2021 Chevrolet Suburban: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 149 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the engine, transmission, and fuel system. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2021- Owner complaints
- 149
- Recalls
- 12
- Crashes reported
- 6
- 5 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2021 Chevrolet Suburban: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/3
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Suburban is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 5.3L 8-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 17–18 mpg |
| 6.2L 8-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 16–17 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cylDiesel | 4WD, RWD | 22–23 mpg |
- The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban was sold in three versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Suburban that averages well under the EPA 16 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Valve lifter failure
8,000–63,000 miles
Fuel pump control module stall
30,000–62,000 miles
Headlight adjuster screw breaks
60,000–62,000 miles
Engine failure, power loss
62,000–86,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Engine561 crash
Sudden engine failure is the dominant report. Valve lifters fail, often with loud ticking or knocking, shaking, a check engine light and loss of power at highway speed. Some owners describe repeat lifter repairs, a damaged camshaft, or a seized engine needing full replacement at around $14,000, with waits for parts. Others report heavy oil consumption, failed dealer oil consumption tests and piston replacement. Failures appear from 30,000 to 200,000 miles. Several owners say their VIN was not covered by a recall. One crash-related report is included.
These reports center on recall 25V274000 and engine failure. Symptoms include loud ticking, knocking or banging, a check engine light, and the truck refusing to accelerate, in one case above 25 mph. Diagnoses include failed lifters, bent pushrods, damaged valves and a damaged cylinder. Owners complain that the recall repair part is not yet available and that extended warranties have denied coverage. One failure occurred at around 130,000 miles.
Transmission21No crashes
Lifter failure shows up here too, sometimes as early as 8,000 miles, with chugging, lunging and dealers replacing lifters under a service bulletin. Transmission complaints include hard or jerky shifts at low speed, getting stuck in one gear, losing reverse, and a Reduced Acceleration message that caps speed near 55 mph. Dealers often point to the transmission control valve body. A torque converter failure and a connecting rod bearing failure at 62,000 miles also appear. Several owners say their VIN was excluded from recall 24V797000.
Fuel system21No crashes
Stalling without warning is the core problem. The fuel pump power control module fails, the engine dies in traffic or on the interstate, and the truck will not restart. Some owners cannot shift to neutral to move it. Many cite recall N212332040 but are told their VIN is not included, and several describe repeat failures, backordered parts and repair waits. Reported mileages fall between about 40,669 and 50,000. Two reports describe loose fuel tank strap bolts letting the tank drop toward the ground.
Every report here involves a failed fuel pump power control module. The engine loses power or shuts off while driving, sometimes without any warning light, and often will not restart. One owner could not shift out of park. Owners link the failure to recall 21V739000, but dealers frequently say the VIN is not included. Parts on national backorder leave trucks unrepaired. Failures range from about 30,000 to 62,000 miles, and some cases also needed a new battery.
Electrical11No crashes
A fire starting in the center dash area of a parked truck in a garage is the most serious report, with 4 injuries recorded. More common is a recurring Service Safety Restraint System warning tied to the airbag control module, which dealers fail to fix or treat as non-warranty. Other reports include a black infotainment screen with no backup camera, wipers running on their own, false hatch-open alerts, key detection faults, and the truck going dead during auto stop/start. Several engine failures with total power loss are also filed here.
Brakes71 crash
Power braking assist cuts out suddenly. The pedal goes hard, the truck takes far more effort to stop, and ABS, brake and check engine lights come on with a Brake System Failure message and a speed limit of 62 or 43 mph. Dealers usually diagnose a failed brake master cylinder, though some struggle to confirm it when codes clear. One failure occurred at about 43,000 miles, and parts can take weeks. One report involves a crash in stop-and-go traffic.
Exterior lights5No crashes
Headlights suddenly aim straight down at the pavement, or inward, leaving little visibility at night. The cause is a broken LED headlight adjuster screw, often on the driver side first and then the passenger side. No separate screw is sold, so the fix is a full headlight assembly at roughly $1,000 each before labor. Failures cluster around 60,000 to 62,000 miles. Some repairs were covered under the 36,000-mile warranty.
