatives. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages (such as a Check Engine Light) prior to or during the failure. The symptoms—specifically a strong odor of raw gasoline—first appeared four days ago. The intensity of the odor and the rate of the leak have increased significantly since the initial onset.

NHTSA ODI 11740901

May 28, 2026Electrical systemFire

On [XXX], our car was parked for 5 hours at a public marina. [XXX], Miami, Fl 33138. At 316 pm the MIami Dade Fire Rescue arrived promptly to put out the car fire. There is a fire station on scene. It seems to have started at center console. We serviced the car 1/19/2026, a thermostat in the engine. The engine was not the source of the fire. We also recieved a "green" clean check list on the car except to check tire pressure monitor. This electrical fire started center console. We had a minor glitch with the radio and navigation system at times, the original system. However we had a green check list in January, 2026. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11740528

Apr 8, 2026EngineFire

I was driving in [XXX] on 1604 and the car was driving fine and out of nowhere. The car started shaking while on the highway for about seven8 seconds and then I heard an explosion smoke and fire. I pulled to the side. The car was on fire. The whole car was on fire within a minute or two I always took care of the car. Don’t understand how that happened. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11729857

Jan 29, 2026AirbagsCrash1 injury

The contact owned a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the rear driver side of the vehicle, causing him to lose control of the vehicle, collided into the curb, and the two right side tires, both driver's and passenger tires, became blown and damaged. The contact mentioned that after colliding with the curb, he crashed into a tree, which caused the right passenger side rim to detach from the tire. The contact also mention from the impact the whole right passenger side of the completely crushed and was damaged. The contact stated that no air bags deployed in his vehicle. The contact stated that he sustained a concussion to the head from the driver side window, brushing of the right rib, and bruises on both left and right hands. Medical attention was required. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to City Towing. The manufacturer was notified of this failure, and they requested information from the contact regarding the accident. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11714310

Jan 17, 2026Transmission & drivetrainEngine

Component or System Failure The vehicle experienced two major mechanical failures. First, the transmission failed and required full replacement shortly after the expiration of the 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. At the time of this failure, the vehicle had approximately 61,000 miles. Second, at 100,119 miles, the engine suffered a catastrophic failure that required complete engine replacement. Safety Risk The transmission failure impaired normal drivability and created a safety risk due to reduced or unreliable propulsion, which could have resulted in loss of power while driving in traffic. The engine failure rendered the vehicle inoperable and could have posed a serious safety hazard if it had occurred while the vehicle was in motion, including sudden loss of engine power. Problem Confirmation and Inspection Both failures were diagnosed and confirmed by dealership service personnel, who determined that full replacement of the transmission and later the engine was necessary. The issues were identified through inspection and standard diagnostic procedures. Warning Lamps or Symptoms There were no clear, persistent, or meaningful warning lamps, messages, or symptoms that would have reasonably alerted the driver to an impending transmission failure prior to it occurring. Any warning indicators appeared at or immediately before the failure. Similarly, there were no significant warning signs that would have predicted the engine failure prior to the need for complete replacement. Additional Information Both the transmission and engine failed at relatively low mileage for major powertrain components. The transmission failure occurred just beyond the powertrain warranty threshold, and the engine required full replacement at 100,119 miles. . These failures suggest a potential defect or durability concern affecting critical powertrain systems.

NHTSA ODI 11711690

Jan 1, 2026Engine

Had to have all lifters replaced even after its a known issue with the manufacturer i had to pay out of pocket with no recall

