Power Train Problems of Chevrolet Suburban - part 1

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.

See all problems of the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2015 Chevrolet Suburban 🔎.

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

See all problems of the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2020 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.

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 🔎.

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and hauling a boat, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into second gear. The contact stated that the drive mode indicator light flashed red, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving downhill, and the contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 116,816.

2023 chevy Suburban transmission control valve failures causing wheel lockup or deceleration causing the vehicle to be unsafe to operate. Chevrolet refuses to acknowledge.

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.

See all problems of the 2025 Chevrolet Suburban 🔎.

Engine failed going 70mph on highway at 2k miles. Display said acceleration no longer available and app said transmission code was needing to be checked however once taking to dealer I was told it was an oil sensor then told there was shredded metal in my engine and I needed a full engine replacement. My car was in the dealership for over 50 days. I was pregnant and with two small children in the car when engine failed at high speeds. After my car was returned to me the engine overheated and failed again. The dealer claimed gm sent them an engine with cut hoses. I was 9 months pregnant when this occurred also on the highway going 65mph. Gm refused to buy back the vehicle 3 times.

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.

See all problems of the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban 🔎.

Driving through residential area and noticed loud noise from under hood. Went to pull out onto state highway and wasn’t able to get up to speed almost causing an accident because I could not accelerate. Had to maintain speed at or below 40mph. Brought vehicle to dealership and they confirmed that the transmission was shot. Also went to a local transmission repair shop and he stated that he sees 1-2 of this same transmission weekly. That 2016-2020 Chevrolet transmissions are no good and that Chevrolet knows this. This is a $7000 repair on a vehicle that just hit 100,000 miles. Vehicle has always been well maintained. Just wondering how gm doesn’t have a recall on this particular transmission if there are so many reported problems with it. I was fortunate to be able to pull off of the highway and take back roads to get to the dealership. There was no slipping, no warning signs whatsoever. It just made the loud noise and then boom. Done.

Transmission has to be replaced due to transmission slipping and delayed shifting under heat and prolonged highway driving. This issue also causes sudden hard shifting, hard breaking, shaking of the steering wheel, along with grinding of gears!! this is a safety issue to to no warning signs at all along with a sudden drop in speed and power!! while driving on the interstate or highway this sudden change can cause the vehicles behind you to rear end you or cause a pile up!!! the driver has no control of vehicle when these issues happen!! a loss in control due to shaking of the steering wheel is a huge issue!!! lack of shifting or hard shifting causes a sudden stop of vehicle with no warning signs while driving!! it is going to cause a crash!!!! these are serious and dangerous issues that gm will not do a recall for!! gm is aware of the issues due to Suburban, tahoe and silverado vehicles in the year models 2018-2023 having this reoccurring issue!!! I recall needs to be done to save someone’s life!!!!! I have only had my Suburban for 8 months!! I was not made aware of this issue at all!!!!!! this also causes rough idle!!!!!!!!.

Engine coolant control valve sticking and causing the fan to run continuously. (p1098). Seems to be an issue with several people.

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.

The vehicle only has ~39,000 miles on it and the transmission went out and the car is not drivable. The dealership said it is a faulty valve body and that the part is on national back order and could take 2 to 6 months or even longer to get the part before they can start work.

Transmission started shifting very hard while in motion. The vehicle shudders while at speed. Extremely loud vibrations coming from under the vehicle. This vehicle only has 75 k miles on it. Mechanic first flushed and changed transmission fluid. Vehicle still shifting and running rough. Mechanic says we have to replace the entire transmission. Vehicle has always had top routine maintenance done. This Suburban is too new to require a new transmission. Chevrolet needs to recall this issue and replace at their cost! lost power while on interstate at 65 mph. Extremely unsafe!!.

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal and made an abnormal whining sound. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter had fractured, and further diagnostic testing was needed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Coolant control valve failed and needs replaced. Which left me and my 3 children (one being [xxx] ) stranded on the side of [xxx] for 2 hours before someone could get to us. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Purchased the vehicle on April 7, 2025. On 7/15/25, the car had 6948 mi. And started running rough, had a loss of power, an odor from the engine, and then on the display: check engine, blinking green vehicle light, and a message stating that the car was lowering for stability control. Took the vehicle to the closest Chevrolet service. The service dept. Determined that code found p0307 and p0300, cylinder seven had the most misfires above 500. After completing oil service, the vehicle began to click on the passenger side; however, it was not misfiring. They inspected and found potential lifter issue. Found ticking coming from cylinder 7 and verified misfires. Found 2 pushrods damaged. Heard noise coming from cylinder 4, removed valve cover, removed rocker arms, and found 1 pushrod damaged. They removed and replaced all lifters and 3 pushrods. They stated there was no more noise //after this repair. These repairs were completed on July 25, 2025. On 8/15/25 took back to service because it continued to run rough and made excessive noise and whistling when starting the vehicle. The dealer inspected and heard the noise, inspected the vehicle exhaust leak, checked exhaust manifolds, pipe connections, and determined there were no issues found. On 9/26/25 at 11,821 miles the car was making excessive noise, running rough, and was losing power. Drove home, and the vehicle was running rougher and losing power. No check engine lights or warnings were present. Drove home, and the vehicle was running rougher and losing power until it turned off. Towed in. Maintenance techs determined catastrophic engine failure, all bearings and engine rods seized. After this repair hen the catalytic converter failed. This car has been out of service due to engine failures for 43 days out of the 204 of ownership.

