Chevrolet Suburban 2014-2020 (2014–2020)
Generation-specific owner insights from 161+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy one?
1,051
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2014–2020
36
recall campaigns
service brakes
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the 2014-2020 Suburban generally view it as a capable, spacious family hauler with a strong engine and good towing ability, but the ownership experience is heavily colored by recurring mechanical concerns.
11 problems reported (1 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 8 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequent6L80 transmission and torque converter failures, including slipping under wide-open throttle and shuddering
Owners describe the transmission as notorious for torque converter failure and one owner cited a typical lifespan of only 130,000-140,000 miles.
- RecurrentActive Fuel Management (AFM) lifter failure
Owners warn it causes lifter failure and recommend disabling AFM immediately.
- RecurrentAir conditioning condenser cracking, typically at the upper driver-side weld
Multiple owners reported this on 2016 and 2017 models, with some also citing evaporator and expansion valve failures requiring dash removal.
+ 8 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedElectrical issues
Including shorts from water intrusion into door window switches and parking light problems.
- IsolatedLiftgate strut failure on the driver side, where the motor is built in
- IsolatedKey fob reliability problems requiring reprogramming or replacement
- IsolatedVacuum pump failure around 125,000 miles
- IsolatedEngine coolant temperature sensor repeatedly failing
- IsolatedNo-crank/no-start traced to starter or wiring
- IsolatedThermostat and water pump failures, plus noisy lifters
- IsolatedRadio/HMI software issues requiring paid reprogramming
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Partial signal favors later model years within the generation over the 2015, and the 2017 Premier with the 5.3L/6L80E was cited by one high-mileage owner as the best 5.3 they had owned.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Ford Expedition EL, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Sequoia, Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander.
Is a 2014–2020 Suburban right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Owners of the 2014-2020 Suburban generally view it as a capable, spacious family hauler with a strong engine and good towing ability, but the ownership experience is heavily colored by recurring mechanical concerns. Praise centers on the 5.3L V8's durability when maintained, the flat-folding third row introduced with the 2015 redesign, and the quiet cabin. Criticism focuses on the 6L80 transmission and torque converter, Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifter failures, air conditioning component failures, and electrical gremlins. The 2015 model year specifically drew strong warnings from some owners as a problem-heavy first year of the redesign, while later years in the generation were described more favorably.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the Suburban as the superior choice for maximum cargo and passenger space, especially when the third row is in use, where competitors' trunks are described as too small. Against the Expedition EL, owners give the Ford the edge on third-row room and engine (particularly at altitude) while preferring the Suburban for ride stability, noting the Expedition felt top-heavy in turns. Against the 4Runner, owners note the Suburban is roughly twice the size and not a direct comparison. Several owners concede that for buyers who don't need towing or maximum space, crossovers and minivans offer better technology, fuel economy, and value, and that the Suburban's interior tech lagged competitors.
Recommended configurations
Owners advise disabling AFM as soon as possible to avoid lifter failure. For towing, owners recommend confirming the Max Trailering Package and checking the glovebox RPO codes for engine and axle ratio, with a weight-distributing hitch and trailer brake controller as requirements. One owner noted the Luxury Package (heated second row, heated steering wheel, push-button start, blind spot monitoring, power-folding mirrors) as a strong value, while others said it wasn't important to them. Owners repeatedly recommended 4WD over 2WD for resale value and winter capability, though several defended 2WD as adequate for buyers who can wait out plowed roads. Owners also noted 18-inch wheels ride better and cost less than the 20s or 22s.
General recommendations
This generation suits buyers who need maximum passenger and cargo capacity, particularly those towing or regularly using the third row. Owners strongly advise a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report, and caution that a below-market price often signals 2WD, former rental use, or hidden problems. Buyers are told to ask whether the transmission is original, to check for AFM lifter tick, and to verify the AC system. Several owners recommend avoiding the 2015 model year specifically, with one calling it a "dumpster fire" of problems and another saying 2014 and 2016 returned to a better reputation. Owners recommend transmission fluid service and monitoring transmission temperature, plus oil changes around every 6,000 miles.
Remarks
Several owners noted that the 2015 redesign brought a significant improvement over the previous generation, particularly the flat-folding third row that eliminated the theft-prone removable seats. Owners also valued the ambient noise-canceling system, which uses sensors in the roof console. Towing capacity for this generation was cited between roughly 6,000 and 8,300 pounds depending on drivetrain and Max Trailering Package, with owners warning that highly equipped trims reduce real-world capacity. One owner reported a full engine rebuild after finding metal shards in the oil shortly after purchase. Analysis based on approximately 161 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 44 | 4 | engine |
| 2019 | 78 | 3 | power train |
| 2018 | 81 | 4 | engine |
| 2017 | 141 | 5 | service brakes |
| 2016 | 220 | 6 | service brakes |
| 2015 | 428 | 11 | service brakes |
| 2014 | 59 | 3 | unknown or other |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2020 · tirescampaign 21V115000
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 Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
2020 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 19V837000
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 over-pressurization of the fuel system.
2020 · service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:wheel speed sensor/tone ringcampaign 19V761000
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 wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
2020 · power train:transfer case (4-wheel drive)campaign 26V289000
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 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe vehicles. A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.
2019 · seat belts:rear/othercampaign 18V673000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. Certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelts retractor assemblies may not automatically lock when the seatbelt is fully pulled out of the retractor, possibly preventing a child seat from being properly secured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2019 · service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:wheel speed sensor/tone ringcampaign 19V761000
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 wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
2019 · power train:transfer case (4-wheel drive)campaign 26V289000
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 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe vehicles. A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.
2018 · seat belts:rear/othercampaign 18V673000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. Certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelts retractor assemblies may not automatically lock when the seatbelt is fully pulled out of the retractor, possibly preventing a child seat from being properly secured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2018 · service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuumcampaign 19V645000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
2018 · service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:wheel speed sensor/tone ringcampaign 19V761000
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 wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
2018 · power train:transfer case (4-wheel drive)campaign 26V289000
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 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe vehicles. A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.
2017 · service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuumcampaign 19V645000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
13 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.