2019 Chevrolet Suburban Owner Complaints

I bought this vehicle in August 202 from Bayway Chevrolet in Pearland, Texas. The vehicle is now at 101,703 miles. The vehicle is a 2019 Chevy Suburban LT with the 8L43 transmission. Approximately 1 year ago, we started to have issues with the electronic screens - both the dashboard and the radio screen. The screens freeze, change channels and displays without any buttons being pressed or the screen being touched. Due to cost, we have not had this repaired yet, however our usual mechanic has said that he sees this issue all the time in smart technology vehicles. The transmission, on XXX, we were going to a family dinner and the vehicle started shifting hard and making a clanking noise. We turned around and went straight home. The next morning we took the vehicle to our mechanic who said the motor mounts were broken and a tune-up was needed. We got the vehicle back on Monday, XXX. Tuesday the XXX, I drove about 100 miles for work and noticed the vehicle was making a whining sound from the transmission. Took it to mechanic, by the time we drove about 2 miles to the mechanic, the entire transmission was completely broken. We now have to pay $5402.19 to rebuild the transmission at only 101,703 miles. I know GM is under a lot of scrutiny with the transmission issues right now and I believe my transmission is another one of those affected.

NHTSA ID

11753997

Incident

Jul 29, 2026

Oil pressure acting weird. We checked the oil and there were only 2 quarts of oil in truck. I just had an oil change 3 weeks ago. No oil leaks. Engine must be burning oil for some reason.

NHTSA ID

11752859

Incident

Jul 25, 2026

Transmission broke.

NHTSA ID

11752858

Incident

Mar 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked abnormally hard. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to three dealers, and the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

NHTSA ID

11752201

Incident

Nov 24, 2025

Mileage

88,000 mi

Since December 2020, our Suburban has been in for seven extended, documented dealership repair events at Guaranty Chevrolet and Simpson Chevrolet of Garden Grove, totaling 192 cumulative days out of service and $47,560.86 in documented repair invoices — approximately 71% of what we paid for the vehicle. Those repairs have included a complete transmission replacement (58,861 miles), a recurrence of the same active-lifter defect only ten days later, an ignition coil failure, fuel injector and air conditioning failures, an oil pump failure, and, most seriously, a complete engine replacement (66,854 miles) after the dealership documented metal in the oil and filter and engine end play. The situation has continued to worsen. We picked up the vehicle on XXX following the complete engine replacement. Only six days later, on July 6, 2026, the check-engine light returned and we brought the vehicle back to the dealership. We were initially told the issue was a sensor; the following day, we were informed that the replacement engine — which the dealership had disclosed to us at the time was a refurbished unit — was itself defective and would need to be replaced a second time. As of this writing, that repair remains open. In other words, the remedy provided for this vehicle's most serious failure did not resolve the problem, and we are once again without our vehicle. This pattern of failures has caused real, ongoing hardship for our family. We specifically purchased a full-size, top-trim Suburban for its seating and cargo capacity: we have two teenagers at home who depend on us for transportation to school and activities, we regularly care for grandchildren, and our [XXX] daughter has Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a debilitating condition that often requires her to use a wheelchair. The Suburban's cargo space is what allows us to transport her together with her wheelchair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11750421

Incident

Dec 14, 2020

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that the middle row seat belts failed to retract, and the seat belts became inoperable. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and to two dealers, and the contact was informed that the seat belts could not be replaced because parts were no longer manufactured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ID

11750255

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

Mileage

120,000 mi

Odometer Fraud. The contact was in the process of purchasing a 2019 Chevrolet Surburban. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy.  Contact stated the vehicle was a private dealer sale were they garage vehicles at 1524 Firestone Blvd. LA CA 90001. Contact stated vehicle was being sold with a milage of 69,430 but it was later discovered that Carfax reported vehicle mileage as 154,206.

NHTSA ID

11741842

Incident

Apr 21, 2026

Mileage

154,206 mi

When I first got this vehicle 2019 brand new off the lot the dealership in newark ohio had to completely rewire it. It took them a month to figure it out. I just replaced the transmission and now the engine is out. A piston rod snapped hit both sides an cracked the sides and the oil pan.

NHTSA ID

11739942

Incident

May 22, 2026

The rear defroster malfunctioned and caused the rear glass to reach a high temperature, and it started raining outside, and it caused the rear glass to shatter. No known issues before? We come to this conclusion by looking at the black overheating marks on the glass after it shattered.

