2021 Chevrolet Suburban: stuck in gear or won't shift

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Engine · 19,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle went into LIMP Mode with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the nearest dealer in LIMP Mode. A diagnostic test was performed, and the mechanic discovered that the right engine lifter was damaged; however, 10 days later, the mechanic discovered that the left lifter was also damaged. The vehicle was repaired under warranty. Recently, the failure reoccurred and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact was informed that the left engine lifter had failed and caused catastrophic engine damage. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle remained with the dealer awaiting the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

Filed Sep 15, 2026 · Engine · IL

Sudden Loss of Power & Shaking: The misfire itself causes a drastic drop in acceleration. If you are merging onto a highway or trying to pass another vehicle, the sudden loss of power can leave you stranded in the path of oncoming traffic. No Stability Assistance: Because StabiliTrak and Traction Control are automatically disabled, the vehicle loses its ability to correct for skids, fishtailing, or hydroplaning. In rain, snow, or emergency swerving maneuvers, a heavy SUV becomes much harder to control. "Limp Mode" (Reduced Power): To prevent the unburned fuel from a misfire from destroying the expensive catalytic converters, the vehicle may force itself into a "Reduced Engine Power" or "Limp" mode. This limits your top speed (often to around 30 mph), which is highly dangerous if you are in the fast lane of a highway. Violent Transmission Shifting: To protect the drivetrain from the erratic power dips of a misfiring engine, the vehicle's computer will maximize transmission fluid pressure. This causes the Suburban to shift gears incredibly hard, which and feel as though the transmission is exploding

Filed Apr 22, 2026 · Transmission · 78,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Feb 11, 2026 · Transmission · 81,600 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while in reverse (R), the vehicle failed to reverse as intended. The contact’s wife continued driving at approximately 55 MPH, and an unknown message was displayed, and the vehicle failed to exceed 55 MPH. Additionally, the transmission was stuck in gear and failed to upshift into the next gear as designed. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, and the battery was disconnected and reconnected, but the message remained displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the transmission control valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,600.

Filed Nov 25, 2025 · Engine · TX

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.

Filed May 12, 2025 · Engine · PA

[XXX] Vehicle had multiple engine lights on I immediately called dealership Battery and injectors replaced. [XXX] check engine lights on again Vehicle had an intake lifter break and damage the camshaft and caused cylinder misfire. Vehicle was said to be repaired. [XXX] Vehicle had total loss of forward power while driving causing me to drift to safety (Hazard)before being restarted lost the ability to be placed in reverse and limp mode took over. Vehicle was towed to Jim Shorkey Chevrolet in Bakerstown Friday April 11th 2025. (Unsafe to drive) Vehicle is in their possession with no replacement vehicle. I am waiting on a part that is not available and unknown when it will be available. Part unavailable Ten speed valve body part #24065354. Contacted service manager no calls back. Contacted Chevrolet Customer Care number [XXX] . Customer care claims the dealership does not respond to their requests. Currently without a vehicle a whole month. Service Advisor continues to promise courtesy vehicle with no follow thru. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 2, 2025 · Transmission · MN

History of transmission shifting issues shortly after purchase (CPO from Dealership). Vehicle was taken to two separate dealerships, several times for this issue while still under the 100,000 mile CPO warranty. Dealerships claimed they could not replicate the issue, however problem continued. Now at 1198xx miles, the transmission failed while driving. was accelerating from stop and and the vehicle bucked, the rpms jumped, the service indicator illuminated, and when the vehicle stuck in limp mode. I spoke with one of the dealerships and explained the history and suggested my vehicle failure was exactly as described in the safety recall and they informed my VIN was not included in any recall or service campaign and the could do nothing for me. I called the GM customer service number, pled my case and was told the same thing

Filed Jan 11, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · TX

Came to a stoplight and the car came to a stop. The car then automatically shifted into park on its own. The car would not shift out of park an the engine would not start. The car just died. Police showed up as I was in the middle of traffic and no one could even get the car to shift into neutral to push it out of the road. Very dangerous situation. Tow truck came and they could not even get the car in neutral. So they had to drag the car onto a flat bed. Dealer has examined the car. The starter was bad, the fuse box was bad but the major issue was in the engine where the lifters went out. To have the lifters go out at less than miles is unacceptable. The dealer commented that they are seeing this issue constantly from 2021 Chevy SUVs. This is a major safety issue in that there is no was to put my 2021 suburban in neutral when this happens to clear the vehicle from a busy highway. Please investigate this.