PROBLEM GUIDE

2007–2013 Chevrolet Suburban Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated July 2026

314

complaints filed for the 2008 model year

2007–2013

Model years affected

$200 – $7,500+

Typical repair cost, by problem

This generation shares the Chevrolet Tahoe's Takata airbag and dashboard-cracking problems. One complaint here describes a violent airbag deployment causing a neck fracture. A separate compound electrical failure describes a vehicle that "shut off, lost steering and brakes wouldn't even work" while driving.

Quick Scan: 4 Issues

Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.

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PROBLEM DETAILS

Dashboard cracking

Spontaneous cracks near airbag compartments, "sharp plastic shrapnel" concern

Check engine light: Off

The same dashboard-cracking defect is documented on the Chevrolet Tahoe: spontaneous cracking near the airbag compartments, with complaints raising concern about sharp plastic pieces during airbag deployment. This directly compounds the safety concern described in the recall notice above.

The same dashboard cracking is reported on the Chevrolet Tahoe, which shares the GMT900 platform.

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Stalling with loss of steering and brake assist

Sudden shutdown, loss of power steering and braking assist while driving

Check engine light: On

Multiple reports of the vehicle shutting off while driving with a simultaneous loss of power steering and brake assist — one complaint states the vehicle "shut off, lost steering and brakes wouldn't even work."

A compound safety failure consistent with a pattern now seen across three unrelated manufacturers (Chrysler/Jeep, Hyundai, GM) — worth tracking as a broader industry-wide risk rather than a single-manufacturer quirk.

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Oil consumption and leaks

Low dipstick readings, visible leaks

Check engine light: On

Oil consumption and leaks ranging from minor top-offs to, in the most severe documented cases, full engine replacement.

$500 – $7,500+35,000 – 286,000 mi

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Throttle body problems

Hesitation, rough running, check engine light, reduced speed capability

Check engine light: On

Throttle position sensor and throttle body issues causing hesitation, rough running, and in some cases reduced speed capability.

$200 – $1,80027,000 – 108,000 mi

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This generation has a confirmed, severe Takata airbag recall (Campaigns 16V381000, 16V383000, plus 21V050000 and 21V052000) with reported multi-year parts unavailability, including a serious injury from violent deployment — excluded from the problems listed below. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

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