Chevy Suburban Facts & Cylinder Heads

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Categories: Cylinder Head Tips

The Chevy Suburban is a beloved vehicle that is very easy to drive and offers many benefits to owners. Today, we’re going to head back in time to learn about the history of the vehicle. We’ll also share common issues you may experience with it and some incredible high-mileage stories.

 

Suburban History and Profile

The Chevrolet Suburban can be traced all the way back to 1934, with the name first being used for the 1935 model year in the U.S. It’s one of the longest automobile nameplates to be continually used, and has been an extremely profitable vehicle for General Motors over the years. In 1935, the first vehicle was one of the first all-metal-bodied station wagons to be released, but of course, there have been many changes to the vehicle and its design over the years. Today, you’ll find the full-size SUV offers three different engine options, as well as endless customization options to fit everyone’s needs.

 

What Are The Engine Specs For a Suburban?

Owners of the Chevrolet Suburban now have the choice between three different engine options. You can choose from a 6.2 liter V8, 5.3 liter V8, or a 3.0 liter Inline-6 turbo diesel.

 

What is the MPG of a Chevrolet Suburban?

When it comes to the miles per gallon for the Chevrolet Suburban, both the 5.3-liter and the 6.2-liter V-8 engines are rated to offer 20 mpg on highways. The 5.3-liter V8 is typically better for use in the city than the 6.2-liter model, so this upgrade isn’t always necessary for drivers.

 

Suburban North America Sales History

In 2021, Chevrolet sold 48,214 Suburban vehicles in the US. This continued to increase the following year, with a roughly 5% increase in sales in 2022. While the vehicle noticed a drop during the pandemic years, it usually sells between 45,000 to 60,000 units a year. The vehicle has been a bestseller for the company since its initial release, which is why even the US government trusts this vehicle for their military. Thanks to the roomy design, it is ideal for carrying equipment, gear, and soldiers.

 

Chevy Suburban Driver Reviews

With such a long history, it’s no surprise that reviews are typically favorable for the Chevy Suburban. The vehicle has a reliability score of 75 out of a possible 100. Drivers always praise how easy it is to drive, but it can be a little unstable when turning if you aren’t used to driving an SUV. It offers a very smooth ride and excellent technology upgrades, with three different powerful engines to choose from. There is a huge amount of cargo space, so it’s a very versatile vehicle that people from all walks of life appreciate driving.

 

High Mileage Stories – How Long Can These SUVs Last?

A Chevy Suburban will typically last between 125,000 and 150,000 miles at an absolute minimum, which equates to between 10 and 12 years for most drivers. Some vehicle years are more reliable than others, with many drivers getting over 250,000 miles from their Suburban. One of the most incredible high mileage stories is that of Robert Ralummus, who purchased a new Chevy Suburban in the year 2000. He has now clocked up over 700,000 miles on the vehicle, which just goes to show how long-lasting it can be when maintained regularly.

 

Common Problems with Suburban Models

Although there are many great reviews for this vehicle, you’ll find that there have been many problems with various model years. The top complaints about the Chevy Suburban are airbag failure, powertrain issues, and engine failure or problems. There are certain model years we recommend avoiding, which include 1999, all models from 2001 to 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2014, 2015, and 2016. These years all have the highest number of issues, such as transmission and engine failure, high oil consumption, or faulty speedometers. Smaller issues you may experience include failure of the heating and AC and power door lock actuators failing.

 

Why Suburban Cylinder Heads Are Important

When it comes to engine issues with the Chevy Suburban, a common complaint is that the cylinder heads stop working properly. Cylinder heads are critical for controlling airflow and fuel deployment. They hold the valves and injectors, which have more moving parts than elsewhere in your engine. Many people aren’t aware of the purpose of cylinder heads, but they play a huge part in your engine running successfully in your Chevy Suburban.

 

Cylinder Head Replacement in the Chevy Suburban

If you do find your cylinder heads need to be replaced, you typically have two options. You can either pay for a mechanic to replace it or try to DIY this task at home. You typically can carry out this work without removing your engine, but this will depend on the severity of the issue and the condition of the rest of the engine. If you would like to get a better idea about how to replace a cylinder head, check out this video or this guide on YouTube. They both show owners of Chevy Suburban vehicles carrying out this job, which will give you a good idea of whether this is something you would feel up to trying for yourself. The sooner you can replace the cylinder head when you notice issues, the less likely you will be to do further damage to your engine.

The Chevy Suburban goes down in history as one of the longest-produced vehicles, and it still stands the test of time with great sales to this date. We recommend learning more about the model years to avoid when purchasing a used vehicle, as this can help you to avoid the common issues with the engine and cylinder heads. Otherwise, you’ll find this is a very reliable and sturdy vehicle, which offers fantastic storage for a variety of uses. We expect this vehicle to continue to remain on the market for years to come, and look forward to seeing the future upgrades the company continues to offer buyers of the Chevy Suburban.

 

ABOUT CLEARWATER CYLINDER HEAD

If you are an owner or a mechanic of a Chevy Suburban and need to buy new or refurbished cylinder heads, then we ask you to call us at 800-572-1963 before ordering to ensure you order the correct head. The casting number on your Suburban engine or existing cylinder head will help us determine the compatible head(s) for your specific Chevrolet Suburban. We look forward to collaborating with you to extend the life of your vehicle.