2019 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN Recalls, Complaints & Safety

Two years ago, we had to have the transmission rebuilt after it kept slipping. Yesterday, as I was driving on I-95, I was passing a vehicle and pressed on the gas. There was a loud crunching noise and I lost acceleration. The check engine light came on right away and I couldn’t press on the gas without a noise and limited forward momentum. I then had to maneuver the car across four lanes of traffic with limited control over speed. There was no warnings an issue was going to occur. We had it towed to our mechanic who said there was low compression in cylinder 1. Less than 90 psi. Again, we had already had the transmission replaced and now this major engine issue. We are in the process of getting it to a Chevy dealer.

Year: 2019 Make: GMC Model: Suburban Mileage: Approximately 125,000 miles (purchased under 90,000 miles) 1. Transmission Failure My vehicle is experiencing clear signs of transmission failure, including: •Hard downshifting/clunking •RPM fluctuations while cruising •Shuddering between approximately 30–50 mph •Vibrations while idling •Hesitation and irregular shifting These symptoms have progressively worsened and are consistent with widespread complaints I have found from other 2019 Suburban owners. This appears to be a known issue affecting multiple vehicles. 2. Rear Liftgate / Electrical Malfunction The rear trunk/liftgate has closed on its own without warning multiple times. I have personally been struck in the head several times as a result. This presents a serious injury risk, especially for families loading children or cargo. There is clearly an electrical or sensor malfunction causing this behavior. 3. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) System Activating Randomly The most alarming issue is that the automatic emergency braking system has activated on its own multiple times while driving on the turnpike with no obstruction present. This has nearly caused accidents on several occasions. Unexpected braking at highway speeds creates an extremely dangerous situation for both my family and surrounding drivers. These issues are not minor inconveniences — they are serious safety hazards. Sudden braking, unintended liftgate closure, and transmission failure all create significant risk of injury or collision. Given the number of similar complaints publicly reported by other owners, I am requesting that NHTSA formally investigate these defects and determine whether a recall should be issued for affected 2019 GMC Suburban vehicles. I am extremely concerned for the safety of my family and others on the road. Please confirm receipt of this complaint and advise if additional information is needed. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)

The suburban pulls to side. I got it into the service center and they tried to fix the alignment but when we got it back it still does it. So im not driving it til it gets a second opinion because its definitely not the alignment if it is still doing it. So I dont feel safe driving it with me or especially my kids in it.

Statement of Incident and Repair Costs While driving on the expressway at approximately 70 mph in the express lane with my family in the vehicle, the engine suddenly began to stutter and run rough. Within seconds, the vehicle lost engine power, the oil light came on, and the check-engine light started flashing. The sudden loss of power caused another vehicle to almost collide with us from behind, narrowly missing my family when our truck slowed abruptly. Because of the immediate danger, we were forced to cross two lanes of interstate traffic to reach the shoulder as quickly as possible, putting my entire family at further risk. We were then stranded on the side of the expressway. The vehicle was taken to the Chevy dealership in DeMotte, Indiana. Their diagnosis determined a catastrophic engine failure caused by lifter failure, resulting in bent rods and damage to the camshaft. Despite widespread reports and known issues involving lifter failures in this model, there is no recall for this year and model. As a result, we were left to cover the full cost of the repair. The dealership did not provide a rental vehicle, even though this truck is our family’s only means of transportation large enough to safely haul all of us. Insurance would not cover the failure due to the numerous notices and documentation showing that GM/Chevy is aware of this problem but has not initiated a recall. Total cost of repair: $8,801.53, paid out of pocket. Of which we had to borrow and scrape to figure out how to pay for it, due to it being our only vehicle for our family. Now we are left with the uncertainty as to whether the same thing will happen again, endangering the lives of our family yet again, due to living out more in the country and having to drive 30+ miles one way to get to grocery stores etc… on roads that have a speed limit of 55mph rt 49 going north from south of the Kankakee river or the expressway again where the other incident occurred I65 by Lowell Indiana exit.

