2019 Chevrolet Suburban: What to check before buying

Transmission failure dominates these reports, usually between 85,000 and 130,000 miles. Symptoms build over time: hesitation pulling away, slipping in 2nd and 3rd gear, very hard shifts, whining, and shuddering or vibration at speed. Several cars lose power in traffic or on the interstate with no warning light. Mechanics report black, burnt fluid, a fractured torque converter, and failed clutch packs. Fluid and filter service rarely fixes it, and full replacement is the usual outcome. At least one remanufactured warranty transmission begins grinding again within about 2,000 miles.

Sudden engine failure is the main pattern, often tied to the 6.2L V8. Owners describe stuck or failed lifters, worn bearings, and engines that seize, with repair bills of $9,000 to $13,000 around 101,000 miles. Failures can hit at highway speed: the engine stutters, loses power, and the oil and flashing check-engine lights come on, creating a real rear-end crash risk. One lifter repair is followed by a second engine failure months later. Some owners link their failures to a recall or a federal investigation. A radiator weld failure at 50,000 miles also appears.

Rod bearing failure is the serious issue. A loud knock develops from the engine with no warning light, and the oil shows heavy copper contamination, meaning the engine needs replacement at about 113,000 miles. This matches the bearing and lifter failures reported under the engine category. The other complaint is minor: a check-engine light traced to a defective grille shutter, replaced at about 81,000 miles.

Drifting and pulling are the most common complaints. The truck wanders left and right on straight roads and needs constant small corrections at highway speed, and an alignment does not cure it. One report involves an injury, with hand and arm strain from fighting the wheel. A separate pattern shows power steering cutting out intermittently at parking-lot speeds while headlights and interior lights dim, random warning messages appear, and the clock resets, at about 68,000 miles. Other reports describe dangerously stiff steering.

A "Service Brake Assist" warning appears alongside grinding or vibration through the brake pedal, much like ABS engaging on ice. The pedal feels harder to push or mushy, and stopping takes more effort. It happens at any speed, even in a driveway, and one case occurs at only 10,041 miles. A dealer replaces the brake booster sensor in one case. Separately, the trailer brake warning light comes on and beeps intermittently, traced to a failed electronic brake control module at about 89,000 miles.

An under-hood fire is the serious report here. Smoke pours from the hood within seconds of merging onto a highway in a truck owned only weeks, and the engine keeps shaking and sputtering for 30 to 40 seconds after the driver tries to shut it off. The other complaint is minor: the rear wiper intermittently stops working after a car wash or heavy rain, then works again after a restart or a few minutes' wait.

Buckles lock and refuse to release, trapping occupants in their seats. It happens to both the driver's belt and a rear-seat belt, and in both cases the belt has to be cut to get the person out. That is a serious hazard in any situation requiring a quick exit, such as a crash or fire. No mileage pattern appears in these reports.

A "Service Safety Restraint System" message and airbag warning light come on at start-up. In one case the dash also falsely shows the hood open for about 20 seconds before clearing, at 124,400 miles. In another, the dealer finds the passenger seatbelt and front airbag need replacement, a $1,400 repair the owner pays out of pocket just past warranty. A lit restraint warning means the system may not work as intended in a crash.