Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA
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Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 25 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed
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.
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)
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.
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
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I have a 6.2 v8 engine and the transmission failed and is not currently covered under the class action lawsuit!
My engine had a defect which required the entire engine to be rebuilt. The engine lifters, push rod and crankshaft all failed and I had to incur a $9000 repair. I believe this is in line with the current recall of Chevy 6.2L V8 engines like mine. I believe this is defect of Chevy's that they should be required to reimburse.
Engine failure due to bearing wear per independent service center diagnostic. States that engine needs to be rebuilt or replaced. There was no forewarning of this engine failure. I believe this issue is subject to ongoing investigation PE25001.
Our transmission when out while driving at high speed down the road, which could have caused a serious accident. There was no warning light to alert the driver before this incident occurred. We had to pull over and have our car towed - and it was dangerous to be along side of the road. We had to pay over $4000.00 to have our transmission replaced and the mechanic, who is an independent dealer, said "in his opinion, the transmission problem was caused by the defective GM automatic 8-speed transmission". We have a detailed bill of all work completed by our independent transmission dealer - dated Feb 2025.
The lifters failed in April 2024 and was replaced by the GM dealer and then the engine failed again in September 2024 however I couldn't afford to pay GM $2000 for a diagnostic and they still have my vehicle and only offer me $1500 off of a new or unused vehicle.
At a stop light the stabilitrack and check engine light came on. Engine began running very rough. I pulled around the corner and was able to get into a parking lot. When I stopped the vehicle the car shutoff completely, including all the electrical. I tried to start the car but when I did there was no engagement of the starter and all electrical shut off again. Car was towed to a mechanic shop and was advised that the engine was seized after they could not turn the engine using manual means. I had to have the engine replaced.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the grille shutter was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
While driving the Suburban I am hearing and feeling the transmission slipping and jerking during shifting. Is there a recall on the year / make and model transmission.
The contact called on behalf of his daughter who owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle began to shake and lost motive power. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact noticed that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
Weld on the radiator failed at 50,000. Dealership said they don't know why but this is common in Chevy Suburbans, GM Yukons, and pickups. From research online I saw that there were repair bulletins for earlier year models. Is the problem continuing? Luckily we were close to home when this failed.
VEHICLE WILL NOT GO STREIGHT, CONSTANTLY DRIFTS LEFT AND RIGHT, TAKES CONTROL AWAY FROM DRIVER NEARLY RUNNING INTO PARKED CARS AND PEOPLE CAUSE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL FATIGUE AFTER A FEW MINUTES. VEHICLE ACCELERATOR PEDDLE ERRATICE, SENSETIVE THEN STIFF THEN NO RESPONSE RUNS INTO OTHER VEHICLES, ELECTRONIC GADGETS A DISTRACTION, POOR VISIBILITY WINDSHIELD CLUTTERED UP WITH ELECTRONICS. HAD TO STOP SUING VEHICEL AFTER 1000 MILES.
STEERING DANGERIOUSLY STIFF, VEHICLE TAKES CONTROL AWAY FROM THE DRIVER VEHICLE WILL NOT TRAC STREIGHT, VEHICLE STALLS, LURCHES RUNS INTO OTHER VEHICLES ACCELERATOR PEDDLE TO SENSETIVE ENGINE UNRESPONSIVE DANGERIOUS
DRIVING OUR NEWLY PURCHASED 4 WEEK OLD SUBURBAN DOWN I95. FOLLOWING A BATHROOM BREAK AT A REST STOP, WE LOADED UP IN THE CAR, STARTED IT VIA THE PUSH IGNITION AND DROVE DOWN THE ON RAMP ONTO THE HIGHWAY. WITHIN SECONDS, SMOKE BEGAN BILLOWING FROM THE HOOD. A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD ENSUED. WE WERE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 30-40MPH, WHEN THE SMOKE BECAME SUDDENLY HEAVY. WE PULLED OVER AND PARKED THE CAR ON THE SHOULDER AND ATTEMPTED TO TURN IT OFF. FOR 30-40 SECONDS, THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN OFF, RATHER, IT SHOOK AND SPUTTERED. WE EVACUATED THE CAR AND CALLED THE STATE POLICE WHO ARRIVED SHORTLY THEREAFTER. THE SUBURBAN WAS TOWED TO RICK HENDRICK CHEVROLET IN RICHMOND, VIRGINIA. ABOUT A WEEK LATER, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE PUSH IGNITION IN THE CAR CAUSED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. CHEVROLET STILL HAS THE CAR AND IS WORKING TO REPAIR, BUT WE HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT TAKING POSSESSION OF A 4 WEEK OLD CAR THAT CAUGHT FIRE. WOULD APPRECIATE CHEVROLET'S ASSISTANCE, BUT THE DEALERSHIP THAT WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, KOONS CHEVROLET OF MCLEAN, HAS BEEN NONRESPONSIVE AND VERY UNHELPFUL.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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