2020 Chevrolet Suburban Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Air bags, tires and electronic stability control issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Large SUVs appeal to a certain crowd and aren’t for the faint of heart. However, Chevy wants people to know that the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban should be ranked as the top choice because “premium runs in the family.” Yet many drivers are choosing a different model to make part of their family because of the defective electronic stability control, imperfect tires and malfunctioning air bags.

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NHTSA Complaints for the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban

Complaint CategoryNumber of Complaints
Service Brakes
2
Steering
2
Electronic Stability Control
2
Engine And Engine Cooling
1
Fuel/propulsion System
1
Wheels
1
Power Train
1
Suspension
1
Tires
1
Vehicle Speed Control
1

Problems with the Electronic Stability Control

When carrying an SUV full of kids, it’s vital that the Suburban remains under control and on the road. Yet, customers are struggling to make this happen.

One NHTSA complaint states, “Intermittently, while accelerating, a jolt is felt emanating from the right hand side, possibly toward the front of the vehicle, when the auto feature of the 4 wheel drive is engaged. This occurs at speeds over 50. What is described is an ongoing problem, since the vehicle has been purchased.”

What could be worse than having a large SUV jolting around the road? How about the possibility of a car fire? That’s right! According to NHTSA Campaign Number 19V837000, some vehicles might be missing the fuel pressure regulator. This defect allows the system to become over-pressurized, which can cause leaks and cracks in the fuel pump. If fuel is leaking from the SUV, a fire is possible. If “premium runs in the family,” one would think that the vehicle would be made to ensure that the SUV didn’t go up in flames. Obviously, this is one dysfunctional family.

Problems with the Tires

Tires are the only component of the vehicle that is touching the road. For this reason, the tires must be fully operational to provide safety.

Yet, another NHTSA review says differently. “2020 Chevy Suburban less than 5,000 miles on Michelin Energy Saver A/S 265/65R18 – appears a bulge caused a triangle size crack exposing sidewall. The vehicle has never been towed, or been off road and is stored in garage.”

While Chevy hasn’t done much in the way of correcting tire issues, there are some communications about wheel concerns. Service Bulletin #19NA004 is one that talks about squeaking and creaking coming from the right rear of the vehicle because of the wheels. All in all, customers are left with either tires that are deformed or a loud noise that announces their arrival.

Problems with the Air Bags

Ask anyone what a vital safety component is in a vehicle and they will likely acknowledge the air bags. However, the Suburban is struggling to provide this basic feature to offer protection.

One more NHTSA complaint states, “None of the airbags did deploy during an accident. Vehicle was moving forward and hit on the driver’s side front quarter by another vehicle during approximately 45 mph. My Suburban was turning left onto a highway.”

Of course, this might have just been a fluke and most drivers aren’t going to get into an accident. However, there is a major malfunction with the Suburban that puts people in more danger, thereby leading to accidents. NHTSA Campaign Number 19V761000 says that more than 650,000 vehicles could have a failing wheel speed sensor. If this occurs, the Electronic Brake Control Module software activates the driveline protection system. This unintended activation of the system could lead to unexpected braking with the wheel opposite of the failed sensor. Not only will this cause the SUV to pull to one side, but it also dramatically increases the chance of an accident, where air bags would be needed. Sadly, Chevy hasn’t worked this problem out for customers and leaves them vulnerable instead. Apparently, “premium” quality to this automaker doesn’t mean much. It’s as if the company really doesn’t appreciate family after all.

Your Lemon Law Legal Rights

Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Chevrolet pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.

