2021 Chevrolet Suburban
Common Problems
Ranked from 51 federal NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
20 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Fuel Pump Power Control Module Failure
9complaintsHigh severityFuel systemThe fuel pump power control module fails, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly.
$500–$1,100est. fuel pump replacement · 2–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 21V739000
- 2
Engine Misfire and Loss of Power
7complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine misfires and loses power unexpectedly, often accompanied by a check engine light.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V274000
- 3
Engine Misfire Due to Lifter Failure
6complaintsHigh severityEngineMultiple instances of engine misfires and loss of power due to failed lifters, requiring engine replacement.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V274000
- 4
Hard Shifting Issues in Transmission
3complaintsMedium severityTransmissionTransmission shifts poorly and jerks during acceleration, posing a safety risk during driving.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 24V797000
- 5
Headlight Adjuster Failure
3complaintsHigh severityOtherThe headlight adjuster fails, causing headlights to point downwards and reducing nighttime visibility.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Check Engine Light and Malfunctioning Sensors
2complaintsMedium severityEngineCheck engine light illuminates with multiple error codes indicating malfunctioning sensors and systems.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V274000
- 7
Cracking of Cast Aluminum Rims
2complaintsMedium severityOtherCast aluminum rims crack frequently, causing rapid tire deflation and potential loss of vehicle control.
- 8
Engine Failure Due to Known Defect in Lifters
2complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine failed due to a known defect in the lifters, leading to internal engine damage and the need for a new engine.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V274000
- 9
Engine Oil Consumption Issues
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine consumed an excessive amount of oil, leading to low oil levels and potential engine failure.
$400–$4,500est. oil-consumption repair (rings/pcv) · 3–14 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V274000
- 10
Engine Overheating and Cooling System Malfunction
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine overheated and the cooling system malfunctioned, leading to engine failure and the need for replacement.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V274000
- 11
Engine Seizure and Complete Failure
2complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine seizure and complete failure, leading to loss of power and inability to restart the vehicle.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V274000
- 12
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe vehicle stalls at idle when the stop-start system engages, causing loss of power and difficulty restarting.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V274000
- 13
Engine Stalling and Loss of Power During Operation
2complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine suddenly stalled and lost power during operation, leaving the vehicle inoperable and requiring immediate towing.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V274000
- 14
Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunction
2complaintsHigh severityOtherForward collision avoidance system malfunctions cause the vehicle to brake suddenly without warning, increasing the risk of accidents.
- 15
Fuel Pump Failure
2complaintsMedium severityFuel systemFuel pump failure leading to loss of propulsion and inability to start the vehicle.
$500–$1,100est. fuel pump replacement · 2–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 21V739000
- 16
Seat Belt Recall Issues
2complaintsMedium severityOtherSeat belt recall issues prevent the proper functioning of the seat belts, posing a safety risk.
- 17
Steering Difficulties Due to Wiring Harness Failure
2complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe engine wiring harness failed, causing the steering to become difficult to turn and reducing power steering assist.
$300–$1,500est. wiring harness repair · 2–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 21V455000
- 18
Transmission Failure and Shifting Issues
2complaintsMedium severityTransmissionTransmission failure leading to shifting issues and loss of power, requiring transmission repair or replacement.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 24V797000
- 19
Transmission Failure Resulting in Jerking and Shifting Issues
2complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission failed, leading to jerking and shifting issues, including loss of power and difficulty in reversing.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 24V797000
- 20
Transmission Valve Body Control Valve Failure
2complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission valve body control valve failed, causing erratic and unreliable shifting behavior.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 24V797000
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.