Is the 2016 Chevrolet SUBURBAN reliable?

The 2016 Chevrolet SUBURBAN has 296 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: BRAKES problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet SUBURBAN?

Top problems: BRAKES (81 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (44 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (27 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Chevrolet SUBURBAN?

Yes, there are 6 recall(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING, VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL. Contact any Chevrolet dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to charge a 2016 Chevrolet SUBURBAN?

The 2016 Chevrolet SUBURBAN has an EPA rating of 19 MPGe. At the current US average residential electricity rate, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $4044. State rates vary significantly — see the interactive calculator on this page.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Chevrolet SUBURBAN?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Chevrolet SUBURBAN is approximately $1,817/year (ev-mainstream class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Does the 2016 Chevrolet SUBURBAN qualify for tax credits?

The federal EV tax credit (Section 30D) expired for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. If purchased before that date, the 2016 Chevrolet SUBURBAN may still qualify on the 2025 tax return. State-level incentives remain active in 13+ states — see the incentives section on this page for details.

2016 Chevrolet SUBURBAN

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2016 Chevrolet SUBURBAN has 296 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.0x the segment average of 147. The most common issue is brakes problems (27% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2016 chevrolet suburban. while driving 30 mph, the vehicle failed to accelerate. also, the brakes failed to respond when the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle stalled. the failure recurred two more times. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was . There are 6 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 8 crash reports 7 injuries

296

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

2.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

BRAKES

81 complaints

27%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. ALSO, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO MORE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS
• THE DISPLAY MODULE WAS REPLACED. THEN THE HEAT WOULDN'T WORK SO THE ENTIRE DISPLAY SCREEN WAS REPLACED. THERE IS A GRINDING / VIBRATION THAT HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED. FEELS LIKE IT SLIPS. IT ALSO GOT STUCK IN AN ACCELERATION AND THE BRAKES WOULDN'T WORK.
• I HAD A VERY BAD ACCIDENT IN DEC 05, 2017 TROUGHT THE HIT , THE HIT WAS SO STRONG , AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT OPEN FOR ME AND MY FRIEND, SHE HIT HER HEAD AND KNIE ON THE BOARD I HAD CARDIAC CONTUSION HAD TO STAY AT THE HOSPITAL POLICE WAS SURPRISE THAT THE AIRBAG DID NOT GO ON, AND THE HOSPITAL

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 6 crashes

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. ALSO, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO MORE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2016 Chevrolet SUBURBAN

Based on 173 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 55K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 28K mi · 16 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 60K mi · 14 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 51K mi · 11 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

In line with typicalmedian 36K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SUSPENSION

In line with typicalmedian 30K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

WHEELS

In line with typicalmedian 5K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (6)

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM06/09/2019

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.

Risk: As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.

Charging Cost Calculator for 2016 Chevrolet SUBURBAN

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local electricity price)

Per year

$4,008

Per month

$334

Per mile

33.4¢

kWh/mi

1.77

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Chevrolet SUBURBAN

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,817

Full coverage / month

$151

Liability only / year

$679

vs US avg

+9%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (ev-mainstream)1.18x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1817

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Chevrolet SUBURBAN Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

45K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

23K mi

Engine air filter

45K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

45K mi

GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2016 SUBURBAN, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

EV Incentives for 2016 Chevrolet SUBURBAN

Updated 2026-07

Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30

Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.

State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)

CaliforniaUp to $12,000

Clean Cars 4 All

ColoradoUp to $5,000

Innovative Motor Vehicle Credit

ConnecticutUp to $4,250

CHEAPR (Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate)

DelawareUp to $2,500

Clean Vehicle Rebate

IllinoisUp to $4,000

Illinois EV Rebate Program

MarylandUp to $3,000

Excise Tax Credit for Plug-in Electric Vehicles

MassachusettsUp to $3,500

MOR-EV

New JerseyUp to $4,000

Charge Up New Jersey

New YorkUp to $2,000

Drive Clean Rebate

OregonUp to $7,500

Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate

PennsylvaniaUp to $3,000

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Rebate Program

Rhode IslandUp to $2,500

DRIVEEV

TexasUp to $2,500

Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive

VermontUp to $5,000

Incentive Program for New Electric Vehicles

See full state-by-state EV incentive details

Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.

Estimated Repair Costs

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 296 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
BRAKES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. ALSO, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO MORE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: SINCE PURCHASE, OUR VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOWED INTO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT TURN OFF AND WE HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE DID THAT 2 MORE TIMES AFTER BEING TOWED IN. IT HAS HAD NEW MOTOR MOUNTS, NEW ROTARS, AND HAS BEEN IN A GM SERVICE CENTER 16 TIMES. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT W
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE GOES INTO "ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED MODE" PREVENTING ANY ACCELARATION. ONCE YOU TAP THE BRAKES - THAT IS YOUR NEW MAXIMUM SPEED. IF GOING UP AN INCLINE AND YOU SLOW DOWN - NEW MAXIMUM SPEED. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE. TO MAKE A LEFT TURN - THE VEHICLE HAS TO BE RESTARTE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: WHEN DRIVING MY NEW 2016 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, I AM EXPERIENCING A BOOMING/ TUNNELING NOISE BETWEEN THE SPEEDS OF 45 MPH AND 60 MPH AND EXPERIENCING PRESSURE IN MY EARS FROM SOME SORT OF PRESSURE CREATED IN THE VEHICLES CABIN. THE PRESSURE IS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE. DEALER DOES CAN NOT GET DIRECTION FROM
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 6 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)