2021 Chevrolet SUBURBAN
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2021 Chevrolet SUBURBAN has 240 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 3.0x the segment average of 80. The most common issue is engine problems (34% of all complaints), specifically: the contact owns a 2021 chevrolet suburban. the contact stated while driving approximately 75-80 mph, the lifter collapsed and the contact heard the engine rattling. the contact pulled over and contacted the manufacturer, who provided a tow to the dealer. the dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a bent. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.
240
Total Complaints
0
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
3.0x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems
ENGINE
82 complaints- • The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving approximately 75-80 mph, the lifter collapsed and the contact heard the engine rattling. The contact pulled over and contacted the manufacturer, who provided a tow to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a bent
- • Purchased the new 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, 4 miles on odometer and left the dealer. Less than 20 minutes from dealer AC stopped working. Called dealer thinking it was small error. While on phone I looked under the vehicle which was now emitting foul burning odors. Noticed a very large amount of oil(
- • We have had several incidents of issues with the engine and electrical system. There are as follows: - NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS and engine failed. - Engine continues to be sluggish and hesitant. Headlights do not come on when in "auto" and it is dark outside. - Doors lock with the keys inside and the
“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving approximately 75-80 mph, the lifter collapsed and the contact heard the engine rattling. The contact pulled over and contacted the manufacturer, who provided a tow to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a bent”
— NHTSA complaint filing
TRANSMISSION
33 complaints- • Drove up to a stoplight 4th car in a turn lane, came to complete stop. Some cars closed ranks a little further so i released my foot off the brake and moved up a few more feet and stopped again. The car then accelerated with brake fully depressed and wouldn't stop. I then put gear to neutral Tac wa
- • 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.
- • Transmission leaked oil and the suv didn’t advice the loss of fluid. Still under repair
“Drove up to a stoplight 4th car in a turn lane, came to complete stop. Some cars closed ranks a little further so i released my foot off the brake and moved up a few more feet and stopped again. The car then accelerated with brake fully depressed and wouldn't stop. I then put gear to neutral Tac wa”
— NHTSA complaint filing
FUEL SYSTEM
28 complaints- • 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 t
- • On 27 Feb 2023 the vehicle started as usual. After parking and letting the engine idle while I assisted my elderly mother into the car, the vehicle unexpectedly stopped running. Several attempts were made to restart the car, but it only sputtered for a few seconds as if it were out of fuel. I then
- • The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the dealer stated that the fuel control module needed to be replaced
“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 t”
— NHTSA complaint filing
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS
17 complaints- • WE WERE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT ON FLORIDA STATE ROAD 54 TURN LANE TO GO ON US 75 WHEN THE OTHER CAR REAR ENDED US AND DROVE US INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF US. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL CRASH NUMBER 88482185. WE ONLY HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 10 DAYS.
- • WE WERE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT ON FLORIDA STATE ROAD 54 TURN LANE TO GO ON US 75 WHEN THE OTHER CAR REAR ENDED US AND DROVE US INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF US. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL CRASH NUMBER 88482185. WE ONLY HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 10 DAYS.
- • Car suddenly swerved, loud knocking started. Multiple system failures started flashing. Forward collision, ECS, traction control, the car was vibrating, jerky. I have multiple videos as well. The dealership literally told me they’d seen a ton of these when I called immediately and then told me to ke
“WE WERE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT ON FLORIDA STATE ROAD 54 TURN LANE TO GO ON US 75 WHEN THE OTHER CAR REAR ENDED US AND DROVE US INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF US. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL CRASH NUMBER 88482185. WE ONLY HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 10 DAYS.”
— NHTSA complaint filing
ELECTRICAL
17 complaints- • 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 t
- • We have had several incidents of issues with the engine and electrical system. There are as follows: - NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS and engine failed. - Engine continues to be sluggish and hesitant. Headlights do not come on when in "auto" and it is dark outside. - Doors lock with the keys inside and the
- • Car suddenly swerved, loud knocking started. Multiple system failures started flashing. Forward collision, ECS, traction control, the car was vibrating, jerky. I have multiple videos as well. The dealership literally told me they’d seen a ton of these when I called immediately and then told me to ke
“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 t”
— NHTSA complaint filing
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 240 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ENGINE: The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving approximately 75-80 mph, the lifter collapsed and the contact heard the engine rattling. The contact pulled over and contacted the manufacturer, who provided a tow to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a bent
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: Drove up to a stoplight 4th car in a turn lane, came to complete stop. Some cars closed ranks a little further so i released my foot off the brake and moved up a few more feet and stopped again. The car then accelerated with brake fully depressed and wouldn't stop. I then put gear to neutral Tac wa
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐FUEL SYSTEM: 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 t
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: WE WERE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT ON FLORIDA STATE ROAD 54 TURN LANE TO GO ON US 75 WHEN THE OTHER CAR REAR ENDED US AND DROVE US INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF US. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL CRASH NUMBER 88482185. WE ONLY HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 10 DAYS.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Chevrolet SUBURBAN — Year Comparison
How does 2021 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 240
- Recalls
- 0
- Fire reports
- 3
- Crash reports
- 7
- Injury reports
- 12
- Segment avg
- 80
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2021 Chevrolet SUBURBAN