2021 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN Engine Problems

59 complaints about Engine

59
Complaints
2
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Deaths

High Severity Issue

This component has been associated with crashes, fires, or deaths.

This Problem Across All Years

All Engine Complaints (59)

Dec 27, 2025

The car was driving at 60 MPH on a regular commute to work and the car was stalling and shaking and soon after the check engine light came on with multiple issues.

Dec 15, 2025

Vehicle experienced sudden engine malfunction including rough idle, hard misfire, and flashing check engine light. Vehicle was diagnosed with a collapsed lifter and internal engine failure. Metallic debris was found in the engine oil, including silver and gold/bronze particles consistent with bearing material. A Chevrolet dealer inspected the vehicle and determined that the engine requires complete replacement due to internal mechanical failure. Vehicle is equipped with the 6.2L V8 (L87) engine. The failure occurred without warning and presents a safety concern due to potential loss of propulsion. This vehicle is not currently included in the existing GM 6.2L engine recall, despite exhibiting the same failure characteristics reported in other affected vehicles with the same engine and year that were included in the recall. Vehicle has not been driven since metal contamination was discovered to prevent further damage

Dec 10, 2025

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.

Nov 25, 2025

Went into limp mode on 11/6/25, took to the dealership where they found metal shavings in the oil due to a “stuck solenoid ‘A’”. Originally said that I’d need a whole new transmission, decided to do the cheaper easier repair and just replaced the valve train (not my choice) got it back on 11/13/25. On 11/24/25 I was on a very busy highway, at a red light, hit the gas when the light changed and the car didn’t move. Just revved the RPMs, then it suddenly lurched/surged forwards. Took it back to the dealership and they said “it doesn’t have any codes showing”. This is not normal behavior for a 4 year old vehicle with less than 40k miles on it.

Nov 21, 2025

We have a defective engine that stopped working after 120 miles. We can drive the car because it can leave us on the road or catch fire, this is what the mechanic told us, GMC option is to buy another car.

Nov 13, 2025

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.

Nov 8, 2025

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.

Oct 21, 2025

CAR BURNS EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL AND HAVE TO ADD REGULAR QUARTS OF OIL BETWEEN THE MANDATORY OIL CHANGE. CONSIDERED VEHICLE COULD MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE AND ACCIDENT OR CATCH FIRE. DEALER SAID THEY HAVE RECALLS FOR OTHER CHEVY SUVS AND TRUCKS WITH SAME ISSUE BUT NOT MY PARTICULAR MAKE AND MODEL. THIS ISSUE WITH CHEVY'S BURNING OIL WARRANTS AN INVESTIGATION SINCE CHEVY IS NOT ADDRESSING THE ISSUE.

Oct 4, 2025

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.

Sep 11, 2025

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.

Sep 4, 2025

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.

Sep 2, 2025

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*

Aug 14, 2025

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.

Aug 8, 2025

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.

Jul 27, 2025

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.

Jul 7, 2025

Vehicle lost power, debris in cylinder from internal damage, crank case leaking air, oil leaking into cylinder, P0300, P0308, and P050D

Jun 9, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that the vehicle was listed under the application TURO. The contact stated that a person rented the vehicle and informed him there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The contact test drove the vehicle, and while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the lifters, push rods, and two valves, and cylinder 6 had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. The independent mechanic stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil and in cylinder #1, the lifters had failed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic and was diagnosed with oil intrusion into the bank covers and piston damages. The vehicle was repaired for the most recent failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

Mileage: 107,000

Jun 4, 2025

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -My engine started to make a loud ticking and knocking noise. I brought it into Good Chevrolet in Renton WA 6/3/25 where they told me there is an “internal engine failure due to failure of the lifters.” When I asked the dealership for the repair estimate so I could possibly have a second opinion, they said they were “not comfortable giving their information and the problem in writing.” They refuse to give us any documentation but were insistent that even though NHTSA has issued a mass recall for this exact same issue on the larger engine in my same year of vehicle, “it’s unrelated.” How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -The engine is failing and had we not brought it in for diagnosis, I could have had full engine failure while driving with my children and been in a catastrophic crash. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? -Yes the problem can be reproduced and has been confirmed by Good Chevrolet. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? -Good Chevrolet inspected the engine but refuse to give us documentation though they had us file a claim with GM (I will attach the claim email) Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? -I noticed a small noise after I had fans replaced in September but the noise gradually increased so it was brought in for diagnostics. There were no warning lamps or messages.

