NHTSA lists 12 safety recalls and 208 owner complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. Most complaints involve engine (92) and power train (40). The EPA rates it 16–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
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.
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.
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."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“On August 25, 2026, I was driving a chevrolet 2021 with less than 60K miles on it on a double lane road when I came to a red light, the car did not move when the light turned green, I put the car on park then drive again and it completely shut down. Prior to this there was no lights showing any issues with the car. It did not drive again, and I had to have it towed home then to a body shop where I spent 2K and drove the car out but was told to take it to the dealer immediately. At the dealer they said it needed a complete engine or motor replacement that cost 12k but they would cover about 8k and I would be responsible for about 4k. I was called to pick it up and it was still making a weird noise they said it was something else, it is November 3, 2026, the dealer still has my car,and they won't even answer the phone, no loaner available, and I am terrified after hearing so many stories about 6.2L engines that I will be driving a car that can put me at risk even after replacement. please help me.”
“Shuddering and vibration between 25-40mph during low acceleration. Seems to be getting worse. Have an appointment with a dealership to do a diagnostic and can upload that information later. Service advisor suggested that it is an extremely common problem in my vehicle and very expensive to fix.”
“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”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suburban 2WD Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | $4,100 | 437 |
| Suburban 4WD Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | $4,300 | 444 |
| Suburban 2WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L, SIDI; Stop-Start · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 20 | 18 | $3,450 | 492 |
| Suburban 2WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI; Stop-Start · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | $4,550 | 525 |
| Suburban 2WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L, SIDI · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
| Suburban 4WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L, SIDI; Stop-Start · 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 17 | $3,650 | 515 |
| Suburban 2WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,850 | 544 |
| Suburban 4WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI · 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,850 | 558 |
| Suburban 4WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI · 4-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 16 | $4,850 | 570 |
| Suburban 4WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L, SIDI · 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 | $3,900 | 555 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
12 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 208 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (92), power train (40), fuel/propulsion system (22). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban at 16–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (10 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban 4 out of 5 stars overall.