2021 Chevrolet Suburban engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

95 owners have reported engine problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, 48% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 101,500 mi.

Engine complaints
95
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
101,500 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine87
Engine and engine cooling10

Engine complaints across Chevrolet Suburban years

2200573200842201021201281720152024201717262019189520216675202329
Engine complaints by model year. The 2021 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

1Under 10k310k–30k130k–60k460k–100k9100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 25V274000Apr 24, 2025597,571 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.

    Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.

What owners say

  1. Filed Oct 6, 2026MIEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    Cylinders were misfiring and lifters had to be completely replaced along with pushrod and camshaft. This cost me $7018.64 to fix out of my own pocket. Received the vehicle back, and there was a slight ticking sound that was new to me. Scheduled to bring the vehicle back in and 2 days before I was scheduled to go in and approximately 1000 miles later, the engine completely shut down while I was driving on the road. As I did not know what was going on and I had my newborn baby…
    NHTSA complaint #11769371 · source
  2. Filed Sep 23, 2026140,000 miFLTowedEngine
    The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light flashing. There was a rumbling sound coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle started shaking. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with…
    NHTSA complaint #11766420 · source
  3. Filed Sep 22, 202619,000 miVATowedEngine
    The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle went into LIMP Mode with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the nearest dealer in LIMP Mode. A diagnostic test was performed, and the mechanic discovered that the right engine lifter was damaged; however, 10 days later, the mechanic discovered that the left lifter was also…
    NHTSA complaint #11766143 · source
  4. Filed Sep 19, 2026AZEngine
    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 · source
  5. Filed Sep 15, 2026ILEngine
    Sudden Loss of Power & Shaking: The misfire itself causes a drastic drop in acceleration. If you are merging onto a highway or trying to pass another vehicle, the sudden loss of power can leave you stranded in the path of oncoming traffic. No Stability Assistance: Because StabiliTrak and Traction Control are automatically disabled, the vehicle loses its ability to correct for skids, fishtailing, or hydroplaning. In rain, snow, or emergency swerving maneuvers, a heavy SUV…
    NHTSA complaint #11764500 · source
  6. Filed Sep 14, 2026FLEngine
    I am filing this complaint regarding a serious engine and safety issue with my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban equipped with the GM 6.2L engine, with approximately 45,000 miles. The vehicle has developed a noticeable and abnormal shaking/vibration coming from the engine. At the same time, the vehicle experiences a significant loss of power, at times becoming so severe that the engine feels as though it is going to shut off. This is a serious safety concern. A sudden loss of engine…
    NHTSA complaint #11764013 · source
  7. Filed Sep 14, 2026FLEngine
    I am filing this complaint regarding a serious engine and safety issue with my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban equipped with the GM 6.2L engine, with approximately 45,500 miles. The vehicle has developed a noticeable and abnormal shaking/vibration coming from the engine. At the same time, the vehicle experiences a significant loss of power, at times becoming so severe that the engine feels as though it is going to shut off. This is a serious safety concern. A sudden loss of engine…
    NHTSA complaint #11763981 · source
  8. Filed Sep 14, 2026FLEngine
    I am filing this complaint regarding a serious engine and safety issue with my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban equipped with the GM 6.2L engine, with approximately 45,500 miles. The vehicle has developed a noticeable and abnormal shaking/vibration coming from the engine. At the same time, the vehicle experiences a significant loss of power, at times becoming so severe that the engine feels as though it is going to shut off. This is a serious safety concern. A sudden loss of engine…
    NHTSA complaint #11763980 · source
  9. Filed Sep 1, 2026KYEngine
    This vehicle has been towed approximately 7 times in the last year. For all instances in [XXX] in 2025, the dealership told us there were no issues. The completed the recall on the L87 and it 'passed'. The dealership then updated the oil to 40W and sent us on our way. We continued to have issues, but it was deemed to be the transmission. We had that relaced earlier this year. On XXX the car shut off again while driving on a highway. Upon this dealership taking a look at it,…
    NHTSA complaint #11761264 · source
  10. Filed Aug 29, 2026TXEngine
    Another 6.2 Liter Engine Failure in a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban that is not included in the original Recall affecting 2021 Suburbans Starting March of 2021 this on was purchased in Dec. of 2020.
    NHTSA complaint #11760677 · source
  11. Filed Aug 28, 2026MOEngine
    My engine was initially part of the 6.2L v8 engine recall. The dealer cleared my engine after inspecting it and told me my engine was not affected, but that I had to use corvette engine oil. After my 3rd corvette engine oil change, and two days after having it serviced and getting an all clear inspection from Chevy, the engine blew while going 70 mph on the highway. No warning lights. I looked down at my dash and there was a gray box that said “engine oil pressure low, turn…
    NHTSA complaint #11760200 · source
  12. Filed Aug 24, 2026IAEngine
    While coming to a stop on a highway, the engine started running very rough, shaking the vehicle constantly, and the check engine light came on and the ESC failure notice came on. We brought it to an independent repair shop that ran diagnostics and recommended the vehicle needed a new engine and should not be driven for risk of it seizing. They introduced us to the fact that there was a GM recall on this particular engine and production year. Upon taking the vehicle to the…
    NHTSA complaint #11759283 · source

Other 2021 Chevrolet Suburban problem areas

  • Transmission & Drivetrain (37)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (32)
  • Electrical System (19)
  • Other / Unknown (14)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (13)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (10)
  • Brakes (9)
  • Lighting (7)
  • Airbags (6)
  • Wheels & Tires (4)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (3)
  • Steering (3)
  • Suspension (2)
  • Body & Structure (2)
  • Visibility & Wipers (2)

Back to all 2021 Chevrolet Suburban problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology