2014 Chevrolet Suburban: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2014 Chevrolet Suburban
On the 2014 Chevrolet Suburban, the failure owners report most often is other body or interior problem, and the reports cluster around 50,000 miles. Across every failure mode on this year, half the dated reports were filed before 55,000 miles. Overall it scores 62 out of 100, high risk for a 2014.
High risk for a 2014 — 255th riskiest of the 270 2014 vehicles we can rate. 77 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
What breaks on the 2014 Chevrolet Suburban
Owners have reported 21 named failure modes on the 2014 Chevrolet Suburban, and the three most-reported carry 25% of everything filed, which is an unusually even spread for one model year.
Other body or interior problem leads with 10 reports, about 0.5 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 44k to 70,000 miles.
Other electrical problem follows with 5 reports, median 60,000 miles.
Airbag inflator rupture follows with 4 reports, median 55,000 miles.
By system, the reports fall mostly into body (10), electrical (8) and airbag (6).
When these failures get reported
46 of the reports on the 2014 Chevrolet Suburban came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 55,000 miles.
Cumulatively, 39% by 50,000 miles, 74% by 100,000 miles and 93% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed.
The busiest stretch is between 40,000 and 50,000 miles, which alone holds 15% of the dated reports.
22% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 21. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
How bad it is when it goes
Across the named modes, 3 a fire and 2 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 3.34, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other body or interior problem at $200–$2,000, other electrical problem at $250–$2,000, airbag inflator rupture at $0–$0 and other powertrain problem at $400–$4,500. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
12% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other body or interior problem | body | 10 | 9 | 44k | 48k | 72k | 0.5 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 5 | 4 | — | 60k | — | 0.3 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Airbag inflator rupture | airbag | 4 | 2 | — | 55k | — | 0.2 | $0–$0 | Critical |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 4 | 3 | — | 143k | — | 0.2 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Thermostat failure | cooling | 3 | 3 | — | 100k | — | 0.2 | $250–$900 | Moderate |
| Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure | electrical | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.2 | $700–$3,000 | High |
| Control arm, ball joint or bushing failure | suspension | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.2 | $400–$2,200 | High |
| Other brake problem | brakes | 2 | 1 | — | 100k | — | 0.1 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| Other suspension problem | suspension | 2 | 1 | — | 42k | — | 0.1 | $350–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other driver assistance problem | adas | 2 | 2 | — | 36k | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,800 | High |
| Other visibility problem | glass | 2 | 2 | — | 88k | — | 0.1 | $150–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Excessive oil consumption | engine | 1 | 1 | — | 124k | — | 0.1 | $900–$6,500 | High |
| Differential or transfer case failure | drivetrain | 1 | 1 | — | 50k | — | 0.1 | $900–$4,200 | High |
| Parking brake failure | brakes | 1 | 1 | — | 12k | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,300 | Moderate |
| Seat belt or retractor failure | airbag | 1 | 1 | — | 35k | — | 0.1 | $200–$900 | High |
| Cruise control failure | adas | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,400 | High |
| Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure | steering | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $700–$2,600 | High |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 1 | 1 | — | 35k | — | 0.1 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Other seat belt problem | airbag | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $200–$900 | High |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 1 | 1 | — | 3k | — | 0.1 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| Unclassified problem | other | 27 | 13 | 44k | 63k | 89k | 1.4 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2014 Chevrolet Suburban draws about 4.1 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 82nd percentile of complaint rates among 2014 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 18,916 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2014 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Other body or interior problem
No accident; however, I am 6'4" and when I am in the drivers seat I have to drive with seat all the way back. With the mirror fully out to view cars on the left I have to move my head over to the right to get a safe view of the lane and passing cars. Also I have the same problem viewing behind me because the mirror will not go high enough to see over a hundred feet or so. I have to bend my head down to see in the distant. Chevrolet was notified 2 times and I talked to them but they are unwilling to do anything about it. Only to say that is the way the vehicle is designed. An equivalent 1/2 pickup, same year, does not have that problem. All 2014 suburbans that the dealer and I tested after I purchased the vehicle were the same as mine. I feel the is a safety issue because of restricted visibility. It is difficult in traffic because it adds another issue I have to deal with that is abnormal. *tr
I use my seat warmer most of he time however when driving about 6 hours I suffered burns/blisters to both sides of my butt. The seat didn't catch fire or melt , neither did my shorts. I did not seek medical attention I am caring for the burns at home I would like this investigated .... Updated 09/30/15*bf updated 12/11/2017*cn
Other electrical problem
