Chevrolet Suburban Complaints (2021)

185 consumer complaints on file.

#11662243May 20, 2025
POWER TRAIN
While driving at normal highway speed, the vehicle speed is suddenly reduced and it feels and sounds like the transmission has shifted into low gear. The following warning light activated: Reduced Acceleration Drive with Care. The GM dealership service center stated that the transmission control valve body needed to be replaced. They indicated that this was a known issue. I believe a safety recall should be issued for this defective part.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661849May 19, 2025
POWER TRAIN, SEAT BELTS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sat may 3rd We went for tire change from that date since that day, every time we try to start the car there’s always a different warning light The warning light is never the same issue. On may 15 when we received a warning light about transmission we went to the dealership that day they said they were about two weeks backed up but flushed the transmission and paid $504 for the service. Since that day we also received numerous warning light which include. Driver window. Esc. Winshield fluid. Tire pressure. Lift gate open. Forward Collision System Unavailable. Your 2021 Chevrolet Suburban detects a battery, starter or connection issue. Lastly the check engine light came on and the car won’t start.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661831May 19, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while pulling out of a parking spot in a parking lot, the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and observed a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 23,906.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660711May 13, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am contacting you regarding a critical engine failure in my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban LT, which is equipped with the L84 5.3L V8 engine. Due to a valve lifter malfunction, the engine suffered catastrophic failure, with metal shavings found throughout the oil system and internal components. I’ve been quoted approximately $14,000 by the dealership/service center to replace the engine, and the vehicle is currently awaiting repair. I was driving the car with my son when the vehicle began to shake, make ticking noises, and the check engine light went on. I pulled off the road and several error codes popped up including "Service ESC" and "Service Traction Control." This is the second time that a lifter valve has failed on this vehicle. In 2022, the lifter valves on the left side were replaced under warranty. It appears one of the left side lifter valves failed again, this time causing significant cam shaft damage and damaging the engine. Given that this issue appears to be affecting many owners with similar engine configurations, I would appreciate your assistance in investigating this matter to see if these issues stem from possible manufacturing defects which could result in engine damage or failure. I reached out to General Motors to ask if I qualify for extended coverage or any known service programs to address this situation and they told me I should talk to the dealership because they are unwilling to offer assistance. I've attached receipts for repair of the lifter valve in 2022 and the current diagnosis of engine failure, cam shaft damage, and lifter valve failure. This vehicle is only four years old and was regularly serviced by General Motors. It is available for further inspection. Please let me know what other documentation or information you require. Thank you.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660587May 13, 2025
ENGINE
My 2021 Chevy Suburban Premier suffered a sudden internal engine failure due to collapsed lifters and a damaged camshaft. The vehicle began experiencing performance issues, including rough idling and loss of power. After taking it to a certified mechanic, it was confirmed that the lifters failed and caused significant damage to the camshaft, requiring a major repair that I had to pay for out of pocket. This issue is widely known among GM vehicles with the 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines and has been the subject of numerous technical service bulletins and customer complaints. While my vehicle is not included in the current recall (NHTSA ID: 25V-274), which covers crankshaft and rod failures on L87 6.2L engines, this lifter failure is part of the same engine family and indicative of a broader defect in GM’s V8 engine platforms from 2021–2024. I’m requesting that NHTSA investigate these lifter and camshaft failures as a safety and reliability concern, and urge GM to expand the existing recall to include these known engine issues. Many customers, including myself, are incurring thousands of dollars in repair costs for problems that are clearly tied to manufacturer defects.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660570May 12, 2025
ENGINE
[XXX] Vehicle had multiple engine lights on I immediately called dealership Battery and injectors replaced. [XXX] check engine lights on again Vehicle had an intake lifter break and damage the camshaft and caused cylinder misfire. Vehicle was said to be repaired. [XXX] Vehicle had total loss of forward power while driving causing me to drift to safety (Hazard)before being restarted lost the ability to be placed in reverse and limp mode took over. Vehicle was towed to Jim Shorkey Chevrolet in Bakerstown Friday April 11th 2025. (Unsafe to drive) Vehicle is in their possession with no replacement vehicle. I am waiting on a part that is not available and unknown when it will be available. Part unavailable Ten speed valve body part #24065354. Contacted service manager no calls back. Contacted Chevrolet Customer Care number [XXX] . Customer care claims the dealership does not respond to their requests. Currently without a vehicle a whole month. Service Advisor continues to promise courtesy vehicle with no follow thru. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659854May 8, 2025
