2013 Chevrolet Suburban Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 14%of 118 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 110,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the engine of the 2013 Chevrolet Suburban, 14% of the 118 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 110,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Brakes light anti-lock/skid e-brake keeps activating, but does not show up as a code or problem. Intermittent code p015b and p015d at the shop sometimes this code does not appear or at different shop code is active. Brake light comes on when stationary and stays on. P code occurs when in motion. I have a syncup drive on my vehicle so I get the p codes, brake code never comes up same when at the shop”
NHTSA complaint #11254390, filed 2019-09, 110,000 miles“The engine started knocking very loudly. We brought it to our local mechanic and were told that it needed a new engine. He also said many 2013 Suburban engines had been needed to be replaced due to poor metal used in the manufacturing process”
NHTSA complaint #11172599, filed 2019-01, 135,000 miles“I had driven my vehicle to work. Mid-morning I started my vehicle while in the parking lot of my work to run an errand. I backed out of the parking space and drove maybe 100 feet when my check engine light came on. My vehicle also began considerably shaking. I went straight to my mechanic. He found that one of the lifters had failed. This was not the first time he had seen this problem. My mechanic has a friend who works for a GM dealership as a mechanic. The friend had previously advised my mechanic this is a known problem with this engine. …”
NHTSA complaint #11325154, filed 2020-05, 119,300 miles“Feb. 15 , 2019 transmission went out in car. Brought car earlier in the year because it was jerking but they said it was normal. Went out of town and transmission went out at 93,721 miles. Extended warranty went out on feb. 14, 2019. Only hours before and no company would help! We paid 5,000 for a replacement and noticed that my dash had a crack in it after being repaired. Chevrolet company said they didn't do it. Now the dash is almost cracked all the way to my steering wheel. I understand the wear and tear of any vehicle, but for the warranty to go out hours before hand was unbelievable. …”
NHTSA complaint #11388573, filed 2021-01, 92,721 miles“Engine died on highway lost all power and no steering. Was told by dealer it was a bad neg battery cable. It is shocking that a bad battery cable can cause a deadly situation. Certainly someone will die from this defect if they havent already. Dealer claimed to repair the vehicle and it happened only a few miles after I picked up the vehicle. Error code was p0601. They have the car for repair again, but I refuse to every drive the death trap. I have had 20 suburbans and I hope this is an isolated defect not one that affects all suburbans. This defect is extremely dangerous. …”
NHTSA complaint #11023837, filed 2017-09, 44,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11017263Mar 25, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11012907Dec 18, 2024This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 24 | 53% |
| 2023 | 69 | 53% |
| 2022 | 62 | 50% |
| 2021 | 90 | 44% |
| 2020 | 17 | 39% |
| 2019 | 26 | 33% |
| 2018 | 19 | 23% |
| 2017 | 26 | 18% |
| 2016 | 27 | 12% |
| 2015 | 39 | 9% |
| 2014 | 1 | 2% |
| 2013 | 16 | 14% |
| 2012 | 12 | 12% |
| 2011 | 10 | 7% |
| 2010 | 6 | 5% |
| 2009 | 10 | 9% |
| 2008 | 25 | 12% |
| 2007 | 27 | 9% |
| 2005 | 6 | 5% |
| 2004 | 6 | 3% |
| 2003 | 4 | 1% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 7 | 2% |
| 2000 | 1 | 0% |
| 1999 | 2 | 0% |
| 1997 | 1 | 0% |
| 1994 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2013 Chevrolet Suburban
46 complaintsAir bags
28 complaintsBody and structure
23 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsElectronic stability control
5 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Chevrolet Suburban
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology