Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: running costs are the problem rather than the car itself.
Owners have filed 101 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban 1500, and it carries no recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown or other | 21 | 21% |
| Structure | 19 | 19% |
| Air bags | 12 | 12% |
| Air bags | 9 | 9% |
| Engine | 6 | 6% |
| Power train | 4 | 4% |
| Steering | 2 | 2% |
| Tires | 2 | 2% |
| Wheels | 2 | 2% |
| Electrical system | 2 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
MY AUTO GEAR SHIFT DISINGAGED FROM THE TRANSMISSION THE CAR STARTED MOVING AS I WAS TRYING TO GET INTO THE DRIVER SEAT WITH DRIVER DOOR CATCHING THE TREE LIMBS AND OPENING THE DOOR AND ME HOLDING ONTO THE INSIDE DOOR H
NHTSA complaint: Power train
This is a recall took my 2012 Surburban to dealership in leavenworth, KS they had vehicle for two weeks did not fix the airbag that is under recall they stated could not get parts for it. So what is the problem with ou
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
My dash on my 2012 Suburban cracked within 4 years of its manufactured date and it just keeps getting worse. If there were an accident it is so dry and cracked it will through hard plastic into the driver and passengers.
NHTSA complaint: Structure
Dashboard is cracking. I understand the class action was dismissed. But this is so unfair that the customers have to pay to fix for problem caused by material problem.
NHTSA complaint: Structure
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V051000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact sta
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
I WAS SENT A SAFETY RECALL FORM & STILL HAVEN'T BEEN NOTIFIED THAT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. I AM WORRIED BECAUSE WE USE OUR FAMILY CAR A LOT. THANK YOU!
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
WE RECEIVED AN IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL TO REPLACE THE AIRBAG INFLATOR (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 21V051). AFTER TAKING OUR VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WE WERE TOLD THAT IF WE WANT THE RECALL THEN WE HAVE TO PAY TO REPLACE OUR DASH
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
TRANSMISSION FAILURE< 150,000 MILES!! WELL MAINTAINED. LEFT US STRANDED ON OFF RAMP I-78.!!! CRACKED DASH ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT.
NHTSA complaint: Power train
| Reliability raw | 64 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 70 | good |
| Maintenance | 57 | average |
| Depreciation | 58 | average |
| Performance | 72 | good |
| Efficiency | 33 | below average |
| Safety | 73 | good |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 101 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and unknown or other is the most reported area with 21 of them (21%). No recalls are on record for it.
AVOIR scores its reliability 64/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 70/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2012 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: skip unless cheap, because running costs are the problem rather than the car itself. Its overall ownership score is 62/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.