This is a recurring problem with my 2014 suburban z-71 4x4, first occurring at 2735 miles, and again at 19,367, 19,420, and 20,435 miles. While driving at or above 45 MPH, the vehicle has exhibited the following symptoms: loss of power while the "check engine," "stabiltrak" and "traction control" warning lights appear. The vehicle information center reads "traction control: off / stabiltrak: off" followed by "service traction control" and "service stabiltrak." the readout then shows "engine power reduced." the vehicle will not maintain highway speeds, and requires flooring the accelerator and or shifting the transmission into "manual" mode in order to maintain a safe highway speed. Rpms exceed 3500 unless using manual transmission function. After re-starting the vehicle, some or all warning lights eventually disappear, and the vehicle appears to return to normal. When I took the vehicle to the dealer after the first incident, the vehicle was in service for four and a half days, and was returned with the following comments:"...looked into si and found a pip saying wiggle wires at different spots. Wiggled wires and drove no problems…
Intermittent electrical short - radio no power, dvd no power. Intermittent electrical short - stability control displaying after power restored. Intermittent electrical short and he vehicle stalled on 09/21/2017
Recalls on the 2014 model year
NHTSA has issued 3 recall campaigns covering the 2014 Chevrolet Suburban, affecting an estimated 22,460 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module, electrical system and service brakes, hydraulic. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
One caution about reading these together: a recall usually raises the complaint count for the same part, because owners who read about it go and file. The mileages stay informative; the counts get noisy.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
1,778,128 vehicles 2021-02-05- Defect
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche…
- Consequence
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed to 40 VIN owners on May 11, 2021. A second owner notification letter was mailed to all other owners on January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service…
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
106,307 vehicles 2014-10-01- Defect
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac CTS, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL, and 2014 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Express, Impala, Silverado HD, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Savana, and Sierra HD vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the chassis electronic module may be internally contaminated, resulting in an electrical short.
- Consequence
- If the module experiences an electrical short, the vehicle could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the chassis electronic module, free of charge. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GMs number for this recall is 14515.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
10 vehicles 2013-08-06- Defect
- General Motors is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Suburban vehicles manufactured July 9, 2013, through July 22, 2013; and 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles manufactured July 16, 2013, through July 23, 2013; and model year 2014 GMC Yukon vehicles manufactured July 13, 2013, through July 18, 2013; and model year 2014 GMC Yukon XL vehicles manufactured on July 22, 2013. The rear brake caliper bolts may not be fully tightened. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
- Consequence
- Loose caliper bolts may cause reduced braking performance and result in lengthened stopping distances, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the bolts on both rear brake caliper brackets. Any bolts found loose will be replaced and tightened. This service will be performed, at no charge. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC at 1-800-462-8782. GM's recall number is 13247.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2014 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
Better and worse years of the same car
High risk for a 2014 — 255th riskiest of the 270 2014 vehicles we can rate. Every score on this site is a rank inside its own model year, which is what makes a 2004 and a 2019 comparable at all.
Across the 29 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2005 comes out best at 62 and 2020 worst at 76, with 2014 itself at 62.
No other year of this model scores meaningfully better than 2014, so if this generation is what you want, the year is not the lever.
Within the 2006–2014 generation specifically, 2014 is the strongest year at 62 and 2007 the weakest at 68.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2006-2014 generation, 2014 Chevrolet Suburban scores best at 62 and 2007 Chevrolet Suburban worst at 68.
What the numbers say to check
The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: other body or interior problem from about 44k.
On a 2014 Chevrolet Suburban with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether other body or interior problem has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.
Treat it as where to point the inspection, not as a prediction. A well-maintained example can sail past every mileage on this page, and a neglected one can fail well before the first of them.
Where these figures stop being useful
77 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 77 reports, 46 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 60% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
The failure modes are assigned by software reading the owner's own words, which is accurate in bulk and wrong in individual cases. A mode with a handful of reports may contain a misfiled one.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Chevrolet Suburban?
The most-reported failures are other body or interior problem (10 reports, median 50,000 miles), other electrical problem (5 reports, median 60,000 miles) and airbag inflator rupture (4 reports, median 55,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
At what mileage do 2014 Chevrolet Suburban problems start?
Other body or interior problem is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 50,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 45,000 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 55,000 miles.
Is the 2014 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?
It scores 62 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 255th riskiest of the 270 2014 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2014 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Chevrolet Suburban is best?
Within the 2006–2014 generation, 2014 scores best at 62 out of 100 and 2007 worst at 68. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed