2021 Chevrolet Suburban Engine Problems

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

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

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

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

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

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

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and shut off completely without warning. An attempt was made to restart the vehicle, but the engine failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where a diagnostic inspection revealed a lifter failure, and the engine was replaced. The contact stated that three months after the engine replacement, the engine was leaking oil and the transmission failed. The failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ID

11770937

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

Mileage

160,000 mi

Cylinders were misfiring and lifters had to be completely replaced along with pushrod and camshaft. This cost me $7018.64 to fix out of my own pocket. Received the vehicle back, and there was a slight ticking sound that was new to me. Scheduled to bring the vehicle back in and 2 days before I was scheduled to go in and approximately 1000 miles later, the engine completely shut down while I was driving on the road. As I did not know what was going on and I had my newborn baby in the car, I was panicking as I was trying to figure out how to pull over to get out of traffic. Turns out there are now metal shavings in my engine according to the GM certified dealership that I had the work on the lifters done at in the first place. They are now quoting me an additional $13,000+ dollars to completely replace the engine with one that is not even brand new. Highly disappointed and concerned for my family's and I's safety while driving this vehicle. Also, not happy that I apparently need to spend $20K on a vehicle that I have only brought to certified GM dealerships for work on and I have kept in excellent condition.

NHTSA ID

11769371

Incident

Aug 10, 2026

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

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

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

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

11763980

Incident

Dec 20, 2025

This vehicle has been towed approximately 7 times in the last year. For all instances in [XXX] in 2025, the dealership told us there were no issues. The completed the recall on the L87 and it 'passed'. The dealership then updated the oil to 40W and sent us on our way. We continued to have issues, but it was deemed to be the transmission. We had that relaced earlier this year. On XXX the car shut off again while driving on a highway. Upon this dealership taking a look at it, they have determined the engine has locked up for reasons under the L87 recall. I wanted to note this with the NHTSA as the recall was completed, but later found that it was not actually corrected through their guidance within the recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11761264

Incident

Aug 22, 2026

Another 6.2 Liter Engine Failure in a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban that is not included in the original Recall affecting 2021 Suburbans Starting March of 2021 this on was purchased in Dec. of 2020.

NHTSA ID

11760677

Incident

Aug 29, 2026

My engine was initially part of the 6.2L v8 engine recall. The dealer cleared my engine after inspecting it and told me my engine was not affected, but that I had to use corvette engine oil. After my 3rd corvette engine oil change, and two days after having it serviced and getting an all clear inspection from Chevy, the engine blew while going 70 mph on the highway. No warning lights. I looked down at my dash and there was a gray box that said “engine oil pressure low, turn engine off”. By the time I checked my side and rear view mirror I could see clouds of white smoke and other cars flashing me with their headlamps. I was traveling by myself with 4 small children through a very bad part of town. It was frightening. Thankfully we were able to safely pull over and have it towed to Chevy where they confirmed that the engine was blown. Chevy gave me a false sense of security when they told me my engine was not affected. I would never have put my family at risk had I known it was a ticking time bomb.

NHTSA ID

11760200

Incident

Aug 8, 2026

While coming to a stop on a highway, the engine started running very rough, shaking the vehicle constantly, and the check engine light came on and the ESC failure notice came on. We brought it to an independent repair shop that ran diagnostics and recommended the vehicle needed a new engine and should not be driven for risk of it seizing. They introduced us to the fact that there was a GM recall on this particular engine and production year. Upon taking the vehicle to the local Chevy dealership, they suggested that we first repair a failed cylinder lifter, but that there may also be crankshaft issues, but that it would be costly to determine this for sure and that it was likely more cost effective to replace the whole engine than approach the repairs in order. They also confirmed our VIN was not part of the recall so the replacement engine would be our responsibility. We had the engine replaced back at the independent repair shop. Given the recent recall expansion, I wanted to submit this, as it seems that a broader number of vehicles within the production years of this engine should be considered included in this recall.

NHTSA ID

11759283

Incident

Jul 23, 2026

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