2007 Chevrolet Suburban engine problems

Filed Aug 28, 2026 · Engine · KY

The lifter rod associated with the DoD/AFM system failed, causing catastrophic failure in the engine. This isn't an age issue, this isn't a part that wore out and failed. This car would still be running and driving if that system was never installed. The lifters for these systems are known weakpoints that'll eventually fail. Because of this we lost immediate power in the vehicle and had to immediately pull off to the side of the road on a busy road. I had my local shop take a look and they confirmed that it was a lifter issue. No others have inspected this as this is chalked up to the age of the vehicle. There's no warning for this failure. One second you engine is running great, you apply for some more power, and it fails. Ruining the rest of the engine with it.

Filed May 5, 2025 · Engine · NJ

As the current investigation is going for the General Motors engines 2014-2025 5.3L and 6.2L for AFM/DFM. The same is happening with 2007 - 2014 5.3L engines with DOD. I had a 2014 Chevy Suburban with the 5.3L I had to rebuild the passenger side due to a DOD lifter failing. My current, 2007 Suburban is starting to make a DOD lifter tap, again on the passenger side. I will be getting a full rebuilt engine with the DOD system deleted to prevent this in the future. Hundreds have had this happen in the car forums and I can not imagine how many have encountered the same issue but do not say anything due to chalking it up to mileage, age of the vehicle, or just accepting the failure by design. Most are simply taking it on the chin; paying out of pocket or doing the work themselves to repair, delete, or modify the engines. I understand there is time and the age of the vehicles against these claims, but acknowledgement and shedding light on this known issue from General Motors will help just as much.

Filed Oct 10, 2023 · Engine · 185,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving 50-60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started jerking. Additionally, the contact noticed that there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to Triple A service station, where the cause of the failure could not be determined; however, unknown plugs and wire were replaced. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where flour coil packs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that intake lifter of cylinder #1 was not moving due to a collapsed lifter roller, which lead to oil built up on the oil pan and the rear main seal. The dealer determined that engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.

Filed Sep 13, 2023 · Engine · CA

The engine has a collapsed lifter that has failed. This problem is placing us at risk of breaking down while driving. I live in a busy city that has a lot of traffic. When I have money, I plan to take the vehicle to the dealership to confirm. I first noticed the problem by hearing the engine make a clicking sound when the engine is running. The sound is coming from the area of lifter location.

Filed May 24, 2023 · Engine · SC

The engine began smoking really bad when driving down highway and car locked down. It became undriveable. I was out of town when happened and had to have towed. Mechanic confirmed motor is bad and has to be replaced. Just had transmission replaced 2 weeks prior to this happening. Transmission has had to be replaced 2 x's since I have owned vehicle.

Filed Apr 18, 2021 · Airbags, Engine · 167,000 miles · MI

Took a left turn while driving, heard a small noise and with in one minute of going down the road after my turn, my engine was a rough idle, engine light blinking and traction control was blinking. Had it towed to the closest chevy dealership to find out that the lifters were bad and causing misfire. That's a common problem for this engine and the replacement cost should not be on the consumer, there should be a recall for this costly repair!

Filed Nov 21, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · 2 miles · CA

I was driving the vehicle in motion when out of no where the engine started making a loud thumping crackling sound

Filed Apr 15, 2019 · Engine · IL

Engine is malfunctioning and using excessive amounts of oil (1 quart every 1-2 weeks). The manufacturer built bad motors in 2007 and knowingly covered it up. The vehicles were still sold to consumers and rather than fixing the issue (engine would have to be rebuilt or replaced) the manufacturer is placing all responsibility and cost ($9,000 fix) on the consumer, even when reported before 100,000 miles. The manufacturer knowingly sold lemon vehicles and refuses to fix.

Filed Feb 8, 2019 · Engine · 170,000 miles · NH

Active fuel management (afm) lifters jam/seize causing push rods to remain collapsed and causing engine misfires throughout the engine and excessive oil burning, possible damage to catalytic converters, and premature engine wear. Lifters must be replaced or engine replaced. I was driving the car and when the engine began misfiring, check engine light began blinking, traction control became disabled, and error on dash saying service stabilitrak and traction control disabled appeared. The car began to shift erratically shaking and lunging.

Filed Apr 11, 2018 · Engine · 160,000 miles · UT

Engine is malfunctioning and using excessive amounts of oil (1 quart every 1-2 weeks). The manufacturer built bad motors in 2007 and knowingly covered it up. The vehicles were still sold to consumers and rather than fixing the issue (engine would have to be rebuilt or replaced) the manufacturer is placing all responsibility and cost ($9,000 fix) on the consumer, even when reported before 100,000 miles. The manufacturer knowingly sold lemon vehicles and refuses to fix. A mechanic told me that my engine could explode (severe safety issue).