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Exterior lightingPart report

2021 Chevrolet Suburban Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
3%of 205 total for the year
Median mileage
62,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, 3% of the 205 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“The headlight adjuster failed. As a result, the headlight points straight down creating a safety issue at night. I have read online this is a common problem on suburbans and tahoes. This happened on my car around 60k miles and only ~3 years.”

NHTSA complaint #11621901, filed 2024-10

“2021 SUBURBAN LT. Driver side headlamp adjuster failed while driving. Wife struggles to see at night so when the adjuster failed the driver side headlamp faced right to the ground causing no projected illuminating light. We attempted to adjust the light when she arrived home but it would not adjust due to the leveler failing and breaking. …”

NHTSA complaint #11746579, filed 2026-06

“The front headlight leaks water which pools inside the led front headlight bezel causing the headlamp to blow/fail. This is a known GM issue and TSB's have been initiated. Concern was confirmed by the dealership who reported that the seal on the headlamp had failed causing the water leak and full replacement of the headlamp/headlight bezel needed to be replaced.”

NHTSA complaint #11742128, filed 2026-06

“The headlight adjustment screw is broken. Was never used or adjusted and now the headlights point to the ground. GM does not offer a replacement part for the adjustment screw, the only fix is to purchase a whole new headlight assembly which is roughly $1,000 before installation costs. This causes a dangerous situation since the drivers side headlight points to the ground and it is hard to see in front of you at night.”

NHTSA complaint #11687782, filed 2025-09

“While night driving driver noticed the driver side headlight completly pointing down providing no visibility. Vehicle was brought into GM dealership where is was discovered the Driver LED headlight adjuster screw broken causing a safety issue, where the light beam pointed down. Vehicle light assembly is currently being inspected for replacement under manufacture warranty under 36,000 miles.”

NHTSA complaint #11550089, filed 2023-10

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202412%
202322%
202173%
201754%
201631%
2015102%
201423%
201322%
201011%
200911%
200710%
200614%
200511%
200410%
200331%
200252%
200141%
200072%
1999152%
199852%
199720%
199672%
199541%
199491%
199320%
199211%

Other parts of the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban

Engine
91 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
39 complaints
Fuel system
32 complaints
Electrical system
20 complaints
Other or unknown
15 complaints
Engine cooling
11 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
11 complaints
Brakes
9 complaints
Seat belts
7 complaints
Air bags
6 complaints
Wheels
4 complaints
Lane 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 31, 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