8.3

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$3,480
Average Mileage:
81,700 miles
Total Complaints:
35 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (23 reports)
  2. replace engine. stop afm production (5 reports)
  3. replace pistons and rings (3 reports)
  4. replace engine (1 reports)
  5. replace oil pressure sensor (1 reports)
  6. replaced engine (1 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Chevrolet dealer.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #15

Oct 102010

Suburban Z71 5.6L LV8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,000 miles

Oil Consuption issues are all over the Internet and market in 2008 Suburbans. We bought ours new and have taken it to Chevy dealers for all service and scheduled maintenance and continue to do so. Around 54,000 miles we started to see excessive oil consumption. Chevy has had service bulletin after service bulletin concerning this issue. Band-Aid after band-aid by GM has not fixed the problem. Now we deal with Stabilitrak and Traction Control warning lights, engine lights, low oil pressure warnings, and fouled plugs all tied to this unidentified unresolved issue on a regular basis . As always, GM puts another band aid on the problem, tells me that its normal for this engine to burn a quart of oil every "2,000" miles (eventhough its really 1,200) and all these issues are not tied together and sends me on my way. Now at 127,000, its out of warranty and I'm starting to get the feeling I'm out of luck.

- cincoseis87, Louisville, KY, US

problem #14

Sep 162013

Suburban LTZ 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 115,500 miles

We purchased our 2008 Suburban in January 2011 after an accident in which we totaled our 2003 Suburban. We knew that there was excessive oil consumption but kept checking it and filled it as necessary. In May 2012, we experienced lights flashing all over the dash on a trip. The message center was telling us that we needed to check the traction control system. Further investigation revealed that there were multiple misfires detected. It cleared but we discovered that Chevrolet had just come out with the bulletin regarding misfires caused by an incorrect valve cover that impacted number 1 & 7 cylinders. Took the vehicle to the local Chevy dealer who changed the valve cover and spark plugs for #1 & #7 under warranty. The car had approximately 95,000 miles at the time and service records call for complete spark plug change at 100,000 miles. I changed the remaining 6 plugs. Now in September 2013, misfires were detected once again and upon looking at cylinder #1 spark plug, it was completely fouled causing the misfire. The plug only had approximately 20,000 miles on it. Would really like to know the cause of the oil consumption which is creating the misfire on the #1 cylinder. Sounds like there was an engineer not much smarter than a fifth grader!

- Jim D., Lafayette, NJ, US

problem #13

Nov 272012

Suburban LS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,000 miles

I took my truck into a Chevrolet Body Shop following an accident where someone ran a stop sign and damaged the front right area of my truck (outside only, no damage under the hood). When I picked my truck up after it was all fixed and drove about 10 miles, the "No oil pressure" light came on. I stopped within about 3 minutes at my dad's house; and when my dad checked my oil, it was bone dry. He added oil immediately, and I got an oil change the next day. I called the body shop back (thinking they emptied the engine oil for some reason), and was told that they did not work on anything but the body of the truck. They rechecked the truck for me and found nothing wrong. It had been about 4,500 miles since my last oil change, so I was definitely overdue, but the engine should not have been completely empty.

- adrienne2, El Paso, TX, US

problem #12

Jun 032013

Suburban LS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,361 miles

My latest terrible experience with my 2008 Chevy Suburban engine began with constant rough idling. I noticed my truck was running pretty rough for a couple of months, and when it almost died at a red light, I decided to take it in the next day. At almost the exact same moment I decided that, my engine light came on. When I took the truck in and explained the problems to the service department, they asked me if I was burning a lot of oil. I told him that I my engine was completely empty of oil a few months back after taking my truck into the body shop for a separate issue (see other complaint).

They ran a diagnostic on the engine and concluded "Misfire cylinder 7. Spark plug fouled. Needs updated valve cover as per bulletin 12-06-01-001B." I had them replace the cylinder, but declined the valve cover since I am no longer covered under warranty and couldn't afford that repair (estimated $500 plus labor). As I was about to leave, my service guy decided to make sure they checked my oil, only to find that they hadn't and I was still a quart low. He noticed that it has been less than 1,000 miles since my last oil change. He added the oil, and recommended that I make sure to use a synthetic blend when I get my oil changed. I questioned him about all the complaints I had seen on this engine, and he said that since it is not a safety issue, GM most likely will not recall the engine or any other part associated with this problem.