May 19, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while pulling out of a parking spot in a parking lot, the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and observed a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 23,906.

Mileage: 23,906

May 13, 2025

My 2021 Chevy Suburban Premier suffered a sudden internal engine failure due to collapsed lifters and a damaged camshaft. The vehicle began experiencing performance issues, including rough idling and loss of power. After taking it to a certified mechanic, it was confirmed that the lifters failed and caused significant damage to the camshaft, requiring a major repair that I had to pay for out of pocket. This issue is widely known among GM vehicles with the 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines and has been the subject of numerous technical service bulletins and customer complaints. While my vehicle is not included in the current recall (NHTSA ID: 25V-274), which covers crankshaft and rod failures on L87 6.2L engines, this lifter failure is part of the same engine family and indicative of a broader defect in GM’s V8 engine platforms from 2021–2024. I’m requesting that NHTSA investigate these lifter and camshaft failures as a safety and reliability concern, and urge GM to expand the existing recall to include these known engine issues. Many customers, including myself, are incurring thousands of dollars in repair costs for problems that are clearly tied to manufacturer defects.

May 13, 2025

I am contacting you regarding a critical engine failure in my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban LT, which is equipped with the L84 5.3L V8 engine. Due to a valve lifter malfunction, the engine suffered catastrophic failure, with metal shavings found throughout the oil system and internal components. I’ve been quoted approximately $14,000 by the dealership/service center to replace the engine, and the vehicle is currently awaiting repair. I was driving the car with my son when the vehicle began to shake, make ticking noises, and the check engine light went on. I pulled off the road and several error codes popped up including "Service ESC" and "Service Traction Control." This is the second time that a lifter valve has failed on this vehicle. In 2022, the lifter valves on the left side were replaced under warranty. It appears one of the left side lifter valves failed again, this time causing significant cam shaft damage and damaging the engine. Given that this issue appears to be affecting many owners with similar engine configurations, I would appreciate your assistance in investigating this matter to see if these issues stem from possible manufacturing defects which could result in engine damage or failure. I reached out to General Motors to ask if I qualify for extended coverage or any known service programs to address this situation and they told me I should talk to the dealership because they are unwilling to offer assistance. I've attached receipts for repair of the lifter valve in 2022 and the current diagnosis of engine failure, cam shaft damage, and lifter valve failure. This vehicle is only four years old and was regularly serviced by General Motors. It is available for further inspection. Please let me know what other documentation or information you require. Thank you.

May 12, 2025

[XXX] Vehicle had multiple engine lights on I immediately called dealership Battery and injectors replaced. [XXX] check engine lights on again Vehicle had an intake lifter break and damage the camshaft and caused cylinder misfire. Vehicle was said to be repaired. [XXX] Vehicle had total loss of forward power while driving causing me to drift to safety (Hazard)before being restarted lost the ability to be placed in reverse and limp mode took over. Vehicle was towed to Jim Shorkey Chevrolet in Bakerstown Friday April 11th 2025. (Unsafe to drive) Vehicle is in their possession with no replacement vehicle. I am waiting on a part that is not available and unknown when it will be available. Part unavailable Ten speed valve body part #24065354. Contacted service manager no calls back. Contacted Chevrolet Customer Care number [XXX] . Customer care claims the dealership does not respond to their requests. Currently without a vehicle a whole month. Service Advisor continues to promise courtesy vehicle with no follow thru. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

May 8, 2025

My vehicle went from completely fine to having a loud knocking noise while I was driving 65 mph down the 4 lane highway. My vehicle lost power and slowed down. I was 50 miles from a dealership. They had to replace my entire engine and crankshaft. It cost over $12,000.00. This exact issue has been recalled by GM, but websites say my vehicle is not covered. The dealership had my vehicle for a month doing repairs.

May 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle was shaking and jumping and shut down unintendedly. The check engine warning light illuminated and was flashing. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that there was catastrophic engine failure and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed there was no recall on the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

Mileage: 104,000

May 1, 2025 Crash

Safety Defect Complaint Vehicle Equipment: - Anti-lock Brakes - Full Front Air Bag - Passive Disabling Anti-theft Device Introduction: I am the registered owner and primary driver of a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. I am filing this safety complaint regarding a serious system malfunction that occurred during an accident in 2023, resulting in injury to myself and my daughter. As a responsible vehicle owner who has maintained this vehicle according to manufacturer specifications since its purchase on July 21, 2021, I am deeply concerned about the safety implications of this incident. Safety Defect Description: In 2023, my vehicle experienced a critical system malfunction during a collision incident. While the vehicle was not in a rollover situation, the system incorrectly detected one, resulting in: 1. Complete vehicle shutdown during active accident conditions 2. All airbags deployed simultaneously 3. False rollover detection despite vehicle only experiencing vertical displacement when something from another vehicle hit the front of my vehicle Injuries and Medical Response: - Driver (self) sustained mild concussion requiring emergency transport - Daughter required emergency medical evaluation - Both occupants transported via ambulance to hospital Insurance Claim Impact: - MetLife denied accident and hospital claims - Denial basis: Absence of traffic citation - Virginia State Police report indicated no-fault accident - This denial has created significant financial hardship due to medical expenses and vehicle repairs - The vehicle's system malfunction has contributed to difficulties in proving accident circumstances Ongoing Vehicle Issues Post-Incident: - Persistent power loss issues, Multiple alignments required, Compromised driving dynamics and handling, vehicle does not track correctly despite repairs Safety Concern: The vehicle's incorrect rollover detection and subsequent complete shutdown during an active accident scenario presents a serious safety risk.

May 1, 2025

While at stoplight, check engine light came on and car starting shaking and could feel it hard shifting between gears. Heard banging noise from engine when trying to drive. Took it to the dealership and problems with camshaft and rod.

May 1, 2025

The lifters in the engine are failing

Apr 30, 2025

My sub starting making an unusual banging noise when shifting. I reported it once to the dealer and they chucked it up as cause by the vechioe being driving in auto and not set to 2 wheel drive or 4 but instead auto. Was odd, but it still happens and now there a recall but the site does not include my vin even though maybe this is my problem.

Apr 30, 2025

While driving cross-country, my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban Z71 (5.3L V8) experienced several progressive symptoms leading to total engine failure. For months prior, there was a noticeable coolant smell from the engine bay despite no visible leaks. Multiple Chevy/GM shops noted the smell, and pressure tests showed no external coolant loss. On the trip to Colorado, the engine ran normally, but at idle, the temperature would steadily rise to ~235°F before fans would engage. Upon arrival in Colorado, I found the coolant reservoir was low again. The final time the vehicle started, it shook violently at idle for nearly a minute before settling. The next day, it would crank but failed to start, and has not started since. There were no check engine lights or warning messages at the time of failure. A GM dealership has since diagnosed the engine as “locked up” and quoted a $14,500 remanufactured engine replacement (GM Part 19420610). I’ve been told my engine is the 5.3L V8 (RPO L84), which is currently not included in GM’s safety recall 25V-274 affecting similar failures in the 6.2L L87 engines. Right before this occurred, I had a NC inspection (passed), a fresh oil change the same day, and had coolant added. This failure happened without warning, while traveling out of state, leaving the vehicle stranded in a garage and requiring towing. The situation presented a safety risk and significant financial burden. Given the similarities in symptoms and failure type to the recalled L87 engines, I believe this may be a related manufacturing issue.