Our 2022 Suburban with the diesel motor has had 3 separate incidents where by all accounts the wheels have locked up while driving. The incidents mirror what has been described in the recall n242454440. The first time the incident occurred, we were driving while towing a light load (boat ~2500 lbs) at a steady speed of 60 mph. While driving the vehicle shook violently once, and then again about 2-3 seconds later. I immediately pulled over suspecting that maybe there was an issue with our trailer. After finding nothing we drove home without incident. Shortly after this incident we had the transmission flushed for regular maintenance at about 50,000 miles. Approximately 5-6 months later the second incident occurred. While driving with no trailer, up a mountain in nc at a steady speed of 35 mph, the vehicle shook violently and then again approximately 2-3s later. Each time the vehicle shook a loud "bump" noise would be heard. The road was smooth and was later driven on without issue so it was not the terrain. I once again got out and inspected the vehicle and was unable to find an issue. We drove to where we were staying and immediately took the vehicle to a dealer the following day to be inspected. The dealer found no issues and we did not report any similar problems. The last incident occurred after another 8 months while towing a light utility trailer at a steady speed of 60mph. Same thing happened with a shake and loud bump. However this time it was not followed immediately by an other instance. Those came approximately a minute later and then again after about 10 more minutes. I cannot recreate the issue and it seems to be at complete random and is happening while driving steady rates of speed where the transmission shouldn't be trying to shift. It seems like a safety hazard that could cause an accident.

I have a 2019 chevy Suburban 5. 3l, 6-speed autimatic transmission. I recently started having real bad hesitation while in any gear and can feel it going into any gear real bad. Was quoted filter, fluid and gasket replacement. I had that work done at $459, which didn't fix the problem. Then they said, "it's possibly the clutch. " apparently after talking to a mechanic (who also has the same transmission with problems) and reading reading online, there are a bunch of people having problems with this transmission. This vehicle is only 6 yrs old, it shouldn't be having problems like this. Gm should do a recall on these transmissions. I'm on a fixed income and don't have money to get it fixed.

When attempting to drive from a stop light or stop sign, after taking your foot of the brake, the vehicle intermittently completely turns off. It will not immediately restart and you find yourself stuck in the middle of an intersection creating a safety issue. The vehicle has been in to Chevrolet to have this issue fixed once already and it continues to repeat. I doubt the dealer has been able to replicate the issue as they haven't gotten the vehicle back into the shop after it's been sitting there for a week. There were no warning lights, messages, or other symptoms. It has happened to both myself and my wife, most recently on or about 7/1/25 where it happened to my wife multiple times causing us to leave the vehicle at the dealership for service. Just to be clear, the issue with the vehicle turning off is different from the standard auto stop/start feature.

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that there was a winding sound coming from underneath the body of the vehicle in the center of the cabin. The tow light was intermittently illuminated without the vehicle being placed in tow mode. The contact stated that while accelerating and shifting gear, the vehicle hesitated and was sluggish while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission fluid was black, due to the transmission burning. The mechanic stated that flushing the fluid would cause more issues and advised the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was only quoted the cost for the repair because the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall on the vehicle. The manufacturer also confirmed that the VIN was outside of the 60,000 miles warranty. The manufacturer opened a case for the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the vehicle started shuddering violently, prompting the contact to discontinue driving over 60 mph. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound while making right or left turns. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 122,000.

The transmission prematurely had to be replaced. The vehicle exhibited hesitation and thumping when changing from one gear to the next causing acceleration issues. The transmission exhibited the issue before 100,000 miles. The dealership changed the transmission at a cost to me over $6,000.

Dear NHTSA, I am submitting this complaint to report a recurring and potentially dangerous issue with the transmission in my 2018 Chevrolet Suburban, which I purchased brand new in 2018. At approximately 60,000 miles, I experienced severe transmission issues that led to a complete transmission replacement. Now, at around 133,000 miles, I am encountering the same symptoms once again. The transmission makes a loud clunking noise during acceleration and braking, and shifts gears abruptly and harshly. These symptoms appeared suddenly, with no warning lights or prior alerts. This problem poses a significant safety concern. The vehicle sometimes struggles to accelerate properly, making it dangerous to merge into traffic. Additionally, the forceful shifting makes the vehicle feel unstable and unpredictable, as though something beneath the car might fail while in motion. I transport my husband and our children in this vehicle, and this issue puts all of us at serious risk. I have scheduled another appointment with a gm dealership to inspect the vehicle. However, given that this is a recurring failure involving a critical system, I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this matter as a potential defect affecting other owners of the same model. Thank you for your attention to this serious concern.

The transmission stopped working it's wouldn't go we had kids in the car the car is in the shop and needs a transmission the engine light also came on.

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.

The transmission was acting weird and felt like it was revving up and down while going 20-30 mph. After turning into my neighborhood there was a loud clunck like some dropped off the truck and it completely fell out of gear and just rolled to a stop. Shifted it into park, turned the truck off and back on and put it back in drive it went into gear and allowed me to drive to my house but still acted like it was about to drop out of gear completely again. My neighbor has a 2015 silverado and 2017 tahoe and both transmissions did the same thing and had to be replaced, all between 100-125k miles. The blind side system constantly goes off when there’s no threat.