2021 Chevrolet Suburban VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban has good reliability. There are 12 recalls and 149 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (51), Power Train (21), Fuel Propulsion System (15).

Suburban reliability snapshot

60/100

Latest model-year reliability score

3.0/5

RepairPal rating (medium)

$944

Avg annual repair cost vs $784 category avg

#11/14

Ranking in fullsize SUVs · better than 21% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Chevrolet Suburban before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Years to avoidThe weakest years and stronger alternatives Common problemsComplaint patterns across model years Recall historyNHTSA campaigns grouped by model year Maintenance & repair costYearly repair cost, reliability rating and segment rank

Most-reported 2021 Chevrolet Suburban issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

Engine51
Power Train21
Fuel Propulsion System15
Electrical System11
Unknown Or Other7
Fuel System, Gasoline6

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

Check for excessive oil consumption by inspecting oil level and history
Test transmission for hard shifting or failure to change gears
Inspect brake system for hard pedal feel and warning lights
Verify fuel pump module recall completion and test for stalling
Test air suspension system for leveling issues and abnormal ride height
Check for any engine ticking or knocking noises during a test drive
Inspect headlights for proper alignment and functionality

What owners reported

2021 Chevrolet Suburban owner complaints in detail

Owners have reported 6 crashes, 1 fire and 5 injuries to NHTSA for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.

Owner complaints51

ENGINE

Owners report frequent engine failures in the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, often occurring without warning and sometimes accompanied by a ticking noise or rough idle. Complaints frequently mention excessive oil consumption, with some engines consuming over two quarts of oil between changes. Issues such as collapsed lifters, metallic debris in the oil, and complete engine seizure are described, with failures typically occurring between 30,000 to 86,000 miles. Safety implications include sudden loss of power, stalling in traffic, and one incident involving a crash. These patterns suggest potential risks for used car buyers considering this model, particularly regarding engine reliability and associated repair costs.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints21

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban frequently report issues with the powertrain, particularly involving hard shifting and transmission failures. Common symptoms include the vehicle jerking during gear shifts, being stuck in gear, failing to reverse, and entering "limp" mode, with some reports of the vehicle unexpectedly losing propulsion or dying while in motion. These issues often appear at varying mileages, with some complaints as early as 7,000 miles and others beyond 80,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, as several owners describe sudden loss of power or control while driving, which poses a risk in traffic. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues and the associated repair costs, as multiple complaints mention significant expenses for repairs.

Owner complaints15

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Owners report frequent issues with the fuel pump power control module in the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, often resulting in the vehicle stalling or failing to start. Common symptoms include the vehicle unexpectedly shutting off while driving, difficulty restarting, and the inability to shift into neutral when the engine is off. These problems are noted at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 40,000 miles. The implications for safety are significant, as several owners describe being stranded in traffic or in unsafe locations. Additionally, some owners mention that their vehicles are not included in a known recall for this issue, despite experiencing similar failures.

Owner complaints11

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report multiple electrical system issues with the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, including infotainment malfunctions, dead batteries, and erratic seat and mirror adjustments. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle going completely dead, sometimes while stationary, with one owner noting this occurred on a major highway. Symptoms such as black screens on infotainment systems, malfunctioning backup cameras, and warning messages about safety restraints are common. Mileage ranges from as low as 88,000 to over 107,000 miles, with several reports indicating these issues persist despite dealership visits. Safety implications are significant, as one complaint involves a fire with injuries, and others describe loss of power while driving, raising potential concerns for used car buyers regarding electrical reliability and safety.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 4 injury reports

Owner complaints7

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban report several issues related to oil consumption and engine problems, with some mentioning excessive oil loss and engine failure. Affected vehicles often exhibit rough running or unexpected shutdowns, with one owner noting a pool of oil in a cylinder and requiring a new engine. Transmission and drivetrain concerns are also noted, with complaints about shaking, vibrations, and steering lock during acceleration, although inspections sometimes fail to confirm these issues. The reports include a crash incident where airbags did not deploy, raising potential safety implications. Mileage varies significantly, with some issues occurring shortly after purchase and others at higher mileages around 111,000 miles.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints7

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners report frequent issues with the braking system of the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, primarily involving brake master cylinder failures. Complaints consistently mention symptoms such as hard brake pedals, loss of power braking, and various warning lights and messages like "Brake System Failure" and "System Brake Failure 43 MPH Top Speed." These issues often occur around 30,000 to 82,000 miles. One report includes a crash due to brake failure at low speed, highlighting potential safety implications. Buyers should be aware of these patterns, as they suggest significant braking performance concerns that could impact safety.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints6

FUEL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban frequently report issues with the fuel pump power control module, with symptoms including unexpected stalling and loss of motive power while driving, often without warning lights. These failures typically occur at mileages ranging from 30,000 to 90,000. Several complaints indicate difficulty restarting the vehicle after a stall, and in some cases, the vehicle requires towing. Safety implications are notable, as the loss of motive power occurs at various speeds and can lead to dangerous situations on the road. Buyers should be aware of potential part availability issues, as some owners mention delays in obtaining necessary replacement components.

