10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
8,454 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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problem #45

Jul 262025

Suburban

  • miles
On 7/26/2025 approximately 8:30pm (PDT), driving south on CA I-880 in third lane from right traveling at approximately 50mph when vehicle engine died and went into neutral gear. Dashboard alert indicated to press start engine button, but would not start. Managed to maneuver vehicle to right shoulder amid rush hour traffic. Fortunately, a CA Highway Patrol officer saw us and was able to render assistance. Vehicle would not restart or go into neutral after several attempts to restart engine. Special tow vehicle was called to give us a tow home. This incident happened after we received a Chevrolet recall notice back in May or June about the engine and did take the vehicle in for service on 6/10/2025. The dealership service recommended using higher weight oil and it would help mitigate any potential issue. Obviously, this was not the case. We were very fortunate to avoid any serious injury or damage on the highway due to engine failure.

- South San Francisco, CA, USA

problem #44

Jul 132024

Suburban

  • miles
Vehicle lost power, debris in cylinder from internal damage, crank case leaking air, oil leaking into cylinder, P0300, P0308, and P050D

- Mesa, AZ, USA

problem #43

Dec 252024

Suburban

  • 107,000 miles
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that the vehicle was listed under the application TURO. The contact stated that a person rented the vehicle and informed him there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The contact test drove the vehicle, and while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the lifters, push rods, and two valves, and cylinder 6 had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. The independent mechanic stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil and in cylinder #1, the lifters had failed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic and was diagnosed with oil intrusion into the bank covers and piston damages. The vehicle was repaired for the most recent failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

- Drexel Hill, PA, USA

problem #42

Jun 032025

Suburban

  • miles
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request" -My engine started to make a loud ticking and knocking noise. I brought it into Good Chevrolet in Renton WA 6/3/25 where they told me there is an -??internal engine failure due to failure of the lifters.-?? When I asked the dealership for the repair estimate so I could possibly have a second opinion, they said they were -??not comfortable giving their information and the problem in writing.-?? They refuse to give us any documentation but were insistent that even though NHTSA has issued a mass recall for this exact same issue on the larger engine in my same year of vehicle, -??it-??s unrelated.-?? How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -The engine is failing and had we not brought it in for diagnosis, I could have had full engine failure while driving with my children and been in a catastrophic crash. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? -Yes the problem can be reproduced and has been confirmed by Good Chevrolet. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others" -Good Chevrolet inspected the engine but refuse to give us documentation though they had us file a claim with GM (I will attach the claim email) Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? -I noticed a small noise after I had fans replaced in September but the noise gradually increased so it was brought in for diagnostics. There were no warning lamps or messages.

- Bremerton , WA, USA

problem #41

May 172025

Suburban

  • 23,906 miles
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while pulling out of a parking spot in a parking lot, the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and observed a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 23,906.

- Lafayette, IN, USA

problem #40

Apr 262025

Suburban

  • miles
I am contacting you regarding a critical engine failure in my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban LT, which is equipped with the L84 5.3L V8 engine. Due to a valve lifter malfunction, the engine suffered catastrophic failure, with metal shavings found throughout the oil system and internal components. I-??ve been quoted approximately $14,000 by the dealership/service center to replace the engine, and the vehicle is currently awaiting repair. I was driving the car with my son when the vehicle began to shake, make ticking noises, and the check engine light went on. I pulled off the road and several error codes popped up including "Service ESC" and "Service Traction Control." This is the second time that a lifter valve has failed on this vehicle. In 2022, the lifter valves on the left side were replaced under warranty. It appears one of the left side lifter valves failed again, this time causing significant cam shaft damage and damaging the engine. Given that this issue appears to be affecting many owners with similar engine configurations, I would appreciate your assistance in investigating this matter to see if these issues stem from possible manufacturing defects which could result in engine damage or failure. I reached out to General Motors to ask if I qualify for extended coverage or any known service programs to address this situation and they told me I should talk to the dealership because they are unwilling to offer assistance. I've attached receipts for repair of the lifter valve in 2022 and the current diagnosis of engine failure, cam shaft damage, and lifter valve failure. This vehicle is only four years old and was regularly serviced by General Motors. It is available for further inspection. Please let me know what other documentation or information you require. Thank you.

- Elizabeth, CO, USA

problem #39

May 052025

Suburban

  • miles
My 2021 Chevy Suburban Premier suffered a sudden internal engine failure due to collapsed lifters and a damaged camshaft. The vehicle began experiencing performance issues, including rough idling and loss of power. After taking it to a certified mechanic, it was confirmed that the lifters failed and caused significant damage to the camshaft, requiring a major repair that I had to pay for out of pocket. This issue is widely known among GM vehicles with the 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines and has been the subject of numerous technical service bulletins and customer complaints. While my vehicle is not included in the current recall (NHTSA ID: 25V-274), which covers crankshaft and rod failures on L87 6.2L engines, this lifter failure is part of the same engine family and indicative of a broader defect in GM-??s V8 engine platforms from 2021-?"2024. I-??m requesting that NHTSA investigate these lifter and camshaft failures as a safety and reliability concern, and urge GM to expand the existing recall to include these known engine issues. Many customers, including myself, are incurring thousands of dollars in repair costs for problems that are clearly tied to manufacturer defects.

