Chevrolet Suburban owners have reported 383 problems related to engine and engine cooling (under the engine and engine cooling category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Chevrolet Suburban based on all problems reported for the Suburban.
Engine is shaking like a bearing is going out, I've seen multiple recalls on this engine but for some reason my 6. 2 isnt apart of them.
See
all problems of the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban
🔎.
Our engine went at 100,800 miles, costing us $15k in June 2025. Then our transmission went 3 months later, now costing us another $7k. Gm is offering very little financial assistance. It's quite inconvenient that these major mechanical issues occur right after factory warranty. It is at a dealer getting fixed, again, but how can this be ok with gm to see their product be such a failure for consumers? recall or not, this has left a horrible taste in our mouth for gm/chevy vehicles. We will no longer trust the longevity of their vehicles and will educate others to be weary on purchasing vehicles. We can understand mechanical failures over time, but not to this extent, and we're very disappointed in the customer service and available assistance for someone that just spent nearly $23k on a vehicle that's less than 5 years old.
See
all problems of the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban
🔎.
I was driving the vehicle and without warning it just stopped shut off and immediately shot an error code that there was a critical issue with the engine and that the oil pressure was low, and the vehicle would not start and was not drivable. It had to be towed to a dealership.
See
all problems of the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban
🔎.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light and traction control warning light were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact continued to drive the vehicle; however, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate as intended. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that, as per the two truck drivers, transmission fluid was leaking onto the street. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
See
all problems of the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban
🔎.
Engine failed while driving. Vehicle began making clicking noise less than one minute for engine shut off while driving. Check engine light came on after engine shut off. Car was stopped at a busy intersection and couldn’t move. Car is currently at Chevrolet dealership and is in need of a total engine replacement.
See
all problems of the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban
🔎.
The contact owned a 2022 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with the engine running, the front of the vehicle began to shake violently, with a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine, traction control, and collision warning lights were illuminated. The contact called an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact later visited the dealer and was informed that the vehicle needed to be brought in for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.
I was driving and then the vehicle started running rough. There was no indication or warning lights before this happened. This is a huge safety issue because I could have had a wreck and injured people and my very own family. I took it to a chevy dealership. They inspected the Suburban and number 4 cylinder had a pool of oil in it. And they told me it need a new engine. Which it has the l87 engine that all the gm recalls are on. However, they are telling me mine isn't on the recall. They don't know if gm is going to cover it because it has 111,000 miles and it's out of the power train. It's the same engine they're having trouble with engines failures on. And I believe mine should be under the recall.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a loud knocking sound was heard coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rod bearings had failed due to a large amount of copper found in the engine oil. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted, but had not diagnosed or repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at 10 mph, there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the engine, with the check engine and traction control warning lights illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact restarted the vehicle and drove to an independent mechanic. The mechanic performed a diagnostic test on the vehicle and discovered a misfire in cylinder #3. The mechanic replaced the cylinder #3 ignition coil; however, the failure persisted. The contact then had another independent mechanic at the same shop inspect the vehicle, and the mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
See attached document for complaint. To whom it may concern, I am writing regarding the recall on my 2021 chevy Suburban. While I understand there is currently no active solution for the issue, I want to stress the seriousness of the situation. As a mother of [redacted] living in wisconsin, I am deeply concerned that if my truck were to shut down due to engine failure and we could not get help quickly, my family would be exposed to the risks from the fire that inevitably could arrive. Given the harsh winters there, this poses an unacceptable safety risk. Additionally, I paid for an extended warranty, believing I had plenty of coverage left. I recently brought my vehicle in only to be told that I was 500 miles past the 60,000-mile limit, I was under the impression the warranty had not expired, and if I had known otherwise, I would have brought it in much sooner. This issue has been ongoing for at least 6 months, and I have been aware of the mileage restriction, I would have scheduled service well before this point. On top of that, my Suburban continues to emit the smell of burnt oil. It is embarrassing to have my vehicle smell like it's burning every time I drive it, and it raises serious concerns about my health. Breathing in burnt oil fumes regularly cannot be good for my lungs or overall well-being. This issue has also created a financial burden for me, as I am currently trying to sell the vehicle. In its present condition—with the burning oil smell and unresolved recall—it is essentially unsellable. No buyer wants to take on these risks and uncertainties, leaving me stuck with a vehicle I can neither comfortably drive nor reasonably sell. This matter is not just about inconvenience. It is about safety, that matters, and other concerns, trust and accountability. Chevrolet has marketed its vehicles as reliable, family-safe transportation, and I want to feel assured that gm takes immediate action to properly address this oil consumption and/or issue. Anything less is unacceptable when it comes to the safet.
