What year is bad for Suburbans?

The year 2023 was a particularly challenging one for the Chevrolet Suburban, a popular full-size SUV. Declining sales, safety concerns, and environmental factors all contributed to making 2023 a bad year for the Suburban.

Declining Sales

In 2023, Suburban sales dropped by 15% compared to the previous year. This decline was attributed to a shift in consumer preferences towards more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicles. As gas prices remained high, many buyers were drawn to smaller SUVs and crossovers that offered better fuel economy.

Safety Concerns

The Suburban also faced increased scrutiny over its safety features in 2023. Several high-profile accidents involving the vehicle led to concerns about its stability and handling, particularly in emergency situations. This prompted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to launch an investigation into the Suburban's safety performance.

Environmental Factors

The Suburban's large size and powerful engine made it a target for environmental advocates, who criticized the vehicle's high fuel consumption and carbon emissions. As concerns over climate change grew, the Suburban's environmental impact became a significant liability, leading some municipalities to consider banning or restricting the use of such large SUVs in certain areas.

Conclusion

In summary, the year 2023 was a challenging one for the Chevrolet Suburban, with declining sales, safety concerns, and environmental factors all contributing to the vehicle's struggles. As consumer preferences and regulatory environments continue to evolve, the Suburban and other large SUVs may face increasing pressure to adapt or risk becoming less viable in the marketplace.

Is 2015 a good year for Suburban?

A 2015 Chevrolet Suburban can be a good vehicle for large families needing space, with positive consumer reviews for comfort, a spacious interior, and highway ride. However, its large size makes it less ideal for those prioritizing fuel economy or easy parking, and it has an average reliability rating with potential issues like A/C problems or headlight moisture. 
Pros

• Spacious and versatile: It seats up to nine people and has significant cargo capacity, making it a practical choice for large families. The third-row seat folds flat, adding to its cargo flexibility. 
• Comfortable ride: It offers a quiet and comfortable highway ride, especially with the available Magnetic Ride Control on LTZ trims. 
• Strong performance: The V8 engine provides ample power and is suitable for towing. 
• Modern features: The 2015 redesign introduced a more modern and refined interior, along with features like adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alerts on some trims. 

Cons

• Poor fuel economy: As a large, V8-powered SUV, its fuel economy is not a strong point. 
• Large size: Its size can be challenging to maneuver in tight parking spaces. 
• Average reliability: J.D. Power gives it an average reliability rating, and some common problems include issues with the A/C compressor or moisture in the headlight assemblies. 
• Potential for recalls: There was a recall for a transmission oil cooler line on some 2015 models equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. 

Who is it for?
This vehicle is a good fit if you need maximum passenger and cargo space, have a large family, require towing capabilities, and are willing to accept its larger size and average fuel economy. 
Who should look elsewhere?
If you prioritize fuel efficiency, ease of parking, or have a smaller family, a smaller SUV or minivan might be a better option.

Which Suburban engine is best?

The "best" Suburban engine depends on your priorities: for best fuel economy, choose the 3.0L Duramax turbodiesel. For maximum towing capacity and power, the 6.2L V8 is the top choice. For a balance of capability, cost, and efficiency, the standard 5.3L V8 is a strong and reliable option.
 
3.0L Duramax Turbodiesel 

• Best for: Fuel efficiency and long-range driving. 
• Pros: Offers the best fuel economy and high torque for towing at low RPMs. It is also a smooth and quiet engine. 
• Cons: Less horsepower than the 6.2L V8. 

6.2L V8 

• Best for: Performance-oriented users who need maximum power and acceleration. 
• Pros: Provides the highest horsepower and is standard on the High Country trim for those who want the most power. 
• Cons: Requires premium fuel, has lower fuel economy compared to the other engines, and is only available on the highest trim level. 

5.3L V8 

• Best for: A balance of capability and value. 
• Pros: It is the standard engine, reliable, and has the highest towing capacity when equipped with the Max Trailering Package. It also runs on regular unleaded gasoline. 
• Cons: Less powerful and less fuel-efficient than the other options. 

How to choose

• Choose the Duramax diesel if: Your priority is to save on fuel and travel long distances. 
• Choose the 6.2L V8 if: You want the most power for performance driving and can afford the higher fuel costs and premium fuel requirement. 
• Choose the 5.3L V8 if: You want a capable and reliable engine that can tow a lot, is more affordable, and runs on regular gas. 

What year should I avoid a Chevy Suburban?

You should be wary of certain Chevy Suburban years, particularly 2007-2014 for dashboard cracking and oil consumption issues, and the 2021-2024 models due to recalls for engine component defects. Additionally, models from 2015-2020 may have transmission problems. Be aware that the 2007-2014 models with the 5.3L V8 Vortec engine had recalls for the Takata airbags and were known to have significant oil consumption from faulty PCV valves, piston rings, and fuel management problems.
 
Years to approach with caution

• 2007-2014:
  • Dashboard cracking. 
  • Excessive oil consumption, especially in models with the 5.3L V8 Vortec engine, due to faulty PCV valves, piston rings, and fuel management issues. 
  • Takata airbag recalls. 
  • Known for transmission slipping in the 2010 model year. 
• 2015-2020:
  • Possible transmission problems, with some reports of needed replacement around 80,000 miles. 
• 2021-2024:
  • Multiple recalls have been issued, including for connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components that could lead to engine failure. 
• 2023:
  • Subject to multiple recalls and common problems include accessory belts, engine computer, and fuel/oil leaks. 

What to look for if you're considering these models

• Ensure all recalls have been addressed.
• Get a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection.
• Check the vehicle's maintenance history carefully.
• For the 2007-2014 models, specifically ask about oil consumption and have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic. 

What year do Suburbans have bad transmissions?

With major transmission issues, the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban is one to avoid. The good news in 2008 is that NHTSA complaints dropped year-over-year from 2007. The bad news was that 410 complaints were still received.