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2019 Chevrolet Suburban Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20262 Critical Recalls
Ryan Davis

Complaint Summary

The 2019 Chevrolet Suburban has 77 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve power train and engine.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.3/ 10

Based on 77 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

POWER TRAIN

29 37.7%

ENGINE

17 22.1%

STEERING

5 6.5%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 5.2%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 3.9%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is POWER TRAIN, accounting for 37.7% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 18 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2019 Chevrolet Suburban has 77 owner complaints in this dataset. POWER TRAIN is the most common complaint category, representing about 38% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban are POWER TRAIN (29), ENGINE (17), STEERING (5).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 33 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2019 Chevrolet Suburban?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2018 Suburban complaints2020 Suburban complaints2017 Suburban complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 18 of 18 systems

POWER TRAIN

29 Reports38% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

STEERING DANGERIOUSLY STIFF, VEHICLE TAKES CONTROL AWAY FROM THE DRIVER VEHICLE WILL NOT TRAC STREIGHT, VEHICLE STALLS, LURCHES RUNS INTO OTHER VEHICLES ACCELERATOR PEDDLE TO SENSETIVE ENGINE UNRESPONSIVE DANGERIOUS

1/4/2020

VEHICLE WILL NOT GO STREIGHT, CONSTANTLY DRIFTS LEFT AND RIGHT, TAKES CONTROL AWAY FROM DRIVER NEARLY RUNNING INTO PARKED CARS AND PEOPLE CAUSE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL FATIGUE AFTER A FEW MINUTES. VEHICLE ACCELERATOR PEDDLE ERRATICE, SENSETIVE THEN STIFF THEN NO RESPONSE RUNS INTO OTHER VEHICLES, ELECTRONIC GADGETS A DISTRACTION, POOR VISIBILITY WINDSHIELD CLUTTERED UP WITH ELECTRONICS. HAD TO STOP SUING VEHICEL AFTER 1000 MILES.

1/4/2020

27 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

17 Reports22% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

DRIVING OUR NEWLY PURCHASED 4 WEEK OLD SUBURBAN DOWN I95. FOLLOWING A BATHROOM BREAK AT A REST STOP, WE LOADED UP IN THE CAR, STARTED IT VIA THE PUSH IGNITION AND DROVE DOWN THE ON RAMP ONTO THE HIGHWAY. WITHIN SECONDS, SMOKE BEGAN BILLOWING FROM THE HOOD. A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD ENSUED. WE WERE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 30-40MPH, WHEN THE SMOKE BECAME SUDDENLY HEAVY. WE PULLED OVER AND PARKED THE CAR ON THE SHOULDER AND ATTEMPTED TO TURN IT OFF. FOR 30-40 SECONDS, THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN OFF, RATHER, IT SHOOK AND SPUTTERED. WE EVACUATED THE CAR AND CALLED THE STATE POLICE WHO ARRIVED SHORTLY THEREAFTER. THE SUBURBAN WAS TOWED TO RICK HENDRICK CHEVROLET IN RICHMOND, VIRGINIA. ABOUT A WEEK LATER, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE PUSH IGNITION IN THE CAR CAUSED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. CHEVROLET STILL HAS THE CAR AND IS WORKING TO REPAIR, BUT WE HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT TAKING POSSESSION OF A 4 WEEK OLD CAR THAT CAUGHT FIRE. WOULD APPRECIATE CHEVROLET'S ASSISTANCE, BUT THE DEALERSHIP THAT WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, KOONS CHEVROLET OF MCLEAN, HAS BEEN NONRESPONSIVE AND VERY UNHELPFUL.

8/6/2019

STEERING DANGERIOUSLY STIFF, VEHICLE TAKES CONTROL AWAY FROM THE DRIVER VEHICLE WILL NOT TRAC STREIGHT, VEHICLE STALLS, LURCHES RUNS INTO OTHER VEHICLES ACCELERATOR PEDDLE TO SENSETIVE ENGINE UNRESPONSIVE DANGERIOUS

1/4/2020

15 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

5 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

2019 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUES WITH THE ELECTRONIC VEHICLE STEERING SYSTEM. *LD CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD VEER OUT OF THE LANE. THE STEERING WAS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL CAUSING TENDONITIS TO THE HANDS AND ARMS, HEADACHES, AND FATIGUE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO ADJUST TO THE CONSUMER'S DRIVING. *JS *JS

9/13/2019

STEERING DANGERIOUSLY STIFF, VEHICLE TAKES CONTROL AWAY FROM THE DRIVER VEHICLE WILL NOT TRAC STREIGHT, VEHICLE STALLS, LURCHES RUNS INTO OTHER VEHICLES ACCELERATOR PEDDLE TO SENSETIVE ENGINE UNRESPONSIVE DANGERIOUS

1/4/2020

3 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

SEATBELT WOULD NOT RELEASE AND I WAS STUCK IN DRIVER SEAT AND FORCED TO CUT THE SEAT BELT TO FREE MYSELF

12/5/2019

While driving down the interstate, the sunroof just exploded. There was no other vehicles near or any debris that caused the glass to shatter.