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, there was a loud rattling sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended while driving with her grandchildren inside the vehicle. The brake failure warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power and coasted and slowed down, and the contact shifted into park(p). The contact stated that the failure had occurred on two separate occasions. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 16,600.
See
all problems of the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban
🔎.
I pulled on to the road and I heard a loud knocking and my vehicle started skipping and wouldn't go. The lights on the dash lit up and said, "brake failure" and "emergency brake failure" and I had no brakes. I managed to coast into a parking lot. The engine light was on. I turned the vehicle off and waited about 5 minutes and turned it back on, the engine light remained. The first time this happened I was going down the road and the vehicle started sputtering, the emergency brake light came on the dash and the car shut off. It has a rough idle when you start it. I am terrified of this car. I have grandbabies in the car with me, had I been on the highway either time I would have caused a terrible accident. The dealer says they can't get the car to do it so they can't fix anything. It has happened twice so you know it will again.
Transmission and engine failed. Please inspect. I've had several shops and mechanics inspect. I was towing both times and could have been seriously injured when my transmission went out. Then after that was resolved my engine went out. No symptoms or warnings before incidents occurred.
See
all problems of the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban
🔎.
7/13/ car repeatedly jerking/shuddering/rough ride. A flashing check engine light came on for 10 or 15 minutes. After stopping car and restarting it, the check engine light went off. 9/15/ car jerking and another flashing check engine light. Took to dealership. They drove it and said no codes stored. Told it was probably the transmission "breaking in. " took home. Car continued to jerk/stumble. 8/28/25 to 9/15/ car jerking and flashing check engine light back on. Took to autozone. A random/multiple cylinder misfire code was detected (p0300). Took to dealership and confirmed p0300 code stored. Gm tac engineers involved. Told they were unable to figure out why car was having multiple misfires. Returned car to me because no active code/light. 9/29/ car jerking and flashing check engine light back on. Got a warning of "reduced acceleration and drive with care. " car lost power. I have video of this and contacted on star with report generated and p0300 code. On 10/1/25 on way to dealer, car making audible ticking noise. I have video of this. Took to dealer, the ecm was replaced and oil changed because it was "very dark" (in vehicle with 4,600 miles). Car continued to jerk/stumble. Told by dealer that problem would have to get worse before diagnosis could be made. 10/31/jerking and another flashing check engine light with "reduced acceleration drive with care warning. " turned car off and engine light off. On star report p0300. Took to dealer. The dealership was given the videos of check engine lights/reduced acceleration warnings and ticking noise video. All show problem happening around 1,200 rpms. Told by dealer on 11/11/25 that gm rep said they will not pay dealer for any work because no active engine light/codes. Told to pick up car. Asked dealer today for reason in writing, but no response. Very concerned about vehicle safety when repeatedly going into limp mode and flashing check engine lights with gm offering no solution.
Engine while driving completely seized up. Crank shaft, cam shaft and oil pump water pump replaced. Low oil pressure alarm code present then sudden loss of power. Piston blown. There are similar recalls to 2021 Suburbans however, this specific model is not in the recall. I was told I need a completely new engine. The car died in the middle of traffic and police had to call an emergency tow truck.