- adrienne2, El Paso, TX, US

problem #11

Nov 272012

Suburban LTZ 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

Like so many have said before. 2008 suburban, noticed oil comsumption, 1 quart every 2500 miles. Took back to dealer, service manager real smart ???, said GM is aware of problem, 1 quart every 2000 miles is acceptible, I said that's a bunch of crap. He showed me the bulltin. I walked out.Made a trip of 1500 miles used 2-quarts of oil. went back to dealer after 3 hrs waiting, they said the problem was fixed. T asked what did you do?. They said the valve covers were changed,. well the car only uses min oil now, provided I don't drive highway speeds for any length of time. when I do the oil comsumption is back. The car is out of warranty, and I am on my own. Will never go back to the dealership, nor buy another GM product

- krickhahnmn, Effie, MN, US

problem #10

Jun 012009

Suburban LT 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 26,000 miles

We bought the car used in 2009 with about 24,000 miles on it. We always brought the car to the Chevrolet Dealership Service Center for any repairs and oil changes. For 3.5 years we have been complaining about a "ticking" noise and the truck burning through oil so fast. I was told repeatedly that these big suburbans just use a lot of oil and that it was normal. Finally, June 2012, a friend told us about an oil consumption problem he had read about. We looked it up on the internet and found that Chevrolet had released a bulletin about this problem. I would be kind in saying that my husband and I were very upset that WE had to find this report on our own and Chevrolet Service Center didn't tell us (enter bad words here). So, in summer 2012 when I went in for another oil change, I brought up the bulletin release and asked if they could fix the problem. They said they had to run an oil consumption test first. Fine. Went back in a month or so later and had the oil changed again. I asked what the oil consumption test results were. They said "oh, we didn't know you wanted the oil consumption test run". They didn't have ANY notes about my complaints or request to fix the problem. Fine again. I asked them to run the test again, November 2012. I brought the suburban back again in early January 2013. They finished the test and said yes, it had an oil consumption problem. However, my power train warranty was up in November 2012 so the entire repair would NOT be covered. They offered to cover 60% but my cost would still be 40%, about $2,000 out of pocket. I've also read that even with the repairs they are offering (to replace the oil pan gasket and piston assembly) this still won't fix the problem as it is with the entire AFM engine/lifter problem and the entire engine needs to be replaced. I filed a complaint and have spoken with a local District Manager and he says the 60% offer was fair and they still won't cover the whole cost, even though we have been complaining about this problem for years, well before our power train warranty expired. I should mention we only have 56,000 miles on the truck. My husband is ready to get rid of the vehicle and never buy GM again. I'm ready to picket outside the dealership to warn people against GM vehicles because nobody warned me when we bought ours. We have had multiple problems with the vehicle besides just this oil consumption/lifter money sucking headache. Where is the class action lawsuit?

- jako, Petaluma, CA, US

problem #9

Dec 222012

Suburban 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

I am driving my family to Aunts house to celebrate Christmas and check engine light comes on. I exit turnpike and "low oil pressure stop engine" flashes on instrument panel. I pull over and check oil, it doesn't register on dipstick. I have not even put 3000 miles on vehicle since purchase and Chevrolet did an oil change before I purchased. I added 4 quarts to bring up to normal level. The next chance I got I took in to service department only to learn they were having company Christmas party and I would have to wait at least 2 hrs to talk to someone. I took it to my normal oil change place and they told me it would be hard for them to see that 2008 using that much oil in only about 2800 miles. They assumed it wasn't full when I purchased. So now I have gone back to Chevrolet service center and told manager my story. He wants to perform an oil consumption test and told me to bring in after 1500 miles. He also said it is covered under factory warranty to make me feel better. Now that I have read all of these similar complaints I am really curious to see what happens next. Seems it may be a recurring problem. Too bad this was the nicest vehicle I have ever owned and I drove an 01 suburban for years to save up enough to get ahead on this one. The 01 never burned any oil and had almost 200000 miles when I traded it in. I think I made a bad choice

Update from Dec 3, 2013: I took to Chevy service and threw a small fit

They said it was still under warranty and they would fix the problem for sure. They did stop the oil consumption but now 6 months later it leaks oil. I have to put cardboard under it to catch 6" oil stain that will appear. I am not at all happy and am going to pay them another visit.

- sirkcut, Topeka, KS, US

problem #8

May 012010

Suburban LS 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles

2008 Suburban is going through excessive amounts of oil. Plan on a visit tomorrow to my local Chevy dealership about the problem.

- Francis C., Latrobe, PA, US

problem #7

Feb 012012

Suburban LTZ 5.3L. V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,288 miles

Bought the Chevy Suburban LTZ in September used from Chevrolet Dealership in Northridge ,CA. I bought a warranty , but was told the Chevrolet premium warranty was not available becuase of the aftermarket rims on the vehicle. Took it to my local mechanic to have an oil change when it was due and the dipstick showed no oil on it. The mechanic did the oil change and told me I should be good. Thought it was strange since dealership stated they did an oil change before selling the vehicle. Just took it in for the next oil change when it was due. Again, the dipstick showed no oil? Very concerned!! Called dealership and dealership stated this is normal, and I shouldn't be concerned? Starting to realize why the premium warranty was not available for this vehicle!!

