Power Train Problems of Chevrolet Suburban - part 1

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

See all problems of the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2015 Chevrolet Suburban 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban 🔎.

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).

See all problems of the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban 🔎.

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.

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.

See all problems of the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban 🔎.

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 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2025 Chevrolet Suburban 🔎.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.