Table 1 shows one common power train related problems of the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Power Train problems |
The transmission of the 2021 Suburban failed. While operating the vehicle down a state highway, out of nowhere the power was reduced significantly while in traffic. It would not go over 30 mph after forcing itself to 30 mph while driving down the busy highway. After struggling to find a safe place to park, the vehicle would not, and still will not, go into reverse. There were no warning lights of any sort prior to this incident. Now there are several warning lights. The vehicle has been towed and taken to a repair shop with current unknown diagnostics as we are waiting our turn for the vehicle to be diagnosed. This vehicle has a transmission that is currently under class action for gm knowingly selling defective transmissions.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked abnormally while shifting into reverse(r) or drive(d). The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure persisted while attempting to drive. The contact also stated that the vehicle was put into limp mode several times. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Suburban started to have shudder at lower rpm on acceleration. I took it to the dealer and they confirmed the valve is bad. They are unsure at this time but depending on damage from the bad value my Suburban may also need a new torque convertor or transmission.
On Friday, March 13, 2026, while traveling at approximately 60 mph on the highway, my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban equipped with an l87 6. 2l v8 engine experienced a sudden and complete loss of motive power. The failure sequence began with a dashboard warning prompting me to "press the start button again," followed immediately by the vehicle shifting into neutral without any driver input. Despite repeatedly pressing the accelerator, the vehicle continued to decelerate and could not re-engage drive. A second dashboard warning displaying "engine recall" then appeared mid-incident. Subsequently, the rear wheels locked, forcing the vehicle to coast to a complete stop on the hard shoulder without any brake input required from the driver. Upon coming to a full stop, the start button continued flashing with repeated prompts to press it, the vehicle lock emblem illuminated on the dashboard, and the vehicle became fully and mechanically immobile, unable to shift out of neutral or transition into any other gear. The engine could not power the vehicle at all. My safety and the safety of other motorists were directly and seriously endangered, as the failure occurred without warning in the middle lane of an active highway at highway speed, leaving the vehicle unable to maneuver or accelerate out of harm's way. A responding police officer confirmed the road hazard on scene and remained present to protect the vehicle and occupants while we awaited assistance. The aaa tow truck operator independently concurred upon arrival. The vehicle was transported to classic Chevrolet, grapevine, TX, the same day and is currently awaiting full technical inspection by the dealership's service team; an official mechanical diagnosis remains pending. The dealership service advisor has verbally confirmed awareness of an active engine and powertrain/transmission recall affecting this vehicle. The failed component — the l87 6. 2l v8 engine and associated drivetrain — is available for inspection.
My 2021 Chevrolet Suburban experienced a sudden and complete engine failure at approximately 79,000 miles. The vehicle became inoperable and is currently at a dealership pending evaluation. There were no prior warnings indicating an imminent catastrophic failure. A sudden engine failure of this nature presents a significant safety concern, including the risk of loss of propulsion during operation. The failure has been confirmed by the dealership, and no repairs have been authorized at this time pending further review. This complaint is being submitted to document a sudden and severe engine failure and to request evaluation of potential safety-related defects involving internal engine components.
My [xxx] daughter lost the ability to put the vehicle in reverse while running errands on a Saturday. We had to push the truck out of the parking spot "backwards" in neutral in order to get the vehicle in a position to put it in "drive". She had been going in and out of shopping centers (forwards and backwards) earlier when the reverse suddenly stopped. I dropped the vehicle at a nearby auto shop in a fit of desperation (maybe 1/2 mile away). They told me they thought the transmission was shot, so I picked it up and took it to andean Chevrolet (dealer) in cumming, GA. While driving it to andean on Tuesday (2/17), the transmission went into low acceleration mode where I couldn't go into upper gears and topped-out at 3,500 rpm's max for the 13+ miles (30 min) drive. Andean confirmed on Friday (2/19) that the entire transmission is shot with metal all inside of the fluid, gears being broken, and the valve body being broken. The truck is 5. 5 years old with 93k mile on it and we were just shocked. The repair for gm reman transmission was quoted at ~$9. 2k and we just finalized a call directly with gm customer service to see if gm would offer any discounts to the dealer on the repairs. We are still waiting on that result while the repairs are being made. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while in reverse (r), the vehicle failed to reverse as intended. The contact’s wife continued driving at approximately 55 mph, and an unknown message was displayed, and the vehicle failed to exceed 55 mph. Additionally, the transmission was stuck in gear and failed to upshift into the next gear as designed. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, and the battery was disconnected and reconnected, but the message remained displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the transmission control valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,600.