Complaint Data

CategoryService Brakes
DateMar 31, 2022
StateFL
Description
Total brake failure without warning, dtc, or messages. Coming out of a parking lot applied the brakes and the brake pedal went to the floor and was not able to stop. I tried pumping the brakes which pedal to return to the correct position but went back down to the floor. Had the vehicle towed to the dealer which confirmed the truck needed a new master cylinder, brake booster, and vacuum pump.
CategoryEngine And Engine Cooling
DateOct 15, 2021
StateNY
Description
The contact owns a 2020 chevrolet suburban. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle a banging noise was present coming from the engine compartment. Additionally, while driving, the cluster gauges and the air conditioning malfunctioned. The vehicle was later examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump had failed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.
CategoryFuel/propulsion System, Service Brakes
DateSep 16, 2021
StateUT
Description
Have had starter problems since we purchased the vehicle. Starter intermittently loudly grinds when pressed 2-3 times a week and won't start. Dealership could repeat problem once, but never fixed it. Took vehicle in at least half a dozen times. Never fixed. Car also makes an odd humming when gas is applied. This week, car started and died after driving a foot. Then car wouldn't start at all. Brakes stiffened up and wouldn't compress without substantial effort. Everything resolved on its own within 30 minutes. But the very next day, pulled inti position in our alley to back our suburban into the garage. Put car in reverse. While using the back up cam (that came on like normal when car is in reverse), I applied gas. The car didn't respond at all (didn't even rev like what happens when you apply gas while car is in neutral). I applied a touch more gas and car all of a sudden lurched forward with the full force of a v8 engine being floored. I tried to slam on the brakes, but the brakes wouldn't respond in such a way that I thought my shoe must have gotten stuck. It hadn't. The brakes did not work. I don't know how long it would have taken to finally stop because we only had 5 feet to go before we slammed into our neighbor's house (which is what stopped our vehicle). Car is not drivable and I wouldn't drive it if it were. It is available for inspection. Will be towed once scheduled.
CategorySteering
DateJul 12, 2021
StateWV
Description
While turning at driving speed I feel as if I loose control of the steering for a split second. The front wheels feel like they begin to turn without me turning the steering wheel. This has happened at least a dozen times in the 6000 miles I have put on the car. It is extremely dangerous especially on wet roads. I have not reported this to gm. I was searching the internet for a recall and found your website.
CategoryWheels
DateOct 26, 2020
StateFL
Description
Tl* the contact owns a 2020 chevrolet suburban. The vehicle was previously modified with hutchinson wheels. The contact stated while driving at a slow speed, the front driver's side wheel detached without warning. The vehicle was towed to an undisclosed location. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 500.
CategoryElectronic Stability Control, Power Train, Suspension
DateAug 15, 2020
StateFL
Description
Intermittently, while accelerating, a jolt is felt emanating from the right had side, possibly toward the front of the vehicle, when the auto feature of the 4 wheel drive is engaged. This occurs at speeds over 50. What is described is an ongoing problem, since the vehicle has been purchased. Not only occurring the date and mileage provided in this form, but consistently since that date and mileage.
CategoryTires
DateAug 15, 2020
StateTX
Description
2020 chevy suburban less than 5,000 miles on michelin energy saver a/s 265/65r18--appears a bulge caused a triangle size crack exposing sidewall. The vehicle has never towed, or been off road and is stored in garage
CategoryVehicle Speed Control
DateAug 15, 2020
StateFL
Description
When adaptive cruise is engaged, the system hesitates when lead vehicles slows at a slow rate (no brake lights observed on lead vehicle), requiring operator to apply brakes. When adaptive cruise control is engaged during highway driving, intermittently, medium slowing of lead vehicle (brakes applied) the vehicle does not react in time to avoid collision without active and heavy brake application (jerking driver and/or passenger) to avoid collision. Above 65 miles an hour the adaptive cruise control does not leave adequate distance between vehicle and lead vehicle. I first noticed this immediately upon first long distance drive. This is an ongoing problem. Happening frequently between july 4th and july 12. Since the july 12 the car has not been used frequently in situation where the cruise is used regularly. However during the few times on the highway between july 12 and now, the problem has reoccurred.
CategoryAir Bags
DateAug 07, 2020
StateAK
Description
None of the airbags did not deploy during an accident. Vehicle was moving forward and hit on the drivers side front quarter by another vehicle doing approximately 45mph. My suburban was turning left onto a highway.
CategoryElectrical System, Electronic Stability Control, Steering
DateFeb 06, 2020
StateMA
Description
2020 chevrolet suburban. Upon vehicle start: steering assist, trailer brake system, stability track all inop. Tachometer and speedometer inop. No reverse gear. When in drive, only first gear obtainable and manual shift mode inop. Seat heat inop. Turned off and restarted approx five times and issues remained. Upon sixth restart issues no longer present. Drove 15 miles home. Vehicle sat 2 hours, then restarted and operated normally for 1/2 hour operation, then turned off. Vehicle operated normally twice within two hour period. Parked overnight, and in a. M. Remote started suburban and issues present again. Turning offf and restarting approximately 10 times did not resolve issue. Turning ignition off and then turning to 'on'( but not starting ) shows warnings as well. Attempted 10 times to "run" position with no change. After sitting for 15 min, vehicle started normally and drove to dealership. 816 miles total on vehicle.

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Brian Jones

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

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