2012 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
The 2012 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and towing capability. It was available with three engine options: a 5.3L V8 (320 hp, 335 lb-ft torque), a 6.0L V8 (352 hp, 382 lb-ft torque), and a 6.2L V8 (403 hp, 417 lb-ft torque), each paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Suburban’s roominess, especially for families, and its ability to haul both people and cargo. Common complaints include its large size making it difficult to park and maneuver, relatively poor fuel economy, and the age-related issues that come with a vehicle of this vintage.
Engine
5.3L V8 (LMG, LY5, LC9)
- Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough running, excessive oil consumption, and potentially engine damage if not addressed. Often accompanied by a ticking noise.
- Solution: Replacement of the failed lifters, often recommended to replace all lifters while the engine is open. AFM system can also be deleted.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs.
- Solution: Piston ring replacement, valve seal replacement, or engine replacement in severe cases. Using a thicker grade of oil can sometimes temporarily reduce consumption.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $5,000+
- Recalls: None Found
6.0L V8 (L76, L96)
- Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough running, excessive oil consumption, and potentially engine damage if not addressed. Often accompanied by a ticking noise.
- Solution: Replacement of the failed lifters, often recommended to replace all lifters while the engine is open. AFM system can also be deleted.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs.
- Solution: Piston ring replacement, valve seal replacement, or engine replacement in severe cases. Using a thicker grade of oil can sometimes temporarily reduce consumption.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $5,000+
- Recalls: None Found
6.2L V8 (L94)
- Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs.
- Solution: Piston ring replacement, valve seal replacement, or engine replacement in severe cases. Using a thicker grade of oil can sometimes temporarily reduce consumption.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $5,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
6L80 6-Speed Automatic Transmission (All Engines)
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at highway speeds, especially under light load; poor fuel economy; transmission overheating.
- Solution: Torque converter replacement. Flushing the transmission fluid during replacement is recommended.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Harsh Shifting/Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, slipping between gears, or failure to shift.
- Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement. Could also be related to valve body issues or solenoids.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Autoride Air Suspension Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rear end sagging, compressor running constantly, rough ride, warning lights on the dashboard.
- Solution: Replacement of air shocks, compressor, or air lines. Conversion to conventional shocks is also an option.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Wheel Bearings
- Description/Symptoms: Grinding or humming noise from the wheels, especially when turning.
- Solution: Wheel bearing replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800 per wheel
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Driver Side Door Wire Harness
- Description/Symptoms: Power windows, door locks, and speakers stop working.
- Solution: Repairing or replacing the broken wire harness.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Instrument Panel Cluster Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Gauges malfunctioning, dim or flickering display, or complete failure of the instrument cluster.
- Solution: Instrument cluster repair or replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Navigation/Radio System Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The system may freeze, reboot randomly, or stop working altogether.
- Solution: Software update or replacement of the head unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Liftgate Strut Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Liftgate won’t stay open.
- Solution: Replace liftgate struts.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$300+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Cracked Dashboard
- Description/Symptoms: Cracks appear on the dashboard, often due to sun exposure.
- Solution: Dashboard replacement or installation of a dashboard cover.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Heater Blend Door Actuator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Inconsistent temperature control, clicking noise behind the dashboard.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty blend door actuator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2012 Chevrolet Suburban 1500, while a capable and spacious SUV, is prone to several common issues. Engine-related problems, particularly AFM lifter failure and oil consumption, can be costly to repair. Transmission issues, such as torque converter failure and harsh shifting, are also prevalent. Suspension problems, especially with the Autoride system, and electrical glitches affecting the instrument cluster and other components are also common. Interior issues like cracked dashboards and blend door actuator failure also detract from the vehicle’s overall value. While some fixes are relatively inexpensive, others can be quite costly, making a thorough inspection and service history review essential before purchasing. The severity of these issues range from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures, with repair costs ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.