NHTSA ODI 11708229

Dec 18, 2025SteeringElectrical systemEngine

While driving, the vehicle has repeatedly experienced sudden loss of power and electrical failures without warning. During these events, the dashboard flickers, warning messages appear, and the vehicle shuts off or goes into reduced power mode. When this occurs, steering becomes extremely difficult, braking becomes stiff, and the vehicle cannot accelerate. These incidents have happened multiple times in different driving situations, including: At stoplights While pulling into intersections Backing out of parking spaces Driving on public roads, including dark rural roads Driving with my three minor children in the vehicle On at least one occasion, the vehicle shut off while pulling onto a road with oncoming traffic, leaving us stopped in the roadway with no power and limited steering/braking. This created an immediate and serious risk of collision. The vehicle eventually restarted after several attempts. The problem has occurred repeatedly over many months. Multiple independent repair facilities have attempted to diagnose and repair the issue, but no definitive cause has been identified, and the failures continue. The vehicle has had numerous electrical, sensor, engine, and powertrain-related repairs, yet the loss-of-power events persist. Because the vehicle can suddenly shut down while in motion and compromise steering and braking, I believe this is a serious safety defect that could result in a crash, injury, or worse.

NHTSA ODI 11705830

Oct 8, 2025Airbags

Warning light indicating front passenger airbag inflator which is at risk of exploding during a crash due to propellant degradation sending metal fragments into the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11692204

Oct 2, 2025Seat belts

The passenger seat belt will no longer just click in. In order for us to get it to latch, you have to push down on the red button as your pushing the seat belt in, then it will latch. We bought this used and within 1-2 weeks this happened. But other things happened with the engine and that took priority. It was in the shop for almost 6 months. I'm not sure if the dealer/ previous seller knew about it and they were able to "fix" it so it worked when we bought it. (We are lied to on a lot of things) I'm afraid that it might not hold up in a crash if it's not buckling right.

NHTSA ODI 11690971

Sep 17, 2025

The factory exterior paint is failing. Most notable on the hood, roof and back passenger side lower quarter panel area. I just got an estimate to just repaint the hood through the dealership and it was over $3,000.00 (estimate attached) and ballpark estimate to repaint the entire car was around $10,000.000. They indicated that they were not aware of any factory recalls for the failing paint. I've heard that other car owners have experienced the same issue.

NHTSA ODI 11687979

Jun 27, 2025SteeringTransmission & drivetrainEngine

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering violently, prompting the contact to discontinue driving over 60 MPH. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound while making right or left turns. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 122,000.

NHTSA ODI 11669692

Jun 9, 2025Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the check engine warning light flashed, and the traction control warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side road and contacted the dealer. The dealer advised the contact to not restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with lifter valves failure. The dealer determined that the two banks of lifter valves and the camshaft needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under warranty for the same failure. The dealer provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer for assistance in reducing the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

NHTSA ODI 11665827

May 5, 2025Transmission & drivetrainEngine

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle hesitated to upshift while the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into the intended gear while the gear shifter was in use. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local service center, where it was diagnosed and determined that there were metal shavings in the engine, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The transmission had been replaced prior to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

NHTSA ODI 11658880

May 2, 2025Electrical systemEngine

Sitting in my truck and everything just stopped working. Starter was still going even with the key out of the ignition and there was a burn smelling come from under the engine and the truck wouldn't Starter. Had to get it tow from my job. Till this day my truck is still down. Engine be replace and the dealership still don't know why it still wouldn't starter. Also before the electrical problem. Me and my family was come down the highway from a vacation and the engine when i lost acceleration to the engine. The speed limit was 65 I can only do 25 because the engine lost acceleration. I only had the truck for three months. People told me that there was recalls on engine problem with the Chevrolet suburban and Tahoe. I looked it up and it is for 2019 and up. So know i have to pay 3800 to replace everything. I cant afford to replace anything I cant afford I use vehicle. The dealership that I got the vehicle from is closed down because they was lemons to people know everyone is stuck with a vehicle that they still have to pay the bank. And can't drive there vehicle. It's not right they have recalls on vehicles that are 2019 and up. I'm just looking for help. Because to be honest me and my family wouldn't be here because of the engine and electrical problem. So can someone please look in to this from a sincere father, husband, grandfather. The dealership name is Stratum auto group. 2050 Burlington-mount holly