- Scott F., Camarillo, CA, US

problem #6

Mar 152012

Suburban 5.3L Lite V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

The engine oil light and the check engine light came on. The oil pressure gauge wouldn't go over 30. Mechanic said the lifter was stuck in the down position but had to pull the head to get to it. He replaced all the lifters. He also said that engine had a history of slugging up. He pulled the oil pan and cleaned the engine. He said engine was clean. I was in the mountains of colorado when light came on again. Try to find a place to pull over when you are in that situation. Replaced the oil sending unit. Seemed to help. One month later same problem. Mechanic said oil pressure at the bottom of the engine is good but oil isn't getting on the top of the engine. Apparently their is a oil screen on top that is clogged. I'm done with this vehicle and Chevrolet. Obviously Chevrolet is only interested in making excuses than to fix their defective vehicles.

- R M., Edmond, OK, US

problem #5

Aug 312011

Suburban LTZ 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

FYI to all of you. My vehicle- 2008 Suburban with the 5.3 Flex Fuel engine. This vehicle has been fantastic until now. I have gone through all of the steps GM has asked me to go through, via their service manual. I have completed all of the oil tests, had some work done, switched from full synthetic oil to conventional oil (dealer suggestion), took vehicle every time the vehicle needed oil added, dealer changed oil with GM conventional oil, etc. I have talked to 2 different people at GM and my local dealer. I still have an oil consumption problem. The vehicle now has around 64,000 miles. Get the picture? I have no other option and neither do you. They will not fix the engine. I was told by GM that it is normal consumption for this engine (2009 and below- does this mean they have fixed the problem from years 2009 +) to use 1 quart every 2000 miles and 1.5 quarts every 3000 miles. This is unacceptable! We need to band together and file a law suit. This is going to be our only solution. So, I will have to be sure and pack oil with me when I take the family on a vacation, etc. Does anyone have any other suggestions? Thank you.

- Rick J., Effingham, IL, US

problem #4

May 022011

Suburban LTZ 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

I bought this SUV used. at approx. 70k miles, I had an engine light on and hesitation. I brought it to the dealer and said my plugs are done. Apparently, they also diagnosed it to have an "excessive oil consumption" (even though I didn't realize I have that problem and didn't complain about it). They ended up changing the valve cover. So all that happened is connected somehow and after all said and done, I had to pay for something that is not covered under warranty and if the plugs keep on getting fouled because of the oil issue, the whole maintenance of this SUV just got even more expensive...and without any solution or help from the manufacturer.

- kosa007, Jersey City, NJ, US

problem #3

May 102011

Suburban LTZ

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

My 2008 Chevy is consuming 2 1/2 quarts of oil every 35000 miles. The dealership is saying that this is within GM's specs and there is nothing they can do. At this point they want me to bring the car in every 2000 miles for the next 20,000 miles to document the oil consumption, not sure what this will do, but it is a royal pain!!

- Amy C., Charleston, SC, US

problem #2

Nov 272011

Suburban LS 5.3L Flex

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,000 miles

I have been tracking excessive oil consumption in my 2008 Suburban for the past several months. Two days ago I got a message "Low oil pressure, shut off engine" and trouble code p0521. When I spoke with the service advisor at my dealership I was told I might need to replace the oil pressure sending switch and that it was not covered under the power train warranty. Cost over 200.00 and the service advisor wasn't sure if that included the part. I told the advisor that from what I was reading on the internet there seemed to be a lot of similar complaints. He told me he was aware of issues only involving 2007 vehicles. Then I was told that they would have to monitor my oil consumption (I guess my facts/figures weren't acceptable), and they would go from there. I have also seen multiple GM bulletins with a variety of related engine issues, why no recalls? How many reports/complaints does GM need to start recalling vehicles with these engine/oil problems?

- cstrattonsr, Duxbury, MA, US

problem #1

Aug 062010

Suburban LT 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

I purchased my 2008 Chevy Suburban LT March 2008. I was taking my wife out on our anniversary when my engine light came on (90 Miles from home). I pulled over checked the oil and there was none showing on the stick, I added 2 qts then and another 2 qts once I got home the next day. I am currently doing my second oil consumption test as the first fix did not work. The Dealership is stating the GM is not letting them know how to fix the problem. They are only giving them steps to follow after each oil consumption test. This is extremely frustrating since I gave away a 1999 Suburban w/260k miles that did not use one drop of oil. I don't regret giving my 1999 away but I do regret purchasing my 2008 Suburban.

- Ernest B., Roanoke Rapids, NC, US