2021 Chevrolet Suburban Engine Problems

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban used to tow a 30-foot trailer. The contact stated that while towing the trailer and driving 60 MPH up an incline with no shoulder, the vehicle shut off in a remote area. The contact was able to move the vehicle off the roadway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The brakes and power steering features became inoperable. The vehicle shifted to neutral without driver input. The contact stated that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A hauling company was contacted to tow the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a claim. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

NHTSA ID

11753933

Incident

Jul 29, 2026

Mileage

106,000 mi

I had a recall serviced on a Friday which was completed by the dealership. My car sat all weekend and was not driven until Monday AM which was fine. After work, there were several warning lights that popped up and it was making a terrible noise. I was unable to drive home and had to have my car towed to the dealership. Following there inspection, my engine had to be replaced due to a known issue with this engine and GM. Cylinder #2 misfire, lost compression - lifter had spun in guide, camshaft is damaged - engine needs to be replaced. Unfortunately, I was just out of warranty so it was either pay $12,000+ for a new engine or walk away from a car that I love. I just don't understand why if GM knows this is an issue, why there is not some sort of recall on it.

NHTSA ID

11748810

Incident

Feb 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine was idling rough, the Check Engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine rods were bent, causing internal damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 99,000.

NHTSA ID

11744528

Incident

Mar 20, 2026

Mileage

99,000 mi

Vehicle stalled during routine driving. Code P129F. I was stranded in 95 degree weather with three small children. Please correct and advise ASAP. Had to be towed home. Vehicle inoperable.

NHTSA ID

11741176

Incident

May 31, 2026

Had to replace entire engine for same reason other GM engines are recalled for, the lifters and shifting cylinders. This should also be covered under a recall! It left me and my kids stranded.

NHTSA ID

11738718

Incident

Jan 13, 2026

My 2021 Chevrolet Suburban experienced a sudden and complete engine failure at approximately 79,000 miles. The vehicle became inoperable and is currently at a dealership pending evaluation. There were no prior warnings indicating an imminent catastrophic failure. A sudden engine failure of this nature presents a significant safety concern, including the risk of loss of propulsion during operation. The failure has been confirmed by the dealership, and no repairs have been authorized at this time pending further review. This complaint is being submitted to document a sudden and severe engine failure and to request evaluation of potential safety-related defects involving internal engine components.

NHTSA ID

11726495

Incident

Mar 11, 2026

On Friday, March 13, 2026, while traveling at approximately 60 mph on the highway, my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban equipped with an L87 6.2L V8 engine experienced a sudden and complete loss of motive power. The failure sequence began with a dashboard warning prompting me to "press the start button again," followed immediately by the vehicle shifting into neutral without any driver input. Despite repeatedly pressing the accelerator, the vehicle continued to decelerate and could not re-engage drive. A second dashboard warning displaying "engine recall" then appeared mid-incident. Subsequently, the rear wheels locked, forcing the vehicle to coast to a complete stop on the hard shoulder without any brake input required from the driver. Upon coming to a full stop, the start button continued flashing with repeated prompts to press it, the vehicle lock emblem illuminated on the dashboard, and the vehicle became fully and mechanically immobile, unable to shift out of neutral or transition into any other gear. The engine could not power the vehicle at all. My safety and the safety of other motorists were directly and seriously endangered, as the failure occurred without warning in the middle lane of an active highway at highway speed, leaving the vehicle unable to maneuver or accelerate out of harm's way. A responding police officer confirmed the road hazard on scene and remained present to protect the vehicle and occupants while we awaited assistance. The AAA tow truck operator independently concurred upon arrival. The vehicle was transported to Classic Chevrolet, Grapevine, TX, the same day and is currently awaiting full technical inspection by the dealership's service team; an official mechanical diagnosis remains pending. The dealership service advisor has verbally confirmed awareness of an active engine and powertrain/transmission recall affecting this vehicle. The failed component — the L87 6.2L V8 engine and associated drivetrain — is available for inspection

NHTSA ID

11724367

Incident

Mar 13, 2026

While driving the Engine warning light, service ESC light, and collision light all came on and an engine knock started. I also experienced a loss of power at the same time. Car was taken to local Chevy dealership for evaluation and repair. Dealership advised that they dropped the oil and found metal shavings in the oil. After further investigation, we were advised that it was a crankshaft connecting rod failure. We have an extended warranty and were waiting to hear back on repair coverage. GM denied the repair as this vehicle is not part of the active recall. Our warranty company also denied the repair stating we did not have adequate records of oil changes. Receipts for oil and filters were provided.

