2021 Chevrolet Suburban problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 199 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, filed between 2021-04-13 and 2026-09-23. The most common problem areas are the engine (86, 43%), power train (36, 18%) and fuel/propulsion system (22, 11%). Owners reported 6 crashes, 1 fire and 5 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 12 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2021 Chevrolet Suburban complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 86 | 43% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Power train | 36 | 18% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 22 | 11% | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Electrical system | 19 | 10% | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Unknown or other | 13 | 7% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 11 | 6% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 10 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 9 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 8 | 4% | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Exterior lighting | 7 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 7 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 6 | 3% | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Wheels | 4 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 3 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 3 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Engine: 86 complaints
- 86 complaints of 199 (43%) name the engine.
- 7 of them also name the power train; owners reported 2 crashes in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban; the recall, campaign 25V274000, says: “The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.”
Power train: 36 complaints
- 36 complaints of 199 (18%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 7 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban; the latest, campaign 24V797000, says: “The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.”
Fuel/propulsion system: 22 complaints
- 22 complaints of 199 (11%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 4 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 fire and 4 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban covers this system.
Electrical system: 19 complaints
- 19 complaints of 199 (10%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 5 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 fire and 4 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban covers this system.
Forward collision avoidance: 11 complaints
- 11 complaints of 199 (6%) name the forward collision avoidance — forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
- 3 of them also name the engine; owners reported 2 crashes in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban covers this system.
Engine and engine cooling: 10 complaints
- 10 complaints of 199 (5%) name the engine and engine cooling — the engine and its cooling system.
- 2 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban; the recall, campaign 25V274000, says: “The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.”
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 14 |
| 2022 | 13 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2025 | 72 |
| 2026 | 61 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names SUBURBAN, SUBURBAN 1500, model year 2021. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban's most common problem areas are the engine (86 of 199 complaints), power train (36 of 199 complaints) and fuel/propulsion system (22 of 199 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban have?
NHTSA has 199 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, including 6 reported crashes and 1 reported fire.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban's problems?
NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban; 3 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.