2018 Chevrolet Suburban recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban and 84 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (19), power train (19), electrical system (17). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 18–19 mpg combined, depending on engine. 1 recall carries a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2018 ranks #6 of 14 Suburban model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (129). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 4.6 per model year.
Recalls 4
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Power train · transfer case (4-wheel drive)
Problem: 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. A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.
Risk: Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's number for this recall is N262557620. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 7, 2026.
Service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · wheel speed sensor/tone ring
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
Risk: Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.
Service brakes, hydraulic · power assist · vacuum
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
Risk: As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.
Seat belts · rear/other
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. Certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelts retractor assemblies may not automatically lock when the seatbelt is fully pulled out of the retractor, possibly preventing a child seat from being properly secured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: If the child seat is not properly secured in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seatbelt retractors and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18315.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
On August 7, 2026, while driving a rental vehicle in the Denver, Colorado area with my family, including two young children, the vehicle unexpectedly lost engine power while traveling downhill. The engine shut off, resulting in a significant reduction in brake assistance and creating an extremely dangerous situation. We were able to bring the vehicle to a stop without a collisi…
My 2018 Chevrolet Suburban is experiencing transmission problems that raise serious concerns about the reliability and potential safety of General Motors transmissions used in trucks and SUVs from this period. When I contacted an independent transmission repair shop to describe the problems, the employee immediately asked whether my vehicle was a 2014–2018 model. When I confir…
My suburban shut off 5 times while turning. Very unsafe given I have 4 children and it could have been while we were driving on the freeway, which could have been fatal.
Safety ratings
2018 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 SUV 4WD
2018 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 SUV RWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban.
Suburban C1500 2WD
Auto 6-spd · 8 cyl · 5.3 L · SIDI
Regular
Suburban C1500 2WD
Auto 6-spd · 8 cyl · 5.3 L · SIDI; FFV
Gasoline or E85
Suburban K1500 4WD
Auto 6-spd · 8 cyl · 5.3 L · SIDI
Regular
Suburban K1500 4WD
Auto 6-spd · 8 cyl · 5.3 L · SIDI; FFV
Gasoline or E85
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban, most recently for power train · transfer case (4-wheel drive) (05/07/2026). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban?
Based on 84 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (19), power train (19), electrical system (17).
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban safe?
The 2018 Chevrolet Suburban earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings. It has 1 recall with a Park It or Park Outside warning, so check your VIN.
Is the 2018 a good year for the Chevrolet Suburban?
The 2018 ranks #6 of 14 Suburban model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (129). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 4.6 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban get?
EPA ratings for the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban range from 18 to 19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2018 Chevrolet Suburban in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: SUBURBAN 1500, Suburban.