Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

2010 Chevrolet Suburban 1500Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 170 owner complaints for the 2010 Chevrolet Suburban 1500. Most complaints involve air bags (74) and structure (41). The EPA rates it 14–17 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
14–17mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Sep 2010
Owner complaints
170
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$3,650est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Equipment

Free remedy

MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

EquipmentReported Sep 3, 2010NHTSA 10E043000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

170 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2010 – Mar 2026
  1. Air bags74
  2. Structure41
  3. Electrical system9
  4. Engine8
  5. Vehicle speed control5
  6. Seat belts4
  7. Electronic stability control (esc)4
  8. Steering4
  9. Service brakes3

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Suburban 1500 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
19969
199716
200067
2003175
2010170
2011228
2012101
2013118
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
2
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Air bags

74 reports1 crash
“*From day one of purchase there is a random, frequent loud buzzing/whining through the speakers(with our without the radio on). Dealership had no idea how to fix and Chevrolet said there was no known issue, so no help. *The running lights constantly short out. We continually replace them and they short out again! *We have replaced all four door handles! Cheap chrome plastic is not going to hold up. These should actually be metal to insure holding up! *The tires seem too big since they rub the fender well if you cut sharply to either side. You can actually hear them rubbing on the well as you cut hard to either side! *The dash cracked about five years after we purchased it. We kept it under our carport and this cracking was unacceptable! I called Chevrolet and they said there was no known issue or recall. We continued to ask our dealership to look for recalls on this. *There was a recall on our passenger side airbag. We tried to get it replaced and were told, no they could not. Takata went bankrupt, so sorry, Chevrolet will not replace air bag for you! *After a few years of not being able to use our front seat due to safety issues Chevrolet would not…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 4, 2024Exterior lighting, Air bags, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11569806

Structure

41 reports
“While driving down the road a large piece of the dash exploded violently projecting a sharp plastic piece of the dash, hitting driver in the face, narrowly missing the eyes, bouncing off and landing in the 2nd row seating area. Thankfully, there was no infant or child in those seats or they could have been injured. The temperature outside was 100+ in the summer in Texas. The cracking dash issue has been reported by us and by numerous other complainants many times previously. This is an ongoing problem that has clearly not been taken seriously by GM.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 20, 2023StructureODI 11561177

Electrical system

9 reports1 crash
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was restarted and driven; however, approximately one minute later, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was restarted and driven to a nearby parking lot. A certified mechanic arrived and inspected the vehicle. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with rod bearing failure, which caused damage to the engine. The vehicle was driven to the residence, and the contact was advised not to drive the vehicle to prevent a blown engine. The vehicle was not repaired. After the failure, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale on July 30, 2025. At the time of purchase, the mileage was approximately 180,000. The odometer indicated that the current mileage was 193,000. After researching the information on Infotracer.com, the contact discovered that on July 1st, 2001, the mileage was documented as 242,765. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 23, 2026Engine and engine cooling, Electrical systemODI 11726397
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Engines
5.3L 8-cyl · 6.2L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 6-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Suburban 1500 2WD
Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
152117$3,650523
Suburban 1500 2WD
Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
121914$4,450635
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2010 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 7, 2026Vehicle 5711
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2010 Suburban 1500 questions

How many recalls does the 2010 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 7, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2010 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 problems?

Owners filed 170 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (74), structure (41), electrical system (9). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2010 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 get?

The EPA rates the 2010 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 at 14–17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026