CarBrief

NHTSA has 431 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Suburban, and brakes are the most named area[1][2]. The model year also has 11 recalls, so check every one against the VIN before you buy[3].

431owner complaints[1]
11recalls[3]
18MPG combined (EPA)[4]
4★NHTSA overall rating[5]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 431 complaints with NHTSA for this model year[1]. Of those, 21 mention a crash, 8 a fire, 34 injuries and 2 deaths[1]. These are unverified reports, and one complaint can name more than one component.

Component group Complaints Median miles at failure
Brakes[2] 153 65,000
Steering[6] 60 73,495
Electrical system[7] 58 68,000
Unknown or other[8] 53 55,000
Power train[9] 48 89,000
Engine[10] 40 68,000
Structure[11] 34 49,500
Suspension[12] 29 62,000

We read a sample of 12 complaint texts each for brakes, steering, electrical and power train. It is a small sample, so it shows what owners describe, not how common a problem is.

Brakes. In the sample of brake complaints we read, 6 of 12 describe a stiff pedal or lost brake assist, and some owners point to the vacuum pump or brake booster[2]. Three of the 12 describe hitting another vehicle or nearly doing so when the car did not slow[2]. Brake complaints include 8 crashes and 6 injuries[2].

Steering. Owners describe knocking, clicking, popping or grinding from the steering column when turning in 4 of the 12 steering texts we read[6]. Four describe reduced or lost power assist, or the wheel locking up[6]. Three mention repeat dealer visits for the same noise[6]. Steering complaints include 6 crashes, 7 injuries and 2 deaths[6].

Electrical. In the electrical sample, 4 of 12 describe the air conditioning failing, with a leaking condenser named and the part hard to get[7]. Three describe navigation, camera or display features failing, and 3 describe warning lights[7]. Two describe the engine stalling[7].

Power train. In 6 of the 12 power train texts, owners describe vibration, shudder or buffeting at certain speeds, and some say tire balancing did not cure it[9]. Two describe the vehicle rolling away after being stopped, and 2 describe transmission failure or hard shifting[9].

Complaints about the engine, structure and suspension are fewer, and we did not read samples for them.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 11 recalls for this model year[3]. Some cover many models and years, and a few cover only narrow build dates. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov. Newest first.

Fuel economy

EPA rates the 5.3L 8-cylinder with a 6-speed automatic as follows[4][24].

Drive City Highway Combined Annual fuel cost
2WD (rear-wheel drive)[4][25] 16 MPG 23 MPG 18 MPG $3,700
4WD[24][26] 15 MPG 22 MPG 18 MPG $3,700

EPA lists these for both gasoline or E85 and regular gasoline[4][24][25][26]. The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 4WD version 4 stars overall, 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 3 stars rollover[5]. Rollover risk is 20.3%[5]. The rear-wheel-drive version also gets 4 stars overall, 4 frontal, 5 side and 3 rollover, with a rollover risk of 21.2%[27].

Engine and size

The EPA listings are for a 5.3L 8-cylinder engine[4][24]. Size figures below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Measure AWD RWD
Length[28][29] 224 in 224 in
Width[28][29] 80 in 80 in
Height[28][29] 74 in 74 in
Wheelbase[28][29] 130 in 130 in
Curb weight[28][29] 5,776 lb 5,536 lb