NHTSA ODI 11658366

Mar 31, 2025Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while the vehicle was taken for a routine oil change at the dealer, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle received unknown repairs, and an unknown recall repair for the lifters was performed. The contact had retrieved the vehicle and several weeks later, while driving at 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was then towed to the deale,r where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact believed that the recall repair of the lifters had caused the engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11651822

Mar 25, 2025Visibility & wipers

The contact owned a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH on the highway, the contact and his wife noticed an abnormal odor coming from the air conditioning unit. The contact pulled over to a rest stop and exited the vehicle to inspect the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was still drivable, and the contact returned to the residence. An undisclosed dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the A/C condenser needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the contact was informed that the dealer was waiting for approval from the manufacturer. The contact related the failure to the Special Coverage Adjustment: 17336(Air Conditioning Condenser (Combi-Cooler) Refrigerant Leak). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11650489

Jan 22, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

Transmission failed and needed to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11637818

Dec 23, 2024Electrical systemEngineDriver assistance

When turning the car left, the power to the engine dies. This also happens on many instances that the power has died to the engine mid drive on the road and hwy. Suddenly the forward collision note appears on the dash and other warnings appear after and then the power dies to the engine. Must stop and restart the engine for it to reset. Yes, it is available for inspection. While driving at high speeds the forward collision appears, and the car can suddenly die mid drive. Even at highway speeds. No, they claim that they cannot reproduce the issue. It has been taken to the dealer at least 5 times It appeared after seat heat function went out and was worked on

NHTSA ODI 11632187

Dec 5, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine revved; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was restarted, shifted to neutral(N) and then drive(D) and driven for a short while before the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to a family members’ residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 159,000.

NHTSA ODI 11629053

Sep 14, 2024Body & structure

Both back door rocker panels are rusting

NHTSA ODI 11614651

Sep 4, 2024Electrical systemEngine

I purchased this car at CarZone in Riverside This April 2024. I drove home with my kids in the dark and people kept honking. The lights and turn signals did not work. I took the car back in. The back up camera was broken, the safety system is broken, brakes are bad, they put two bald and all four tires with gummy plugs after I brought it back a fourth time. The tires were not fixed. I found out driving on the highway with my daughter. My tires popped. I had to pay for all four to be replaced and the dealership will not take any of my calls. I then had a check oil light. I took the car in. Pep boys discovered they had replaced the oil hose with a different one. It backed up into the engine. I paid for an oil change and was told to keep an eye on it and contact the dealership. They would not respond. I went back to pep boys be my car was completely out of oil one week later and my headlights kept dying and the car wont accelerate. They did another diagnostic and contacted the dealership and warranty saying it needs a new engine entirely. They sent an adjuster who said nothing was wrong and closed it. I have had to take the car back since. The liftgate is zip tied to the tail pipe. I am terrified to drive this car, especially the head light and brakes. I bought new tires bc the dealership would not help even though I have all the text messages they sent about the issues. It no longer accelerates the way it should and I have to put three quarts of oil minimum per week to keep it running at all. I am out so much money that I do not have and I cant drive an unsafe car with my babies in it. Upon further investigation I have found this dealership has done this to many people. I just need help getting them to take this car back or pay to fix it and to make sure they are following safety laws. I feel responsible to report this because I know I wish someone else had and it would be absolutely devastating if someone got injured in a vehicle sold by them.

NHTSA ODI 11612585

Aug 26, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

6L80 transmission failure at only 82k miles. This is a known Chevrolet fail point on all vehicles equipped with this transmission yet Chevrolet does nothing to recall or repair the issue. Customer absorbs full cost of repair ($6k) and chevrolet acts like they know nothing about it. This happens on the highway at speeds and vehicles suddenly have no drive putting occupants at risk of other traffic and trying to get off the roadway where there may be no safe zone to stop.

NHTSA ODI 11610785

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Working with the data? Download all 139 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 14, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2017 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 verdict →