On August 7, 2026, while driving a rental vehicle in the Denver, Colorado area with my family, including two young children, the vehicle unexpectedly lost engine power while traveling downhill. The engine shut off, resulting in a significant reduction in brake assistance and creating an extremely dangerous situation. We were able to bring the vehicle to a stop without a collision or injury. After restarting the vehicle, the check-engine light illuminated. The vehicle was no longer considered safe to operate and ultimately required towing by the rental operator. The exact mechanical cause is UNKNOWN. I do not know whether the vehicle was subsequently inspected or repaired by a qualified service center, and I do not have access to its diagnostic or maintenance records. After the incident, I discovered that another renter had reported a substantially similar failure involving the same vehicle approximately one week earlier, including engine problems and a check-engine warning. I have since discovered an additional report of an engine-related issue involving this vehicle after my rental. Despite these recurring reports, the vehicle appears to remain available for rental to the public. I am concerned that this vehicle has a recurring, potentially unresolved defect involving engine shutdown or loss of power while driving. Such a failure creates a serious collision risk, particularly on hills, at highway speeds, or in traffic. I request that the federal safety agency investigate whether this vehicle's repeated failures indicate a broader engine, electrical, or powertrain safety defect. The vehicle remains in the possession or control of the rental operator and may be available for inspection. I can provide supporting documentation of the reported incidents.
2018 Chevrolet Suburban engine problems
19 complaints (23% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 88,000.
- owner complaints
- 19
- of this car's complaints
- 23%
- typical mileage
- 88,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Chevrolet Suburban engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2018 Chevrolet Suburban owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
My 2018 LT Chevy suburban with 110000 miles has been giving me transmission and motor problems. I took it to chevy vannuys and they took 3 days and did nothing. I saw a recall on line for the same year. Explaining about transmission problems. Where can I go to have it fixed.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that on several occasions, while the vehicle was parked and running, or while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. Occasionally, the vehicle was able to be restarted; however, on other occasions, the vehicle required towing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the battery cable and ignition switch were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was unsafe to drive; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 208,257.
1.) January 29 2026 @6:00PM Vehicle was in use. Driver accelerated to avoid another vehicle and the engine loss all power. When pushing on the accelerator the tachometer would increase as if I was reving the engine however there was no power. SAFETY ISSUE: With power completly lost, I had to coast over to the should of highway 10 and sit on the shoulder. Vehicle had to be turned off and restarted in order for the vehicle to have power. ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 2.) March of 2021 - Vehicle was in use. Driver accelerated to merge with traffice and the engine experienced a loss of all power. When pushing on the accelerator the tachometer would increase as if I was reving the engine however there was no power. Driver contacted ON-STAR seeking assistance. ON-STAR rep advised that I pull over onto the shoulder of the highway, turn off the vehicle, then turn it back on which temporatily worked. SAFETY ISSUE: With power completly lost, I had to coast over to the should of highway 60 freeway and sit on the shoulder. Vehicle had to be turned off and restarted in order for the vehicle to have power. ACTION taken: Vehicle was taken to a GMC certified dealer and the "CONTROL CYLINOID VALVE & TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODUAL ASSEMBLY WERE REPLACED. First incident the repair was under warrenty and there was no expense to the owner Second incident the repair was not under warrenty and owner is required to pay repairs.
No official incident has happened yet, but the brake assist kicks in, yet does not work until it's revving engine to over 4000rpm, which causes a sudden jerk and scary sounds from engine. I have had a few instances where the vehicle did not want to stop almost causing an accident, and these have happened without anything in the car other than my daughter who is 2 and myself. The most recent problem is a weird rattling sound while going uphill. Before this going uphill is extremely sluggish, where I have the gas peddle almost to the floor, but nothing happens other than decrease in speed until it finally, about 30 seconds-1 minute, where it kicks into overdrive. Even then, speed does not increase by more than 5-10 mph depending on the incline. I have not brought it to get looked at yet, as I've seen these issues have been reported by numerous consumers without any recalls being sent out other than the breaking system update.
Lifter issues after 60000 miles had to replace all around 5000 dollars
Currently own a 2018 Chevy Suburban with a lifter issue in the engine. This is a known issue with Chevy as many vehicles have experienced this problem from zero to over 100k miles. Chevy has not issued any help or support with customers with this issue. My vehicle is well maintained I get oil changes frequently and have never not done a required service when needed. When I notice an issue I immediately take it to in Regal Chevy for repairs and no matter what the issue is I get it repaired on the spot. I find it odd that this is a recurring issue and Chevy has done nothing to help support loyal customers.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine experienced rough idling. Additionally, the engine also made rattling sounds while driving with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and two other dealers, Penske Chevrolet of Cerritos (18605 Studebaker Rd, Cerritos, CA 90703) and Camino Real Chevrolet (2401 S Atlantic Blvd, Monterey Park, CA 91754); however, all three dealers were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to the Active Fuel Management (AFM). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but refused to buy back the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 60. The VIN was unavailable.
The Trailor brake system, engine light, stabilitrak control system and antilock brake system is on due to the wiring of this vehicle.
Car abruptly lost power while driving causing rapid deceleration and requiring immediate action to steer vehicle off the active roadway without hitting other vehicles or causing property damage. There were no warning lights or signs until this occured. The vehicle was later towed to chevrolet who informed us that this was a KNOWN ISSUE these cars have where their "lifters fail and sometimes even damage the camshafts" If this was a known issue why would it not have been addressed in a recall. After speaking with the dealer I searched the internet for the same issue and it is widespread across several GM cars including mine. GM now wants $3,100 to repair a dangerous manufacturer defect.
Questions about the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban engine
Does the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban have engine problems?
Owners have filed 19 complaints about the engine of the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban, 23% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2018 Chevrolet Suburban engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 88,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Chevrolet Suburban have bad engine?
The Chevrolet Suburban model years with the most engine complaints are 2021 (102 complaints), 2023 (77 complaints) and 2022 (69 complaints).
Other 2018 Chevrolet Suburban problems
Transmission 19Electrical 17Brakes 15Steering 8Seat belts 5Airbags 4Driver assistance 4Fuel system 4Wheels 4Acceleration 3Suspension 2Body 1
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2018 Chevrolet Suburban?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history