18 of the 111 complaints about the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban are about the engine — 16% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 88,000 miles.
18
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11723745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11715036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11714735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11686951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
LIFTER ISSUES AFTER 60000 MILES HAD TO REPLACE ALL AROUND 5000 DOLLARS
NHTSA complaint #11656512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11656220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11643768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
The Trailor brake system, engine light, stabilitrak control system and antilock brake system is on due to the wiring of this vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11576916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11550831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
9/29/22 (123k miles) TECHNICIAN: - Test drove vehicle, inspected transmission operation & found gear train noise / L3, in approximately 1st through 3rd gears. Tach was jumping up to about 200 rpms when converter locked up and then would go back down. Monitored on scanner and found converter slipping in and out of lock up. - Scanned computer control modules & found no codes. - Inspected transmission fluid level & condition, found transmission fluid was full and red, note; customer noted fluid was changed recently and was dark and burnt with metal shavings in it during the change. (photo of metal shavings). - Inspected exterior of transmission for leaks & damage, found no leaks or damage. - Determined there is a lack of lockup pressure or hydraulic pressure and internal damage to the transmission assembly. - Recommends replacing the transmission assembly with a unit with an improved torque converter. (We replace).
NHTSA complaint #11550011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
While slowing down to make a left hand turn at an intersection, my vehicle suddenly lost power steering and the entire system completely shut down. There was no electronic function during that time. I had to put the vehicle in park, turn the key to the off position and then start it back up. It has happened multiple times, both at low speeds in drive and reverse. This would have caused a collision if there was oncoming traffic at the intersection at that time.
NHTSA complaint #11538602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked with the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that he was informed by the dealer that the failure could not be duplicated, and that there would be a fee for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
NHTSA complaint #11534170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Car has been at dealer 3 times for Wi-Fi issue. Mechanic took car home for longer drive to check. No found issues. Brought in for small noise that comes and goes. They Came back saying $10000 for cam shaft and lifters they are assuming.
NHTSA complaint #11501145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Hello, To whom it may concern, My vehicle is a 2018 Chevy Suburban with a 5.3 motor. GM produced these motors made from inferior metal and defective lifters. My engine began failing in May 2022, I've taking my vehicle to several shops for work but the problem has not been resolved. I have links below explaining the problems with these motors. There are tens of thousands of individuals with families struggle with this same problem I'm having as well. This is world wide news, I'm asking for help for myself and so many other people in these challenging times. I've contacted GM headquarters. [XXX] and [XXX] with no success, just the run around. I went to a GMC dealer here in Clarksville, TN where I reside this month. [XXX] with GMC told me he was hearing my lifters and I need not drive my vehicle. Called me in his office and told me he couldn't get my vehicle in to be looked at, but gave me another dealership contact information. I called and spoke with a gentleman by the name of [XXX] he also informed me that they were backed up and couldn't see me until October 5th. All warning lights came on in May of 2022, engine and steering and traction. Please view these links below that explain in further detail. Thank you for your time and help! My Contact information [XXX] https://youtu.be/EwOQbnFcAOc https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2021/12/are-there-new-problems-with-gm-v-8-engine-lifters-lurking/ INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11486055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
I had noticed an intermittent chirping noise coming from the vehicle, but no warning lights were on and it did not seem significant, I thought maybe it was a squeaky belt that I would have checked at our next routine maintenance. My husband drove the vehicle next for an approximately 12-mile round trip. He noticed the noise get more consistent and louder, and while pulling into our driveway, I observed that the sound was very loud and smoke was coming from the right side wheel well. As soon as he put the vehicle in park, coolant flooded the driveway. We had an independent mechanic come to our home to diagnose the vehicle. He stated that the water pump completely blew and the pulley was loose. The mechanic emphasized that a car this age should not have had a loose water pump/pulley and that this was a manufacturing issue. He was very concerned that if it had blown while driving, it would have shut off the engine entirely and could have caused a catastrophic accident. He recommended a new water pump and thermostat.
NHTSA complaint #11457631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
The vehicle began to shake as if it would shut down. Then, the engine light came on. Then I received three text message alerts. We were shown paperwork regarding the service history that was done at Philips Chevrolet. Now we’re getting alerts regarding work that has to be completed within 7 days.
NHTSA complaint #11426679 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN DEC OF 2019 USED. 35,000 MILES. NOW HAS 88,000 AND THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. REGULAR OIL CHANGES. NO WARNING LIGHTS. NO ISSUES. STOPPED RUNNING. AFTER HAVING SOMEONE LOOK AT IT TO SEE WHAT THE ISSUE WAS, THE MECHANIC SAID THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION HAS TO EITHER BE REBUILT OR REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #11395943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND MISS FIRING. FAULTY FUEL INJECTOR ON CYLINDER #1.
NHTSA complaint #11163327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.