Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 3.7× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
178Complaints
12Recalls
6Crashes
1Fires
5Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Engine (42.1% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Engine complaints here are 3.7× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
3 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 3 rest on owner reports alone.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Engine
75 · 42.1%
Recalled
Recall 25V274000
Power Train
34 · 19.1%
Recalled
Recall 22V036000 · Recall 24V797000
Fuel/propulsion System
21 · 11.8%
Recalled
Recall 21V739000
Electrical System
16 · 9%
No official action
—
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
8 · 4.5%
No official action
—
Service Brakes
8 · 4.5%
No official action
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 178 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: YES
A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Exterior Lighting:lighting Control Module:software
Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: YES
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module:software
Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“I was driving when I received messages saying service ESC, Forward collision System Unavailable, & Service Traction Control. The vehicle began to shake hard when…”NHTSA complaint 11684390 — filed 09/02/2025 · ENGINE
“My suburban is 4 years old and needs a new engine. The dealership is seeing a lot of 21's with the same issue. Bank 1…”NHTSA complaint 11680583 — filed 08/14/2025 · ENGINE
“Was driving about 45 mph on 2 lane road. All of a sudden, without warning we lost power (had no propulsion). Luckily there was a…”NHTSA complaint 11679338 — filed 08/08/2025 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban?
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 75 of 178 NHTSA complaints (42.1%), followed by power train (34), fuel/propulsion system (21), electrical system (16). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban have?
178 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 6 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 5 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban have any recalls?
Yes — 12 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 21V455000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban's reported problems?
3 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.
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