The Chevy Suburban may not be the most fuel-efficient SUV, and you surely won’t enjoy trying to parallel parking one, but in terms of reliability, few vehicles are as likely to reach 200,000 miles.
Key Points
- Automotive listing sites show a plethora of used Chevy Suburbans for sale with 125,000 to 150,000 miles. Many Vehicle History owner reports confirm the Suburban SUV will likely reach 150,000 without much issue.
- Since 2000, the standard engine has remained the 5.3L Vortec V8. While earlier years struggled with oil consumption issues, the engine is now very reliable with few complaints against it.
- Chevy Suburbans from 2005 to 2009 have an old four-speed transmission that’s prone to failure. Aim for models from 2010 to 2014 with the new six-speed automatic for the most reliable experience.
- Ultimately, much of how long a Chevy Suburban will really last comes down to luck. However, one recent report lists the full-size Suburban SUV as the third most likely vehicle to reach 200,000 miles.
How Long will a Chevy Suburban Last? Expect 125,000 to 150,000 Miles Minimum, or Roughly 10-12.5 Years when Serviced Regularly
With the latest 2021 model resting at nearly 19-feet long, seating up to nine, and towing as much as 8,300 lbs., few SUVs really compare to the Chevy Suburban. Yet, the model’s $50,000-plus starting MSRP has many shoppers opting for used units instead.
Naturally, this leaves many to wonder just how long a Chevy Suburban will last.
Listing sites like Auto Trader and Kelley Blue Book show plenty of used Chevy Suburbans for sale with 125,000-150,000 miles on the odometer. Of the over 2,000 Vehicle History owner reports, many confirm this mileage range to be very likely. Though rare, some drivers even claim as much as 300,000 miles on the original engine block.
Driving 12,000 miles per year, a Chevy Suburban should last at least 10-12.5 years without much issue.
What makes one Suburban SUV last longer than another? Typically, it comes down to where and how it’s been driven and if it’s been regularly maintained. Although, on rare occasions, owners claim 150,000 miles or more on little more than the occasional oil change.
Considering a High-mileage Chevy Suburban? Have a Technician Check the Engine and Transmission for Signs of Proper Maintanence
Protecting the engine and transmission is crucial to any vehicle reaching 150,000 miles or more. While other parts may fail and need replacing, these are the most vital and the priciest to repair/replace.
GM suggests getting the oil changed every 7,000-10,000 miles for the best results. Keeping the motor oil fresh ensures the engine is free from contaminants that can cause long-term damage and reduce longevity. You can also opt for high-mileage motor oil, which has additives designed specifically for engines with over 100,000 miles.
The transmission requires less maintenance than the engine but still benefits from a fluid flush every 45,000 miles or so for the best results.
Before buying a high mileage Chevy Suburban, make sure to have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission for signs of internal wear.
Chevy Suburbans from 2005-2009 have Transmissions that Reportedly Fail at Around 100,000 Miles and an Engine that Burns Oil Excessively
Since the debut of the model’s ninth generation in 2000, the standard engine has been the same 5.3L Vortec V8. Chevy’s 5.3L V8 has seen a handful of significant updates over the years to improve performance, like Active Fuel Management (AFM), which cuts the number of active cylinders from eight to four to conserve fuel when the engine is not under strain.
It wasn’t until the 2007 introduction of the 10th generation that engine problems became an issue. Registered engine-related NHTSA complaints skyrocketed, with excessive oil consumption being the most common problem with early Chevy Suburbans.
While the issue seems to have been tracked to the AFM system, a worrying number of owners mention having to replace the engine at an average cost of $5,800. Regardless, with the engine reportedly burning as much as a quart of oil every 500-1,000 miles, the chances the motor suffered internal damage rises dramatically.
By 2010, reports of excessive oil consumption dwindled to nothing.
As for the transmission, it wasn’t until the 2005 model that drivers really started filing complaints. Automotive site Car Complaints shows 15 reports from 2005 alone of drivers having to replace their transmission at around 108,000 miles for an average repair cost of $2,140.
Chevy replaced the old four-speed automatic transmission with a new, less problematic six-speed in 2010. The transmission was updated again in 2015 to a new 10-speed automatic, which, while more efficient, brings up new failure reports, but for a much steeper $4,370 repair bill.
Chevy’s Full-size Suburban is Third Most Likely Vehicle to Reach 200,000 Miles, According to One Major Report
A recent report by automotive research site iSeeCars lists the Chevy Suburban as the third most likely vehicle to reach 200,000 miles. While this only equates to 5.1 percent of the time, it’s still over five times more likely than the average vehicle. So, can? Yes. Probable? Not without some hefty shop bills.
For the average Suburban SUV owner with average luck, 125,000 to 150,000 miles you can pretty much take to the bank. Should you maintain a Chevy Suburban and investigate any symptoms that arise, you may just hit 175,000-200,000 without needing a new motor or tranny.
Photos: Chevrolet