- Palm City, FL, USA

problem #38

Feb 282025

Suburban

  • miles
[XXX] Vehicle had multiple engine lights on I immediately called dealership Battery and injectors replaced. [XXX] check engine lights on again Vehicle had an intake lifter break and damage the camshaft and caused cylinder misfire. Vehicle was said to be repaired. [XXX] Vehicle had total loss of forward power while driving causing me to drift to safety (Hazard)before being restarted lost the ability to be placed in reverse and limp mode took over. Vehicle was towed to Jim Shorkey Chevrolet in Bakerstown Friday April 11th 2025. (Unsafe to drive) Vehicle is in their possession with no replacement vehicle. I am waiting on a part that is not available and unknown when it will be available. Part unavailable Ten speed valve body part #24065354. Contacted service manager no calls back. Contacted Chevrolet Customer Care number [XXX]. Customer care claims the dealership does not respond to their requests. Currently without a vehicle a whole month. Service Advisor continues to promise courtesy vehicle with no follow thru. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Mars, PA, USA

problem #37

Apr 072025

Suburban

  • miles
My vehicle went from completely fine to having a loud knocking noise while I was driving 65 mph down the 4 lane highway. My vehicle lost power and slowed down. I was 50 miles from a dealership. They had to replace my entire engine and crankshaft. It cost over $12,000. This exact issue has been recalled by GM, but websites say my vehicle is not covered. The dealership had my vehicle for a month doing repairs.

- Cushing, IA, USA

problem #36

May 012025

Suburban

  • miles
The lifters in the engine are failing

- Mentor , OH, USA

problem #35

Aug 192024

Suburban

  • miles
While at stoplight, check engine light came on and car starting shaking and could feel it hard shifting between gears. Heard banging noise from engine when trying to drive. Took it to the dealership and problems with camshaft and rod.

- Murrells Inlet, SC, USA

problem #34

Aug 022023

Suburban

  • miles
Safety Defect Complaint Vehicle Equipment: - Anti-lock Brakes - Full Front Air Bag - Passive Disabling Anti-theft Device Introduction: I am the registered owner and primary driver of a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. I am filing this safety complaint regarding a serious system malfunction that occurred during an accident in 2023, resulting in injury to myself and my daughter. As a responsible vehicle owner who has maintained this vehicle according to manufacturer specifications since its purchase on July 21, 2021, I am deeply concerned about the safety implications of this incident. Safety Defect Description: In 2023, my vehicle experienced a critical system malfunction during a collision incident. While the vehicle was not in a rollover situation, the system incorrectly detected one, resulting in: 1. Complete vehicle shutdown during active accident conditions 2. All airbags deployed simultaneously 3. False rollover detection despite vehicle only experiencing vertical displacement when something from another vehicle hit the front of my vehicle Injuries and Medical Response: - Driver (self) sustained mild concussion requiring emergency transport - Daughter required emergency medical evaluation - Both occupants transported via ambulance to hospital Insurance Claim Impact: - MetLife denied accident and hospital claims - Denial basis: Absence of traffic citation - Virginia State Police report indicated no-fault accident - This denial has created significant financial hardship due to medical expenses and vehicle repairs - The vehicle's system malfunction has contributed to difficulties in proving accident circumstances Ongoing Vehicle Issues Post-Incident: - Persistent power loss issues, Multiple alignments required, Compromised driving dynamics and handling, vehicle does not track correctly despite repairs Safety Concern: The vehicle's incorrect rollover detection and subsequent complete shutdown during an active accident scenario presents a serious safety risk.

- Moseley, VA, USA

problem #33

Apr 252025

Suburban

  • 104,000 miles
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle was shaking and jumping and shut down unintendedly. The check engine warning light illuminated and was flashing. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that there was catastrophic engine failure and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed there was no recall on the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

- Barrington, RI, USA

problem #32

Apr 302025

Suburban

  • miles
Worried about the safety of driving this vehicle due to the numerous reports of the engine seizing while driving. I have read about there being hundreds of thousand vehicles with the same engine having this problem. Thanks

