Engine and lifter failures after the redesign
The 2021 Suburban has about 430 complaints per 100,000 sold. Engine failures, collapsed lifters and fuel pump control module faults lead.
Updated November 2026 · based on 208 owner complaints and 12 recalls
431 1.5x the Suburban average
12 free to fix at a dealer
Every Suburban year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Top problems and what they cost
Lifter or engine failure
Misfires, ticking and engine failure.
Fix: Lifters $2,500 to $4,500; engine recall on some 6.2-liter
Engine
Fuel pump control module
Sudden loss of power.
Fix: Module $300 to $700
Fuel system
Recalls
Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash.
Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 inju...
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 ...
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.
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Show all 12 recalls
The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.
A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban
- Listen for ticking at idle.Knocking, ticking or rattling from the engine, especially when cold, can mean worn bearings, lifters or a stretched timing chain. These are engine-out repairs costing thousands.103 of the 208 owner complaints about the 2021 Suburban involve the engine (50%).
- Check by VIN for open engine recalls.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2021 Suburban has 12 recalls on record, listed below.
- Ask for engine repair records.Some engines on this car were repaired or replaced under recalls or extended warranties. Paperwork shows whether that was done and how much coverage is left.103 of the 208 owner complaints about the 2021 Suburban involve the engine (50%).
Questions
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?
Engine and lifter failures after the redesign. The 2021 Suburban has about 430 complaints per 100,000 sold. Engine failures, collapsed lifters and fuel pump control module faults lead.
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban have?
12 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2021 Chevrolet Suburban problems?
Lifter or engine failure; Fuel pump control module.
Crash rating shown for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban SUV 4WD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.