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light and traction control warning light were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact continued to drive the vehicle; however, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate as intended. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that, as per the two truck drivers, transmission fluid was leaking onto the street. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a loud knocking sound was heard coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rod bearings had failed due to a large amount of copper found in the engine oil. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted, but had not diagnosed or repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.

Major engine failure in my 2019 Chevrolet Suburban Premier equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine (L87). Despite routine maintenance and responsible operation, the engine recently suffered a serious failure that has rendered the vehicle inoperable. After researching the issue and speaking with several service professionals, it appears this type of engine failure may not be isolated, but part of a broader pattern affecting similar models. Given the vehicle's relatively low age and the severity of the problem, I believe this may be indicative of a manufacturing defect or premature engine wear that should not occur under normal operating conditions.

Transmission started shifting very hard while in motion. The vehicle shudders while at speed. Extremely loud vibrations coming from under the vehicle. This vehicle only has 75 k miles on it. Mechanic first flushed and changed transmission fluid. Vehicle still shifting and running rough. Mechanic says we have to replace the entire transmission. Vehicle has always had top routine maintenance done. This suburban is too new to require a new transmission. Chevrolet needs to recall this issue and replace at their cost! Lost power while on interstate at 65 MPH. Extremely unsafe!!

I have a 2019 Chevy Suburban 5.3L, 6-speed autimatic transmission. I recently started having real bad hesitation while in any gear and can feel it going into any gear real bad. Was quoted filter, fluid and gasket replacement. I had that work done at $459, which didn't fix the problem. Then they said, "it's possibly the clutch." Apparently after talking to a mechanic (who also has the same transmission with problems) and reading reading online, there are a bunch of people having problems with this transmission. This vehicle is only 6 yrs old, it shouldn't be having problems like this. GM should do a recall on these transmissions. I'm on a fixed income and don't have money to get it fixed.

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal and made an abnormal whining sound. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter had fractured, and further diagnostic testing was needed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that there was a winding sound coming from underneath the body of the vehicle in the center of the cabin. The tow light was intermittently illuminated without the vehicle being placed in tow mode. The contact stated that while accelerating and shifting gear, the vehicle hesitated and was sluggish while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission fluid was black, due to the transmission burning. The mechanic stated that flushing the fluid would cause more issues and advised the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was only quoted the cost for the repair because the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall on the vehicle. The manufacturer also confirmed that the VIN was outside of the 60,000 miles warranty. The manufacturer opened a case for the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

Lifter stuck in cylinder 3. Cost to repair $13,000 on a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban with 101,000 miles. We have owned vehicle since new. Vehicle routinely maintained.

This vehicle has broken down for times now. The latest is from a failed transmission that needed replaced.

I have a 6.2 v8 engine and the transmission failed and is not currently covered under the class action lawsuit!

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while stopped, the vehicle was slow to accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering while driving at undisclosed speeds. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was hard to start. While the vehicle was in the driveway, the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a transmission shop, and it was determined that the failure was due to the transmission. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While her husband was driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle hesitated while in third gear. The contact stated that while her husband was driving, the vehicle was shifting hard. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed there was no recall and opened a case. The failure mileage was unknown.

Catastrophic transmission failure while brining my children to school. Mechanics states the clutch pack possibly went bed causing the transmission to fail. Vehicle services appropriately. Chevy warranty refused to help claim.

My engine had a defect which required the entire engine to be rebuilt. The engine lifters, push rod and crankshaft all failed and I had to incur a $9000 repair. I believe this is in line with the current recall of Chevy 6.2L V8 engines like mine. I believe this is defect of Chevy's that they should be required to reimburse.

Engine failure due to bearing wear per independent service center diagnostic. States that engine needs to be rebuilt or replaced. There was no forewarning of this engine failure. I believe this issue is subject to ongoing investigation PE25001.

My transmission went out at 116,000 miles. We were having intermittent issues since 100k miles.

