2021 Chevrolet Suburban

Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data

Engine Size
Engine
6.2L V8
Oil Type & Capacity
5W-30 Full Synthetic (8 qts)
Transmission
Automatic 10-spd
Wheel Torque
140
ft-lbs

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Chevrolet Suburban.

For oil changes, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban takes 5W-30 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 8 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Dex-Cool (OAT), and transmission fluid is Dexron VI. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.

When mounting wheels on the Chevrolet Suburban, torque the lug nuts to 140 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.

Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban have reported 5 common issues including "DFM Lifter Failure on V8 Engines", "6.2L V8 Connecting Rod and Crankshaft Defect" and "10-Speed Transmission Harsh Shifting". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.

There are 12 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.

Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban uses 5W-30 Full Synthetic motor oil (8 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 140 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.

2021 Chevrolet Suburban Specifications
Motor Oil5W-30 Full Synthetic
Oil Capacity8 qt
Lug Nut Torque140 ft-lbs
Brake FluidDOT 3
CoolantDex-Cool (OAT)
Transmission FluidDexron VI
Transmission Fluid
Fluid Type
Dexron VI
Shop
Coolant
Fluid Type
Dex-Cool (OAT)
Shop
Brake Fluid
Fluid Type
DOT 3
Shop
Washer Fluid
Windshield
Shop

Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.

Service Item
Interval
Engine Oil & Filter
7,500 mi / 12 mo
Dexos1 Gen3 0W-20 synthetic, 8 qt (5.3L)
Tire Rotation
7,500 mi / 6 mo
Rotate every oil change
Cabin Air Filter
22,500 mi / 24 mo
Located behind glove box
Engine Air Filter
45,000 mi / 48 mo
Inspect at 22,500 mi
Brake Fluid
45,000 mi / 36 mo
DOT 3
Transmission Fluid
45,000 mi
10-speed automatic; Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP
Transfer Case Fluid
45,000 mi
4WD models; Autotrak II
Coolant
150,000 mi
Dex-Cool OAT; then every 30,000 mi
Spark Plugs
97,500 mi
Iridium-tipped; AC Delco
Serpentine Belt
90,000 mi
Inspect at 60,000 mi
Battery
60 mo
Check terminals annually
DTC Code Lookup

Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban.

Common problems reported by 2021 Chevrolet Suburban owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.

1

DFM Lifter Failure on V8 Engines

The Suburban shares the same T1XX platform and V8 engines as the Tahoe and Silverado, and suffers from the same DFM lifter collapse issue. The 5.3L L84 and 6.2L L87 engines are affected, with owners reporting lifter failures at very low mileages. A 2022 Suburban RST was documented with lifter failure at just 6,500 miles.

Solution

Dealer replaces the failed lifters, VLOM assembly, and camshaft if scored, under powertrain warranty. GM's Component Coverage program provides extended warranty for repeat valve train repairs. Reference TSB 15-06-01-002F for proper diagnosis.

Est. Cost: $1,500 - $4,000 (typically covered under warranty)
2

6.2L V8 Connecting Rod and Crankshaft Defect

Identical to the Tahoe, certain 2022 Suburban models with the 6.2L V8 have potentially defective connecting rods and/or crankshafts that can cause catastrophic engine failure. The defect is a manufacturing issue and is not related to owner maintenance or driving habits.

Solution

NHTSA Recall N252494000. Dealers inspect the engine and repair or replace as necessary. Vehicles that pass inspection receive preventive measures including higher viscosity oil. All work is free of charge.

Est. Cost: $0 (recall repair)
3

10-Speed Transmission Harsh Shifting

The 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission exhibits harsh shifting, shuddering during light acceleration at highway speeds, and delayed shifts. The transmission may also produce clunking sounds during low-speed gear changes. In rare cases, the transmission control valve can wear to the point of causing rear wheel lockup.

Solution

Recall N242454440 for TCM software update to monitor transmission control valve wear. Transmission fluid flush with updated Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP fluid for shudder symptoms. Valve body or complete transmission replacement for vehicles with internal damage.

Est. Cost: $0 (recall) - $4,500 (transmission replacement)
4

Third-Row Seat Belt Buckle Rivet Defect

The rivet retaining the seat belt buckle to its bracket in the third-row may be improperly formed, potentially causing the buckle to fail during a crash. Given that the Suburban is frequently used as a family vehicle with all three rows occupied, this defect is particularly concerning.

Solution

GM recall for 2021-2022 models. Dealers inspect and replace the third-row seat belt buckle assemblies as needed, free of charge.

Est. Cost: $0 (recall repair)
5

Electrical System and Infotainment Glitches

Owners report infotainment screen freezing, rearview camera intermittent failure, random warning lights on the dashboard, and wireless phone charger overheating. The large 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster may also experience intermittent blackouts or display artifacts. Battery drain is reported on vehicles that sit for several days.

Solution

Software updates to the infotainment and BCM modules. Battery replacement if the 12V battery tests below specification. Wireless charger module replacement if overheating occurs. In severe cases, the instrument cluster or infotainment unit requires replacement.

Est. Cost: $0 (software update) - $1,800 (module replacement)

12 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov

1

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Campaign: 25V274000 Date: 24/04/2025

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.

Consequence

Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.

2

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Campaign: 24V797000 Date: 24/10/2024

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.

Consequence

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.

3

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Campaign: 22V827000 Date: 03/11/2022

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will provide an over-the-air (OTA) update for the Body Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222382220.

4

SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Campaign: 22V617000 Date: 11/08/2022

General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may have been improperly formed.

Consequence

A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 28, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 1, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222372380.

5

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Campaign: 22V036000 Date: 27/01/2022

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.

Consequence

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.

6

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE

Campaign: 21V739000 Date: 23/09/2021

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump power control module may cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, which can interrupt fuel flow to the engine, and cause an unexpected engine stall.

Consequence

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 14, 2021. 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 N212332040.

7

STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE

Campaign: 21V455000 Date: 17/06/2021

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. A software issue may cause a loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving.

Consequence

Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The power steering module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 13, 2021. 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 N212333900.

8

AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT

Campaign: 21V421000 Date: 10/06/2021

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.

Consequence

The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212338110.

9

SEAT BELTS

Campaign: 21V190000 Date: 18/03/2021

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Suburban, and Tahoe vehicles with third-row seating. The third-row outboard seat belts may have been entrapped or misrouted behind the outboard seat-folding mechanism, which could result in damaged seat belts.

Consequence

A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third-row outboard seat belts, replacing any damaged seat belts, and rerouting them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313000.

10

SEAT BELTS

Campaign: 20V811000 Date: 23/12/2020

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.

Consequence

If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.

11

SEAT BELTS

Campaign: 20V792000 Date: 17/12/2020

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.

Consequence

If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.

12

SEATS

Campaign: 20V735000 Date: 25/11/2020

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles. During general assembly, a repair involved removal of one or both front seats. The attachment bolts for the front seats may not have been properly reinstalled after the repair was completed.

Consequence

If an occupied front seat has loose or missing attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seated occupant.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N202312720.

Have the VIN?

Decode your VIN for even more detailed specs including trim-level data.

Decode a VIN
Suburban — Other Model Years
2026202520242023202220202019201820172016
See Also
2021 Chevrolet Suburban Lug Nut TorqueBest Oil for 2021 Chevrolet SuburbanAll Vehicles Using 5W-30 Full Synthetic OilAll Vehicles Using DOT 3Oil Change Guide: 2021 Chevrolet SuburbanWiper Replacement: 2021 Chevrolet Suburban