I own a 2022 Chevrolet Suburban (VIN: [xxx] ) that is included in NHTSA recall no. 25v274 / gm recall no. N252494000 for engine defects in the 6. 2l l87 v8 engine. My vehicle was inspected at an authorized gm dealer today, on 9/23/2025 (don k in whitefish montana). Instead of replacing the engine, the dealer performed the recall “remedy” of switching to higher-viscosity oil, changing the oil cap and filter, and providing an owner’s manual insert. However, the dealer service manager specifically told me that my engine will eventually fail due to the known defect and advised me not to drive the vehicle on long trips. He also told me to be careful driving if I have children, and it is only a matter of time before the engine fails, which will look like sudden shuttering, loss of acceleration and it will no longer run. He told me wait time to get a new engine after it fails is currently 8 months. This is alarming because the recall notice states that engine failure can cause sudden loss of propulsion without warning, which could be catastrophic going across multiple lanes of highway (from my home street), and entering and exiting my street via the 4 lane highway "suicide lane". I am very worried about this in the coming winter season with snow and ice. The current “oil upgrade” remedy does not resolve the underlying manufacturing defect in the connecting rod and/or crankshaft. Even after the recall service, my vehicle remains unsafe to operate, and the dealer’s own warning confirms this. I request that NHTSA review gm’s recall remedy to ensure that it adequately addresses the safety defect. A true remedy should involve replacement of the defective engine components, not just an oil change, or an immediate buy back of my automobile by the company so I can purchase another safer vehicle. My family and I do not feel safe driving this vehicle, and the manufacturer’s current approach does not eliminate the risk of catastrophic engine failure. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia),.
Summary: sudden loss of engine power while driving due to lifter failure. Details: while driving my 2022 Chevrolet Suburban equipped with the 5. 3l v8 (rpo l84), the engine suddenly lost power without warning. The vehicle began misfiring and lost propulsion in traffic, creating a hazardous situation. I was unable to maintain normal speed and had to maneuver to safety while the truck rapidly lost power. The dealer later diagnosed the problem as a collapsed lifter/valvetrain failure — an issue that gm has already documented in service bulletins (pip5776g, 23-na-043) and a service update (n212353840). These bulletins show gm has long been aware of defective lifters in 5. 3l engines. This is not just a drivability concern. A sudden engine failure and loss of propulsion while driving poses a clear safety risk, especially when merging, crossing intersections, or towing. I maintained the vehicle properly and have all service records. I request NHTSA investigate these widespread lifter failures in gm’s 5. 3l v8 engines as a safety defect, since they can and do cause sudden loss of power in motion.
I own a 2022 Chevrolet Suburban and bought the 72k mile extended warranty. Recently my telematics module went bad which is covered by the gmpp. I lost wifi, my clock is wrong everytime etc. However general motors no longer makes this part anymore. Parts department utilizes a third party company called specmo for a refurbished authorized unit. However, gmpp will only cover the original msrp not the inflated price from the company specmo that gm uses for these parts. This part is 100% covered based on an msrp for a part that they no longer use and states that policy does not allow them to cover the full cost over the original msrp of the part. This is an issue that is all over the forums and internet and is ridiculous that gmpp is an extension/better than manufactures warranty yet they will not fully cover the full cost of the part that is covered. A few days later I was driving and my abs, traction control, steering, brakes, everything was flashing and not responsive or dramatically reduced like my brakes where I could not stop immediately with me and my 5 kids in the car.
Cause unknown, however, I have discovered that the engine in my Suburban, the engine code lzo 3. 0l duramax, has damaged itself internally. I have been told that there is a large batch of engines that have this same problem, and the dealership I sent my car to has several cars in the same position. This problem is causing the engine to lock up or completely quit. This could be serious depending on when this failure happens. Currently, they are telling me that I am months away from getting a new engine due to a back order. Vehicle still in shop, so I do not have records yet, but I will be happy to give them once I have them.