My certified used 2019 Chevy Suburban, with all routine maintenance completed, transmission abruptly failed. The vehicle was just serviced the month prior and with no current issues revealed during that appointment. We have never seen a transmission just fail suddenly with no warnings, no light on dash, and the transmission fluid was a good color and with no burn smells. My wife had just been on the 35 freeway and a moment before exited off to where we were going to eat breakfast, had she still been on the freeway, it could have been catastrophic as she had three of my children in the car with her. I researched the internet; GM has had many transmission problems on Suburban and other model cars from 2015-2019 with their currently being a class action on the other models.

Catastrophic transmission failure while driving on highway trip with family. Thankfully did not completely lock up drive train, but such a catastrophic failure could have caused a transmission/engine lock up leading to a serious accident. Drove to nearest Chevy dealer (Everett Chevy Morganton NC), inspected, validated catastrophic transmission failure. Vehicle towed back to Hendrick Chevy Monroe NC. Hendrick confirmed catastrophic transmission failure, required complete transmission replacement. I requested failed part evaluation/warranty review. Escalated to Chevy customer support. Hendrick replaced transmission 1/29/2025. Hendrick upgraded to new Thermal Bypass Valve per service bulletin #21-NA-199 as part of complete transmission replacement. Vehicle was serviced previously on 11/1/2025 for routine oil change and inspection, with transmission noted as "good." Onstar monthly diagnostic for December 26, 2024 indicated engine and transmission system "good/OK".

Our transmission when out while driving at high speed down the road, which could have caused a serious accident. There was no warning light to alert the driver before this incident occurred. We had to pull over and have our car towed - and it was dangerous to be along side of the road. We had to pay over $4000.00 to have our transmission replaced and the mechanic, who is an independent dealer, said "in his opinion, the transmission problem was caused by the defective GM automatic 8-speed transmission". We have a detailed bill of all work completed by our independent transmission dealer - dated Feb 2025.

The lifters failed in April 2024 and was replaced by the GM dealer and then the engine failed again in September 2024 however I couldn't afford to pay GM $2000 for a diagnostic and they still have my vehicle and only offer me $1500 off of a new or unused vehicle.

At a stop light the stabilitrack and check engine light came on. Engine began running very rough. I pulled around the corner and was able to get into a parking lot. When I stopped the vehicle the car shutoff completely, including all the electrical. I tried to start the car but when I did there was no engagement of the starter and all electrical shut off again. Car was towed to a mechanic shop and was advised that the engine was seized after they could not turn the engine using manual means. I had to have the engine replaced.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The transmission failed due to transmission oil that went bad and subsequently damaged the transmission. The failed transmission is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The transmission failure created unsafe driving conditions by reducing vehicle control, particularly in situations requiring acceleration or deceleration. This could have resulted in a collision if the vehicle lost power while in motion. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the problem has been confirmed by an independent service center, which diagnosed the transmission failure as a result of degraded transmission oil. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. It has only been inspected by an independent service center. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, there were symptoms prior to the failure. These included occasional transmission slipping and delayed gear shifts, which began several months before the complete transmission failure. No warning lamps or dashboard messages appeared. This issue is of significant concern as the vehicle was purchased as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle in 2022 and the transmission should not have failed this early. I am requesting an investigation into this issue to determine if it warrants a recall to prevent future safety risks for other drivers.

Car jerking and lurching forward in stop and go traffic. Mechanic confirmed transmission failure.

Suburban needs a new transmission with 85,000 miles.

2019 Chevy Suburban Premium at approx 121k miles whole body of vehicle starts shaking & vibrating at 45 mph, behaving like like torque converter going bad. Transmission intermittently acts like its slipping in 2nd & 3rd gear, when it does catch it shifts VERY hard. ..No dash lights. No warnings. Nothing....

