RoadVitals

2021 Chevrolet Suburban

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
208
+8 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
12
Latest Apr 24, 2025
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
5
2 currently open
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
7
5 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 208 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, most frequently naming the engine, powertrain (other) and fuel system categories. 12 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 5 NHTSA investigations name it; and 1,367 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

12 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Apr 24, 2025
597,571 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
The 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.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N252494000View on NHTSA.gov

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:VALVES/VALVE BODY

Oct 24, 2024
463,295 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
The risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N242454440View on NHTSA.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Nov 3, 2022
338,735 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk: Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will provide an over-the-air (OTA) update for the Body Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222382220.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N222382220View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA26005OpenEngineering Analysis

Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy

Opened Aug 20, 2026

On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001.  This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V-274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GM’s recall remedy for Recall 25V-274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or an engine replacement, based on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. ODI continues to receive reports of engine failures after the completion of the recall remedy. To date, ODI has received 499 complaints alleging post-remedy engine failure in vehicles subject to Recall 25V-274, 473 of which involved an oil viscosity change and 26 a complete engine replacement. Additionally, ODI has received 191 reports of L87 engine failures in engines produced after the production period cited in Recall 25V-274. GM reported receiving 6,953 complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysisto continue investigating complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI is expanding the scope of this Investigation to include engines produced after the production period cited in the recall. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

ENGINE
EA25007OpenEngineering Analysis

Loss of motive power due to engine failure

Opened Oct 23, 2025

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 1,157 reports of engine bearing failure failures in the L87 6.2L engine produced by General Motors (GM). Of the 1,157 reports received, 173 are outside of the scope of recall 25V-274. These engines are installed in Model Years (MY) 2019–2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, and 2021-2024MY Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV vehicles. The subject engine failures were investigated as part of a Preliminary Evaluation (PE25001).  GM determined that these engine failures were due to multiple supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GM issued recall 25V-274 to address the supplier manufacturing and quality issues produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024. Based on the issuance of recall 25V-274, NHTSA has closed PE25001. ODI continues to receive a significant number of reports of engine failure in vehicles outside the scope of 25V-274.  This presents a potential safety risk that warrants further investigation.  ODI is opening this Engineering Analysis (EA) to further evaluate the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related issues of vehicles built outside the recall scope. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
RQ26001ClosedRecall Query

Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy

Opened Jan 16, 2026
Closed Aug 20, 2026

On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001.  This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V-274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GM’s recall remedy for Recall 25V-274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or an engine replacement, based on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. ODI continues to receive reports of engine failures after the completion of the recall remedy. To date, ODI has received 499 complaints alleging post-remedy engine failure in vehicles subject to Recall 25V-274, 473 of which involved an oil viscosity change and 26 a complete engine replacement. GM reported receiving 6,953 complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI will close this RQ and continue to investigate complaints of post-remedy engine failure for Recall 25V-274 as part of an Engineering Analysis (EA26005). To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

ENGINE
PE25001ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

Loss of motive power due to engine failure

Opened Jan 16, 2025
Closed Oct 23, 2025

On January 16, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25001 after receiving complaints and field reports concerning engine failures in MY2019-2024 GM’s full-size truck and SUV T1XX platform equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 engine. These complainants alleged engine bearing failures resulting in knocking and growling noises from the engine’s bottom end and in some cases more severe consequences such as broken connecting rods leading to engine damage, or engine failure. If the engine fails during vehicle operation, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. On April 24, 2025, GM issued recall 25V-274 to address the concern with L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024.  GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GM’s  recall remedy will be either an oil change to an oil with a different viscosity or engine replacement depending on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. To date, ODI has received 1,157 allegations of engine bearing failure. GM submitted 55,464 reports in total, with 29,752 unique VINs. ODI continues to receive allegations of L87 engine failures which fall outside of the scope of recall 25V-274. Based on GM’s recall, ODI will close this PE. NHTSA will continue to investigate complaints of engine failure outside the scope of recall 25V-274 as part ofEngineering Analysis (EA25007). To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICALLed to recall 25V274

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

EngineFuel system
Filed Nov 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. An unknown warning light was illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with fuel pump failure. Additionally, the independent mechanic removed the front cover and became aware that the timing chain was laying at the bottom of the oil pan. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the 6.2L engines. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: EA26005. The manufacturer was aware of the failure by phone and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.

NHTSA ID
11776302
Incident
Nov 1, 2026
Mileage
166,000 mi
Engine
Filed Nov 3, 2026

On August 25, 2026, I was driving a chevrolet 2021 with less than 60K miles on it on a double lane road when I came to a red light, the car did not move when the light turned green, I put the car on park then drive again and it completely shut down. Prior to this there was no lights showing any issues with the car. It did not drive again, and I had to have it towed home then to a body shop where I spent 2K and drove the car out but was told to take it to the dealer immediately. At the dealer they said it needed a complete engine or motor replacement that cost 12k but they would cover about 8k and I would be responsible for about 4k. I was called to pick it up and it was still making a weird noise they said it was something else, it is November 3, 2026, the dealer still has my car,and they won't even answer the phone, no loaner available, and I am terrified after hearing so many stories about 6.2L engines that I will be driving a car that can put me at risk even after replacement. please help me.