NHTSA ID

11739846

Incident

May 23, 2026

Transmission stalling, hesitating, affecting engine performance and rpm's. broke down on highway. We replaced the transmission, now it's doing a similar problem and the mechanic says the engine is failing, cylinders issues. I've read up it's happening to many of the same year make and model. I spent 7k on a new transmission. Now a new engine??? ...frustrating! Please help

NHTSA ID

11739110

Incident

Feb 4, 2026

The rear window exploded and shattered while sitting parked in front of my house.

NHTSA ID

11732598

Incident

Apr 20, 2026

I was driving yesterday when my car began to shake at low RPMs. The traction control light came on steadily and the check engine light was blinking. I was unable to safely accelerate. I took it to my mechanic who tested spark plugs and coils, which he confirmed aren't the problem. He informed me that this is a common issue with the GM 6.2L engine, but mine isn't part of the recall. After checking online I see that this is exactly what many others are reporting and that there's an NHTSA investigation as well as a class action lawsuit tied to this issue.

NHTSA ID

11730201

Incident

Apr 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle slowed down and failed to properly shift gears. The contact shifted into neutral while stopping the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle was driven to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with severe fluid leakage and torque converter shutter. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000.

NHTSA ID

11728758

Incident

Mar 28, 2026

Mileage

112,000 mi

Two years ago, we had to have the transmission rebuilt after it kept slipping. Yesterday, as I was driving on I-95, I was passing a vehicle and pressed on the gas. There was a loud crunching noise and I lost acceleration. The check engine light came on right away and I couldn’t press on the gas without a noise and limited forward momentum. I then had to maneuver the car across four lanes of traffic with limited control over speed. There was no warnings an issue was going to occur. We had it towed to our mechanic who said there was low compression in cylinder 1. Less than 90 psi. Again, we had already had the transmission replaced and now this major engine issue. We are in the process of getting it to a Chevy dealer.

NHTSA ID

11725090

Incident

Mar 16, 2026

Year: 2019 Make: GMC Model: Suburban Mileage: Approximately 125,000 miles (purchased under 90,000 miles) 1. Transmission Failure My vehicle is experiencing clear signs of transmission failure, including: •Hard downshifting/clunking •RPM fluctuations while cruising •Shuddering between approximately 30–50 mph •Vibrations while idling •Hesitation and irregular shifting These symptoms have progressively worsened and are consistent with widespread complaints I have found from other 2019 Suburban owners. This appears to be a known issue affecting multiple vehicles. 2. Rear Liftgate / Electrical Malfunction The rear trunk/liftgate has closed on its own without warning multiple times. I have personally been struck in the head several times as a result. This presents a serious injury risk, especially for families loading children or cargo. There is clearly an electrical or sensor malfunction causing this behavior. 3. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) System Activating Randomly The most alarming issue is that the automatic emergency braking system has activated on its own multiple times while driving on the turnpike with no obstruction present. This has nearly caused accidents on several occasions. Unexpected braking at highway speeds creates an extremely dangerous situation for both my family and surrounding drivers. These issues are not minor inconveniences — they are serious safety hazards. Sudden braking, unintended liftgate closure, and transmission failure all create significant risk of injury or collision. Given the number of similar complaints publicly reported by other owners, I am requesting that NHTSA formally investigate these defects and determine whether a recall should be issued for affected 2019 GMC Suburban vehicles. I am extremely concerned for the safety of my family and others on the road. Please confirm receipt of this complaint and advise if additional information is needed. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)

NHTSA ID

11720007

Incident

Feb 2, 2026

The suburban pulls to side. I got it into the service center and they tried to fix the alignment but when we got it back it still does it. So im not driving it til it gets a second opinion because its definitely not the alignment if it is still doing it. So I dont feel safe driving it with me or especially my kids in it.