My car it’s just 124400 miles and suddenly started to showing me a service safety restraint system then the airbag light goes on and shows that the hood is open when I start the car and stays like that for 20 seconds then goes off

My transmission is slipping, my neighbor who's a mechanic looked at it and luckily this vehicle has a transmission dipstick, fluid level was still good but we checked the Trans filter and we saw metal bits. We did a transmission fluid change and filter. It's not doing as bad but still will need to get transmission and converter replaced. Talked to a few places and they all say that this transmission always having problems and need replaced. I have supposedly a warranty but fighting with dealership about coverage. The amount of regularly seeing problems with this transmission from repair shops surprised that there isn't a recall. They say they replace the style on my car all the time on gm products supposedly it comes from the Ypsilanti plant in MI.

transmission is slipping, can’t find replacement anywhere seems that even dealers don’t have replacement parts was told that there are a lot of 2018–2019-2020 that have same problems when i called Chevy they said they are sure there are parts

We have suddenly experienced a problem with our 2019 Suburban, seemingly identical to a problem that plagued 2015 GM light trucks and SUVs (NHTSA campaign number: 18V586. GM's own number for this recall is 18289). At low speeds (typically parking lots, under 5 MPH), when turning, we intermittenly lose power steering. This is more common when switching directions rapidly such as during a parking maneuver. Simultaneously, headlights and interior lights intermittenly dim. The instrument cluster screen will display random warning messages (“roll window down then up”, etc). The clock time resets as though the battery was disconnected. Our 2019 suburban has only 68,000 miles and has received all scheduled maintenance. The battery was recently replaced in September 2022 (14 months ago). I have inspected the wiring and found nothing lose.

Received a safety restraint warning message. Took the vehicle into the dealership and we were told that the passenger side seatbelt and front airbag needed to be replaced. We had it fixed, however it cost us $1400. The dealership would not replace it at no cost, even though we are shortly out of the warranty period and only at 51k miles.

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH over a railroad crossing, the braking system erroneously activated causing the vehicle to stop abruptly. During the failure there were no vehicles or trains nearby to cause the Forward Collision Avoidance system to become activated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times and only at the same railroad crossing. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and experienced the failure while on a test drive over the railroad crossing. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 50,000.

Transmission was slipping, took to dealership to check, serviced it by changing filter and transmission fluid and gasket. At 80k miles transmission was slipping again and jerking from stopped position. Took back to dealership now they are saying I have metal in fluid and internal transmission failure? Cost to replace $13,000? This car barely gets 10k miles per year and serviced appropriately. Recall on this power train?

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving at various speeds, the trailer brake system warning light intermittently illuminated and made a beeping sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the electronic brake control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the grille shutter was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

While on a highway trip, suburban began to slip gears. It became very jerky and also began to accelerate while on flat ground in cruise control and rpm revved up to 6. It continued slipping gears and jerking and also making odd grinding noises. Test drive with mechanic and Issue has been confirmed that transmission needs rebuilt as torque convertor is the problem. There was absolutely no warning before this began. We were told that this had not been a recall yet but is definitely an issue with the 2019 Suburban.

Recently invoice date 12/15/2022 The transmission was replaced with a remanufacture transmission while under warranty coverage because it was making noise and grinding during shifting. The remanufacture transmission grinds in between gear shifting and it vibrates as if my tires are driving over traffic control grids near the solid yellow shoulder line just before pulling over onto the shoulder. My transmission was replaced at 77-887 I now have approximately 80.121 miles just 2,000 miles as of 1/15/2023 on the remanufacture transmission and it has already has problems. I am soon to return it to the dealer to have it replaced for a second time.

Electrical: Noticed a few months ago that the lane assistance/departure and blind spot warning work off and on. At times the blind spot warning does not warn and will when there is nothing there. Lane assistance and departure have the same issue. Transmission: Gears slipping. I am not a mechanic but there were no telltale signs until it just went out on me while driving with my children in the car! The only thing I noticed in several months prior was that the vehicle would shake as if you were running over the paved warning bumps on the side of the freeway. I just thought it was possibly the road or I needed new tires. I got new tires, problem still persists. When the gears slipped while I was on the highway it took about 15 seconds to engage at which time I removed myself and my children from being a traffic hazard. I checked the transmission oil - which I just did two weeks ago because I knew it was time to change the oil for the transmission - this time it had a very defined burnt smell and black in color.