I am submitting this complaint to report a serious safety issue involving my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban equipped with the 3. 0l duramax diesel engine. The vehicle has experienced a recurring problem related to the engine wiring harness. While driving, the vehicle will unexpectedly stall without warning. At the same time, there is an immediate loss of power steering assist, significantly reducing the ability to safely control the vehicle. This creates a dangerous situation, especially at highway speeds or in traffic. The failure appears to be linked to a defect or malfunction in the engine wiring harness, which may be causing intermittent electrical interruptions to critical engine systems. There were no prior warning signs sufficient to prevent the incident. This issue poses a substantial safety risk not only to the driver and passengers but also to other motorists. Sudden engine shutdown combined with loss of steering assist increases the likelihood of a crash. I believe this may be a systemic defect affecting other vehicles of the same model and configuration. I urge the national highway traffic safety administration to investigate this issue and determine whether a recall should be issued. Vehicle information: make: Chevrolet model: Suburban year: 2021 engine: 3. 0l duramax diesel.
My vehicle will not go in reverse.
Rear axle is grinding. Took vehicle into dealer and it is the well documented rear axle issue but this vehicle is not included in a recall. The differential fluid was replaced and figure 8s were done but there is still grinding. The rear axle also drags at times when in auto 4wd. The dealer said the next step would be to replace the axle. This is the issue: differential noise/failure: reports indicate a rubbing noise while turning, often attributed to the rear differential. In some cases, the entire rear differential has required replacement.
I have a 2021 chevy Suburban with the l87 6. 2l v8 engine. At 7k miles, we have lost propulsion, leaving the car undrivable. Resulted in the dealer replacing all 16 lifters under a recognized bulletin. I never received extended 6yr 100k mile powertrain warranty as described in the bulletin. Since then, there have been 3 other issues with loss of propulsion, resulting in replacement of fuel pump modulator. Belt pulley system, one of the incidents left us without power or control of our vehicle on the interstate, with no where to pull over or get out of the way of oncoming semi trucks. The last incident again left the vehicle undriveable at 84k miles, with the dealer currently reporting that it is a lifter and cam shaft issue. Resulting in a 10k bill. They state that it is not covered under the recall of these engines because it is the top of the engine versus the bottom. Clearly, the engine oil problem noted in the recall has contributed to these issues . And the crankshaft not syncing properly with the lifters.
Transmission failed high speed jerking shifting ruined a set of tires yes has been confirmed by dealer but our VIN is not covered under the recall no yes error codes appeared before we took the vehicle in for service 6-5-2025 we have had the vehicle in to 2 separate dealerships a total of 4 times for repair now that powertrain warranty is expired they are calling for a transmission replacement.
Engine is skipping when in reverse.
The vehicle started rumbling/vibrating/shaking when getting up to speed and at a consistent speed. Brought to an independent service center and was old that the torque converter is failing. No warning lamps or other problems prior to rumbling/vibrating that started on 5/22/25.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Vehicle suddenly died and wont restart. The fuel control module was previously replaced. There was a recall for certain vins but mine wasn't included even though I experienced the failure of the recalled part! this is extremely dangerous for the vehicle to suddenly die under way. In 2022 the fuel control module was replaced after the dangerous failure. The NHTSA recall that was for this part but excluded my vehicle is n212332040. You need to immediately include other vins for this recall! today I experienced the same symptoms. The car died while in gear and running and would not restart. The dealer is diagnosing the issue to determine if it is the same fuel control module. I highly suspect it is. If it isn't, there is another extremely dangerous defect with this vehicle.