Apr 30, 2025

While attempting to regain entry onto a major highway, our engine had a major system failure and the entire vehicle started to violently shake. We were able to reexit the highway and get to safety. We were then able to slowly drive it to a service station where it was determined after two days, that it was a major engine failure and would need a full engine rebuild. We were in Missouri when this occurred, driving back from Christmas vacation with family, on our way home to Texas. We had to find a hotel and stay two nights there, then had to rent two cars- as there were no cars available large enough for our family of 6 and our luggage, to then drive back to Houston. We then had to have our car transported down here to our mechanic. The repairs that our mechanic completed: BTR Gen V DOD/AFM Conversion Kit $1301.75 Full synthetic oil change and oil filter $110.00 Prestone Dex-Cool 50/50 prediluted antifreeze/coolant 2@$33.23 ACDelco GM Original Spark Plug 8@$20.32 GM Spark Plug Wire Set $142.44 GM Camshaft $200.04 Cloyes Engine Timing chain tensioner $44.54 Standard Ignition Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor $47.85 Head Gasket, R&R $5010.00 Labor Oil Change $110.00 Labor Computer Programming $2000.00 Labor (reprogramming needed to shut off the Fuel Economy Management system that caused the camshaft to ultimately break) Total $9434.29 We were without our car for 4 months while this repair was conducted and the subsequent computer programming was problem solved. We learned there was a case already with your department, but waited to file out claim until we had the full repair and receipt from our mechanic. We could not afford to just sell the car as we would have gotten so little for it. Thus we didn't have much of a choice but to get it repaired. This week we are hearing of the massive recall of many GM vehicles, ours included, for this same problem. We are hopeful that we will get some sort of financial return to cover what we paid to fix their issue.

Apr 30, 2025

Worried about the safety of driving this vehicle due to the numerous reports of the engine seizing while driving. I have read about there being hundreds of thousand vehicles with the same engine having this problem. Thanks

Mar 12, 2025

Chevrolet is telling me my engine has failed at 75,000 miles. While driving on the highway recently I lost all power. I had my 3 kids in the car and was driving at highway speeds on a crowded highway and lost all power. I had to move over to the side of the road while in neutral with no power. Once I was on the side of the road, I was able to then turn the car off and turn it back on. I then drove to the nearest exit to get myself and family out of harms way. The car then began making a significant loud screeching/knocking noise. I have video of this noise. Ultimately was towed to a dealership where I am now told that the car needs a new motor. Additionally, I regularly service my vehicle at the Chevrolet dealerships with on time oil changes as soon as the car says I am due. Twice since owning, my car has been so low on oil that I have to immediately add oil in between oil changes. Car is currently at the Chevrolet dealership and has not been fixed at this point. The vehicle has only been inspected by Chevrolet service tech at the dealership. No warning lights or other symptoms, besides the oil issue have ever occured with this vehicle. Please help!

Mar 4, 2025

Lifter failure. At 30,000 miles the engine had lifter failure and was diagnosed and repaired by Donaldson Chevrolet in Silsbee Texas. This was covered under the original manufacturer warranty. Lifter failed occurred again approximately 13 months later and at 63,000 miles. There was no initials warning lights prior to the failure. The failure was sudden. Loud ticking/ knocking sounds and loss of power. At ideal vehicle would severely shake. Check engine light did come at time of failure. Both times the failure occurred during acceleration from a stop to approximately 40mph.

Feb 27, 2025

With no warnings from the vehicle, I noticed a loud knocking sound while driving home. I was able to make it home and have the vehicle towed to the dealer where it was found to be in engine failure due to failure of engine bearing. I had to have a complete engine replacement. My car only had 65k miles and was purchased brand new and had all regular maintenance completed at the local chevy dealership.

Feb 7, 2025

My wife, [XXX] , was running some errands last night before taking our oldest daughter to dance practice and the check engine light appeared and the Suburban lost all power immediately. The engine wouldn’t restart and thank God she wasn’t on the highway. She called AAA roadside assistance who came out and checked the battery which was fine but ultimately had to get the vehicle towed to Bowman Chevrolet in Clarkston, MI. Vehicle is a 2022 Chevrolet Suburban and this is a serious situation that could have been catastrophic if this occurred on the highway that my wife was just on. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Feb 3, 2025

My car has 118,000 miles. The engine cam shaft just came apart, mechanic ordered new engine end of December and I’m told I’m still on a waiting list. I had to replace both sets of lifters when I had very few miles on car..of course the engine is now out of warranty. Thanks

Jan 30, 2025

While driving, a message appeared on the dash that stated 'reduced acceleration'. My car was not able to accelerate over 40mph. The engine was much louder than normal and sounded like a loud fan was running. The check engine light came on as well.

