2021 Chevrolet SUBURBAN
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2021 Chevrolet SUBURBAN has 240 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.6x the segment average of 147. 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. There are 12 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.
240
Total Complaints
12
Recalls Issued
4/5
Safety Stars
1.6x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
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
When Problems Appear on the 2021 Chevrolet SUBURBAN
Based on 38 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 61K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.
FUEL SYSTEM
ENGINE
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (12)
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.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Chevrolet SUBURBAN
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Chevrolet SUBURBAN
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Chevrolet SUBURBAN Service Intervals
GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2021 SUBURBAN, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
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
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 12 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
- ☐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
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 240
- Recalls
- 12
- Fire reports
- 3
- Crash reports
- 7
- Injury reports
- 12
- Segment avg
- 147
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2021 Chevrolet SUBURBAN