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2021 Chevrolet Suburban problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 12safety recalls
- 201owner complaints
- 6crash reports
- 1fire report
- 5injuries reported
201 complaints, against an average of 117 for the other 14 Chevrolet Suburban model years.
Every Chevrolet Suburban model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban?
The components named most often in the 201 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2021 Chevrolet Suburban owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 201 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban stall, lose power or shut off while driving?39 owners · 19.4% · Recall 21V739000
- Has the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban had engine failures?37 owners · 18.4% · Recall 25V274000
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban?33 owners · 16.4%
- Why does my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban idle rough, misfire or hesitate?21 owners · 10.4%
- Why does my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?10 owners · 5%
- Why won't my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban start?9 owners · 4.5%
- Why is my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban burning or losing oil?8 owners · 4%
Has the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban been recalled?
12 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine: Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical 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.
Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Control Module: Software 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.
Exterior Lighting: Lighting Control Module: SoftwareOver-the-air fix 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.
Seat Belts: Critical Fasteners 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.
Power Train: Driveline: Driveshaft 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Fuel Pump: Control/Drive Module 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.
Steering: Steering Control ModuleOver-the-air fix 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.
Air Bags: Srs Malfunction Warning Lamp/LightOver-the-air fix 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.
Seat Belts 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.
Seat Belts 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.
Seat Belts 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.
Seats 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.
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAL87 Engine Loss of Propulsion
Risk: The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure. If the engine fails while driving the vehicle will lose propulsion increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine. If the vehicle fails the inspection procedure the engine will be repaired or replaced. Vehicles that pass inspection will be provided a higher viscosity oil which will also require a new oil fill cap identifying the new required oil grade an oil filter replacement and an owner’s manual insert free of charge.
What do 2021 Chevrolet Suburban owners report?
12 of the 201 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and shut off completely without warning. An attempt was made to restart the vehicle, but the engine failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where a diagnostic inspection revealed a lifter failure, and the engine was replaced. The contact stated that three months after the engine replacement, the engine was leaking oil and the transmission failed. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Cylinders were misfiring and lifters had to be completely replaced along with pushrod and camshaft. This cost me $7018.64 to fix out of my own pocket. Received the vehicle back, and there was a slight ticking sound that was new to me. Scheduled to bring the vehicle back in and 2 days before I was scheduled to go in and approximately 1000 miles later, the engine completely shut down while I was driving on the road. As I did not know what was going on and I had my newborn baby in the car, I was panicking as I was trying to figure out how to pull over to get out of traffic. Turns out there are…
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the radio display screen was blank. Additionally, the vehicle turned on and off independently, the doors locked and unlocked independently, and the liftgate closed independently. The contact stated that the power running board failed to operate as needed and failed to activate on the front driver’s and passenger’s sides of the vehicle. The failure had occurred on several occasions. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to…
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle went into LIMP Mode with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the nearest dealer in LIMP Mode. A diagnostic test was performed, and the mechanic discovered that the right engine lifter was damaged; however, 10 days later, the mechanic discovered that the left lifter was also damaged. The vehicle was repaired under warranty. Recently, the failure reoccurred and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The…
The radio control unit that controls all the interior features of the car failed due to an over the air update. We can no longer use the radio, gps, hot and cold on the screen or what the rear climate is at, there is no sounds from any of the blinkers or emergency lights.
The transmission shutter and hesitates while downshifting.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road, and the vehicle was turned off. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with fuel pump power control module failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact discovered a recall for the issue; NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V739000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and…
Fuel pulp module failed on highway. Was told there is not a recall on my VIN even tho online there is a recall and known issue for the part
Pulled out in 4 lane traffic. Got almost to 55mph. Vehicle lost all power, slowed down and auto shifted to neutral, vehicle stopped and went to park. Vehicle would not start back nor transition to Neutral to remove from highways. 2021 suburban with just 35,000miles. Shut down a lane on a 55mph highway. Code P129F
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? (On our 2021 gasoline suburgan, the rear wheels locked up at free-way speeds, which nearly caused a possibly fatal accident. The lock released but it appears the strain caused rear differential gear teeth to break and the rear differential now needs to be replaced for the vehicle to operate properly.) How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? (The sudden rear wheel lockup at freeway speeds resulted in temporary loss of control of the vehicle and significant surprise to the driver…
Vehicle stalled during routine driving. Code P129F. I was stranded in 95 degree weather with three small children. Please correct and advise ASAP. Had to be towed home. Vehicle inoperable.
Lane departure assist, adaptive cruise control, auto emergency braking, adaptive high beam, forward collision warning system became unresponsive while driving on highway during trip. Had to take vehicle into GM dealership for ADAS camera replacement.
2021 Chevrolet Suburban: questions owners ask
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 201 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban; the most common categories were engine (87, 43.3%), power train (37, 18.4%), fuel/propulsion system (22, 10.9%). There are 12 safety recalls. 6 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 5 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban?
Across 201 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (43.3% of complaints), power train (18.4% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (10.9% of complaints), electrical system (9.5% of complaints), engine and engine cooling (5.5% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban; the most recent (campaign 25V274000, 2025-04-24) concerns Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine: Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
39 of the 201 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban (19.4%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. 2 related recalls exist: campaign 21V739000 (fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump: control/drive module). The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module, free of charge. One owner wrote: "Pulled out in 4 lane traffic. Got almost to 55mph. Vehicle lost all power, slowed down and auto shifted to neutral, vehicle stopped and went to park. Vehicle would not start back nor transition to Neutral to remove from highways." (NHTSA complaint 11752904, July 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban had engine failures?
37 of the 201 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban (18.4%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. A related recall exists: campaign 25V274000 (engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical). The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. One owner wrote: "Our Chevy Suburban High Country suffered sudden engine failure resulting in the vehicle to shake and smoke while driving on a busy intersection. The dealership diagnosed internal engine mechanical failure at only 46,000 miles." (NHTSA complaint 11765469, September 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban?
33 of the 201 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban (16.4%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "The car was driving at 60 MPH on a regular commute to work and the car was stalling and shaking and soon after the check engine light came on with multiple issues." (NHTSA complaint 11707244, December 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
21 of the 201 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban (10.4%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "Had an engine replacement in dec of 2025 and had to pay for it since wasn’t under warranty or recall. And now my replacement engine which has a warranty now. Just failed in March 2026 which about 3 months later." (NHTSA complaint 11729192, April 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?
10 of the 201 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban (5%) describe harsh, jerky or delayed transmission shifting or shuddering. One owner wrote: "2021 Chevy Suburban started to have harsh shifting particularly on acceleration and shuddering at higher rates of speed (feeling like you are driving over a rumble strip)." (NHTSA complaint 11743773, June 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why won't my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban start?
9 of the 201 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban (4.5%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "Pulled out in 4 lane traffic. Got almost to 55mph. Vehicle lost all power, slowed down and auto shifted to neutral, vehicle stopped and went to park. Vehicle would not start back nor transition to Neutral to remove from highways." (NHTSA complaint 11752904, July 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban burning or losing oil?
8 of the 201 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban (4%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "My vehicle is having an oil consumption problem. 2 quarts were missing from my oils consumption test. The dealer is now doing a secondary oil consumption test and I’ve read up and learned that there have been a lot of recalls with the engine and oils changes." (NHTSA complaint 11716915, February 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Suburban
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2021 only; combines NHTSA's entries for SUBURBAN and SUBURBAN 1500.