ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
2021 Chevrolet Suburban
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 198 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 1,364 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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 2021 | 1 | 1 |
| May 2021 | 2 | 3 |
| Jun 2021 | 2 | 5 |
| Jul 2021 | 1 | 6 |
| Sep 2021 | 5 | 11 |
| Nov 2021 | 1 | 12 |
| Dec 2021 | 1 | 13 |
| Jan 2022 | 1 | 14 |
| Apr 2022 | 2 | 16 |
| May 2022 | 2 | 18 |
| Jun 2022 | 1 | 19 |
| Aug 2022 | 1 | 20 |
| Sep 2022 | 2 | 22 |
| Oct 2022 | 1 | 23 |
| Nov 2022 | 2 | 25 |
| Dec 2022 | 1 | 26 |
| Jan 2023 | 1 | 27 |
| Feb 2023 | 2 | 29 |
| Mar 2023 | 2 | 31 |
| May 2023 | 1 | 32 |
| Jul 2023 | 2 | 34 |
| Aug 2023 | 4 | 38 |
| Oct 2023 | 3 | 41 |
| Nov 2023 | 2 | 43 |
| Dec 2023 | 1 | 44 |
| Jan 2024 | 1 | 45 |
| Feb 2024 | 1 | 46 |
| Mar 2024 | 1 | 47 |
| Apr 2024 | 1 | 48 |
| May 2024 | 1 | 49 |
| Jun 2024 | 2 | 51 |
| Jul 2024 | 2 | 53 |
| Aug 2024 | 1 | 54 |
| Sep 2024 | 2 | 56 |
| Oct 2024 | 3 | 59 |
| Nov 2024 | 3 | 62 |
| Dec 2024 | 3 | 65 |
| Jan 2025 | 8 | 73 |
| Feb 2025 | 8 | 81 |
| Mar 2025 | 5 | 86 |
| Apr 2025 | 7 | 93 |
| May 2025 | 13 | 106 |
| Jun 2025 | 4 | 110 |
| Jul 2025 | 7 | 117 |
| Aug 2025 | 5 | 122 |
| Sep 2025 | 4 | 126 |
| Oct 2025 | 3 | 129 |
| Nov 2025 | 5 | 134 |
| Dec 2025 | 3 | 137 |
| Jan 2026 | 5 | 142 |
| Feb 2026 | 10 | 152 |
| Mar 2026 | 10 | 162 |
| Apr 2026 | 4 | 166 |
| May 2026 | 5 | 171 |
| Jun 2026 | 5 | 176 |
| Jul 2026 | 6 | 182 |
| Aug 2026 | 5 | 187 |
| Sep 2026 | 11 | 198 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine9438.7%
- Powertrain (other)3614.8%
- Fuel system3213.2%
- Electrical197.8%
- Driver assistance166.6%
- Brakes93.7%
- Seat belts72.9%
- Exterior lighting72.9%
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.govPOWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:VALVES/VALVE BODY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
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.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
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.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
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.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
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.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
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 camshaft failure, a misfire in cylinder #6, and a fractured motor mount had caused critical engine damage. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was later towed to a service center, and the same diagnostic information was provided, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the rumbling sound persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11766420
- Incident
- Jul 27, 2026
- Mileage
- 140,000 mi
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 damaged. The vehicle was repaired under warranty. Recently, the failure reoccurred and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact was informed that the left engine lifter had failed and caused catastrophic engine damage. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle remained with the dealer awaiting the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11766143
- Incident
- Apr 1, 2021
- Mileage
- 19,000 mi
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the radio display screen was blank. Additionally, the vehicle turned on and off independently, the doors locked and unlocked independently, and the liftgate closed independently. The contact stated that the power running board failed to operate as needed and failed to activate on the front driver’s and passenger’s sides of the vehicle. The failure had occurred on several occasions. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The approximate failure mileage was 68,448.
- NHTSA ID
- 11766088
- Incident
- Nov 28, 2025
- Mileage
- 68,448 mi
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 ID
- 11765469
- Incident
- Sep 1, 2026
The radio control unit that controls all the interior features of the car failed due to an over the air update. We can no longer use the radio, gps, hot and cold on the screen or what the rear climate is at, there is no sounds from any of the blinkers or emergency lights.