5/20/2021

2 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

DRIVING OUR NEWLY PURCHASED 4 WEEK OLD SUBURBAN DOWN I95. FOLLOWING A BATHROOM BREAK AT A REST STOP, WE LOADED UP IN THE CAR, STARTED IT VIA THE PUSH IGNITION AND DROVE DOWN THE ON RAMP ONTO THE HIGHWAY. WITHIN SECONDS, SMOKE BEGAN BILLOWING FROM THE HOOD. A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD ENSUED. WE WERE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 30-40MPH, WHEN THE SMOKE BECAME SUDDENLY HEAVY. WE PULLED OVER AND PARKED THE CAR ON THE SHOULDER AND ATTEMPTED TO TURN IT OFF. FOR 30-40 SECONDS, THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN OFF, RATHER, IT SHOOK AND SPUTTERED. WE EVACUATED THE CAR AND CALLED THE STATE POLICE WHO ARRIVED SHORTLY THEREAFTER. THE SUBURBAN WAS TOWED TO RICK HENDRICK CHEVROLET IN RICHMOND, VIRGINIA. ABOUT A WEEK LATER, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE PUSH IGNITION IN THE CAR CAUSED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. CHEVROLET STILL HAS THE CAR AND IS WORKING TO REPAIR, BUT WE HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT TAKING POSSESSION OF A 4 WEEK OLD CAR THAT CAUGHT FIRE. WOULD APPRECIATE CHEVROLET'S ASSISTANCE, BUT THE DEALERSHIP THAT WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, KOONS CHEVROLET OF MCLEAN, HAS BEEN NONRESPONSIVE AND VERY UNHELPFUL.

8/6/2019

THE 2019 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN IS EQUIPPED WITH A WIPER FOR THE REAR WINDOW. ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS GONE THROUGH A CAR WASH OR AFTER STARTING FOLLOWING A DRENCHING RAIN, THE REAR WIPER WILL NOT WORK EVEN THOUGH IT IS SWITCH ON WITH THE SWITCH ON THE TURN SIGNAL STALK. IF THE VEHICLE IS RESTARTED, THE WIPER WILL THEN WORK AS IF NOTHING HAD HAPPENED. LIKEWISE, IF THE WIPER DOES NOT WORK AND YOU WAIT A FEW MINUTES, IT WILL WORK AS IT NORMALLY SHOULD.

2/11/2020

1 more complaint is available in this category.

SEAT BELTS

3 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

SEATBELT WOULD NOT RELEASE AND I WAS STUCK IN DRIVER SEAT AND FORCED TO CUT THE SEAT BELT TO FREE MYSELF

12/5/2019

MY DAUGHTER WAS STUCK IN THE BACK SEAT. I WAS UNABLE TO GET HER OUT. THE SEATBELT WAS LOCKED AND UNABLE TO UNLOCK. I HAD TO CUT THE SEATBELT IN ORDER FOR HER TO GET OUT.

5/12/2021

1 more complaint is available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

3 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

2019 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, WHEN I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE TO COME TO A STOP, I HEARD AND FELT A GRINDING IN THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE PEDAL WAS A LITTLE "MUSHY" AS WELL WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAYED A WARNING WHICH SAID "SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST." THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MY LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THEY ARE REPLACING THE BRAKE BOOSTER SENSOR. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED EACH TIME I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, WHETHER I WAS IN MY SUBDIVISION AT VERY LOW SPEED OR ON A FOUR LANE DIVIDED SECONDARY ROAD (SPEED LIMIT 45 MPH) OR IN THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE LANE MOVING AT 1 OR 2 MPH. *TR

5/19/2020

ON 12/16/2020, WHILE DRIVING OUR 2019 SUBURBAN WITH 10,041 MILES AROUND TOWN, THE BRAKE PEDDLE WOULD VIBRATE WHEN MY WIFE APPLIED THE BRAKES AND IT WAS HARDER THAN NORMAL FOR HER TO PUSH THE PEDDLE DOWN AND COME TO A STOP. SHORTLY AFTER SHE PULLED OVER, WITH THE CAR RUNNING, A MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE DASH "SERVICE BRAKING ASSIST". THE VIBRATION AND DIFFICULTLY STOPPING CONTINUED SEVERAL MORE TIMES THAT DAY BEFORE BEFORE IT WENT AWAY.

