Power Train Problems of Chevrolet Suburban - part 1

The vehicle would jerk when changing gears and would have a rattle and vibration when accelerating.

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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.

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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.

2025 Chevrolet Suburban high country. Vehicle is parked in my garage. Went out in the am and the engine only cranks, will not start. Called on star for roadside assistance. Sent a tow truck, the vehicle could not be towed due to the electronic transmission. There is no way for an owner to place the transmission in neutral. Vehicle is stuck in my garage. Gm customer service referred me back to roadside assistance who for the second time stated that they could not help me. This is a serious issue. The fact that the transmission can not be shifted into neutral unless the engine is running is a very serious safety concern. Called gm helpline a second time. They said that I should call for a tow on my own. Waiting for the selling dealer to call me back. Vehicle is currently stuck in my garage and gm does not care.

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Having reviewed online your safety recall number n252536750, I am experiencing the same issue (right rear wheel occasionally locks when starting from a standstill and turning right). It only lasts about 1 or 2 seconds while accelerating. However, when I discussed this with my Chevrolet dealer, I was told that according to the VIN for my 2022 Suburban 3. 0l diesel, I am not part of that recall. I plan to take it to the Chevrolet dealer very soon for more analysis. However, I wanted to bring this to your attention, as it could be hazardous. I have not gotten any dash warning messages. Thank you.

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The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle slowed down and failed to properly shift gears. The contact shifted into neutral while stopping the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle was driven to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with severe fluid leakage and torque converter shutter. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000.

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While driving down the high way with the check engine light on, a message appeared on the screen and said “unable to shift soon. Service transmission immediately. ” after driving a few more miles the vehicle shifted to neutral, and then as soon as I got on the shoulder of the highway and slowed to approximately 5 mph, the vehicles wheels locked up and the car jerked aggressively into park. This exact issue has occurred multiple times while driving. It is unsafe to drive the vehicle.

Two years ago, we had to have the transmission rebuilt after it kept slipping. Yesterday, as I was driving on I-95, I was passing a vehicle and pressed on the gas. There was a loud crunching noise and I lost acceleration. The check engine light came on right away and I couldn’t press on the gas without a noise and limited forward momentum. I then had to maneuver the car across four lanes of traffic with limited control over speed. There was no warnings an issue was going to occur. We had it towed to our mechanic who said there was low compression in cylinder 1. Less than 90 psi. Again, we had already had the transmission replaced and now this major engine issue. We are in the process of getting it to a chevy dealer.

The transmission just stopped working no warning just wouldn’t go into gear. Then I turned it off and back on and was able to limp home it’s slipping bad .

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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.

Upon stepping on brakes, the car shifts into neutral and says “press start button again. ” this happened to me 2x now.

Check engine light with rough shifting and vehicle wouldn’t go in reverse. For safety reasons we had the vehicle towed to our local chevy dealership. Transmission needed a valve body rebuild. This is a known issue with this transmission but our VIN wasn’t under that recall.

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving 50 mph, the transmission unexpectedly shifted to neutral(n) and the vehicle shut off. The driver was able to coast safely to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was determined that the engine needed to be rebuilt or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was previously taken to the same dealer for a prior recall repair. The dealer had provided a loaner vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,166.

On February 28, 2026 at approximately 6:08 pm, while traveling at approximately 40 mph on s. Third street extension near route 119 in mebane, nc, my 2026 Chevrolet Suburban high country experienced a sudden catastrophic drivetrain failure at 2,010 miles with no prior warning symptoms. A loud bang was heard, and the vehicle decelerated sharply. Dashboard warnings appeared for transmission and steering service. The vehicle continued approximately 60 feet while producing severe grinding noises before all four wheels locked completely and the engine stalled. The vehicle was rendered completely inoperable and stranded in the roadway. My wife was a passenger. Onstar was contacted and dispatched local law enforcement to provide traffic control while the vehicle was disabled. Onstar also arranged emergency towing to modern Chevrolet in burlington, nc. This failure is consistent with the transmission control valve body defect covered under NHTSA recalls 24v797 and 26v085 affecting gm 10-speed automatic transmissions (10l80). Gm has been aware of this defect since at least 2024 yet vehicles continue to experience catastrophic wheel lockup.