NHTSA ID

11714003

Incident

Dec 21, 2025

Statement of Incident and Repair Costs While driving on the expressway at approximately 70 mph in the express lane with my family in the vehicle, the engine suddenly began to stutter and run rough. Within seconds, the vehicle lost engine power, the oil light came on, and the check-engine light started flashing. The sudden loss of power caused another vehicle to almost collide with us from behind, narrowly missing my family when our truck slowed abruptly. Because of the immediate danger, we were forced to cross two lanes of interstate traffic to reach the shoulder as quickly as possible, putting my entire family at further risk. We were then stranded on the side of the expressway. The vehicle was taken to the Chevy dealership in DeMotte, Indiana. Their diagnosis determined a catastrophic engine failure caused by lifter failure, resulting in bent rods and damage to the camshaft. Despite widespread reports and known issues involving lifter failures in this model, there is no recall for this year and model. As a result, we were left to cover the full cost of the repair. The dealership did not provide a rental vehicle, even though this truck is our family’s only means of transportation large enough to safely haul all of us. Insurance would not cover the failure due to the numerous notices and documentation showing that GM/Chevy is aware of this problem but has not initiated a recall. Total cost of repair: $8,801.53, paid out of pocket. Of which we had to borrow and scrape to figure out how to pay for it, due to it being our only vehicle for our family. Now we are left with the uncertainty as to whether the same thing will happen again, endangering the lives of our family yet again, due to living out more in the country and having to drive 30+ miles one way to get to grocery stores etc… on roads that have a speed limit of 55mph rt 49 going north from south of the Kankakee river or the expressway again where the other incident occurred I65 by Lowell Indiana exit.

NHTSA ID

11701254

Incident

Jun 11, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light and traction control warning light were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact continued to drive the vehicle; however, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate as intended. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that, as per the two truck drivers, transmission fluid was leaking onto the street. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

NHTSA ID

11698994

Incident

Nov 3, 2025

Mileage

95,000 mi

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a loud knocking sound was heard coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rod bearings had failed due to a large amount of copper found in the engine oil. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted, but had not diagnosed or repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.

NHTSA ID

11696295

Incident

Oct 29, 2025

Mileage

113,000 mi

Major engine failure in my 2019 Chevrolet Suburban Premier equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine (L87). Despite routine maintenance and responsible operation, the engine recently suffered a serious failure that has rendered the vehicle inoperable. After researching the issue and speaking with several service professionals, it appears this type of engine failure may not be isolated, but part of a broader pattern affecting similar models. Given the vehicle's relatively low age and the severity of the problem, I believe this may be indicative of a manufacturing defect or premature engine wear that should not occur under normal operating conditions.

NHTSA ID

11687350

Incident

Aug 30, 2025

Transmission started shifting very hard while in motion. The vehicle shudders while at speed. Extremely loud vibrations coming from under the vehicle. This vehicle only has 75 k miles on it. Mechanic first flushed and changed transmission fluid. Vehicle still shifting and running rough. Mechanic says we have to replace the entire transmission. Vehicle has always had top routine maintenance done. This suburban is too new to require a new transmission. Chevrolet needs to recall this issue and replace at their cost! Lost power while on interstate at 65 MPH. Extremely unsafe!!

NHTSA ID

11685512

Incident

Aug 2, 2025

I have a 2019 Chevy Suburban 5.3L, 6-speed autimatic transmission. I recently started having real bad hesitation while in any gear and can feel it going into any gear real bad. Was quoted filter, fluid and gasket replacement. I had that work done at $459, which didn't fix the problem. Then they said, "it's possibly the clutch." Apparently after talking to a mechanic (who also has the same transmission with problems) and reading reading online, there are a bunch of people having problems with this transmission. This vehicle is only 6 yrs old, it shouldn't be having problems like this. GM should do a recall on these transmissions. I'm on a fixed income and don't have money to get it fixed.

NHTSA ID

11680509

Incident

Jul 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal and made an abnormal whining sound. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter had fractured, and further diagnostic testing was needed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11679177

Incident

Jul 30, 2025

Mileage

130,000 mi

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that there was a winding sound coming from underneath the body of the vehicle in the center of the cabin. The tow light was intermittently illuminated without the vehicle being placed in tow mode. The contact stated that while accelerating and shifting gear, the vehicle hesitated and was sluggish while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission fluid was black, due to the transmission burning. The mechanic stated that flushing the fluid would cause more issues and advised the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was only quoted the cost for the repair because the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall on the vehicle. The manufacturer also confirmed that the VIN was outside of the 60,000 miles warranty. The manufacturer opened a case for the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

NHTSA ID

11673614

Incident

Jul 1, 2025

Mileage

77,000 mi

Lifter stuck in cylinder 3. Cost to repair $13,000 on a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban with 101,000 miles. We have owned vehicle since new. Vehicle routinely maintained.

NHTSA ID

11671219

Incident

Jul 2, 2025