Airbags42 crashes
Failure to deploy is the most serious report: front and side airbags stayed stowed in a 40 mph frontal collision that left the driver with a concussion. Two of the 4 complaints are crash-related. A Service Safety Restraint System message also appears and clears at random, and owners say dealers dismiss it. One buyer found a previously wrecked truck sold with deployed rear airbags stuffed back into the roof and poor body repairs.
Suspension21 crash
Air ride suspension faults drop one end of the truck to the ground while raising the other, or leave it stuck at one height. A service leveling warning appears, and speed is limited to about 55 or 56 mph, with bouncing on the road. Dealers often find no leak, wiring or compressor fault, and resets or replacing the front air suspension arm do not always fix it. One report is crash-related.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Suburban owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
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 $12,000.00. 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.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2025
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.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2025
The lifter rods failed on my vehicle that has approximately 8,000 miles on it. The dealer said that this is a known issue and that there is a service bulletin out for it.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2021
While driving at normal highway speed, the vehicle speed is suddenly reduced and it feels and sounds like the transmission has shifted into low gear. The following warning light activated: Reduced Acceleration Drive with Care. The GM dealership service center stated that the transmission control valve body needed to be replaced. They indicated that this was a known issue. I believe a safety recall should be issued for this defective part.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2025
Started car, noticed check engine light on and rough idle. Car barely would go in reverse to exit parking spot, so I attempted to pull back in. Car would not move forward. Able to switch to neutral and push back into spot. Could have been a very dangerous situation if it had occurred while driving or with my children in tow. Car would not restart at that point. Failed fuel pump @ 50,000 miles.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2024
My vehicle died unexpectedly in the middle of the road while backing out of my driveway with cars coming and going around me. It would not start up again nor could I put it in neutral to move it out of the way. I’ve learned my 2021 Suburban has a defective high pressure fuel modular. Also learned there is a parts shortage as well.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2023
This evening while driving the windshield wipers started (while the wipers were in the off position). When using the turning signal it speeds up to approximately 3 times the normal speed. The display says the back hatch is open and the cargo light is on (the back hatch is closed). We turned off the car multiple times and the conditions persist.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2021
Service safety restraint constantly reappears. Taken into dealership 3 times and still has not been fixed. This could cause serious injury or harm and I have 4 children 10 and younger. This has been an on going problem.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2024
How the 2021 compares with other Suburban years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2021 has the most owner complaints of the 7 Suburban years we cover, about 2.4 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Engine5619
- Transmission2114
- Fuel system211
- Electrical117
- Brakes73
- Exterior lights50
Where the 2021 fits in the Suburban's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2021 is the first model year of the Suburban's 12th generation (2021–2023). First years of a redesign often carry teething problems that Chevrolet fixes in later years, so the checks above matter more than usual.
Should you avoid the first year of a redesign? See the 45-car study.
Recalls to confirm (12)
Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
25V274000EngineApr 2025
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.
24V797000TransmissionOct 2024
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
Risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.
22V827000Exterior lightsNov 2022
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.".
Risk: Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will provide an over-the-air (OTA) update for the Body Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222382220.
22V617000Seat beltsAug 2022
General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may have been improperly formed.
Risk: A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 28, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 1, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222372380.
22V036000TransmissionJan 2022
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated properly, possibly resulting in driveshaft failure.
Risk: Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212351030.
21V739000Fuel systemSep 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump power control module may cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, which can interrupt fuel flow to the engine, and cause an unexpected engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 14, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212332040.
21V455000SteeringJun 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. A software issue may cause a loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving.
Risk: Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: The power steering module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 13, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212333900.
21V421000AirbagsJun 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.
Risk: The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212338110.
21V190000Seat beltsMar 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Suburban, and Tahoe vehicles with third-row seating. The third-row outboard seat belts may have been entrapped or misrouted behind the outboard seat-folding mechanism, which could result in damaged seat belts.
Risk: A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third-row outboard seat belts, replacing any damaged seat belts, and rerouting them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313000.
20V811000Seat beltsDec 2020
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
Risk: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
20V792000Seat beltsDec 2020
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.
Risk: If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.
20V735000SeatsNov 2020
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles. During general assembly, a repair involved removal of one or both front seats. The attachment bolts for the front seats may not have been properly reinstalled after the repair was completed.
Risk: If an occupied front seat has loose or missing attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seated occupant.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N202312720.
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