2019 Chevrolet Suburban Powertrain (other) Problems

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

This vehicle has broken down for times now. The latest is from a failed transmission that needed replaced.

NHTSA ID

11668210

Incident

Mar 31, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while stopped, the vehicle was slow to accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering while driving at undisclosed speeds. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was hard to start. While the vehicle was in the driveway, the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a transmission shop, and it was determined that the failure was due to the transmission. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While her husband was driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle hesitated while in third gear. The contact stated that while her husband was driving, the vehicle was shifting hard. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed there was no recall and opened a case. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11660883

Incident

May 1, 2025

Catastrophic transmission failure while brining my children to school. Mechanics states the clutch pack possibly went bed causing the transmission to fail. Vehicle services appropriately. Chevy warranty refused to help claim.

NHTSA ID

11659005

Incident

Apr 30, 2025

My transmission went out at 116,000 miles. We were having intermittent issues since 100k miles.

NHTSA ID

11647798

Incident

Feb 3, 2025

My certified used 2019 Chevy Suburban, with all routine maintenance completed, transmission abruptly failed. The vehicle was just serviced the month prior and with no current issues revealed during that appointment. We have never seen a transmission just fail suddenly with no warnings, no light on dash, and the transmission fluid was a good color and with no burn smells. My wife had just been on the 35 freeway and a moment before exited off to where we were going to eat breakfast, had she still been on the freeway, it could have been catastrophic as she had three of my children in the car with her. I researched the internet; GM has had many transmission problems on Suburban and other model cars from 2015-2019 with their currently being a class action on the other models.

NHTSA ID

11647748

Incident

Feb 26, 2025

Catastrophic transmission failure while driving on highway trip with family. Thankfully did not completely lock up drive train, but such a catastrophic failure could have caused a transmission/engine lock up leading to a serious accident. Drove to nearest Chevy dealer (Everett Chevy Morganton NC), inspected, validated catastrophic transmission failure. Vehicle towed back to Hendrick Chevy Monroe NC. Hendrick confirmed catastrophic transmission failure, required complete transmission replacement. I requested failed part evaluation/warranty review. Escalated to Chevy customer support. Hendrick replaced transmission 1/29/2025. Hendrick upgraded to new Thermal Bypass Valve per service bulletin #21-NA-199 as part of complete transmission replacement. Vehicle was serviced previously on 11/1/2025 for routine oil change and inspection, with transmission noted as "good." Onstar monthly diagnostic for December 26, 2024 indicated engine and transmission system "good/OK".

NHTSA ID

11645691

Incident

Jan 25, 2025

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The transmission failed due to transmission oil that went bad and subsequently damaged the transmission. The failed transmission is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The transmission failure created unsafe driving conditions by reducing vehicle control, particularly in situations requiring acceleration or deceleration. This could have resulted in a collision if the vehicle lost power while in motion. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the problem has been confirmed by an independent service center, which diagnosed the transmission failure as a result of degraded transmission oil. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. It has only been inspected by an independent service center. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, there were symptoms prior to the failure. These included occasional transmission slipping and delayed gear shifts, which began several months before the complete transmission failure. No warning lamps or dashboard messages appeared. This issue is of significant concern as the vehicle was purchased as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle in 2022 and the transmission should not have failed this early. I am requesting an investigation into this issue to determine if it warrants a recall to prevent future safety risks for other drivers.

NHTSA ID

11635421

Incident

Nov 8, 2024

Car jerking and lurching forward in stop and go traffic. Mechanic confirmed transmission failure.

NHTSA ID

11626745

Incident

Nov 12, 2024

Suburban needs a new transmission with 85,000 miles.

NHTSA ID

11608526

Incident

Aug 14, 2024

2019 Chevy Suburban Premium at approx 121k miles whole body of vehicle starts shaking & vibrating at 45 mph, behaving like like torque converter going bad. Transmission intermittently acts like its slipping in 2nd & 3rd gear, when it does catch it shifts VERY hard. ..No dash lights. No warnings. Nothing....

NHTSA ID

11584177

Incident

Apr 18, 2024

My transmission is slipping, my neighbor who's a mechanic looked at it and luckily this vehicle has a transmission dipstick, fluid level was still good but we checked the Trans filter and we saw metal bits. We did a transmission fluid change and filter. It's not doing as bad but still will need to get transmission and converter replaced. Talked to a few places and they all say that this transmission always having problems and need replaced. I have supposedly a warranty but fighting with dealership about coverage. The amount of regularly seeing problems with this transmission from repair shops surprised that there isn't a recall. They say they replace the style on my car all the time on gm products supposedly it comes from the Ypsilanti plant in MI.

NHTSA ID

11570985

Incident

Dec 23, 2023

transmission is slipping, can’t find replacement anywhere seems that even dealers don’t have replacement parts was told that there are a lot of 2018–2019-2020 that have same problems when i called Chevy they said they are sure there are parts

NHTSA ID

11563815

Incident

Jan 5, 2024