2016 Chevrolet Suburban Safety Report

2016 Chevrolet Suburban plagued by significant brake and powertrain complaints, multiple recalls, and unrated crash test performance.

212Complaints
6Recalls
45/100Reliability Score
8Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
7Injuries
Most reported components: Service Brakes (62)Power Train (36)Unknown Or Other (17)Steering (8)Structure (5)Engine (5)Steering,Electrical System,Engine (4)Suspension (4)Electrical System (4)Fuel/Propulsion System (3)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2016 Chevrolet Suburban presents a mixed safety picture, with a significant number of consumer complaints, particularly concerning braking and powertrain issues, alongside several safety recalls. With 212 total complaints, 8 crashes, 1 fire, and 7 injuries reported to NHTSA, there are clear areas of concern. The most frequently reported component is 'SERVICE BRAKES' with 62 complaints, followed by 'POWER TRAIN' with 36 complaints. These complaints often describe critical failures such as loss of brake assist, extended stopping distances, transmission failures leading to loss of propulsion, and even complete electrical/engine power loss while driving. Recall history for the 2016 Suburban includes six separate campaigns addressing critical safety components. Two recalls specifically target 'SERVICE BRAKES', one for unintended braking due to wheel speed sensor issues and another for reduced brake assist due to vacuum levels, directly correlating with the high number of brake-related complaints. Two recalls address 'AIR BAGS:FRONTAL' deployment failures, increasing injury risk. Other recalls cover 'VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS' and 'SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM' issues, the latter of which could compromise steering and increase crash risk due to inadequate welds. The presence of these recalls, especially those related to braking and airbags, indicates recognized safety deficiencies by the manufacturer. NHTSA crash test ratings for the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban are not available for Overall, Frontal, Side, or Rollover categories, making it difficult to assess its performance in controlled crash scenarios. However, the high volume of complaints regarding brake and powertrain failures, coupled with multiple recalls addressing these very issues, suggests potential real-world safety risks. The reported incidents of complete vehicle shutdown while driving and transmission failures highlight severe safety concerns that go beyond typical wear and tear, impacting the vehicle's fundamental operational safety.

Reliability Score

The 2016 Chevrolet Suburban receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Brake Assist Failure / Increased Stopping Distance
Numerous complaints (62 under SERVICE BRAKES) and a recall (N192268499-01) indicate issues with reduced vacuum assist, leading to increased braking effort and extended stopping distances. Some owners report needing to push the pedal to the floor.		 High Common variable miles
Transmission Failure / Rough Shifting / Loss Of Propulsion
Many complaints (36 under POWER TRAIN) describe jerking, shuddering, rough shifting, and complete transmission failure, sometimes leading to the vehicle stopping in traffic or loss of acceleration. Some owners report needing full transmission replacement.		 High Common 90000-100000+ miles
Complete Electrical/Engine Power Loss While Driving
Several complaints detail the vehicle completely shutting off without warning at various speeds, including during turns, leading to loss of steering and engine power. This is a severe safety hazard.		 High Occasional variable miles
Airbag Non-Deployment
Two recalls (16V-383 and 16V-651) address potential failures of front airbags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.		 High Rare N/A miles
Unintended Braking Due To Wheel Speed Sensor
A recall (20V-764) identifies a defect where a failed wheel speed sensor can cause unintended braking on the opposite wheel, potentially leading to loss of control.		 High Rare N/A miles
Steering Loss / Stiff Steering
Complaints mention loss of power steering, steering wheel locking, or becoming extremely stiff, sometimes accompanied by 'Service Stabilitrak' warnings and engine stalls.		 High Occasional variable miles
Front Control Arm Separation
A recall (16V-848) indicates that inadequate welds on the front control arm may allow it to separate from the bushing, compromising steering and increasing crash risk.		 High Rare N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban:

Service Brakes 29% of complaints

The most common issue, with 62 complaints, involves reduced brake assist, increased pedal effort, and extended stopping distances, often linked to vacuum system failures.

Power Train 17% of complaints

Frequent complaints (36) describe transmission failures, rough shifting, shuddering, and loss of propulsion, sometimes requiring full transmission replacement.

Unknown Or Other 8% of complaints

17 complaints fall into this category, often detailing severe and intermittent electrical or engine power loss issues that are difficult to diagnose.

Steering 4% of complaints

8 complaints relate to steering issues, including loss of power steering, stiff steering, and steering wheel locking.

Engine 2% of complaints

5 complaints specifically mention engine issues, including complete engine failure and a rod thrown through the engine block.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban has significant safety concerns, particularly regarding its braking system and powertrain, which are the subject of numerous complaints and multiple recalls. While NHTSA crash test ratings are unavailable, the reported issues of brake failure, transmission failure leading to loss of propulsion, and sudden engine/electrical power loss while driving indicate potential serious safety risks.

What are common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban?

The most reported issues for the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban are related to the SERVICE BRAKES (62 complaints), including reduced brake assist and increased stopping distances, and POWER TRAIN (36 complaints), which covers transmission failures, rough shifting, and loss of propulsion. Other notable problems include sudden electrical/engine power loss while driving and steering system malfunctions.

Are there any recalls for the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban?

Yes, the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban has 6 recalls. These include two recalls for SERVICE BRAKES (unintended braking and reduced power assist), two for AIR BAGS (non-deployment), one for VISIBILITY (incorrect rearview mirror), and one for SUSPENSION (front control arm separation).

How does the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban perform in crash tests?

NHTSA crash test ratings for the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban are not available for Overall, Frontal, Side, or Rollover categories, making it impossible to assess its performance in controlled crash scenarios based on this data.

Should I be concerned about the brakes on a 2016 Chevrolet Suburban?

Yes, you should be concerned about the brakes. 'SERVICE BRAKES' is the most complained-about component with 62 reports, and there are two specific recalls addressing brake issues: one for unintended braking and another for reduced brake assist, which can lead to increased stopping distances and higher braking effort.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the high volume of critical brake and powertrain complaints, coupled with multiple safety recalls, potential buyers should proceed with caution and ensure all recalls have been addressed. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, with a specific focus on the braking system, transmission, and electrical system, is highly recommended.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Chevrolet Suburban

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban. The data includes 212 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 8 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 7 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.