2024 Chevrolet Suburban
The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban is a large, body-on-frame SUV known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and powerful engine options. The base engine is a 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 producing 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options include a 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel inline-six producing 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. All engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. People appreciate the Suburban’s ample passenger and cargo space, smooth ride, and towing capability. Some common dislikes include its large size making it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces and the high price tag.
Engine
5.3L EcoTec3 V8
- Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Ticking noise from the engine, misfires, reduced power, and potential for significant engine damage. This is caused by the AFM lifters collapsing, preventing cylinders from firing properly.
- Solution: Replacement of the failed lifters, often requiring removal of the cylinder heads. In severe cases, the camshaft may also need replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. This can be caused by piston ring issues or valve seal leaks.
- Solution: Diagnosis to determine the source of the leak, potentially requiring piston ring replacement or valve seal replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
6.2L EcoTec3 V8
- Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Similar to the 5.3L, ticking noise, misfires, reduced power due to collapsing AFM lifters.
- Solution: Similar to the 5.3L, replacement of lifters and potentially the camshaft.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Similar to the 5.3L, excessive oil consumption.
- Solution: Diagnosis to determine the source of the leak, potentially requiring piston ring replacement or valve seal replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel Inline-Six
- Fuel Injector Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Rough running, misfires, and reduced power. Potential for check engine light with codes related to fuel injector performance.
- Solution: Diagnosis to pinpoint the faulty injector(s) and replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
10-Speed Automatic Transmission (All Engines)
- Rough Shifting/Hard Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh or jerky shifts between gears, especially during low-speed driving. Hesitation or clunking noises may be present.
- Solution: Software reflash of the transmission control module (TCM) may resolve the issue. In some cases, valve body replacement or complete transmission replacement may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (reflash) - $4,000+ (replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Shudder
- Description/Symptoms: A shaking or shuddering sensation, particularly at highway speeds under light acceleration.
- Solution: A fluid flush with an updated fluid can resolve the issue. In some cases, replacement of the torque converter or complete transmission replacement may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (fluid flush) - $2,000+ (torque converter replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Ride Suspension Compressor Failure (If Equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: Sagging suspension, especially in the rear, reduced ride height, “Service Suspension” warning light. The air compressor may fail to inflate the air springs.
- Solution: Replacement of the air suspension compressor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) Shock Absorber Failure (If Equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: Bouncy or uncontrolled ride, reduced handling, fluid leaks from the shocks.
- Solution: Replacement of the failed MRC shock absorber(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ per shock
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
- Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system freezes, becomes unresponsive, or crashes frequently. This can affect navigation, audio, and climate control functions.
- Solution: Software update of the infotainment system. In some cases, replacement of the infotainment unit may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1,200+ (replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The battery drains overnight or within a few days of being parked, resulting in difficulty starting the vehicle.
- Solution: Diagnosis to identify the parasitic drain. Common sources include faulty modules, aftermarket accessories, or a failing battery.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the source of the drain)
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Automatic Running Board Malfunction (If Equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: Running boards fail to deploy or retract properly, become stuck, or make excessive noise.
- Solution: Lubrication of the hinges and motors. Replacement of the running board motor or the entire running board assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (lubrication) - $1,000+ (replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Seat Heater Malfunction
- Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters fail to heat up or become excessively hot.
- Solution: Replacement of the heating element or the seat heater control module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Sunroof/Moonroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof/moonroof fails to open or close properly, makes excessive noise, or leaks water.
- Solution: Lubrication of the tracks and seals. Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor or assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (lubrication) - $800+ (replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Summary:
The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, while generally reliable, experiences some common issues. The most concerning are engine problems like AFM lifter failure and excessive oil consumption, particularly in the 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines, which can lead to significant repair costs. Transmission issues, such as rough shifting and torque converter shudder, are also relatively frequent. Electrical and suspension problems can also occur, further increasing the cost of ownership. Overall, the severity and cost of these potential issues should be considered when purchasing a 2024 Chevrolet Suburban.