Chevrolet Suburban hesitation problems

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Transmission · NC

Ongoing observation where the 10L80 equipped often shutters or struggles to determine the appropriate gear, often hesitating on acceleration. This has caused numerous scares when entering onto roadways. This has been a recalled issue on 2020-2022 models, but the issues persists with this year model (2024). The dealer has said it is a common experience among owners and expects a recall, but has said they can do nothing otherwise until then. The transmission has been properly cared for and serviced, following the GM recommended maintenance interval.

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Engine · AZ

Driving our 2024 Suburban, 6.2 L engine, on a 2-lane highway in southern Utah, traveling on cruise control at 70 mph, felt 2 hesitations (jerking movement), and turned off cruise control. Immediately after, heard knocking/thumping sound in the front of the vehicle, followed by a whining sound that got louder. Immediately found a turn-off from the highway, pulled in, and engine died while vehicle was still in motion. Attempted starting again and would not start. People stopped to help us and tried to jump vehicle without success. Suburban was towed to a Chevy dealership and we were told the Suburban's engine seized. In researching this issue, we came across the federal safety agency's investigation case EA26005. Our VIN does not fall in to this recall.

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Transmission · WA

My 2018 Chevrolet Suburban is experiencing transmission problems that raise serious concerns about the reliability and potential safety of General Motors transmissions used in trucks and SUVs from this period. When I contacted an independent transmission repair shop to describe the problems, the employee immediately asked whether my vehicle was a 2014–2018 model. When I confirmed it was a 2018 Suburban, she explained that the shop encounters transmission problems in these vehicles regularly. Her familiarity with the issue, before even inspecting my vehicle, was particularly concerning. This is now the second 2018 General Motors vehicle in my household to experience significant transmission problems. My 2018 GMC Sierra previously suffered a complete transmission failure despite remaining substantially below its warranty mileage threshold. General Motors declined financial assistance because the warranty's time limitation had expired. I recognize that these are two separate vehicles and that the mechanical cause of the Suburban's current symptoms has not yet been independently confirmed. However, the recurrence of transmission problems, the repair shop's observations, and publicly reported complaints involving GM trucks and SUVs from this period warrant further investigation. I am concerned that transmission defects could cause unexpected hesitation, slipping, loss of propulsion, or unpredictable shifting, potentially creating dangerous driving conditions. I am not claiming that all these conditions have occurred in my Suburban, but I believe the potential safety implications deserve examination. I request that the federal safety agency investigate whether these vehicles exhibit recurring transmission defects, review relevant manufacturer technical service bulletins and consumer complaints, and determine whether additional corrective action or a safety recall is warranted.

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Transmission · SC

The transmission shutter and hesitates while downshifting.

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Engine · 61,000 miles · CO

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle shut off while displaying "Service Transmission Now Unable to Shift Soon" and "Engine Power is Reduced" warning messages. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was previously inspected under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, no repairs were performed. After remaining at the dealer for nearly eight weeks, the engine was replaced under warranty. A few weeks after the replacement, the same warning messages were displayed on the instrument panel upon startup. The contact attempted to drive the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 20 MPH and was towed back to the dealer. While attempting to drive the vehicle into the service bay, the technician experienced severe hesitation and engine stalling. During diagnostic testing, a large amount of metal shavings was discovered in the oil filter, and the vehicle was diagnosed with the same engine failure as before. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact refused to take possession of the vehicle due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 61,000.

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · 50,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while entering a parking lot at a low speed, the engine shut off without warning. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure, which was associated with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle remained at the dealer for approximately three months before the engine was repaired. The contact stated that while driving recently, the vehicle hesitated upon depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning light illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the recent failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Filed Jun 4, 2026 · Transmission · TX

The failure involved the transmission valve body control valve within the automatic transmission system of the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, a critical component responsible for regulating hydraulic pressure and controlling gear shifting. The malfunction caused erratic and unreliable shifting behavior, including hesitation, harsh engagement, and loss of proper acceleration; the failed component is in the custody of Northside Chevy in San Antonio, TX. This issue created a significant safety risk, as the unpredictable transmission response impacted the driver’s ability to accelerate when necessary (merging onto high traffic roads) and increased the likelihood of dangerous situations like rear-end collisions or loss of control. The problem was confirmed by an authorized Chevrolet dealer, where diagnostic testing identified faults in the transmission control system and verified the failure through performance testing and fault codes. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership service department, though it has not been directly examined by the manufacturer, law enforcement, or insurance representatives; however, documentation of the diagnosis is being withheld by the dealership. Prior to the failure there were no warning signs present. Only after failure did the check engine light illuminate, transmission-related warning messages, and noticeable symptoms such as hard shifting, delayed engagement, and slipping, which appeared shortly before the complete failure and significantly worsened over the three-mile drive to the dealership.

Filed May 20, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · FL

Transmission stalling, hesitating, affecting engine performance and rpm's. broke down on highway. We replaced the transmission, now it's doing a similar problem and the mechanic says the engine is failing, cylinders issues. I've read up it's happening to many of the same year make and model. I spent 7k on a new transmission. Now a new engine??? ...frustrating! Please help

Filed Feb 23, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · ME

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 the federal safety agency 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)

Filed Feb 17, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

I own a 2022 Chevrolet Suburban RST that has experienced ongoing mechanical and safety issues over several years. I first began reporting drivability concerns to General Motors and the dealership in 2023 and continued contacting them throughout 2024 and 2025. During one dealership visit, a sales advisor rode in the vehicle with me and stated they did not observe any issues, despite my continued reports. The vehicle later suffered a loss of propulsion and required a full engine replacement. The radiator and cooling components were also replaced by a Chevrolet dealership. Due to ongoing concerns for my safety, I contacted General Motors multiple times, requested an executive buyback, and asked about Lemon Law options. GM advised that the engine had been replaced and that I needed to take ownership of the vehicle. After picking up the vehicle last Wednesday, I immediately noticed a persistent sweet coolant/radiator odor inside the cabin and outside the vehicle that continued for nearly a week. I also experienced engine hesitation/stuttering when stopped at traffic lights as the auto start/stop feature reengaged. I attempted to contact GM again regarding these concerns prior to today’s incident. Today, while driving, the vehicle displayed an engine overheating warning instructing me to turn the car off immediately. I safely pulled over and shut the vehicle down and am currently stranded roadside. Given the repeated failures, history of loss of propulsion, multiple repair attempts, denied buyback requests, persistent coolant odor, drivability issues, and now overheating shortly after engine and radiator replacement, I believe this vehicle presents an ongoing safety risk and request formal investigation.