53 complaints reported

2021 Chevrolet Suburban Engine

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
53
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Oct 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal oil consumption was noticed. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the vehicle was previously taken to a local dealer, where an oil consumption test was performed; however, the contact was advised to bring the vehicle back for further investigation. An appointment with the same local dealer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: May 2026
Feb 2026

Engine failure at 86,000 miles with documented regular oil change and recommended services

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Feb 2026
Feb 2026

My vehicle was taken in to shop due to recall recommendation I received in GM app for fuel pump control module . After repair was done my engine begin ticking the same day and failed a week later . I documented the whole thing and filed a claim with GM however the dealership that did the repair are not responding to GM . The dealership is alm Chevorlet south in Jonesboro ,GA this vehicle stalled out while I was on the highway . Please help me this vehicle belongs to my limo fleet and this is detrimental to my business . After multiple attempts to get it diagnosed they kept telling me I had to wait in line for weeks out to get it checked out although the problem arose after the new part installation . Then when I brung it back with failed engine soon after they told me that I had to sign a liability release waiver for them to check out the vehicle stating that the vehicle was high mileage and not their fault . The service manager literally instructed me not to leave my vehicle when I wanted to because it would not speed up the process for it to be seen I brung it back when instructed but it was to late because the engine had already failed . They literally forced me to sign a waiver stating that they wouldn’t diagnose it if i didn’t sign the waiver . These people are committing a fraudulent scam and their are unsafe vehicles on the road that arent being treated properly due to these practices . Please contact the dealership and or GM to take this matter more seriously .

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2026
Jan 2026

After purchasing the car, the engine oil low light came on after driving about 2,000 miles on a fresh oil change. We took the car to the Chevrolet dealer where they said the engine was over 2 quarts low on oil and recommended a fresh oil change. After another 2,000 miles of driving the low engine oil light came on again. We took it back to the same dealership and started the oil consumption test. After several months of oil checks, it was determined that the engine failed the test and service was recommended and would be covered under warranty. Extensive repairs were performed on the engine including piston replacement. After receiving the car back from repair, we continue to have the engine oil low life light appear after a few thousand miles of driving and have to add 2 quarts of oil to the engine. We contacted the Chevrolet dealership that performed the repairs and they said that prior warranty work would not be covered since we were now out of factory warranty. We were informed that we would have to go through the oil consumption test again and pay for any needed repairs. We're concerned that with investigation EA25007, our engine could experience the bearing failure and cause serious injury.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Oct 2024
Jan 2026

On January 13, 2026, the engine in my Suburban failed suddenly and completely, rendering the vehicle inoperable without warning. The failure left me stranded with my children, creating a serious safety concern and requiring immediate towing. Prior to that day, the vehicle exhibited no ongoing symptoms, warning lights, or performance issues, aside from a ticking noise that appeared only on the day of failure. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Chevrolet dealership, where it was determined that the engine was damaged beyond repair and required full replacement. I was informed a new engine would need to be ordered, at an estimated cost of approximately $14,000—an extraordinary and unreasonable expense for a vehicle of this age and price point.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2026
Jan 2026

Engine is running low on oil all the time. took it to dealer they said, there is sludge build up. Found oil fouling on CYL 3 and and found Spark plugs with excessive oil no external leaks found recommend new engine

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: May 2025
Dec 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Dec 2025
Dec 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

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Nov 2025
Dec 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)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Feb 2025
Dec 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!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Feb 2025
Nov 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Nov 2025
Nov 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Oct 2025
Nov 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Sep 2025
Oct 2025

See attached document for complaint. To Whom It May Concern, I am writing regarding the recall on my 2021 Chevy Suburban. While I understand there is currently no active solution for the issue, I want to stress the seriousness of the situation. As a mother of [REDACTED] living in Wisconsin, I am deeply concerned that if my truck were to shut down due to engine failure and we could not get help quickly, my family would be exposed to the risks from the fire that inevitably could arrive. Given the harsh winters there, this poses an unacceptable safety risk. Additionally, I paid for an extended warranty, believing I had plenty of coverage left. I recently brought my vehicle in only to be told that I was 500 miles past the 60,000-mile limit, I was under the impression the warranty had not expired, and if I had known otherwise, I would have brought it in much sooner. This issue has been ongoing for at least 6 months, and I have been aware of the mileage restriction, I would have scheduled service well before this point. On top of that, my Suburban continues to emit the smell of burnt oil. It is embarrassing to have my vehicle smell like it's burning every time I drive it, and it raises serious concerns about my health. Breathing in burnt oil fumes regularly cannot be good for my lungs or overall well-being. This issue has also created a financial burden for me, as I am currently trying to sell the vehicle. In its present condition—with the burning oil smell and unresolved recall—it is essentially unsellable. No buyer wants to take on these risks and uncertainties, leaving me stuck with a vehicle I can neither comfortably drive nor reasonably sell. This matter is not just about inconvenience. It is about safety, that matters, and other concerns, trust and accountability. Chevrolet has marketed its vehicles as reliable, family-safe transportation, and I want to feel assured that GM takes immediate action to properly address this oil consumption and/or issue. Anything less is unacceptable when it comes to the safety of families who trust your brand. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Sep 2025
Oct 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2025
Aug 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Dec 2025
Aug 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal sound was coming from underneath the hood. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jun 2025
Aug 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Aug 2025
Aug 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jul 2025
Aug 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jul 2025
Jul 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jul 2025
Jul 2025

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

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jul 2024
Jul 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)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jun 2025
May 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormally loud banging sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the rods were bent, and the lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact called the warranty company, who confirmed there was no repair coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,069.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Mar 2025
May 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: May 2025

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Quick Summary

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban has 53 Engine complaints on file. 1 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.