12/18/2020

1 more complaint is available in this category.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the grille shutter was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

5/15/2023

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a loud knocking sound was heard coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rod bearings had failed due to a large amount of copper found in the engine oil. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted, but had not diagnosed or repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.

10/29/2025

AIR BAGS

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

Received a safety restraint warning message. Took the vehicle into the dealership and we were told that the passenger side seatbelt and front airbag needed to be replaced. We had it fixed, however it cost us $1400. The dealership would not replace it at no cost, even though we are shortly out of the warranty period and only at 51k miles.

11/6/2023

My car it’s just 124400 miles and suddenly started to showing me a service safety restraint system then the airbag light goes on and shows that the hood is open when I start the car and stays like that for 20 seconds then goes off

2/21/2024

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE 2019 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN IS EQUIPPED WITH A WIPER FOR THE REAR WINDOW. ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS GONE THROUGH A CAR WASH OR AFTER STARTING FOLLOWING A DRENCHING RAIN, THE REAR WIPER WILL NOT WORK EVEN THOUGH IT IS SWITCH ON WITH THE SWITCH ON THE TURN SIGNAL STALK. IF THE VEHICLE IS RESTARTED, THE WIPER WILL THEN WORK AS IF NOTHING HAD HAPPENED. LIKEWISE, IF THE WIPER DOES NOT WORK AND YOU WAIT A FEW MINUTES, IT WILL WORK AS IT NORMALLY SHOULD.

2/11/2020

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK AND THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO THE RIGHT AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AS THE FAILURE OCCURRED HE FORCEFULLY PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO NO AVAIL. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEGS BUT MEDICAL ATTENTION DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS HOME. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED, THE DALLAS POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

8/5/2020

STRUCTURE:BODY

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

We were in an accident with minor exterior damage but when closer look the frame is damaged and even bolts to engine bent. Insurance company first totalled then decided to repair with new frame . All car experts say that the vehicle will decrease substantially in value. My concern is that we have no control or protection about how it is repaired and if we sell it with the current VIN number, it is misleading to the new buyer as it was not assembled as stated in the VIN number. Would appreciate your response.

7/20/2022

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate while pressing the accelerator pedal. The contact indicated that the RPM would increase but the vehicle would not respond as needed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who replaced the catalytic converter; however, after retrieving the vehicle, the failure recurred and the vehicle stalled while driving on the freeway. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000.

10/28/2022

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Electrical: Noticed a few months ago that the lane assistance/departure and blind spot warning work off and on. At times the blind spot warning does not warn and will when there is nothing there. Lane assistance and departure have the same issue. Transmission: Gears slipping. I am not a mechanic but there were no telltale signs until it just went out on me while driving with my children in the car! The only thing I noticed in several months prior was that the vehicle would shake as if you were running over the paved warning bumps on the side of the freeway. I just thought it was possibly the road or I needed new tires. I got new tires, problem still persists. When the gears slipped while I was on the highway it took about 15 seconds to engage at which time I removed myself and my children from being a traffic hazard. I checked the transmission oil - which I just did two weeks ago because I knew it was time to change the oil for the transmission - this time it had a very defined burnt smell and black in color.

11/29/2022

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving at various speeds, the trailer brake system warning light intermittently illuminated and made a beeping sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the electronic brake control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.

5/15/2023

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving at various speeds, the trailer brake system warning light intermittently illuminated and made a beeping sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the electronic brake control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.

5/15/2023

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH over a railroad crossing, the braking system erroneously activated causing the vehicle to stop abruptly. During the failure there were no vehicles or trains nearby to cause the Forward Collision Avoidance system to become activated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times and only at the same railroad crossing. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and experienced the failure while on a test drive over the railroad crossing. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 50,000.

10/2/2023

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light and traction control warning light were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact continued to drive the vehicle; however, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate as intended. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that, as per the two truck drivers, transmission fluid was leaking onto the street. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

11/12/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban?

The most reported complaint category for the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban is POWER TRAIN, with 29 owner reports. That is about 38% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, STEERING.

Are complaints about the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 33 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban severe?

33 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Chevrolet Suburban: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
77
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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