Jan 26, 2025

We were driving our Suburban and out of no where the check engine light starts flashing. Mind you we had no problems leading up to this very moment. We took it to a mechanic the very next day and were told we needed a new engine.

Jan 23, 2025

I was driving our 2021 Chevy Suburban, which had ~107,000 miles on it, at approximately 75 miles per hour. With no other indication, the low oil pressure light came on, then within two seconds I lost all power (motor shut off) and lost electronics in the car. I had to man-handle the vehicle to get it off the road without power or dash controls. Our family was stranded near the California/Nevada border with no cell reception in the middle of the night for over seven hours. I spent a fortune having the vehicle towed to a Chevy dealership (Wild West Chevrolet in Yerington, NV) where they indicated that there was a main bearing failure which caused the engine to seize. A full L87 motor replacement is required. The motor is currently on backorder with GM due to the high number of L87 engine failures. GM has not provided an estimated date of when they plan to have the motor replaced.

Jan 23, 2025

Loud ticking noise coming from the engine bay and extreme shaking. All happened after dropping off clients and getting on the highway on September 5, 2023. Took vehicle to two different mechanics and they said the camshaft and lifters had to be replaced. They recommended it would be cheaper and better if I replace the whole engine, which I did and had to pay out of pocket.

Jan 18, 2025

Hi, my name is [XXX] . I have two major issues with my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban: The value body failed for the 2021 Suburban in December, causing engine power reduction and the engine transmission was not shifting properly. This was covered by my extended warranty, which I paid $2500 extra for at the time of purchase. Also, this VIN is for a Chevy Suburban Duramax Diesel. The Emissions Control Module ( ECM ) light has come on several times, starting from about 20K miles to now 61K miles. I noticed the ECM light comes on at about a 8K mile interval. I take it into the dealership and they have told me this is due to a software issue and then they reset the light. This has happened on at least 4 occasions since about 20K miles. However, now at 61K miles, they are telling me that the exhaust system has a leak and it may not be a covered repair under even my extended warranty. Basically, General Motors has kicked the can down the road on the ECM issue until it is no longer under warranty, and now they want me to pay for this expensive repair. This is wrong, I hope you can protect me and other Duramax owners from GM's unscrupulous business practices. You can reach me at [XXX] for more details. Thank you, I am considering legal action against GM for this issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Jan 18, 2025

Driving at 65MPH on a three-lane highway with heavy traffic, there was a sudden loss of motive power without any prior warning. As the motive loss occurred, the check engine repair light illuminated. I immediately illuminated my hazard lights. Luckily I had enough momentum to safely glide the vehicle over three lanes to the breakdown lane. I was fortunate that other vehicles gave way to me or that I was not on an incline, otherwise the vehicle would have been stopped in the middle of the highway. After repeated attempts, the vehicle would not restart and had to be towed to a dealership. The dealership confirmed the problem and repair was covered under warranty.

Dec 2, 2024

My wife was driving the car witb our kids when the check engine light came on and it started struggling and smoking. We got it to autozone to be scanned. The scan showed that it was a misfire on cylinder 3. After a mechanic trying to troubleshoot the problem he found that there was no compression. We towed the vehicle to a Chevrolet dealership where the found that the lifters in 1 bank needs to be replaced. This a known issue and a letter of coverage has been issued. However I'm being told that my vin number is not covered even though it is the exact same issue.

