2021 Chevrolet Suburban Safety Report

2021 Chevrolet Suburban: Good crash ratings, but plagued by numerous recalls and significant engine/powertrain complaints.

161Complaints
12Recalls
★★★★☆Safety Rating
45/100Reliability Score
6Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
5Injuries
Most reported components: Engine (52)Power Train (17)Fuel/Propulsion System (14)Engine And Engine Cooling (5)Exterior Lighting (5)Power Train,Engine (4)Fuel System, Gasoline (4)Unknown Or Other,Engine (3)Service Brakes (3)Unknown Or Other (3)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban presents a mixed safety profile, with strong crash test performance but a significant number of recalls and consumer complaints, particularly concerning the engine and powertrain. NHTSA awarded the vehicle an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with excellent 5-star ratings in side impact tests. However, frontal crash tests received 4 stars, and the rollover resistance rating was 3 stars, indicating a moderate risk. The vehicle has been subject to a high number of recalls, 12 in total, addressing critical components such as engine hard parts, automatic transmission software, driveshaft assemblies, fuel pump control modules, and steering control modules, all of which could increase the risk of a crash or injury. Consumer complaints, totaling 161, highlight a concerning pattern of engine-related failures, with 'ENGINE' and 'POWER TRAIN' being the most frequently cited components. Specific complaints detail sudden engine stalls, complete engine failures, metal shavings in oil, and issues with lifters and oil consumption, often occurring without prior warning and at various mileages. There are 6 reported crashes, 1 fire, and 5 injuries associated with these complaints. The recall history directly correlates with many of these complaint patterns, indicating that while GM has identified and attempted to address issues, some consumers continue to experience problems related to these critical systems. Despite its good crash test scores, the high volume of recalls and persistent engine/powertrain complaints suggest potential reliability and safety concerns that buyers should be aware of. The recalls cover a broad range of issues, from engine failure to seat belt integrity and lighting malfunctions, underscoring a need for thorough inspection and verification of all recall repairs. The single reported fire and multiple engine failure complaints, some leading to complete loss of motive power, are particularly alarming.

Reliability Score

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Failure/Malfunction
Numerous complaints detail sudden and complete engine failures, often with metal shavings in oil, collapsed lifters, or excessive oil consumption. Some instances occurred without warning, leading to loss of motive power.		 High Common 7000-86000 miles
Loss Of Motive Power/Stalling
Vehicle unexpectedly stalls while driving or experiences a sudden loss of acceleration, often linked to engine or fuel system issues, including a recall for the fuel pump power control module.		 High Common unknown miles
Transmission Issues (Loss Of Reverse/Acceleration)
Complaints include inability to engage reverse gear, vehicle failing to accelerate as intended, or being stuck in limp mode, correlating with a recall for automatic transmission control module software.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Driveshaft Failure
A recall addresses rear wheel driveshaft assemblies that may fail, causing a sudden loss of drive power.		 High Rare unknown miles
Seat Belt Malfunctions
Multiple recalls for third-row seat belt critical fasteners and general seat belt attachment issues, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.		 High Rare unknown miles
Steering Power Loss
A recall for a software issue that may cause a loss of power steering, increasing steering effort, especially at lower speeds.		 High Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban:

Engine 32% of complaints

The most frequent complaint category, with 52 out of 161 complaints, detailing issues like sudden engine failure, excessive oil consumption, lifter problems, and metal in oil.

Power Train 10% of complaints

17 complaints related to transmission issues, including loss of reverse, inability to accelerate, and general powertrain malfunctions, aligning with recall for transmission software.

Fuel/Propulsion System 8% of complaints

14 complaints, often linked to engine stalling and loss of power, consistent with the recall for the fuel pump power control module.

Engine And Engine Cooling 3% of complaints

5 complaints specifically mentioning engine and cooling issues, some related to the engine hard parts recall.

Exterior Lighting 3% of complaints

5 complaints, potentially related to the recall concerning daytime running lights not deactivating.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban received a 4-star overall safety rating, with 5 stars in side impact tests. However, it has 12 recalls addressing critical safety components like the engine, transmission, and seat belts, and 161 consumer complaints, many detailing serious engine and powertrain failures, including 6 crashes and 5 injuries. While crash protection is good, the high number of recalls and complaints indicate potential reliability and safety concerns.

What are common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban?

The most reported issues for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban are related to the ENGINE (52 complaints), POWER TRAIN (17 complaints), and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (14 complaints). Common problems include sudden engine failures, excessive oil consumption, lifter issues, loss of motive power, stalling while driving, and transmission malfunctions such as inability to engage reverse or accelerate.

How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban have?

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban has 12 safety recalls issued by NHTSA. These recalls address a wide range of issues including engine hard parts, automatic transmission software, driveshaft assemblies, fuel pump control modules, steering control modules, seat belt fasteners, and exterior lighting.

Are there engine problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban?

Yes, engine problems are a significant concern for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The 'ENGINE' component accounts for 52 of the 161 total complaints, with reports of sudden engine failure, metal shavings in oil, collapsed lifters, and excessive oil consumption. There is also a recall specifically for 'ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL' due to potential engine failure.

What are the crash test ratings for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban?

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban received an Overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. It scored 4 stars for Frontal Crash, 5 stars for Side Crash, and 3 stars for Rollover resistance.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the high number of recalls and significant engine/powertrain complaints, thoroughly verify all recall repairs have been completed and consider an extended warranty, especially for the engine and transmission, if purchasing a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Chevrolet Suburban

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The data includes 161 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 12 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 6 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 3 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.