How 2015 compares with other years

1995: 465 complaints, 6 recalls19951996: 369 complaints, 3 recalls1997: 430 complaints, 2 recalls1998: 215 complaints, 2 recalls1999: 708 complaints, 1 recalls19992000: 349 complaints, 8 recalls2001: 532 complaints, 6 recalls2002: 406 complaints, 2 recalls2003: 476 complaints, 5 recalls20032004: 386 complaints, 4 recalls2005: 223 complaints, 6 recalls2006: 54 complaints, 2 recalls2007: 482 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 314 complaints, 4 recalls2009: 161 complaints, 5 recalls2010: 170 complaints, 3 recalls2011: 228 complaints, 5 recalls20112012: 101 complaints, 4 recalls2013: 118 complaints, 4 recalls2014: 59 complaints, 3 recalls2015: 431 complaints, 11 recalls43120152016: 220 complaints, 6 recalls2017: 142 complaints, 5 recalls2018: 84 complaints, 4 recalls2019: 78 complaints, 3 recalls20192020: 44 complaints, 4 recalls2021: 201 complaints, 12 recalls2022: 124 complaints, 4 recalls2023: 148 complaints, 4 recalls20232024: 44 complaints, 2 recalls2025: 31 complaints, 1 recalls2026: 18 complaints, 3 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Suburban model year. The 2015 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19954656
19963693
19974302
19982152
19997081
20003498
20015326
20024062
20034765
20043864
20052236
2006542
20074824
20083144
20091615
20101703
20112285
20121014
20131184
2014593
201543111
20162206
20171425
2018844
2019783
2020444
202120112
20221244
20231484
2024442
2025311
2026183

NHTSA counts 431 complaints and 11 recalls for 2015[3]. Five model years have more complaints: 1999 (708), 2001 (532), 2007 (482), 2003 (476) and 1995 (465)[3]. Only 2021 has more recalls, with 12[3].

The neighbors are quieter. The 2014 model year has 59 complaints and 3 recalls, and 2016 has 220 complaints and 6 recalls[3]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so compare years of the same model only.

Should you buy a used 2015 Suburban?

The 2015 Suburban has more recalls and complaints than the model years on either side of it[3]. Many recalls are free software or parts fixes, but check the VIN on NHTSA.gov and make sure each one was done, especially the transfer case recall 26V289, where owners are advised not to drive until it is done[13]. Ask about brake feel, steering column noise and air conditioning, since those are what owners describe in the samples we read[2][6][7]. Complaints are unverified, so use them as a checklist for a test drive and an inspection, not as a verdict.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Chevrolet Suburban?
Brakes are the most named group with 153 of 431 NHTSA complaints, then steering with 60 and electrical with 58[1][2][6][7].
How many recalls does the 2015 Suburban have?
NHTSA lists 11 recalls for this model year[3]. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov.
What MPG does the 2015 Suburban get?
EPA rates the 2WD at 16 city, 23 highway and 18 combined, and the 4WD at 15, 22 and 18[4][24].
What is the NHTSA safety rating of the 2015 Suburban?
NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall and 3 stars for rollover, for both 4WD and rear-wheel drive[5][27].
Was 2015 a bad year for the Suburban?
It has 431 complaints and 11 recalls, versus 59 and 3 for 2014 and 220 and 6 for 2016[3].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 431 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Chevrolet Suburban (21 mention a crash, 8 a fire, 34 injuries, 2 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 153 complaints name the brakes component group (8 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Suburban model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. EPA rating for Suburban C1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 20.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 60 complaints name the steering component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 73,495). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 58 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 68,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 53 complaints name the unknown or other component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 55,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 48 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 89,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 40 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 68,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 34 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 29 complaints name the suspension component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 62,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 26V289, filed May 7, 2026: Power Train › Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive). NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 19V761, filed October 24, 2019: Service Brakes. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 19V645, filed September 6, 2019: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 18V586, filed September 7, 2018: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 17V437, filed July 10, 2017: Seat Belts › Pretensioner. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 16V651, filed September 8, 2016: Seat Belts › Pretensioner. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 15V640, filed October 9, 2015: Electrical System › Ignition. NHTSA recall database
  20. Recall 14V719, filed November 10, 2014: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
  21. Recall 14V451, filed July 23, 2014: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
  22. Recall 14V374, filed June 27, 2014: Power Train › Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive). NHTSA recall database
  23. Recall 14V152, filed March 31, 2014: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Cooling Unit And Lines. NHTSA recall database
  24. EPA rating for Suburban K1500 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. EPA rating for Suburban C1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  26. EPA rating for Suburban K1500 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV RWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.2%. NHTSA vehicle records
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SUBURBAN 4DR SUV AWD: length 224 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 130 in, curb weight 5,776 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SUBURBAN 4DR SUV RWD: length 224 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 130 in, curb weight 5,536 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.