Sep 30, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly and failed to restart. The transmission was in park(P) and failed to shift to neutral(N). The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V739000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was due to the fuel pump module. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was due to the module and a battery replacement was needed. The dealer jumpstarted the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Mileage: 90,000

May 22, 2024 Crash

my car was hit on the side passenger back door in a parking lot while parked and nobody inside- had it look at by the chevrolet dealer- diagnosis is it needs a new engine??? make this make sense??? super disappointed with this car from the very beginning! will never buy chevrolet again

Apr 22, 2024

Same like my other 2 claims for livery vehicles Vehicle started losing RPMs and jerking while clients on board. Excessive fumes from exhausts started Diagnostics- misfire on a cylinder cause by faulty engine lifters. They all start like that. That also caused a cam shaft damage. Repairs paid out of pocket $14,000 for new engine. Incident happened around first week of December 2023. 200,000 miles Forums can tip you that there are many other similar cases with engine lifters issues from GM. Escalades and Suburbans and pick up trucks I will do my best to make other limo drivers from Chicago to submit same report. From my investigation problems occur between 30,000 and 200,000 miles.

Jan 16, 2024

Originally we had an engine light come on upon the engine chugging and the vehicle lunging forward at times. The diagnostic showed a bad lifter on the passenger side. They then replaced the passenger side lifters. We asked them to replace both sides since this was a known problem with our year, make, and model. They said they weren't replacing both sides of the lifters. Luckily we were still under the warranty for this repair. Now, a little over a year later on the day we were taking it to trade in, the engine light came on and the engine started chugging again. I knew immediately what the problem was. I took it to the same dealership and they quickly diagnosed it with a lifter failure on the driver side. Unfortunately we are out of warranty at 80,200 miles. The vehicle is only 2 years old. We have been advised not to drive the vehicle until it is repaired. I should not be responsible for the cost of the repair when this is obviously a known defect with the lifters for my year, make, and model. They should have replaced all lifters when the vehicle was originally brought in for the passenger side lifter failure. This should already be a recall by GM for the amount of vehicles that have and will experience this lifter failure. There is actually a class action lawsuit filed against GM for the lifter failure.

Oct 3, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the engine started to misfire, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the check engine and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the lifters had collapsed. The lifters were replaced on only one side of the engine. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred one week after the repair. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,126.

Mileage: 36,126

Jul 4, 2023

Engine stalled while driving on middle of the highway, lucky i was able to pull over to the breakdown lane by putting vehicle in neutral. I had reported the issue to the Chevrolet Onstar roadside assistance but while trying to get tow truck I had tried to start the engine multiple times and finally it started and left the engine light on dashboard. It was really scary with my kids in vehicle. Chevrolet should really look into this issue. My vehicle less than couple of year old and has only 16k miles.

Jan 26, 2023

Multiple issues with transmission since owned. It randomly goes into "limp" mode and everything will blink and it won't start back. The transmission has always shifted hard and sounded funny they told me if was normal for the vehicle. Leaking transmission fluid when owned for 4 months. I have had to the dealer multiple times, several repairs, told it is safe to keep driving by GM. The inverter is bad and told me it was ok to drive until they can repair. GM will not give me a fair response or answer. The dealership won't buyback, and offered to purchase for nearly 30k less than I bought it for 18 months ago brand new. The engine light comes on and off randomly told me it was ok with a diesel it may do that when it gets cold.

May 28, 2022

2nd time in less than a year it has had lifter failure. we travel almost every weekend and this puts my family in danger being broken down on a highway, especially at night. yes it has been confirmed and have been told that it is a wide spread problem no notice before it happened

Apr 12, 2022

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering and the engine was misfiring. The traction control, adaptive cruise control, and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle then downshifted to 40 MPH independently. The contact turned the hazard lights on and continued to drive approximately 35-40 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that two sets of engine lifters were bent and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and covered the replacement of one set of engine lifters under warranty while the other set was replaced at the owner’s expense. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 12,800.