Hi, my name is [xxx] . I have two major issues with my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban: the value body failed for the 2021 Suburban in December, causing engine power reduction and the engine transmission was not shifting properly. This was covered by my extended warranty, which I paid $2500 extra for at the time of purchase. Also, this VIN is for a chevy Suburban duramax diesel. The emissions control module ( ecm ) light has come on several times, starting from about 20k miles to now 61k miles. I noticed the ecm light comes on at about a 8k mile interval. I take it into the dealership and they have told me this is due to a software issue and then they reset the light. This has happened on at least 4 occasions since about 20k miles. However, now at 61k miles, they are telling me that the exhaust system has a leak and it may not be a covered repair under even my extended warranty. Basically, general motors has kicked the can down the road on the ecm issue until it is no longer under warranty, and now they want me to pay for this expensive repair. This is wrong, I hope you can protect me and other duramax owners from gm's unscrupulous business practices. You can reach me at [xxx] for more details. Thank you, I am considering legal action against gm for this issue. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
Rear drive shaft friction message on the display read: service transmission now unable to shift soon.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, and the vehicle decelerated unintendedly. Additionally, the vehicle failed to exceed 42 mph. Later in the day, the gear shifter was shifted to reverse; however, the vehicle failed to reverse as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission valve body failure. The contact was informed that the transmission valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was at the dealer from December 2024 until June 2025. The vehicle was picked up from the dealer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the fuel pump had failed, and the battery was drained. The contact was informed that the battery and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
Connecting rod bearing failure at 62,000 miles.
Has been in the dealer multiple times for very hard shifting issues. Jerks when shifting gears from stop or in lower speeds. They have tried everything and cannot figure it out. But the techs have felt it when driving as well. It has been doing it for a long time. And it’s a concern when driving, I do not feel safe.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not covered under NHTSA campaign number: 24v797000 (power train), which the contact linked to the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Originally we had an engine light come on upon the engine chugging and the vehicle lunging forward at times. The diagnostic showed a bad lifter on the passenger side. They then replaced the passenger side lifters. We asked them to replace both sides since this was a known problem with our year, make, and model. They said they weren't replacing both sides of the lifters. Luckily we were still under the warranty for this repair. Now, a little over a year later on the day we were taking it to trade in, the engine light came on and the engine started chugging again. I knew immediately what the problem was. I took it to the same dealership and they quickly diagnosed it with a lifter failure on the driver side. Unfortunately we are out of warranty at 80,200 miles. The vehicle is only 2 years old. We have been advised not to drive the vehicle until it is repaired. I should not be responsible for the cost of the repair when this is obviously a known defect with the lifters for my year, make, and model. They should have replaced all lifters when the vehicle was originally brought in for the passenger side lifter failure. This should already be a recall by gm for the amount of vehicles that have and will experience this lifter failure. There is actually a class action lawsuit filed against gm for the lifter failure.
Multiple issues with transmission since owned. It randomly goes into "limp" mode and everything will blink and it won't start back. The transmission has always shifted hard and sounded funny they told me if was normal for the vehicle. Leaking transmission fluid when owned for 4 months. I have had to the dealer multiple times, several repairs, told it is safe to keep driving by gm. The inverter is bad and told me it was ok to drive until they can repair. Gm will not give me a fair response or answer. The dealership won't buyback, and offered to purchase for nearly 30k less than I bought it for 18 months ago brand new. The engine light comes on and off randomly told me it was ok with a diesel it may do that when it gets cold.
Came to a stoplight and the car came to a stop. The car then automatically shifted into park on its own. The car would not shift out of park an the engine would not start. The car just died. Police showed up as I was in the middle of traffic and no one could even get the car to shift into neutral to push it out of the road. Very dangerous situation. Tow truck came and they could not even get the car in neutral. So they had to drag the car onto a flat bed. Dealer has examined the car. The starter was bad, the fuse box was bad but the major issue was in the engine where the lifters went out. To have the lifters go out at less than miles is unacceptable. The dealer commented that they are seeing this issue constantly from 2021 chevy suvs. This is a major safety issue in that there is no was to put my 2021 Suburban in neutral when this happens to clear the vehicle from a busy highway. Please investigate this.
Transmission leaked oil and the SUV didn’t advice the loss of fluid. Still under repair.
The lifter rods failed on my vehicle that has approximately 8,000 miles on it. The dealer said that this is a known issue and that there is a service bulletin out for it.
Drove up to a stoplight 4th car in a turn lane, came to complete stop. Some cars closed ranks a little further so I released my foot off the brake and moved up a few more feet and stopped again. The car then accelerated with brake fully depressed and wouldn't stop. I then put gear to neutral tac was very high maybe 5000. Put car into park and then turned off the engine. Restarted car and continued on my way. Contacted Chevrolet and my dealership for a service diagnosis coming up july19,2021. No image to anyone but I have heard of this problem before a malfunction of electronics controlling the drivetrain. Can something be done before any injury or death occurs.