Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
2012 Chevrolet Suburban 1500Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 101 owner complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban 1500. Most complaints involve air bags (25) and structure (23). The EPA rates it 17 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Combined MPG
17mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
101
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$3,650est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
101 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2012 – Aug 2024
- Air bags25
- Structure23
- Engine12
- Electrical system10
- Power train5
- Wheels4
- Service brakes3
- Steering3
- Electronic stability control (esc)3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Air bags
25 reports1 crash
“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 our government system in place to fix these problems but the GM dealership is not fixing the air bag nor do they call and state they have the parts in stock now???”
Structure
23 reports1 fire
“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. I know of many other same and similar year models that have the same issue. Now that there is a passenger-side airbag recall would be the perfect time for GM to step up and fix this obvious flaw.”
Engine
12 reports1 fire
“THE ENGINE IS BURNING AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL. NO LEAKS VISIBLE, IN OR UNDER THE ENGINE. ON SATURDAY , I JUST ADDED 3.5 QUARTS OF OIL WITH 700 MILES LEFT BEFORE THE NEXT OIL CHANGE.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 5.3L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 6-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-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
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suburban 1500 2WD Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
| Suburban 1500 4WD Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
- 17mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5Chevrolet Suburban 1500 SUV 4WD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 3 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 23.7%
Overall
4 / 5
Chevrolet Suburban 1500 SUV RWD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 3 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 23.7%
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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.
2012 Suburban 1500 questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 7, 2026.
What are the most common 2012 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 problems?
Owners filed 101 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (25), structure (23), engine (12). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 at 17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban 1500?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 4 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026