8.7

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$4,170
Average Mileage:
143,950 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace engine (3 reports)
  2. not sure (2 reports)
  3. since i did the change it has run good (1 reports)
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problem #6

Oct 042017

Suburban LTZ 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150,000 miles

After reading all the other reports, I realize three things now , 1- that I am not alone, 2- that Chevy knew there was a problem with the engine in the 2008 and has done nothing to compensate their customers (us) and finally, that I will never purchase another GM product again!.. (damn..!!! because the 2018 Tahoe RST was on my Christmas list) OH WELL.

Back in October of 2017 I was taking my daughter to school and when we reached , my oil pressure monitor just out of no where came on, the needle took a nose dive and my vehicle started to stall (driving really slow), check engine light came on and read turn off vehicle. Long story short- had it towed from in front of her school in front of all of her friends- over 50 miles from the school to the nearest dealership, missed work etc..

Mechanic said I needed entire engine replaced and would cost over $6,000.00 (not to include water pump). No warranty and my insurance company would not cover because the problem wasn't caused by an accident. I ended up replacing the entire engine for 5 grand and change because my parts were still in good shape. I don't care what it costs GM, they should do right by their customers and recall the CAMSHAFTS and/or warranty any other KNOWN defect in the engine. Dealerships would rather not take apart the engine to repair it, so they force you to buy a rebuild.

#classactionlawsuit

- David W., Atlanta, US

problem #5

Apr 132018

Suburban LX 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 145,132 miles

My motor started losing oil pressure and the code came up as lifter 6. I bought this used so I have no warranty. I have several different opinions. I think its gonna need a new motor. This seems to be common with 2008. I don't understand why gm had not recalled them and fixed the problem. I am the 3rd owner and it has been well maintained. I have all the paperwork on it. I'm very upset about this. I have a 1999 suburban with 250,000 on it and runs great. Why did they change the motor for the 2008. Had I known this before I bought it I wouldn't have.

- Tracy M., Madison Heights, US

problem #4

Mar 092016

Suburban Z71 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,000 miles

I wrote my gripe in the reported problem. I am being told to change the engine at a cost of $5,500. You would never expect to change an engine on a Suburban with less than 100,000 miles.

- Tom S., Madison, CT, US

problem #3

Jan 152015

Suburban

  • Automatic transmission
  • 123,000 miles

I bought this vehicle in the summer of 2013. After around six months, I had my first indication that there was an issue with my vehicle. But then it seemed to just go away. I have had continued issues with the battery draining while just sitting so I had a new battery installed, now I am having the same issues with the battery and the oil pressure dropping at the same time. My mechanic told me would change the oil pressure switch but it may not be the actual problem. He was right, on my way home after picking it up the oil pressure bottomed out. He said he now believes this is an electrical issue. So maybe that is tied into the battery drainage. Or as another person with the same issue said, it has something to do with computer in the vehicle.

Any suggestions? I have loss faith in the dealership and don't trust them at all!

Update from Feb 13, 2015: An automotive electrical specialist asked me what oil filter was in my vehicle. I wasn't sure so I called the place that does my oil changes. They told the brand (not sure if I should name the brand). The gentleman said to buy either AC Delco premium or a high quality premium filter (I bought a Boush). I also changed to a synthetic blend oil. The electrical has no been an issue since I drive it almost every day in the winter.

- Sara S., Marion, IA, US

problem #2

Nov 122014

Suburban Z71 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 185,000 miles

This is about the 10th issue with this power train. I have spent at least $12,000 on post warranty engine repairs and still having major problems.

- Michael L., Houston, TX, US

problem #1

Jan 092014

Suburban LTZ 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 163,464 miles

Have been told by other suburban owners that the engine problem is well known by GMC and they aren't acknowledging the source in the engine problem. Apparently the computer system programs the engine to drop from 8 cylinders to 6 then to 4 as you drive. The problem is when the computer tells the cylinders to quit they are too hot and eventually they burn up, ruining gaskets ect... Then eventually your engine blows and your screwed. I would like GM to take responsibility to recall the engines and fix or computer system fixes as well.

My truck has had all maintain acne and service done by Chevy or GM Dealerships

- Susan G., Hot SPRINGS, AR, US