NHTSA ID

11724006

Incident

Jan 30, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11723836

Incident

Feb 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH on the highway, the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired out-of-pocket. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

NHTSA ID

11723503

Incident

May 11, 2025

Mileage

92,000 mi

In April of 2022 with 26k miles my vehicle had its first engine failure, Chevrolet dealership had to replace engine lifters due to a known engineering defect with the 2021 6.2 L87 engine. Now in late February 2026 with 80k miles my engine has locked up and requires a brand new engine replacement. For some reason, even though this is a L87 6.2L 2021 engine it is not part of the broader recall for this exact same engine failure for the same engine year and model.

NHTSA ID

11722779

Incident

Feb 21, 2026

While driving, the engine malfunctioned. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the malfunction. The vehicle has been inspected and repaired by a Chevrolet dealership.

NHTSA ID

11722005

Incident

Feb 4, 2026

The check engine and traction control light came on in my car. This was accompanied by a clanking sound, shaking. The panel said “ SERVICE ESC” “ service traction control” and “ forward collision system unavailable” The Chevrolet light logo on the back of my car will also not turn off occasionally whenever the car is turned off.

NHTSA ID

11719559

Incident

Feb 20, 2026

Engine failure at 86,000 miles with documented regular oil change and recommended services

NHTSA ID

11718673

Incident

Feb 17, 2026

My vehicle was taken in to shop due to recall recommendation I received in GM app for fuel pump control module . After repair was done my engine begin ticking the same day and failed a week later . I documented the whole thing and filed a claim with GM however the dealership that did the repair are not responding to GM . The dealership is alm Chevorlet south in Jonesboro ,GA this vehicle stalled out while I was on the highway . Please help me this vehicle belongs to my limo fleet and this is detrimental to my business . After multiple attempts to get it diagnosed they kept telling me I had to wait in line for weeks out to get it checked out although the problem arose after the new part installation . Then when I brung it back with failed engine soon after they told me that I had to sign a liability release waiver for them to check out the vehicle stating that the vehicle was high mileage and not their fault . The service manager literally instructed me not to leave my vehicle when I wanted to because it would not speed up the process for it to be seen I brung it back when instructed but it was to late because the engine had already failed . They literally forced me to sign a waiver stating that they wouldn’t diagnose it if i didn’t sign the waiver . These people are committing a fraudulent scam and their are unsafe vehicles on the road that arent being treated properly due to these practices . Please contact the dealership and or GM to take this matter more seriously .

NHTSA ID

11717955

Incident

Jan 29, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal oil consumption was noticed. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the vehicle was previously taken to a local dealer, where an oil consumption test was performed; however, the contact was advised to bring the vehicle back for further investigation. An appointment with the same local dealer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11716916

Incident

Jan 5, 2026

Mileage

60,000 mi

My vehicle is having an oil consumption problem. 2 quarts were missing from my oils consumption test. The dealer is now doing a secondary oil consumption test and I’ve read up and learned that there have been a lot of recalls with the engine and oils changes.

NHTSA ID

11716915

Incident

Jan 5, 2026

After purchasing the car, the engine oil low light came on after driving about 2,000 miles on a fresh oil change. We took the car to the Chevrolet dealer where they said the engine was over 2 quarts low on oil and recommended a fresh oil change. After another 2,000 miles of driving the low engine oil light came on again. We took it back to the same dealership and started the oil consumption test. After several months of oil checks, it was determined that the engine failed the test and service was recommended and would be covered under warranty. Extensive repairs were performed on the engine including piston replacement. After receiving the car back from repair, we continue to have the engine oil low life light appear after a few thousand miles of driving and have to add 2 quarts of oil to the engine. We contacted the Chevrolet dealership that performed the repairs and they said that prior warranty work would not be covered since we were now out of factory warranty. We were informed that we would have to go through the oil consumption test again and pay for any needed repairs. We're concerned that with investigation EA25007, our engine could experience the bearing failure and cause serious injury.

