2024 Chevrolet Suburban Safety Report

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban presents a mixed safety picture, with strong crash test performance but concerning patterns in owner complaints, particularly regarding engine and braking systems. NHTSA awarded the Suburban an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with excellent 5-star ratings for side impact protection. However, frontal crash protection received 4 stars, and rollover resistance was rated at 3 stars, indicating a moderate risk. The vehicle has accumulated 29 total complaints, with a notable 1 fire incident reported, though no crashes, injuries, or deaths have been attributed to these complaints. A significant concern is the prevalence of engine-related issues, accounting for 9 complaints under 'ENGINE' and 6 under 'ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING', making up over half of all reported problems. These complaints frequently describe sudden and complete engine failure, loss of propulsion at highway speeds, and vehicles entering 'limp mode' or shutting down entirely. This aligns with the single recall issued for the vehicle, NHTSA Campaign Number 25V274000, which addresses engine failure in certain 2021-2024 GM vehicles, including the Suburban, due to internal mechanical issues. Several complaints indicate that even after recall notification, parts for repair are unavailable or the issue persists. Beyond the engine, braking system malfunctions are also a recurring theme, sometimes intertwined with engine issues. Complaints describe scenarios where the vehicle shifts into neutral upon braking, experiences 'brake failure' warnings, or has reduced braking effectiveness. The combination of sudden engine failure and compromised braking creates a high-risk scenario, as evidenced by multiple reports of drivers losing power and control on highways. While crash test ratings are generally good, the real-world complaint data points to critical reliability and safety concerns that potential buyers should be aware of, especially regarding the powertrain and braking systems.

Our recommendation: Given the recurring reports of sudden engine failure and braking issues, proceed with caution; thoroughly investigate the recall status and ensure any affected components have been properly addressed before purchase.