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2021 Chevrolet Suburban

The Verdict

55 Proceed with Caution

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban has 199 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (122 complaints) and transmission (28 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 55/100, it earns a "Proceed with Caution" rating. If you're shopping for a Chevrolet Suburban, consider the 2025 model year which has 84% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2025 has 84% fewer complaints

View the 2025 Chevrolet Suburban dashboard →

55

Klunk Score: Proceed with Caution

About average for complaint volume. Research the specific issues before buying.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 2

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

20V735000 SEATS

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles. During general assembly, a repair involved removal of one or both front seats. ...

Risk

If an occupied front seat has loose or missing attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seated occupant.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may co...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

20V792000 SEAT BELTS

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3...

Risk

If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began J...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
200012092225010
20011302245113236
2002100197389526
200384901013122
200480921615122
20055130982624
20062891423
200713162487421
20081056155433
200959274242
20212281912228
2022191127319
202325512809
2024623304
2025715162

By Category

Engine
122
Transmission
28
Body
22
Electrical
19
Brakes
8

By Severity

1
103
2
89
4
7

Worst Problems

Complaints

Engine 1

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.

13d ago
Engine 2

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.

20d ago
Engine 2

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.

1mo ago
Engine 1

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.

1mo ago
Electrical 1

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.

1mo ago
Engine 1

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.

1mo ago
Electrical 2

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.

1mo ago
Engine 1

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

1mo ago
Engine 2

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.

1mo ago
Engine 2

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

1mo ago
Transmission 1

The transmission shutter and hesitates while downshifting.

1mo ago
Engine 2

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)

1mo ago
Engine 1

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.

1mo ago
Engine 1

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.

1mo ago
Engine 1

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.

2mo ago
Engine 2

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road, and the vehicle was turned off. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with fuel pump power control module failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact discovered a recall for the issue; NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V739000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V739000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer opened a case for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

2mo ago
Engine 1

Fuel pulp module failed on highway. Was told there is not a recall on my VIN even tho online there is a recall and known issue for the part

2mo ago
Engine 1

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.

2mo ago
Engine 2

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving on the highway, the vehicle experienced reduced engine power and failed to exceed 30 MPH. A message pertaining to the deceleration was displayed. The following Monday, the vehicle failed to exceed 35 MPH, and a friend followed the contact while driving to the dealer. The dealer recommended a fuel filter replacement. The contact declined the repair because the fuel filter life was at 47%; however, the dealer proceeded with the replacement. The contact provided the diagnostic trouble code to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was associated with TSB Numbers: 20-NA-197 and 18-NA 361. The contact then advised the dealer of the TSBs, and the dealer determined that the fuel pump module and fuel tank module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the second-row passenger’s side seat belt buckle failed and was replaced under an extended warranty, although the part was previously replaced under a recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failures several times, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 92,709.

3mo ago
Engine 2

Pulled out in 4 lane traffic. Got almost to 55mph. Vehicle lost all power, slowed down and auto shifted to neutral, vehicle stopped and went to park. Vehicle would not start back nor transition to Neutral to remove from highways. 2021 suburban with just 35,000miles. Shut down a lane on a 55mph highway. Code P129F

3mo ago

199 total

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