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear wheels seized. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The message "reduced acceleration, drive with caution" was displayed. The contact's wife pulled into a parking lot, but the transmission failed to shift into reverse(r). The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the transmission control valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 26v085000 (power train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

Pulling off from a stop sign on a hill, the car wouldn't accelerate and rolled back hitting a pedestrian and then jerked forward aggressively burning rubber on the tires. I smell the transmission burning. Luckily the lady didn't want to press charges.

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Just purchased this vehicle used from a business in moyock, nc. The mileage at purchase was 92,860. We checked carfax and it showed two previous owners and had a steady maintenance history. On the way home (2 hour drive) and after the vehicle had warmed up it started showing signs of transmission problems. This was not noticeable on the test drive. The rpms skyrocketed, the car went into neutral, once we got it back into gear it would hardly accelerate. It was a long long drive home! we took it to our local mechanic and must replace the transmission at a cost of $7,000. We will not use the manufacturer's transmission product as a replacement after reading all the complaints that are so similar to ours. Definitely not what we were expecting to have to do within a week of the purchase. There could have been injuries if my wife had not been following me and knew something was wrong when the vehicle slowed down significantly. No one was injured, except for our pride and wallet.

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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 was subject to a gm recall involving inspection of the 6. 2l engine. The recall inspection was completed by an authorized gm dealership at 58,581 miles. The vehicle was cleared as passing the recall criteria and returned to me. Within fewer than 10 miles after leaving the dealership following the recall inspection, at approximately 58,590 miles, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of propulsion while traveling at highway speed (approximately 65 mph) on a divided u. S. Highway while ascending an incline. The vehicle shifted into neutral and lost engine power without warning. Steering and braking remained functional, but the vehicle lost forward motive power in the left lane of traffic. Attempts to restart the engine resulted in a loud mechanical thud, and the engine would not restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. The engine is now being replaced. Prior to this incident, the vehicle had previously undergone an oil consumption test related to engine concerns before the recall campaign. This failure occurred shortly after the vehicle was inspected and cleared under the recall procedure. I am reporting this due to the sudden loss of propulsion at highway speed following recall inspection and the subsequent need for complete engine replacement.

My vehicle will not go in reverse.

My 2023 chevy Suburban high country had the l87 engine loss of propulsion (related field action: see special coverage n252494003) recall performed on it and completed on August 15, 2025. Higher viscosity oil was put in. This was at approximately 55,000 miles. While driving on the highway at 60mph on December 29, 2025 the vehicle twice lost propulsion and indicated the vehicle needed to be restarted. I took it to a chevy dealer to have looked at in early January 2026 and they could find no issues or codes. On January 31, 2026 while driving on the hwy at 75 miles per hour the vehicle started to rattle and it lost propulsion. The dic indicatd "system failure" and I had to pull off to the shoulder of the highway. The dic repeated "system failure" and that the vehicle needed to be restarted. The vehicle would not restart when attempting to press the brake and restart. This happened on a busy interstate and the safety and well being of my family inside was put at a risk that could have been avoided, likely if the engine would have been replaced in August of 2025. The temperature outside was in the single digits and there was no air pushing through the vehicle while we waited for a tow truck and another family member to pick us up off the highway. There was no warning lights or messages prior to this happening. The vehicle is currenlty undergoing diagnostic testing at a chevy dealership. This happened at 69,000 miles. This is highly concerning that this could happen in a 95,000 dollar vehicle. This is absolutely a saftey risk. I'm lucky I was able to merge on the interstate in a vehicle that could not maintain the speed with traffic and pull off to the shoulder.

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My 2018 lt chevy Suburban with 110000 miles has been giving me transmission and motor problems. I took it to chevy vannuys and they took 3 days and did nothing. I saw a recall on line for the same year. Explaining about transmission problems. Where can I go to have it fixed.

