Air bags, tires and electronic stability control issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
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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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.
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
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Service Brakes
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Steering
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Electrical System
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Electronic Stability Control
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Air Bags
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Engine
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Engine And Engine Cooling
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Fuel/propulsion System
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Power Train
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Suspension
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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.
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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.
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.
Brian Jones spent more than 30 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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