- NHTSA ID
- 11764547
- Incident
- Aug 1, 2026
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 becomes much harder to control. "Limp Mode" (Reduced Power): To prevent the unburned fuel from a misfire from destroying the expensive catalytic converters, the vehicle may force itself into a "Reduced Engine Power" or "Limp" mode. This limits your top speed (often to around 30 mph), which is highly dangerous if you are in the fast lane of a highway. Violent Transmission Shifting: To protect the drivetrain from the erratic power dips of a misfiring engine, the vehicle's computer will maximize transmission fluid pressure. This causes the Suburban to shift gears incredibly hard, which and feel as though the transmission is exploding
- NHTSA ID
- 11764500
- Incident
- Sep 10, 2026
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 power could occur while driving in traffic, accelerating, merging, or traveling at higher speeds. The vehicle may become unable to accelerate properly or could potentially stall, creating a significant risk of a collision. I am concerned that this issue may be related to a defect affecting GM's 6.2L engines. The fact that this is occurring at approximately 45,000 miles is particularly concerning, as an engine should not experience this type of severe shaking and loss of power under normal operating conditions. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this issue and determine whether there is a safety-related defect affecting the GM 6.2L engine used in the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and other GM vehicles. I am reporting this because I believe the sudden loss of power and potential for the engine to shut off could endanger the occupants of the vehicle as well as other motorists.
- NHTSA ID
- 11764013
- Incident
- Apr 18, 2026
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 power could occur while driving in traffic, accelerating, merging, or traveling at higher speeds. The vehicle may become unable to accelerate properly or could potentially stall, creating a significant risk of a collision. I am concerned that this issue may be related to a defect affecting GM's 6.2L engines. The fact that this is occurring at approximately 45,500 miles is particularly concerning, as an engine should not experience this type of severe shaking and loss of power under normal operating conditions. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this issue and determine whether there is a safety-related defect affecting the GM 6.2L engine used in the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and other GM vehicles. I am reporting this because I believe the sudden loss of power and potential for the engine to shut off could endanger the occupants of the vehicle as well as other motorists
- NHTSA ID
- 11763981
- Incident
- Dec 20, 2025
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
This preliminary information communicates diagnostic tips for air leveling suspension system.
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues
PI to help diagnose A/C concern
This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
This Preliminary information communicates an issue with an OTA pending message still displayed after an OTA event and how to reset/clear the message.
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
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 42 | 1 | 4 | 58.0 |
| 2023 | 125 | 3 | 4 | 65.0 |
| 2022 | 122 | 4 | 4 | 66.6 |
| 2021Viewing | 198 | 12 | 5 | 69.4 |
| 2020 | 44 | 4 | 0 | 59.7 |
| 2019 | 78 | 3 | 0 | 58.1 |
| 2018 | 81 | 4 | 0 | 54.2 |
| 2017 | 141 | 5 | 0 | 57.9 |
| 2016 | 220 | 6 | 1 | 59.7 |
| 2015 | 428 | 11 | 1 | 59.3 |
| 2014 | 59 | 3 | 1 | 51.2 |
| 2013 | 118 | 4 | 1 | 51.9 |
| 2012 | 101 | 4 | 1 | 52.0 |
| 2011 | 148 | 3 | 1 | 52.3 |
| 2010 | 117 | 3 | 1 | 50.1 |
| 2009 | 106 | 5 | 1 | 49.6 |
| 2008 | 213 | 4 | 1 | 50.9 |
| 2007 | 292 | 4 | 1 | 58.0 |
| 2006 | 23 | 1 | 0 | 34.1 |
| 2005 | 129 | 7 | 0 | 46.7 |
| 2004 | 204 | 6 | 1 | 58.1 |
| 2003 | 301 | 7 | 6 | 63.2 |
| 2002 | 286 | 4 | 8 | 62.9 |
| 2001 | 440 | 8 | 11 | 63.3 |
| 2000 | 282 | 11 | 10 | 63.5 |
| 1999 | 634 | 2 | 6 | 60.4 |
| 1998 | 201 | 3 | 1 | 53.3 |
| 1997 | 414 | 3 | 5 | 59.7 |
| 1996 | 360 | 4 | 7 | 62.6 |
| 1995 | 457 | 7 | 8 | 65.9 |
| 1994 | 858 | 6 | 4 | 69.4 |
| 1993 | 499 | 2 | 3 | 67.2 |
| 1992 | 189 | 5 | 2 | 69.6 |
| 1991 | 52 | 4 | 1 | 60.8 |
| 1990 | 54 | 4 | 1 | 62.0 |
| 1989 | 62 | 4 | 1 | 62.9 |
| 1988 | 30 | 4 | 0 | 49.0 |
| 1987 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 50.7 |
| 1986 | 7 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 1985 | 9 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 1984 | 6 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 1983 | 3 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1982 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1981 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1979 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1978 | 3 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1977 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — |
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.