In the evening I was driving home locally and noticed a slight lurch in the car when coming to a complete stop at the stoplight. From there I proceeded into my neighborhood. There was a sudden and very loud bang sound like metal and an explosion. Immediately the engine failed and my vehicle stopped in the middle of the road. I also smelled a lot of gasoline. I was unable to shift the vehicle into neutral to move it off the road. I called a tow through AAA. Luckily I was not on the freeway or a busy road when this happened as it could have caused an accident. My vehicle is at a certified chevrolet service center where they confirmed their opinion is the timing chain snapped and destroyed my engine. They are recommending a complete motor replacement. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This vehicle is the same year make and model as a previous recall in 2025 however I am curious as to why my VIN is not included in this recall.
2021 Chevrolet Suburban: jerking or lurching
8 of the 208 complaints about the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban describe jerking or lurching.
- owner complaints
- 8
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- recalls
- 2
Jerking or lurching by model year
What owners say
transmission failed high speed jerking shifting ruined a set of tires yes has been confirmed by dealer but our vin is not covered under the recall no yes error codes appeared before we took the vehicle in for service 6-5-2025 we have had the vehicle in to 2 separate dealerships a total of 4 times for repair now that powertrain warranty is expired they are calling for a transmission replacement
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked abnormally while shifting into reverse(R) or drive(D). The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure persisted while attempting to drive. The contact also stated that the vehicle was put into LIMP Mode several times. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Went into limp mode on 11/6/25, took to the dealership where they found metal shavings in the oil due to a “stuck solenoid ‘A’”. Originally said that I’d need a whole new transmission, decided to do the cheaper easier repair and just replaced the valve train (not my choice) got it back on 11/13/25. On 11/24/25 I was on a very busy highway, at a red light, hit the gas when the light changed and the car didn’t move. Just revved the RPMs, then it suddenly lurched/surged forwards. Took it back to the dealership and they said “it doesn’t have any codes showing”. This is not normal behavior for a 4 year old vehicle with less than 40k miles on it.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not covered under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train), which the contact linked to the failure. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Has been in the dealer multiple times for very hard shifting issues. Jerks when shifting gears from stop or in lower speeds. They have tried everything and cannot figure it out. But the techs have felt it when driving as well. It has been doing it for a long time. And it’s a concern when driving, I do not feel safe.
Same like my other 2 claims for livery vehicles Vehicle started losing RPMs and jerking while clients on board. Excessive fumes from exhausts started Diagnostics- misfire on a cylinder cause by faulty engine lifters. They all start like that. That also caused a cam shaft damage. Repairs paid out of pocket $14,000 for new engine. Incident happened around first week of December 2023. 200,000 miles Forums can tip you that there are many other similar cases with engine lifters issues from GM. Escalades and Suburbans and pick up trucks I will do my best to make other limo drivers from Chicago to submit same report. From my investigation problems occur between 30,000 and 200,000 miles.
Car suddenly swerved, loud knocking started. Multiple system failures started flashing. Forward collision, ECS, traction control, the car was vibrating, jerky. I have multiple videos as well. The dealership literally told me they’d seen a ton of these when I called immediately and then told me to keep driving because the damage was done and if the engine died well then it’s under warranty. I have 3 children under 5 and that is NOT an appropriate answer when I asked about it being safe to drive considering it’s jerky/shaking/knocking, and has multiple systems down. I’ve also googled and joined forums and this is apparently a common issue in the 2021 V8s and Chevy refuses to issue a recall. Would be more than happy to provide videos as well it won’t let me upload them with the photos. Was told it could be weeks before they even have parts
Service bulletins that may apply
- Condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within...
- Condition where the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have...
- This service bulletin advises the technician to check if the transmission cooler lines are twisted to...
- This service bulletin helps diagnose/reduce possible CCND issues on Transfer Cases
- This bulletin helps aid the tech in possible noise that may be normal or abnormal depending on the concern...
- Condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within...
- This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the rear diff fluid to correct the rear clutches...
- This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: valves/valve body
- What is wrong
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
- Risk
- Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1‑800‑462‑8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.
Recall number 24V797000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated properly, possibly resulting in driveshaft failure.
- Risk
- Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020; Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006 or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N212351030.
Recall number 22V036000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban jerking
Is jerking or lurching a common problem on the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban?
8 of 208 owner complaints about the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban (4%) mention jerking or lurching. The model year with the most reports is 1997.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban?
There are 2 recalls and 128 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban
Check engine light 45Engine failure 44Fuel pump 23Loss of power 20Knocking 18Stalling 18Misfire 17Headlights 10Won't shift 8Won't start 8Shudder 6Oil consumption 5Transmission failure 5
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