2021 Chevrolet Suburban Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 39about this part
- Share
- 19%of 204 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 39 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, 19% of the 204 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,500 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“transmission failed high speed jerking shifting ruined a set of tires yes has been confirmed by dealer but our vin is not covered under the recall no yes error codes appeared before we took the vehicle in for service 6-5-2025 we have had the vehicle in to 2 separate dealerships a total of 4 times for repair now that powertrain warranty is expired they are calling for a transmission replacement”
NHTSA complaint #11740950, filed 2026-05“Suburban started to have shudder at lower rpm on acceleration. I took it to the dealer and they confirmed the valve is bad. They are unsure at this time but depending on damage from the bad value my Suburban may also need a new torque convertor or transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #11740036, filed 2026-05“I am submitting this complaint to report a serious safety issue involving my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban equipped with the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine. The vehicle has experienced a recurring problem related to the engine wiring harness. While driving, the vehicle will unexpectedly stall without warning. At the same time, there is an immediate loss of power steering assist, significantly reducing the ability to safely control the vehicle. This creates a dangerous situation, especially at highway speeds or in traffic. …”
NHTSA complaint #11725782, filed 2026-03“Multiple issues with transmission since owned. It randomly goes into limp mode and everything will blink and it won't start back. The transmission has always shifted hard and sounded funny they told me if was normal for the vehicle. Leaking transmission fluid when owned for 4 months. I have had to the dealer multiple times, several repairs, told it is safe to keep driving by GM. The inverter is bad and told me it was ok to drive until they can repair. GM will not give me a fair response or answer. …”
NHTSA complaint #11503779, filed 2023-01“On Friday, March 13, 2026, while traveling at approximately 60 mph on the highway, my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban equipped with an L87 6.2L V8 engine experienced a sudden and complete loss of motive power. The failure sequence began with a dashboard warning prompting me to press the start button again, followed immediately by the vehicle shifting into neutral without any driver input. Despite repeatedly pressing the accelerator, the vehicle continued to decelerate and could not re-engage drive. A second dashboard warning displaying engine recall then appeared mid-incident. …”
NHTSA complaint #11724367, filed 2026-03Related recalls
- 24V797000Oct 24, 2024General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade…Covers: Chevrolet Suburban 2021, GMC Sierra 2500 2020–2022, Sierra 3500 2020–2022 +9 more
- 22V036000Jan 27, 2022General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. The…Covers: Chevrolet Suburban 2021, Tahoe 2021, GMC Yukon 2021 +3 more
Related service bulletins
- 11024189Oct 9, 2025Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve. The effects can cause…
- 11019752Jun 26, 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…
- 11023369May 16, 2025This service bulletin advises the technician to check if the transmission cooler lines are twisted to correct customer concerns of Harsh Shift, Shudder, Surge, Stall…
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11017255Mar 25, 2025This service bulletin helps diagnose/reduce possible CCND issues on Transfer Cases - Service 4WD on DIC, Intermittent Failures, Noise Concerns, Driveline/Steering…
- 11014565Feb 13, 2025This bulletin helps aid the tech in possible noise that may be normal or abnormal depending on the concern noted.
- 11013150Jan 28, 2025Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve. The effects can cause…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11012857Dec 17, 2024This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the rear diff fluid to correct the rear clutches from chattering, which create a moan type noise.
- 11011880Dec 17, 2024Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve. The effects can cause…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7 | 16% |
| 2023 | 19 | 14% |
| 2022 | 32 | 26% |
| 2021 | 39 | 19% |
| 2020 | 10 | 23% |
| 2019 | 38 | 49% |
| 2018 | 19 | 23% |
| 2017 | 39 | 27% |
| 2016 | 45 | 20% |
| 2015 | 48 | 11% |
| 2014 | 5 | 8% |
| 2013 | 6 | 5% |
| 2012 | 5 | 5% |
| 2011 | 3 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 7 | 3% |
| 2007 | 9 | 3% |
| 2006 | 2 | 9% |
| 2005 | 15 | 12% |
| 2004 | 14 | 7% |
| 2003 | 21 | 7% |
| 2002 | 23 | 8% |
| 2001 | 33 | 8% |
| 2000 | 12 | 4% |
| 1999 | 47 | 7% |
| 1998 | 19 | 9% |
| 1997 | 47 | 11% |
| 1996 | 40 | 11% |
| 1995 | 25 | 5% |
| 1994 | 14 | 2% |
| 1993 | 11 | 2% |
| 1992 | 6 | 3% |
| 1991 | 9 | 17% |
| 1990 | 7 | 13% |
| 1989 | 5 | 8% |
| 1988 | 3 | 10% |
| 1987 | 1 | 6% |
| 1985 | 2 | 22% |
Other parts of the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban
90 complaintsFuel system
32 complaintsElectrical system
20 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 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