2017 Chevrolet Suburban Transmission Problems

39 owners have reported transmission & drivetrain problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban to NHTSA — 27% of all 142 complaints for this model year. The typical failure happened around 97,000 miles. That ranks #6 of 30 Suburban model years for transmission complaints (a typical year has 19). One related recall has been issued.

39complaints
97ktypical miles
1related recalls
1crashes
0fires
0injuries

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    213%
  • 25k–50k
    213%
  • 50k–75k
    16%
  • 75k–100k
    531%
  • 100k–150k
    425%
  • 150k+
    213%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 Chevrolet Suburban owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission overheating warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road and waited for the engine to cool down. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The failure reoccurred every 15-20 miles while driving. In addition, the contact stated that eventually the vehicle stopped driving forward. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred almost two years later. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. …

84,000 miles · Sep 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving 5-10 MPH, the vehicle was jerking and there was friction in the vehicle motion. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle would emit abnormal sounds while driving. The contact stated after the vehicle had jerked 4-5 times on the same occasion the vehicle would operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that no issues were found. However, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission fluid was dirty, had a burnt smell, and there were metal fragments in the transmission fluid. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. The VIN was not available.

95,000 miles · May 2022

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle hesitated to upshift while the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into the intended gear while the gear shifter was in use. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local service center, where it was diagnosed and determined that there were metal shavings in the engine, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The transmission had been replaced prior to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

105,000 miles · Feb 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH and exiting a parking lot, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate as needed. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to shift into low gear and continued driving to his residence. The vehicle became undrivable. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact towed the vehicle to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,684.

44,000 miles · Feb 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly lunged forward while driving approximately 30 - 40 MPH. The contact was able to maintain control of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving with no additional failures. The next day while the vehicle was idling at a stop sign, the contact attempted to accelerate however, the RPM increased but the vehicle failed to move forward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.

150,000 miles · Aug 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently jolted forward. The vehicle was able to stop while the brake pedal was depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The failure recurred while the contact was driving to the residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

40,000 miles · Aug 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 60 MPH, the speed inadvertently decelerated to 30 MPH. The contact then stated that her husband depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

106,000 miles · Apr 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering violently, prompting the contact to discontinue driving over 60 MPH. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound while making right or left turns. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 122,000.

122,000 miles · Jun 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine revved; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was restarted, shifted to neutral(N) and then drive(D) and driven for a short while before the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to a family members' residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 159,000.

159,000 miles · Dec 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly came to a complete stop. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to accelerate, and the vehicle drove sluggishly as if the tires were flat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission and motor mounts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.

125,000 miles · Jun 2026

Related recalls

Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)

NHTSA recall 26V-289 · May 7, 2026 · 66 vehiclesDo not 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.

Transmission complaints in other Suburban years

’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’2425404719471233232114152972135654845391938103732197
Transmission complaints per model year, Chevrolet Suburban.

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems on the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban?

NHTSA has 39 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban, 27% of the model year's 142 complaints.

Is there a recall for 2017 Chevrolet Suburban transmission problems?

Yes — NHTSA recall 26V-289 (transfer case (4-wheel drive), May 7, 2026). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

At what mileage do 2017 Chevrolet Suburban transmission problems start?

Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 97,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.

Is it dangerous?

Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.

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.