NHTSA ID
11775455
Incident
Aug 25, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 30, 2026

Shuddering and vibration between 25-40mph during low acceleration. Seems to be getting worse. Have an appointment with a dealership to do a diagnostic and can upload that information later. Service advisor suggested that it is an extremely common problem in my vehicle and very expensive to fix.

NHTSA ID
11774588
Incident
Mar 1, 2026
Engine
Filed Oct 29, 2026

In the evening I was driving home locally and noticed a slight lurch in the car when coming to a complete stop at the stoplight. From there I proceeded into my neighborhood. There was a sudden and very loud bang sound like metal and an explosion. Immediately the engine failed and my vehicle stopped in the middle of the road. I also smelled a lot of gasoline. I was unable to shift the vehicle into neutral to move it off the road. I called a tow through AAA. Luckily I was not on the freeway or a busy road when this happened as it could have caused an accident. My vehicle is at a certified chevrolet service center where they confirmed their opinion is the timing chain snapped and destroyed my engine. They are recommending a complete motor replacement. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This vehicle is the same year make and model as a previous recall in 2025 however I am curious as to why my VIN is not included in this recall.

NHTSA ID
11774511
Incident
Oct 8, 2026
ElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 27, 2026

Failing coolant flow control valve. This is a known issue affecting the same engine and model year and VIN is not covered. This is ridiculous.

NHTSA ID
11773903
Incident
Oct 8, 2026
Engine
Filed Oct 26, 2026

GOT CODE AND ENGINE LIGHT. P1098 FOR ENGINE COOLANT CONTROL VALVE POSITION SENSOR. GM SUPPOSEDLY ADDED A 15 YEAR WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR THIS VALVE AS IT HAS FAILED ON MANY VEHICLES. SPECIAL COVERAGE # N352508341 SHOWS AND SAYS IT SHOULD COVER 2021-2023 SUBURBANS. CHECKED WITH DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAY ITS NOT COVERED. WHY NOT? ITS LIKE A $1300 REPAIR. MINE SHOULD BE COVERED AS WELL. ID LIKE TO REGISTER A COMPLAINT REGARDING THIS

NHTSA ID
11773751
Incident
Oct 25, 2026
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 23, 2026

I was driving 60 miles per hour on the 101 highway around 8:30AM and a couple error messages suddenly appeared on my dash - one regarding traction control and the other regarding ESC. My engine light continuously flashed. I took the car into the dealership and they requested 3K to take apart the engine to figure out the issue. They now state that the number four cylinder lifters and the camshaft are pitted and thus the cylinder walls of the engine are scratched and thus the cylinder block can not be reused and needs to be replaced. They are requesting an additional 17,000 to replace the engine entirely. There was a recall on this vehicle for March 2021-2024 vehicles. Mine is just outside that recall being manufactured in January or Feburary 2021. Clearly, my issue is suffering the same problem from this recall.

NHTSA ID
11773294
Incident
Oct 21, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 23, 2026

Car misfired and had ticking noise. Car began to consistently shake when I was on the highway. Known issue 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. V8 engine. Dynamic Fuel Management Lifter failure. Driving on the 101 highway and an error message for traction was relayed on dash, followed by ESC error, followed by blinking engine light. It happened in the span of seconds with no prior alerts. Dealership had to take apart the engine for 3,300 to find the reason and repair is an addition 4,000.

NHTSA ID
11773196
Incident
Oct 21, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIC5650N

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3

PIT6015D

This Preliminary Information provides diagnostic tips and guidance for situations where key fobs cannot be learned or programmed successfully.

PIT5698F

This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.

PIT5801F

This preliminary information communicates diagnostic tips for air leveling suspension system.

PIP4902W

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

PIC6551C

This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chevrolet Suburban by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2024471457.4
20231343464.4
20221274466.4
2021Viewing20812569.5
2020444057.9
2019793057.5
2018844054.3
20171425057.3
20162206159.0
201543311160.0
2014593151.2
20131184151.9
20121014152.0
20111483152.3
20101173150.1
20091065149.6
20082134150.9
20072924157.5
2006231034.1
20051297046.7
20042046158.1
20033017663.2
20022864862.8
200144081163.3
2000282111063.5
19996342660.4
19982013153.3
19974143559.7
19963604762.6
19954577865.9
19948586469.4
19934992367.2
19921895269.6
1991524160.8
1990544162.0
1989624162.9
1988304049.0
1987181050.7
1986701—
1985901—
1984601—
1983300—
1982110—
1981110—
1979100—
1978300—
1977200—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.