Owner complaints5

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban frequently report significant engine issues, including abnormal sounds such as ticking, knocking, and banging, as well as engine failure symptoms like loss of acceleration and excessive oil consumption. These issues are often linked to mechanical failures involving lifters, push rods, and valves, with some cases mentioning bent rods and piston damage. Complaints commonly arise around 107,000 to 132,000 miles, with some vehicles experiencing problems as early as 60,000 miles. Safety concerns are implicit, as engine failures and loss of power pose potential risks, especially in harsh weather conditions. Buyers should be aware of these mechanical issues and their potential impact on vehicle reliability and resale value.

Owner complaints4

AIR BAGS

Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban report issues with the airbag system, with incidents involving incorrect airbag deployment and non-deployment during crashes. A notable pattern includes airbags deploying unnecessarily due to false rollover detection, leading to vehicle shutdown during accidents, while another report describes airbags failing to deploy in a significant frontal collision. Common symptoms include persistent "SERVICE SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM" warnings and improperly repaired airbags from previous deployments. These issues are reported to occur both shortly after purchase and during ownership, with one owner noting the problem immediately upon driving off the dealership lot. The safety implications are significant, with crashes and injuries reported, suggesting potential risks for used car buyers.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

Owner complaints2

SUSPENSION

Owners report recurring issues with the air suspension system of the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, particularly involving the vehicle's ride height and leveling system. Complaints frequently mention that the suspension system fails, causing the vehicle to lower to the crash shield or become uneven, which results in the vehicle speed being limited to 55-56 mph and a bouncy ride. One owner notes that the problem began within two weeks of purchase, while another describes ongoing issues despite multiple dealer visits and repairs, including replacing components like the air suspension arm and solenoids. Safety implications are evident, as one complaint involves a crash and describes an "explosion" sound followed by a sudden lowering of the vehicle, making it unsafe to drive. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential suspension issues and the challenges in obtaining a lasting repair.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

2021 Suburban recalls (12)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 Suburban. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNHTSA 25V274000Apr 24, 2025
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.
Consequence: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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 TRAINNHTSA 24V797000Oct 24, 2024
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.
Consequence: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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 LIGHTINGNHTSA 22V827000Nov 3, 2022
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."
Consequence: Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
SEATSNHTSA 20V735000Nov 25, 2020
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy
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.
SEAT BELTSNHTSA 22V617000Aug 11, 2022
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.
Consequence: A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
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 TRAINNHTSA 22V036000Jan 27, 2022
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.
Consequence: Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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, GASOLINENHTSA 21V739000Sep 23, 2021
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.
Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
STEERINGNHTSA 21V455000Jun 17, 2021
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.
Consequence: Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 21V421000Jun 10, 2021
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.
Consequence: The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
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 BELTSNHTSA 21V190000Mar 18, 2021
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.
Consequence: A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.
Remedy
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 BELTSNHTSA 20V811000Dec 23, 2020
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy
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 BELTSNHTSA 20V792000Dec 17, 2020
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy
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.

Used-market value

2021 Chevrolet Suburban resale snapshot

66.4%estimated value retained after 5 years

106listings in the model-level benchmark

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

Full Chevrolet Suburban market analysis at CarResaleValue →

2021 Chevrolet Suburban on the road

85,159 2021 Chevrolet Suburban units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Cadillac Escalade

Reliability: 68/100·Rivalry score: 95

Compare vs 2021 Chevrolet Suburban →

GMC Yukon

Reliability: 82/100·Rivalry score: 90

Compare vs 2021 Chevrolet Suburban →

Chevrolet Tahoe

Reliability: 82/100·Rivalry score: 80

Compare vs 2021 Chevrolet Suburban →

Lincoln Navigator

Reliability: 71/100·Rivalry score: 80

Compare vs 2021 Chevrolet Suburban →

Reliability verdict for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban

With a 61/100 score versus a 72/100 segment average, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban lands below average for reliability. That gap points to a higher-than-typical likelihood of owner-reported problems, especially for a model positioned as a long-term, high-use vehicle. The recall count is elevated, reinforcing a more eventful reliability record than most peers.

Complaints are not evenly spread. They cluster heavily around the engine, with the powertrain a distant second, while fuel/propulsion and electrical issues form a smaller secondary tier. That concentration suggests the main reliability risk is centered on core drivetrain systems rather than a broad mix of minor faults. As the first year of a new generation, the data aligns with a more unsettled launch profile.

Overall risk level: elevated versus the segment average.

What you get in a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban report

Available title brand history

Odometer readings & rollback detection

Accident & damage records

Auction sales with photos

Open safety recalls

Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2021 Chevrolet Suburban — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?

How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban have?

12 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2021 Chevrolet Suburban problems?

The most-reported 2021 Chevrolet Suburban problem areas are: Engine (51), Power Train (21), Fuel Propulsion System (15).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.