2016 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2016 Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior, powerful engine options, and towing capability. It offered three engine options: a 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 (355 hp, 383 lb-ft of torque), and a 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft of torque). A six-speed automatic transmission (6L80) was standard with the 5.3L engine, while the 6.2L engine received an eight-speed automatic transmission (8L90). People like the Suburban for its passenger and cargo space, comfortable ride, and strong towing capacity. Common dislikes include its size making it difficult to park, and its fuel economy.

Engine

5.3L EcoTec3 V8 (L83)

• Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, check engine light illumination. Often accompanied by codes related to cylinder deactivation. Ticking or knocking noises from the engine may be present.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty AFM lifters, potentially requiring camshaft replacement if damaged. Disabling AFM with a tuner or AFM disabler device.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent oil top-offs between scheduled oil changes. Blue smoke from the exhaust may be present.
  • Solution: Replacement of valve stem seals, piston rings, or potentially the entire engine in severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

6.2L EcoTec3 V8 (L86)

• Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, check engine light illumination. Often accompanied by codes related to cylinder deactivation. Ticking or knocking noises from the engine may be present.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty AFM lifters, potentially requiring camshaft replacement if damaged. Disabling AFM with a tuner or AFM disabler device.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent oil top-offs between scheduled oil changes. Blue smoke from the exhaust may be present.
  • Solution: Replacement of valve stem seals, piston rings, or potentially the entire engine in severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6L80 (Paired with 5.3L V8)

• Torque Converter Shudder
  • Description/Symptoms: A shudder or vibration felt during light acceleration, typically at highway speeds.
  • Solution: Torque converter replacement or transmission flush with updated fluid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

8L90 (Paired with 6.2L V8)

• Harsh Shifting/Clunking
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifts, clunking noises during shifts, particularly between lower gears.
  • Solution: Transmission software update, valve body replacement, or complete transmission replacement in severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Shudder
  • Description/Symptoms: A shudder or vibration felt during light acceleration, typically at highway speeds.
  • Solution: Torque converter replacement or transmission flush with updated fluid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Magnetic Ride Control (If Equipped) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy or uneven ride quality, clunking noises from the suspension, service suspension system message.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty magnetic ride control shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+ per shock
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle battery draining overnight or after a short period of inactivity.
  • Solution: Identify and repair the parasitic draw by tracing current draw, replacing the faulty module/component causing the draw.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, slow response, blank screen, or inability to connect to Bluetooth.
  • Solution: Software update, replacement of the infotainment system module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Liftgate Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power liftgate failing to open or close properly, getting stuck, or making unusual noises.
  • Solution: Liftgate strut replacement, liftgate motor replacement, latch assembly replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard, especially in warmer climates.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement or dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Chevrolet Suburban, while generally reliable, experiences some common issues. The most prevalent are related to the Active Fuel Management system in both the 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines, leading to lifter failures and oil consumption. Transmission issues, particularly with the 8L90 paired with the 6.2L, can also be costly. Electrical gremlins, such as battery drain and infotainment system problems, are also reported. The severity and cost of these issues vary, with some repairs being relatively inexpensive while others, such as engine or transmission replacements, can be quite substantial. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and have the vehicle thoroughly inspected before purchase.