MODEL
Chevrolet Suburban
NHTSA safety across every Chevrolet Suburban model year we cover.
Across the 6 model years of the Chevrolet Suburban we cover (2021 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 86 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2021 at 70. 24 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size body-on-frame SUV that has defined the segment for decades. Built to haul families, tow heavy loads, and cover long distances in comfort, it targets buyers who need genuine three-row capacity and serious capability. The 2021 to 2025 generation represents the current platform, and for shoppers weighing this large SUV, the safety picture deserves a close look before signing anything.
The Suburban's safety record across the 2021 to 2025 model years is a study in contrasts that every shopper should understand before committing to this truck-based hauler. At its best, the current generation earns a MotorCaliber Safety Index of 83 out of 100 for 2025, a Strong-band result that reflects real improvement over earlier covered years, which landed in the Average band. Crash-test performance in frontal and side disciplines is genuinely impressive, with five-star results in both categories in the best tested year. The rollover score, however, tells a different story. A three-star rollover rating is a consistent weakness, and it is not surprising given the Suburban's tall, heavy, body-on-frame architecture. Physics matter here, and buyers should factor that in. The recall count across these five model years stands at 21, which is elevated for any vehicle and worth monitoring through NHTSA's database by VIN before purchase or if you already own one. Owner complaints total 449, with 11 reported crashes and 12 reported injuries among those unverified allegations. Those figures are not alarming relative to the Suburban's sales volume, but they are not negligible either. The honest bottom line is this: the Suburban has gotten meaningfully safer in recent years, but its rollover vulnerability and substantial recall history mean due diligence is non-negotiable for any buyer.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Suburban for its cavernous interior, strong towing capability, and refined long-distance ride quality. Most acknowledge it as a benchmark for full-size SUV utility. The consensus also notes that its large footprint can make urban driving challenging, and some reviewers flag that its size and ride height come with handling tradeoffs compared to car-based crossover alternatives.
- Rollover protection is a genuine weak point: the Suburban earns only three out of five stars in rollover testing, a direct consequence of its tall, truck-based body-on-frame design. Buyers who frequently carry passengers should weigh this carefully.
- The 2025 model year achieves the strongest safety index score in the covered range at 83 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. If safety performance is a priority, newer model years represent a measurable step forward over earlier examples in this generation.
- Twenty-one recalls have been issued across the 2021 to 2025 model years. Before purchasing any used example, run the VIN through NHTSA's free recall database to confirm all outstanding recalls have been remedied by a dealer.
- Owner complaints across the covered years include 11 reported crashes and 12 reported injuries among 449 total unverified allegations. While these figures are not extraordinary for a high-volume vehicle, shoppers should review the specific complaint categories on NHTSA's site to understand which systems have drawn the most attention.
Most-recalled year on record: 2021 Chevrolet Suburban with 12 recalls.