2017 Chevrolet Suburban
2017 Chevrolet Suburban
Overview
The 2017 Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV known for its robust towing capacity and spacious interior, making it a popular choice for families and those needing significant cargo space. Reliability for this model year is generally considered good, with a few specific areas that have seen more attention from owners and technicians. While the core powertrain is well-regarded, some owners have reported issues related to the infotainment system and certain suspension components. Overall, the Suburban offers a solid ownership experience, but potential buyers should be aware of these specific points. Regular maintenance is key to ensuring its longevity, as with any large vehicle.
Engine
5.3L EcoTec3 V8
Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Issues
- Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, potential engine knocking or ticking sounds, check engine light illumination.
- Solution: Replacement of lifters, camshaft, and potentially torque converter. Some owners opt for AFM disablation devices.
- Cost: $1,500 - $3,500
Oil Consumption
- Symptoms: Excessive oil level drops between changes, blue smoke from exhaust under acceleration.
- Solution: Can be related to piston rings, valve seals, or PCV system. May require engine rebuild or component replacement.
- Cost: $1,000 - $4,000+
6.2L EcoTec3 V8
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: N/A
- Solution: N/A
- Cost: Varies
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic (6L80/6L90)
Harsh Shifting / Hesitation
- Symptoms: Jerky gear changes, delayed engagement, slipping between gears.
- Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter replacement, software update, or internal transmission repair/rebuild.
- Cost: $300 - $2,500
Suspension
Standard Chassis
Worn Ball Joints / Control Arm Bushings
- Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises over bumps, uneven tire wear, vague steering feel.
- Solution: Replacement of worn ball joints and/or control arm bushings.
- Cost: $400 - $900
Magnetic Ride Control (Optional)
Sensor or Actuator Failure
- Symptoms: Harsh ride quality, suspension warning lights, uneven ride height.
- Solution: Replacement of faulty magnetic ride control sensors or actuators.
- Cost: $500 - $1,200
Electrical
Infotainment System
Screen Freezing / Unresponsiveness
- Symptoms: Touchscreen becomes unresponsive, system freezes or reboots randomly, Bluetooth connectivity issues.
- Solution: Software updates, system reset, or replacement of the infotainment unit.
- Cost: $200 - $1,500
Battery Drain
No major issues reported for this configuration.
Exterior
No widespread issues reported.
No major issues reported for this configuration.
Interior
No widespread issues reported.
No major issues reported for this configuration.
Summary Verdict
The 2017 Chevrolet Suburban is a capable and generally reliable large SUV. The most commonly cited issues revolve around the Active Fuel Management system in the 5.3L V8 engine, which can lead to costly repairs if not addressed. Transmission shifting can sometimes be less than smooth, but often resolves with maintenance. Electrical gremlins, particularly with the infotainment system, are also noted. Suspension components like ball joints can wear over time, as expected for a vehicle of this size and weight. Despite these points, the Suburban remains a strong contender in its segment, offering durability for those who perform regular maintenance and are aware of potential problem areas.