Component or system failure the vehicle experienced two major mechanical failures. First, the transmission failed and required full replacement shortly after the expiration of the 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. At the time of this failure, the vehicle had approximately 61,000 miles. Second, at 100,119 miles, the engine suffered a catastrophic failure that required complete engine replacement. Safety risk the transmission failure impaired normal drivability and created a safety risk due to reduced or unreliable propulsion, which could have resulted in loss of power while driving in traffic. The engine failure rendered the vehicle inoperable and could have posed a serious safety hazard if it had occurred while the vehicle was in motion, including sudden loss of engine power. Problem confirmation and inspection both failures were diagnosed and confirmed by dealership service personnel, who determined that full replacement of the transmission and later the engine was necessary. The issues were identified through inspection and standard diagnostic procedures. Warning lamps or symptoms there were no clear, persistent, or meaningful warning lamps, messages, or symptoms that would have reasonably alerted the driver to an impending transmission failure prior to it occurring. Any warning indicators appeared at or immediately before the failure. Similarly, there were no significant warning signs that would have predicted the engine failure prior to the need for complete replacement. Additional information both the transmission and engine failed at relatively low mileage for major powertrain components. The transmission failure occurred just beyond the powertrain warranty threshold, and the engine required full replacement at 100,119 miles. . These failures suggest a potential defect or durability concern affecting critical powertrain systems.

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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.

Purchased a brand new vehicle on 23dec2025 (evening) and then drove it home and parked it in my garage. Vehicle was in my garage at 64 miles on the odometer. Vehicle started smoking and the transmission cooler line had the catastrophic failure spilling oil all over the street, driveway, and garage. It was towed from my garage to the selling dealer (walser polar Chevrolet in white bear lake, mn) on 24dec2025. Service center confirmed a manufacturing defect in the transmission cooler line from the factory.

The Suburban pulls to side. I got it into the service center and they tried to fix the alignment but when we got it back it still does it. So im not driving it til it gets a second opinion because its definitely not the alignment if it is still doing it. So I dont feel safe driving it with me or especially my kids in it.

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission had overheated and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

Following extensive research & uncovering the fact that there are several class action lawsuits underway calling out gm for not issuing a formal recall when they should have from the start, we've been forced to personally absorb significant costs tied to replacing our 2023 Suburban's valve body around the mid-December fy'25 timeframe. It's also been publicly stated that gm opted to "not release" an official recall for the 1500 series Suburban when they've already issued an official recall for the larger 2500 series equivalent, according to our local dealership. We've already filed an official "full credit request" with gm's complaints organization, but we're sensing our voice will likely remain unaddressed at this point unless proven otherwise. Additionally, this is the second purchased Suburban with a yukonxl, being our original purchase from many years back, but in short, we're going to transition away from gm vehicles long-term, assuming our "full credit request" remains ignored. In short & our local dealership totally agrees with our current stance, critical transmission components should not be failing at this point & especially with a newer fy'23 Suburban, when behind the scenes gm opts to "not recall" saving the company north of 600m from many months back. Just terrible from so many perspectives, as disgruntled end-clients like myself suffer from forced irresponsible cost requirements.

Both front cv axles have had to be replaced multiple times. Less than 70,000 miles on the vehicle.

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 will not go into drive or reverse. This also happens when car is in drive going down the road it will all of a sudden lose power and not go when pressing gas pedal. Vehicle has to completely shut off several times before it will go back into gear. No warning before it started. This can be dangerous when it happens in traffic and I can’t move car out of the road. It has not been inspected yet. Also blind spot warning does not always says it needs serviced.

Transmission is not functioning properly at 74,300 miles. Engine kept slipping while driving uphill and the rpms were not matching vehicle speed. Could not go above 50mph while merging onto freeway which was very dangerous. Whirring noise occurred every time I accelerated which was also noted by dealer and transmission shop. No check engine lights on. Took to dealer, but the misdiagnosed it since no lights were on. Took to transmission shop, and they found that the transmission had several issues that were not displayed. Besides the shop running specific tests, there are still no warning lamps or messages displayed on the vehicle dashboard or using an obd2 sensor.

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