Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 11% | — |
| 2025 | 5 | 16% | — |
| 2023 | 4 | 24% | — |
| 2011 | 5 | 6% | 70,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% | 75,000 miles |
| 2007 | 17 | 9% | 43,000 miles |
| 2006 | 1 | 3% | 74,000 miles |
| 2005 | 11 | 12% | 53,000 miles |
| 2004 | 10 | 5% | 84,000 miles |
| 2003 | 6 | 3% | 55,000 miles |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% | 132,000 miles |
| 2001 | 5 | 5% | 100,000 miles |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% | 110,000 miles |
| 1999 | 2 | 3% | 195,000 miles |
| 1998 | 1 | 7% | 194,000 miles |
| 1995 | 1 | 13% | 193,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
2025 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN HIGH COUNTRY. Vehicle is parked in my garage. Went out in the AM and the engine only cranks, will not start. Called On Star for roadside assistance. Sent a tow truck, the vehicle could not be towed due to the electronic transmission. There is no way for an owner to place the transmission in neutral. Vehicle is stuck in my garage. GM customer service referred me back to roadside assistance who for the second time stated that they could not help me. This is a serious issue. The fact that the transmission can NOT be shifted into neutral unless the engine is running is a very serious safety concern.Called GM helpline a second time. They said that I should call for a tow on my own. Waiting for the selling dealer to call me back. Vehicle is currently stuck in my garage and GM does not care.
Engine failed going 70mph on highway at 2k miles. Display said acceleration no longer available and app said transmission code was needing to be checked however once taking to dealer I was told it was an oil sensor then told there was shredded metal in my engine and I needed a full engine replacement. My car was in the dealership for over 50 days. I was pregnant and with two small children in the car when engine failed at high speeds. After my car was returned to me the engine overheated and failed again. The dealer claimed GM sent them an engine with cut hoses. I was 9 months pregnant when this occurred also on the highway going 65mph. GM refused to buy back the vehicle 3 times.
While driving our 2023 Chevrolet Duramax diesel suburban, I was waiting, at a complete stop, against the median to make a U turn. When the traffic cleared, I began the turn when I suddenly noticed a nearly complete loss of power, hesitancy of engine engagement, and little response to the gas pedal being depressed. Then an error message appeared on the dashboard stating "Low acceleration warning". There was very little acceleration power available. The rear wheels seemed to spin. I was perilously endangered while making a U-turn across lanes because of this loss of power. The vehicle was then taken immediately to our local Chevrolet dealer who diagnosed a error code message (P0700, 0747) related to transmission valve and injectors. We are very concerned that this was a dangerous occurrence and should be further investigated. …
When traveling at highway speeds our vehicle suddenly lost all engine power. Driving in the passing lane of [redacted] at 75 mph our 2023 Chevrolet suburban RST 6.2 lost all engine power and went into neutral. We were barely able to make it over to the right breakdown lane without getting hit and making it with no power. We were stranded on the busy interstate for three hours with my wife and three young kids in a very dangerous location. They were scared and because we barely made it into the breakdown lane and so close to speeding traffic had to stand outside of the vehicle close to the woods further from dangerous traffic. The Suburban was flatbedded to nearest Chevrolet dealer where we were told the engine was seized and would need to be totally replaced. We were lucky to be alive but now stranded 1000 miles away from home as we were returning from a vacation in Florida. …
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.
Stability traction control light keeps coming on while in motion. With major oil consumption problems. Just in regular driving I've had transmission, and rear differential work done fixed the problem for a few months now back again with flashing check engine light. Saying cylinder 6 misfiring. I've already sunk in over 4K in this after buying it last year in dec.of 2017. After reading comments this really should be a recall. With so many of the same concerns and complaints that have been listed.
Like to place a formal complaint regarding the oil consumption for 2007 Chevy Suburban and the horrible quality of vehicle. A few months after purchasing the vehicle the transmission gave out. I've been having problems with oil consumption and its horrible. I believe that Chevy should stand behind their product and do a massive recalls for these vehicle. Again, Chevy should stand behind their product. There are so many reviews about this same problem. Obvious there is a problem. Will never buy a Chevy again nor will I recommend Chevy vehicles!!
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe vehicles.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Suburban 1500 years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (17), 2005 (11), 2004 (10), 2003 (6) and 2001 (5) model years. Transmission complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Suburban 1500 transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 26V-289 (transfer case (4-wheel drive), May 7, 2026). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Suburban 1500 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles; 29% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (24 mentions), followed by the transfer case (4-wheel drive) (3).
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.