2021 Chevrolet Suburban Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 88about this part
- Share
- 44%of 202 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 48,063miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 88 complaints about the engine of the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, 44% of the 202 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,063 miles. 2 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.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11719559, filed 2026-02“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11657678, filed 2025-04“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11638123, filed 2025-01“Our Chevy Suburban High Country suffered sudden engine failure resulting in the vehicle to shake and smoke while driving on a busy intersection. The dealership diagnosed internal engine mechanical failure at only 46,000 miles. I believe this is directly tied to the known GM 6.2 L87 engine issues.”
NHTSA complaint #11765469, filed 2026-09“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11691379, filed 2025-10Related service bulletins
- 11032588May 11, 2026Certain vehicles may have a condition that could cause the cylinder 2 glow plug to fail. If this failure occurs, the Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine Light) will…
- 11027714Jan 21, 2026Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have manufacturing defects that can lead to…
- 11025492Nov 6, 2025Under Field Actions N252494000, N252494001, the service procedure includes performing a PICO test on vehicle engines within the identified suspect VIN population. If the engine…
- 11023152Sep 16, 2025Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition that could cause the engine coolant control valve to fail an onboard vehicle diagnostic test. If this condition were to occur…
- 11024330Sep 6, 2025This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the camshaft actuator magnet to correct customer concerns of engine related shudder.
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11018541May 23, 2025Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have manufacturing defects that can lead to…
- 11024486May 16, 2025This bulletin advises the tech to inspect deeper into what may be to main cause of an engine failure.
- 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…
- 11020254May 7, 2025This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 24 | 53% |
| 2023 | 69 | 53% |
| 2022 | 62 | 50% |
| 2021 | 88 | 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 2021 Chevrolet Suburban
39 complaintsFuel system
32 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsForward collision avoidance
11 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsLane departure
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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