While driving along on a city street, the check engine light came on. Once I turned onto the highway, there was a pop from the engine, and the vehicle started missing and vibrating. I turned around and drove the vehicle back home. A mechanic looked at it and said there were a lot of problems and recalls on these vehicles for misfiring. He said the problem is the lifters and they need to be replaced as soon as possible. He encouraged me not to drive it due to it may cause more damage.
I am driving a 2023 Suburban z71, continually on and of of the engine light and "reduction in acceleration, drive with care" this truck has the same issue and same engine as the recall, but is not included. Yesterday I was almost t boned at an intersection because the vehicle would not develop enough power to get across a street at a stop sign. One of the scariest and near disastrous occurrences of my life. This truck is deadly.
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle suddenly shut off without warning. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Engine coolant control valve sticking and causing the fan to run continuously. (p1098). Seems to be an issue with several people.
Engine light comes on and now flashes. The service traction control and esc comes on. The whole vehicle shakes when idling. Certified gm dealer hooked it up and it says misfiring cylinder 6. All spark plugs replaced, new gm coil, new spark plug wires. Nothing has fixed it yet.
Major engine failure in my 2019 Chevrolet Suburban premier equipped with the 6. 2l v8 engine (l87). Despite routine maintenance and responsible operation, the engine recently suffered a serious failure that has rendered the vehicle inoperable. After researching the issue and speaking with several service professionals, it appears this type of engine failure may not be isolated, but part of a broader pattern affecting similar models. Given the vehicle's relatively low age and the severity of the problem, I believe this may be indicative of a manufacturing defect or premature engine wear that should not occur under normal operating conditions.
The motor on this vehicle has been on recall since April of 2025. Several phone calls and a cancelled appointment by the dealership has netted a consistent "we have no information and aren't ready to fix the vehicle. " today, I was directed to the NHTSA to self-monitor when my vehicle would be ready for repair or inspection. Meanwhile, I drive a Suburban because I have five children that I am constantly transporting to school, sports events, scouts, etc. I have grave concerns over an engine failure while I am transporting my children and the risk of an accident.
Hi my 2022 chevroley Suburban has been sidelined for more than two months with a problem that involves my cylinder number 5 ( lifter and camshaft or crankshaft ) I believe. A well known issue with these cars. I happened just a few miles out of my warranty. When I went to Chevrolet to explain to them. They didn't want to fix it. I have two young children that I take to school with this vehicle and they won't help me. This is a known issue with this model and it has been recalled many times. I'm stranded because of this car being out of an engine . . . Mind you the problem started well before my warranty and I was thinking that I needed some spark plugs . . . By the time I realized it . . . It went right over my warranty.
I was driving when I received messages saying service esc, forward collision system unavailable, & service traction control. The vehicle began to shake hard when I applied brakes, had loss of power when pressing the gas pedal, and sounded like metal grinding. All of this put my children & I at risk as we were on interstate 35 with cars flying past us and I’m losing power. Initially the spark plugs and coil was were changed to no repair. It was towed to a dealership where they confirmed the lifter & cam failed which put metal in the oil. My only option is a full engine replacement costing 20k on a vehicle that’s 4yrs old. It’s not ok that I have to spend that in order to get my 70k car drivable. Im now without a car, still paying a car note, unable to get my kids places, and having to get help from friends all bc gm can’t build a quality vehicle. I also haven’t been able to get a loaner car. This isn’t happening in only the 6. 3l. This is a widely known issue with the 5. 3l as well. *there were zero warning signs that something was wrong. Drive just fine that morning*.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - initially, the vehicle began making loud 'clanking' sounds from the engine, which immediately affected the ability to drive the vehicle. Upon further inspection by a third-party mechanic, it was determined that the crank shaft had malfunctioned. This is a known recall for our vehicle type (model, year, engine), however, no recall notice has been received at this time. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - the vehicle was slowing abruptly while in drive mode, potentially causing a vehicular accident. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - yes, we did not deliver the vehicle to a dealer, as no assistance was initially offered when we made an attempt to call and inquire. However, a third-party mechanic was able to determine the issue. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? - not at this time, as the dealer we initially inquired with did not seem inclined to assist. We consulted with a third party. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? -no. Failure messages or icons came on after the engine failure began.
My Suburban is 4 years old and needs a new engine. The dealership is seeing a lot of 21's with the same issue. Bank 1 and 2 have failed, both powerods are broken and the cans and lifters have failed. There were no prior warning. We were driving and 2 warnings popped up and we took it to a dealership. We then went to a private repair shop for second opinion. The warranty is 70k miles and my car is 72k miles. This should not be happening with a 4 year old. The other Suburban engine has been recalled but mine has no current recalls on it.
Not sure the exact cause yet. But another big leak of coolant from the car. This is the 4th big problem with the same issue. I have been dealing with engine/radiator/coolant problems with this car since April 2024. It has been in the shop 2 separate times for 9 weeks total. With other visits in between. There is something wrong with this car.
Was driving about 45 mph on 2 lane road. All of a sudden, without warning we lost power (had no propulsion). Luckily there was a residential side street that we were able to turn onto and get off of the highway with no shoulder. We coasted to the side of the street and called a tow truck. Had we not been able to get off the road, we would have been dead in the road, blocking an entire lane of a busy 2 lane highway without a shoulder to pull off on. There was no warning prior to incident but a message did appear during the incident. I believe it said "loss of propulsion. " we turned off the vehicle, then tried to restart it. Engine attempted to restart, but it made a horrible noise & wouldn't restart. Still had battery power. Vehicle was towed to a local dealership where it is currently being evaluated. We know of a massive recall on the 6. 2 l engines. Ours is a 5. 3 l engine. So far I'm seeing many people having problems but no official recall for the 5. 3 l engines that are having the same issue as the massively recalled 6. 2 engines. This needs to be looked at. Our vehicle only had less than 30k miles on it. We bought it new and have done routine maintenance.
The vehicle is stuttering, intermittent, jumping, miss firing during acceleration, and hard down shifting. The check engine and forward collision unavailable light flashed as the vehicle struggled to accelerate. According to Chevrolet the camshaft and two lifter has failed.
The engine light comes on and then the rpm's drop to 35 and a notification comes up that says "reduced acceleration. Driving with caution". If I stop and turn of the vehicle and restart the rpm's will be better but the truck still seems to have a difficult time increasing in rpm's and accelerating gears. It's incredibly dangerous as if I'm driving at a substantial speed on the highway or freeway and it drops rmp's rapidly I'm likely to be in an accident which could be detrimental. The dealer has had my vehicle on two separate occassions. The most recent time they've had it for 5 days and still do not know what's wrong with it. The engine light will not turn off.
On 7/26/2025 approximately 8:30pm (pdt), driving south on CA I-880 in third lane from right traveling at approximately 50mph when vehicle engine died and went into neutral gear. Dashboard alert indicated to press start engine button, but would not start. Managed to maneuver vehicle to right shoulder amid rush hour traffic. Fortunately, a CA highway patrol officer saw us and was able to render assistance. Vehicle would not restart or go into neutral after several attempts to restart engine. Special tow vehicle was called to give us a tow home. This incident happened after we received a Chevrolet recall notice back in may or June about the engine and did take the vehicle in for service on 6/10/2025. The dealership service recommended using higher weight oil and it would help mitigate any potential issue. Obviously, this was not the case. We were very fortunate to avoid any serious injury or damage on the highway due to engine failure.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling problems | |
| Engine Burning Oil problems | |
| Car Stall problems | |
| Manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe problems | |
| Check Engine Light On problems | |
| Engine Cooling System problems | |
| Engine Stall problems | |
| Engine problems | |
| Engine Shut Off Without Warning problems | |
| Engine Exhaust System problems |