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2023 Chevrolet Suburban

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2023 Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV offering ample space and powerful engine options, appealing to families and those needing robust towing capabilities. Engine choices include the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 (355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque), the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 (420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque), and the 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel (277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque). All engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Suburban’s spacious interior and comfortable ride, but some dislike its large size and fuel economy.

Engine

5.3L EcoTec3 V8

  • Active Fuel Management (AFM)/Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) Lifter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough running, check engine light illumination. Often occurs at relatively low mileage. Can lead to catastrophic engine damage if not addressed promptly.
    • Solution: Replacement of the affected lifters. In some cases, the entire bank of lifters and even the camshaft may need replacement if damage is extensive. Some owners opt to delete the AFM/DFM system entirely to prevent future issues, requiring reprogramming of the engine control unit (ECU).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+ depending on the extent of the damage and repair options chosen.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, needing to add oil between changes. Blue smoke from the exhaust may also be present.
    • Solution: If caught early, sometimes a software update can help. More severe cases may require piston ring replacement or even engine replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 (software update) to $5,000+ (engine replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

6.2L EcoTec3 V8

  • Active Fuel Management (AFM)/Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) Lifter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Similar to the 5.3L, misfires, rough running, check engine light.
    • Solution: Similar to the 5.3L, lifter replacement, potential camshaft replacement, AFM/DFM delete.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, needing to add oil between changes. Blue smoke from the exhaust may also be present.
    • Solution: If caught early, sometimes a software update can help. More severe cases may require piston ring replacement or even engine replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 (software update) to $5,000+ (engine replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel

  • Fuel Injector Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, decreased fuel economy, possible fuel smell, check engine light.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty fuel injector(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$1,500+ depending on the number of injectors needing replacement and labor costs.
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

10-Speed Automatic (All Engines)

  • Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough or jerky shifts, especially between certain gears (e.g., 1-3, 5-7). Hesitation or delay when accelerating.
    • Solution: In some cases, a transmission control module (TCM) re-flash or software update can resolve the issue. More severe cases may require valve body replacement or complete transmission replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (re-flash) to $5,000+ (transmission replacement).
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Shudder
    • Description/Symptoms: A shaking or vibrating sensation, particularly at low speeds and light throttle. Feels like driving over rumble strips.
    • Solution: A fluid flush with updated fluid specification or torque converter replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (fluid flush) to $1,500+ (torque converter replacement).
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Ride Suspension Failure (If Equipped)
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, compressor running constantly, “Service Ride Control” message.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty air spring(s), compressor, or ride height sensors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$2,000+ per corner, depending on the component needing replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Infotainment System Glitches
    • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, lagging, unresponsive touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity issues, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto problems.
    • Solution: Software updates are sometimes available to address these issues. In more severe cases, the entire infotainment unit may need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) to $1,000+ (unit replacement).
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, needing frequent jump starts.
    • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the parasitic drain. This could be caused by a faulty module, improperly installed aftermarket accessories, or a failing battery. Repair or replacement of the offending component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the cause of the drain.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Seat Heater/Cooler Malfunction
    • Description/Symptoms: Seat heater or cooler not working, only working intermittently, or not reaching desired temperature.
    • Solution: Replacement of the heating/cooling element, blower motor, or control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$800+ per seat.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sunroof/Moonroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof/moonroof not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, or leaking.
    • Solution: Lubrication of the tracks, repair or replacement of the motor, or replacement of the entire sunroof assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (lubrication) to $1,500+ (assembly replacement).
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Automatic Running Board Issues (If Equipped)
    • Description/Symptoms: Running boards not extending or retracting properly, making noises, or getting stuck in one position.
    • Solution: Lubrication of the hinges, repair or replacement of the motor, or replacement of the entire running board assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (lubrication) to $1,000+ (assembly replacement).
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2023 Chevrolet Suburban, while a capable and spacious SUV, can suffer from several common issues. The most serious involve the engine, particularly the AFM/DFM lifter failures and oil consumption in the V8 engines, which can lead to costly repairs. Transmission issues, especially harsh shifting, can also be a concern. Electrical problems, such as infotainment glitches and battery drain, and issues with optional features like air ride suspension and automatic running boards, add to the potential ownership costs. While some issues are relatively minor and easily addressed, others can be quite expensive to fix. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor them into their purchasing decision.

Chevrolet, Suburban
Chevrolet Suburban 2023
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