Mileage: 12,800

Apr 5, 2022

This vehicle has a problem with their lifters in the motor. It breaks down and you cause your engine to start shaking and makes a click sound like if its rubbing to something in the motor to cause a future problem in the motor and Engine light comes on. Many people have experienced this same problem with this make and model. My left lifter when out and they fixed it but what about my right lifter why didn't they replace the right lifter. This is a problem that Chev knows, and they have not recalled the lifters. Chev going after the company that made these lifters, so they know it's a problem why hasn't this been recalled? What if I was on a long road trip when this happens. This could blow out the motor and I could be stranded in the middle of now where if this happens.

Jan 11, 2022

Came to a stoplight and the car came to a stop. The car then automatically shifted into park on its own. The car would not shift out of park an the engine would not start. The car just died. Police showed up as I was in the middle of traffic and no one could even get the car to shift into neutral to push it out of the road. Very dangerous situation. Tow truck came and they could not even get the car in neutral. So they had to drag the car onto a flat bed. Dealer has examined the car. The starter was bad, the fuse box was bad but the major issue was in the engine where the lifters went out. To have the lifters go out at less than miles is unacceptable. The dealer commented that they are seeing this issue constantly from 2021 Chevy SUVs. This is a major safety issue in that there is no was to put my 2021 suburban in neutral when this happens to clear the vehicle from a busy highway. Please investigate this.

Nov 13, 2021

Car suddenly swerved, loud knocking started. Multiple system failures started flashing. Forward collision, ECS, traction control, the car was vibrating, jerky. I have multiple videos as well. The dealership literally told me they’d seen a ton of these when I called immediately and then told me to keep driving because the damage was done and if the engine died well then it’s under warranty. I have 3 children under 5 and that is NOT an appropriate answer when I asked about it being safe to drive considering it’s jerky/shaking/knocking, and has multiple systems down. I’ve also googled and joined forums and this is apparently a common issue in the 2021 V8s and Chevy refuses to issue a recall. Would be more than happy to provide videos as well it won’t let me upload them with the photos. Was told it could be weeks before they even have parts

Sep 15, 2021

After getting it serviced for airbag issue at the blasius chevrolet dealership in waterbury, ct. A week later, the car was was shaking while driving back home for work, the ESC message came up, forward collision came up, and traction control message also came up. Dropped it off at the dealership and said it was bad gas. Two days later, I was told that the misfire is caused by the lifter and pushrod was broken and that another 2021 suburban came in with the same issue but was suggesting it was our fault. There has been alot issues L84 engine that the misfire is due to a collapse lifter with less than 20K miles.

Sep 14, 2021

We have had several incidents of issues with the engine and electrical system. There are as follows: - NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS and engine failed. - Engine continues to be sluggish and hesitant. Headlights do not come on when in "auto" and it is dark outside. - Doors lock with the keys inside and the engine is off. - Keys are showing in sleep mode or not present when they are present. The engine went down on May 6, 2021 and I was on the highway with 2 of my children. I could not accelerate. There was traffic and could not keep up. I was able to get the truck to the delearship to have inspected and repair attempted. NO check engine lights.

Jun 24, 2021

Purchased the new 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, 4 miles on odometer and left the dealer. Less than 20 minutes from dealer AC stopped working. Called dealer thinking it was small error. While on phone I looked under the vehicle which was now emitting foul burning odors. Noticed a very large amount of oil(1quart+) dripping from everywhere from engine to exhaust mid way down vehicle,oil cooler line was blown off. Towed newvehicle to dealer. Chevrolet wants me to keep this vehicle even though there was a TSB issued last year about this same issue. Chevrolet was supposed to fix before shipping vehicle and demanded dealers to do the same but did not follow its own advice. Now they want me the consumer to take a vehicle that now has 17 miles on it that has been repaired even though the issue was supposed to be remedied by manufacturer. GM/Chevrolet considers this a new vehicle even after major service for a known issue and wants me to marry this vehicle for 6 years of payments. I put down $22500 cash and this is the slap I get as consumer!

May 25, 2021

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving approximately 75-80 mph, the lifter collapsed and the contact heard the engine rattling. The contact pulled over and contacted the manufacturer, who provided a tow to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a bent push rod and that the lifter had collapsed. The contact related the failure to the Technical Service Bulletin number: PIP5776C. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 6,600.

Mileage: 6,600