ENGINE
My vehicle went from completely fine to having a loud knocking noise while I was driving 65 mph down the 4 lane highway. My vehicle lost power and slowed down. I was 50 miles from a dealership. They had to replace my entire engine and crankshaft. It cost over $12,000.00. This exact issue has been recalled by GM, but websites say my vehicle is not covered. The dealership had my vehicle for a month doing repairs.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659052May 5, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH and approaching a light, there was an abnormal ticking and knocking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 25 MPH. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the vehicle had experienced engine failure. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 132,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658317May 1, 2025
ENGINE
The lifters in the engine are failing
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658229May 1, 2025
ENGINE
While at stoplight, check engine light came on and car starting shaking and could feel it hard shifting between gears. Heard banging noise from engine when trying to drive. Took it to the dealership and problems with camshaft and rod.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658176May 1, 2025
AIR BAGS, STRUCTURE:BODY, ENGINE
Safety Defect Complaint Vehicle Equipment: - Anti-lock Brakes - Full Front Air Bag - Passive Disabling Anti-theft Device Introduction: I am the registered owner and primary driver of a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. I am filing this safety complaint regarding a serious system malfunction that occurred during an accident in 2023, resulting in injury to myself and my daughter. As a responsible vehicle owner who has maintained this vehicle according to manufacturer specifications since its purchase on July 21, 2021, I am deeply concerned about the safety implications of this incident. Safety Defect Description: In 2023, my vehicle experienced a critical system malfunction during a collision incident. While the vehicle was not in a rollover situation, the system incorrectly detected one, resulting in: 1. Complete vehicle shutdown during active accident conditions 2. All airbags deployed simultaneously 3. False rollover detection despite vehicle only experiencing vertical displacement when something from another vehicle hit the front of my vehicle Injuries and Medical Response: - Driver (self) sustained mild concussion requiring emergency transport - Daughter required emergency medical evaluation - Both occupants transported via ambulance to hospital Insurance Claim Impact: - MetLife denied accident and hospital claims - Denial basis: Absence of traffic citation - Virginia State Police report indicated no-fault accident - This denial has created significant financial hardship due to medical expenses and vehicle repairs - The vehicle's system malfunction has contributed to difficulties in proving accident circumstances Ongoing Vehicle Issues Post-Incident: - Persistent power loss issues, Multiple alignments required, Compromised driving dynamics and handling, vehicle does not track correctly despite repairs Safety Concern: The vehicle's incorrect rollover detection and subsequent complete shutdown during an active accident scenario presents a serious safety risk.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658094May 1, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle was shaking and jumping and shut down unintendedly. The check engine warning light illuminated and was flashing. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that there was catastrophic engine failure and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed there was no recall on the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658026April 30, 2025
ENGINE
Worried about the safety of driving this vehicle due to the numerous reports of the engine seizing while driving. I have read about there being hundreds of thousand vehicles with the same engine having this problem. Thanks
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657835April 30, 2025
ENGINE
While attempting to regain entry onto a major highway, our engine had a major system failure and the entire vehicle started to violently shake. We were able to reexit the highway and get to safety. We were then able to slowly drive it to a service station where it was determined after two days, that it was a major engine failure and would need a full engine rebuild. We were in Missouri when this occurred, driving back from Christmas vacation with family, on our way home to Texas. We had to find a hotel and stay two nights there, then had to rent two cars- as there were no cars available large enough for our family of 6 and our luggage, to then drive back to Houston. We then had to have our car transported down here to our mechanic. The repairs that our mechanic completed: BTR Gen V DOD/AFM Conversion Kit $1301.75 Full synthetic oil change and oil filter $110.00 Prestone Dex-Cool 50/50 prediluted antifreeze/coolant 2@$33.23 ACDelco GM Original Spark Plug 8@$20.32 GM Spark Plug Wire Set $142.44 GM Camshaft $200.04 Cloyes Engine Timing chain tensioner $44.54 Standard Ignition Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor $47.85 Head Gasket, R&R $5010.00 Labor Oil Change $110.00 Labor Computer Programming $2000.00 Labor (reprogramming needed to shut off the Fuel Economy Management system that caused the camshaft to ultimately break) Total $9434.29 We were without our car for 4 months while this repair was conducted and the subsequent computer programming was problem solved. We learned there was a case already with your department, but waited to file out claim until we had the full repair and receipt from our mechanic. We could not afford to just sell the car as we would have gotten so little for it. Thus we didn't have much of a choice but to get it repaired. This week we are hearing of the massive recall of many GM vehicles, ours included, for this same problem. We are hopeful that we will get some sort of financial return to cover what we paid to fix their issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657826April 30, 2025