- Aromas, CA, USA

problem #31

Jan 032025

Suburban

  • miles
While attempting to regain entry onto a major highway, our engine had a major system failure and the entire vehicle started to violently shake. We were able to reexit the highway and get to safety. We were then able to slowly drive it to a service station where it was determined after two days, that it was a major engine failure and would need a full engine rebuild. We were in Missouri when this occurred, driving back from Christmas vacation with family, on our way home to Texas. We had to find a hotel and stay two nights there, then had to rent two cars- as there were no cars available large enough for our family of 6 and our luggage, to then drive back to Houston. We then had to have our car transported down here to our mechanic. The repairs that our mechanic completed: BTR Gen V DOD/AFM Conversion Kit $1301.75 Full synthetic oil change and oil filter $110 Prestone Dex-Cool 50/50 prediluted antifreeze/coolant 2@$33.23 ACDelco GM Original Spark Plug 8@$20.32 GM Spark Plug Wire Set $142.44 GM Camshaft $200.04 Cloyes Engine Timing chain tensioner $44.54 Standard Ignition Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor $47.85 Head Gasket, R&R $5010 Labor Oil Change $110 Labor Computer Programming $2000 Labor (reprogramming needed to shut off the Fuel Economy Management system that caused the camshaft to ultimately break) Total $9434.29 We were without our car for 4 months while this repair was conducted and the subsequent computer programming was problem solved. We learned there was a case already with your department, but waited to file out claim until we had the full repair and receipt from our mechanic. We could not afford to just sell the car as we would have gotten so little for it. Thus we didn't have much of a choice but to get it repaired. This week we are hearing of the massive recall of many GM vehicles, ours included, for this same problem. We are hopeful that we will get some sort of financial return to cover what we paid to fix their issue.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #30

Apr 232025

Suburban

  • miles
While driving cross-country, my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban Z71 (5.3L V8) experienced several progressive symptoms leading to total engine failure. For months prior, there was a noticeable coolant smell from the engine bay despite no visible leaks. Multiple Chevy/GM shops noted the smell, and pressure tests showed no external coolant loss. On the trip to Colorado, the engine ran normally, but at idle, the temperature would steadily rise to ~235?F before fans would engage. Upon arrival in Colorado, I found the coolant reservoir was low again. The final time the vehicle started, it shook violently at idle for nearly a minute before settling. The next day, it would crank but failed to start, and has not started since. There were no check engine lights or warning messages at the time of failure. A GM dealership has since diagnosed the engine as -??locked up-?? and quoted a $14,500 remanufactured engine replacement (GM Part 19420610). I-??ve been told my engine is the 5.3L V8 (RPO L84), which is currently not included in GM-??s safety recall 25V-274 affecting similar failures in the 6.2L L87 engines. Right before this occurred, I had a NC inspection (passed), a fresh oil change the same day, and had coolant added. This failure happened without warning, while traveling out of state, leaving the vehicle stranded in a garage and requiring towing. The situation presented a safety risk and significant financial burden. Given the similarities in symptoms and failure type to the recalled L87 engines, I believe this may be a related manufacturing issue.

- Wilmington, NC, USA

problem #29

Feb 012025

Suburban

  • miles
My sub starting making an unusual banging noise when shifting. I reported it once to the dealer and they chucked it up as cause by the vechioe being driving in auto and not set to 2 wheel drive or 4 but instead auto. Was odd, but it still happens and now there a recall but the site does not include my vin even though maybe this is my problem.

- Greensburg, PA, USA

problem #28

Feb 282025

Suburban

  • miles
Chevrolet is telling me my engine has failed at 75,000 miles. While driving on the highway recently I lost all power. I had my 3 kids in the car and was driving at highway speeds on a crowded highway and lost all power. I had to move over to the side of the road while in neutral with no power. Once I was on the side of the road, I was able to then turn the car off and turn it back on. I then drove to the nearest exit to get myself and family out of harms way. The car then began making a significant loud screeching/knocking noise. I have video of this noise. Ultimately was towed to a dealership where I am now told that the car needs a new motor. Additionally, I regularly service my vehicle at the Chevrolet dealerships with on time oil changes as soon as the car says I am due. Twice since owning, my car has been so low on oil that I have to immediately add oil in between oil changes. Car is currently at the Chevrolet dealership and has not been fixed at this point. The vehicle has only been inspected by Chevrolet service tech at the dealership. No warning lights or other symptoms, besides the oil issue have ever occured with this vehicle. Please help!

- Cheshire, CT, USA

problem #27

Sep 052024

Suburban

  • miles
Lifter failure. At 30,000 miles the engine had lifter failure and was diagnosed and repaired by Donaldson Chevrolet in Silsbee Texas. This was covered under the original manufacturer warranty. Lifter failed occurred again approximately 13 months later and at 63,000 miles. There was no initials warning lights prior to the failure. The failure was sudden. Loud ticking/ knocking sounds and loss of power. At ideal vehicle would severely shake. Check engine light did come at time of failure. Both times the failure occurred during acceleration from a stop to approximately 40mph.

- Kountze, TX, USA

problem #26

Jan 062025

Suburban

  • miles
With no warnings from the vehicle, I noticed a loud knocking sound while driving home. I was able to make it home and have the vehicle towed to the dealer where it was found to be in engine failure due to failure of engine bearing. I had to have a complete engine replacement. My car only had 65k miles and was purchased brand new and had all regular maintenance completed at the local chevy dealership.

- Luling, TX, USA

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