NHTSA ID

11713386

Incident

Oct 21, 2024

On January 13, 2026, the engine in my Suburban failed suddenly and completely, rendering the vehicle inoperable without warning. The failure left me stranded with my children, creating a serious safety concern and requiring immediate towing. Prior to that day, the vehicle exhibited no ongoing symptoms, warning lights, or performance issues, aside from a ticking noise that appeared only on the day of failure. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Chevrolet dealership, where it was determined that the engine was damaged beyond repair and required full replacement. I was informed a new engine would need to be ordered, at an estimated cost of approximately $14,000—an extraordinary and unreasonable expense for a vehicle of this age and price point.

NHTSA ID

11712709

Incident

Jan 13, 2026

Engine is running low on oil all the time. took it to dealer they said, there is sludge build up. Found oil fouling on CYL 3 and and found Spark plugs with excessive oil no external leaks found recommend new engine

NHTSA ID

11710921

Incident

Mar 5, 2025

The car was driving at 60 MPH on a regular commute to work and the car was stalling and shaking and soon after the check engine light came on with multiple issues.

NHTSA ID

11707244

Incident

Dec 24, 2025

Vehicle experienced sudden engine malfunction including rough idle, hard misfire, and flashing check engine light. Vehicle was diagnosed with a collapsed lifter and internal engine failure. Metallic debris was found in the engine oil, including silver and gold/bronze particles consistent with bearing material. A Chevrolet dealer inspected the vehicle and determined that the engine requires complete replacement due to internal mechanical failure. Vehicle is equipped with the 6.2L V8 (L87) engine. The failure occurred without warning and presents a safety concern due to potential loss of propulsion. This vehicle is not currently included in the existing GM 6.2L engine recall, despite exhibiting the same failure characteristics reported in other affected vehicles with the same engine and year that were included in the recall. Vehicle has not been driven since metal contamination was discovered to prevent further damage

NHTSA ID

11705211

Incident

Nov 23, 2025

I have a 2021 Chevy Suburban with the L87 6.2L V8 engine. At 7k miles, we have lost propulsion, leaving the car undrivable. resulted in the dealer replacing all 16 lifters under a recognized bulletin. I never received extended 6yr 100k mile powertrain warranty as described in the bulletin. Since then, There have been 3 other issues with loss of propulsion, resulting in replacement of fuel pump modulator. belt pulley system, One of the incidents left us without power or control of our vehicle on the interstate, with no where to pull over or get out of the way of oncoming semi trucks. The last incident again left the vehicle undriveable at 84k miles, with the dealer currently reporting that it is a lifter and cam shaft issue. Resulting in a 10k bill. They state that it is not covered under the recall of these engines because it is the top of the engine versus the bottom. Clearly, the engine oil problem noted in the recall has contributed to these issues . and the crankshaft not syncing properly with the lifters.

NHTSA ID

11704228

Incident

Nov 29, 2025

Went into limp mode on 11/6/25, took to the dealership where they found metal shavings in the oil due to a “stuck solenoid ‘A’”. Originally said that I’d need a whole new transmission, decided to do the cheaper easier repair and just replaced the valve train (not my choice) got it back on 11/13/25. On 11/24/25 I was on a very busy highway, at a red light, hit the gas when the light changed and the car didn’t move. Just revved the RPMs, then it suddenly lurched/surged forwards. Took it back to the dealership and they said “it doesn’t have any codes showing”. This is not normal behavior for a 4 year old vehicle with less than 40k miles on it.

NHTSA ID

11701425

Incident

Nov 24, 2025

We have a defective engine that stopped working after 120 miles. We can drive the car because it can leave us on the road or catch fire, this is what the mechanic told us, GMC option is to buy another car.

NHTSA ID

11700836

Incident

Nov 10, 2025