ENGINE
While driving cross-country, my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban Z71 (5.3L V8) experienced several progressive symptoms leading to total engine failure. For months prior, there was a noticeable coolant smell from the engine bay despite no visible leaks. Multiple Chevy/GM shops noted the smell, and pressure tests showed no external coolant loss. On the trip to Colorado, the engine ran normally, but at idle, the temperature would steadily rise to ~235°F before fans would engage. Upon arrival in Colorado, I found the coolant reservoir was low again. The final time the vehicle started, it shook violently at idle for nearly a minute before settling. The next day, it would crank but failed to start, and has not started since. There were no check engine lights or warning messages at the time of failure. A GM dealership has since diagnosed the engine as “locked up” and quoted a $14,500 remanufactured engine replacement (GM Part 19420610). I’ve been told my engine is the 5.3L V8 (RPO L84), which is currently not included in GM’s safety recall 25V-274 affecting similar failures in the 6.2L L87 engines. Right before this occurred, I had a NC inspection (passed), a fresh oil change the same day, and had coolant added. This failure happened without warning, while traveling out of state, leaving the vehicle stranded in a garage and requiring towing. The situation presented a safety risk and significant financial burden. Given the similarities in symptoms and failure type to the recalled L87 engines, I believe this may be a related manufacturing issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657714April 30, 2025
SUSPENSION
I bought the vehicle on January 11, 2025. Within 2 weeks the service leveling system indicator light came on the dashboard. The vehicle's front left air suspension system was not working properly and the vehicle lowered to the crash shield. The vehicle would not go over 55 miles and hour and was bouncing all over the road. The vehicle went back to the dealership and they reset and calibrated it. A few weeks later, the same thing happened. The vehicle again went down in the front, and was unsafe to drive. The dealership had the vehicle for 3 weeks, had difficulty assessing the situation and changed the front left air suspension arm. They told us it was fixed. We picked it up and as we were driving it home the service leveling system indicator came on, we brought it right back. They had the vehicle another 2 weeks and changed the solonoids, reset and recalibrated and had us pick it up. Within a few weeks the same thing happened, but worse. As I was driving it, an explosion sounded from the vehicle and the whole entire front of the vehicle lowered to the crash shield, making it extremely unsafe to drive. I have asked for the dealership to get a certified mechanic from GM to come and look at the vehicle and to start the repurchase process, no one is getting back to us and the vehicle is unsafe to drive.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657678April 30, 2025
ENGINE
My sub starting making an unusual banging noise when shifting. I reported it once to the dealer and they chucked it up as cause by the vechioe being driving in auto and not set to 2 wheel drive or 4 but instead auto. Was odd, but it still happens and now there a recall but the site does not include my vin even though maybe this is my problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657078April 27, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Car would not start. towed into dealer for repair. This is the second time this has occurred, a well-known issue with GM trucks. on both occasions was a defective part, Fuel pump power control module.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11652215April 2, 2025
POWER TRAIN
History of transmission shifting issues shortly after purchase (CPO from Dealership). Vehicle was taken to two separate dealerships, several times for this issue while still under the 100,000 mile CPO warranty. Dealerships claimed they could not replicate the issue, however problem continued. Now at 1198xx miles, the transmission failed while driving. was accelerating from stop and and the vehicle bucked, the rpms jumped, the service indicator illuminated, and when the vehicle stuck in limp mode. I spoke with one of the dealerships and explained the history and suggested my vehicle failure was exactly as described in the safety recall and they informed my VIN was not included in any recall or service campaign and the could do nothing for me. I called the GM customer service number, pled my case and was told the same thing
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651710March 31, 2025
POWER TRAIN
After making a left turn on the street and picking up speed to 30mph the vehicle suddenly almost stopped and the engine raved up. It was so dramatic and unexpected that we thought the vehicle behind us was gonna hit us. Now vehicle only drives forward without shifting gears and doesn’t go reverse.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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