Most common 2011 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 problems
Share of the 80 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Suburban 1500 complaints by model year
Best Suburban 1500 years: 1995, 1996, 1997. Years to avoid: 2025, 2023, 2011, 2004, 2007. Compare all years →
2011 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 recalls (2)
Steering › Linkages
GM is recalling certain model year 2011cadillac escalade, escalade esv; Chevrolet silverado hd, silverado ld, suburban, tahoe; and GMC sierra hd, sierra ld, yukon, and yukon xl vehicles. The intermediate steering shaft attaching bolts May not have been tightened to the proper specification.
Remedy: GM dealers will inspect and ensure that the intermediate steering shaft bolts are tightened to the proper specification. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about July 13, 2011.
Suspension › Rear › Axle › Spindle
General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; Chevrolet avalanche, colorado, express, silverado, suburban, tahoe; and GMC canyon, sierra, savana, yukon and yukon xl vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge. The safety recall began on January 11, 2011. Owners May contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463 and at the…
What 2011 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 owners say
Air bags all 32 →
Vehicle developed two cracks on the top of the dashboard assembly. One crack is located on the passenger side of the vehicle, running from the forward-left corner of the passenger side airbag to the defroster vent. The other crack is on the driver side, inboard and slightly forward of the instrument panel "hump." cracks discovered while vehicle was stationary. I understand this to be common, known manufacturer defect for this vehicle and related general motors vehicles (e.g., GMC yukon, yukon xl, avalanche, tahoe, etc.). This is a safety issue due to the location of the cracks potentially affecting passenger side airbag deployment, creating a dangerous shards of flying plastic in the event of a passenger side airbag deployment, the potential negative impact on the structural integrity of the dashboard and subsequent non-compliant performance during a collision, and potential dust and …
The dashboard on my 2011 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 has cracked in two locations. Both of these locations would be effected by an airbag activation with high potential for flying sharp plastic fragments that a) pierce the airbag or prevent its proper inflation or, b) injure or kill front seat passengers. Open-source research indicates this is a widespread and pervasive issue with general motors vehicles of similar design (Suburban, tahoe, silverado, avalanche, etc...) stretching over a period of several years-- at least effecting model years 2007 thru 2013 or more. Furthermore, every GM service center has experienced so many of these dashboard cracks that replacement of these parts has become routine. GM views this inherent design flaw as a warranty issue, not the endemic problem it actually is with potential for injury.
Body & structure
Vehicle developed two cracks on the top of the dashboard assembly. One crack is located on the passenger side of the vehicle, running from the forward-left corner of the passenger side airbag to the defroster vent. The other crack is on the driver side, inboard and slightly forward of the instrument panel "hump." cracks discovered while vehicle was stationary. I understand this to be common, known manufacturer defect for this vehicle and related general motors vehicles (e.g., GMC yukon, yukon xl, avalanche, tahoe, etc.). This is a safety issue due to the location of the cracks potentially affecting passenger side airbag deployment, creating a dangerous shards of flying plastic in the event of a passenger side airbag deployment, the potential negative impact on the structural integrity of the dashboard and subsequent non-compliant performance during a collision, and potential dust and …
I have 3 cracks in the dash of my Suburban. 1 is in the far left, front corner of the passenger side air bag, and the other 2 are in front of the steering wheel, about 8 inches apart. My concern, aside from paying so much money for a vehicle and having the dash crack for no reason, is that the airbag being deployed on the passenger side May send plastic pieces flying at the passengers face. There is obviously a defect in the production of these dashes, as I have read other people state the same issue, in the same spots. I encourage general motors to issue a recall on this part, as it could pose a dangerous situation in the event of an accident. The vehicle was parked during the period the dash cracked.
Transmission & drivetrain
When trying to come to a stop the vehicle seems to suddenly accelerate right before stopping. The vehicle is going less than 5 MPH and it quickly lunges forward right before it gets completely stopped. Has done this on at least 3 different occasions. If I had been very close to the car/object in front of me I might have hit it.
Transmission. Vehicle will lunge sometimes just before coming to a complete stop. Feels like the vehicle has be hit lightly from the back end. Have come close to rear ending other cars. The lunge last for just a split second.
2011 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 a good car?
Based on 80 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Suburban 1500 rates use caution: 1.7× as many complaints as a typical year of the Suburban 1500 at the same age. It is one of the Suburban 1500 years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban 1500?
The air bags — 32 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the body & structure (18) and transmission & drivetrain (5).
How many recalls does the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban 1500, the most recent from June 28, 2011 (linkages). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Suburban 1500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1995, 1996 and 1997. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2025, 2023, 2011, 2004 and 2007. See the full Chevrolet Suburban 1500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2011 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 80,000 miles; 24% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.