2021 Chevrolet Suburban: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

All-new T1XX redesign with independent rear suspension and a long first-year recall list: fuel-pump control-module stalling, EPS, airbag warnings, and the 6.2L L87 engine connecting-rod/lifter failure recall on 6.2L trims. Hugely improved space and ride, but verify the recalls and engine remedy. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban ranged from $52,300 to $72,400 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

5/10

Mixed track record

Sources (4)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=sub…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/recalls/recallsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=suburban
repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/suburban
247wallst.comhttps://247wallst.com/cars-and-drivers/2024/05/12/5-chevy-suburban-years-to-a…

Known issues

The 6.2L L87 V8 (top trims) can suffer connecting-rod and crankshaft-bearing failure leading to sudden loss of power or total engine failure; covered by GM recall 25V274.

commonly reported · 56 NHTSA complaints · engine
10-speed automatic can shudder and shift harshly, with some loss-of-propulsion complaints.

commonly reported · 31 NHTSA complaints · transmission
First-year redesign electrical and infotainment glitches reported, and a 2021 fuel-pump control-module recall could cause engine stalling while driving.

occasional · electrical

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (2)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=sub…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/recalls/recallsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=suburban

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

All-new independent rear suspension brings a much-improved ride and a far roomier third row and cargo area.
Available turbodiesel offers far better fuel economy than the gas V8s.
Class-leading interior space and strong towing capability.
Modern tech including available Super Cruise hands-free driving, large screens and wireless smartphone integration.
Strong resale value.

Cons

High purchase price and expensive to repair.
Gas V8s remain thirsty.
6.2L L87 V8 (top trims) is subject to a connecting-rod/bearing engine-failure recall.
First-year 2021 models had a long recall list including fuel-pump stalling.
Very large and hard to park or maneuver in tight spaces.

Trims & original pricing

Trim	Original base MSRP	New today	Engine	MPG
LS	$52,300	$63,700	—	—
LT	$57,000	$66,700	—	—
RST	$60,100	$71,700	—	—
Z71	$62,200	$73,700	—	—
Premier	$65,500	$78,600	—	—
High Country	$72,400	$83,700	—	—

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.

Sources (2)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2021-chevrolet-suburban-price
iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/chevrolet-suburban-price

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)	≈ $900–950/yr
Insurance (medium tier)	≈ $2,500–2,600/yr
Expected lifespan	~250k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (3)

repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/suburban
caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/chevrolet/suburban/insurance
cabledahmerkc.comhttps://www.cabledahmerkc.com/chevy-suburban-longevity.html

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban have?

Documented issue patterns include: The 6.2L L87 V8 (top trims) can suffer connecting-rod and crankshaft-bearing failure leading to sudden loss of power or total engine failure; covered by GM recall 25V274; 10-speed automatic can shudder and shift harshly, with some loss-of-propulsion complaints; First-year redesign electrical and infotainment glitches reported, and a 2021 fuel-pump control-module recall could cause engine stalling while driving. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?

How much did the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban cost new?

Between $52,300 and $72,400 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.

Is the Chevrolet Suburban expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $900–950/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.