2021 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN Engine Problems

The check engine and traction control light came on in my car. This was accompanied by a clanking sound, shaking. The panel said “ SERVICE ESC” “ service traction control” and “ forward collision system unavailable” The Chevrolet light logo on the back of my car will also not turn off occasionally whenever the car is turned off.

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

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...

My vehicle is having an oil consumption problem. 2 quarts were missing from my oils consumption test. The dealer is now doing a secondary oil consumption test and I’ve read up and learned that there have been a lot of recalls with the engine and oils changes.

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.

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...

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.

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

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.

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

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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...

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...

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

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

[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...

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.

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.

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...

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.

The lifters in the engine are failing

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.

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...

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...

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

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...

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.

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.

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)

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

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.

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.

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...

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.

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...

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.