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CarComplaints.com Notes: Engines shouldn't need a new quart of oil every 500-1000 miles, but for thousands of Suburban owners that's exactly what's happening. Engine oil consumption on aluminum block engines with Active Fuel Management (AFM) is out of control and owners are left looking for answers.

The most likely culprit is an uncovered AFM valve which, in many cases, can be covered under warranty. The problem is the issues don't stop there and many owners have been told by GM just to buy a new engine. Take one guess who they want to pick up the tab.

7.6

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$410
Average Mileage:
65,000 miles
Total Complaints:
186 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (65 reports)
  2. nothing got resolved (53 reports)
  3. chevy needs to fix (27 reports)
  4. replace engine (15 reports)
  5. splash guard to be added in oil pan (5 reports)
  6. replaced cylinder heads (3 reports)
2007 Chevrolet Suburban engine problems

engine problem

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2007 Chevrolet Suburban Owner Comments (Page 2 of 10)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #166

Feb 182015

Suburban LT 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 121,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I purchased this vehicle in January, 2014 with 106,000 miles. I tried to do my research on this vehicle prior to purchasing but never knew there was an oil consumption problem. There are so many Suburbans on the road, I felt they were rock solid.

I lose about a quart of oil every thousand miles. Luckily, the dealer does free top-offs but how long will this vehicle last? I have no mechanical experience at all so I have no idea.

I do know this is the first GM product I purchased and this has not been a good experience. With all the recalls out there, one would think GM would take care of this. I can see I am not the only person having this problem with their GM vehicle.

Can someone please help as the dealer advised to get a new engine.

- msp1833, Traverse City, MI, US

problem #165

May 152012

Suburban Z71 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,500 miles

According to the owner's manual, if you put the gear selector in "3" instead of "D", the engine will not go into V4 mode. When I am driving in town at speeds less than 45 mph, I put the gear selector in 3. Went from using a quart of oil every 1600 miles to using a quart every 2200 miles. Huge difference and didn't cost a dime.

No, you shouldn't have to do this but it's much better than taking it in for the oil consumption test every few hundred miles. Results may vary due to personal driving habits.

- martysd, Aberdeen, SD, US

problem #164

Jun 132014

Suburban Z71 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 109,000 miles

Owned a 2003 Z71 with virtually no problems until we lost it in a rollover accident (Thank God everyone was ok). June of 2014 we purchased a beautiful 2007 Suburban Z71 black with 109,000 miles. It has no rust and you can tell it was garaged kept. Oil life said 56% and being a current chevy express owner now that everyone resets those when you change the oil. Low oil indicator turned on shortly after we bought it. So i changed the oil before our 1600 mile trip. When we arrived (800 miles) no oil missing. when i returned home (1600) miles we were 1 quart low. Then the next 1600 miles burned 2 quarts. So, in 3k miles it consumed 3 quarts of oil. Now i have been monitoring these sites to see if there is a fix by GM and so far there is not, especially being over 100k mile mark. It frustrates me because i am sure the old owner new about it but did not do anything to fix it.

- Steve N., Rochester Hills, MI, US

problem #163

Aug 162012

Suburban LS 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I bought my 2007 Chevy Suburban brand new and it was a good car for the first 2 years. Then I started to notice things falling apart and noticed the oil usage. I didn't realize how bad of a issue it was until my brother-in-law told me about the problem (he bought a 2007 Suburban at the same time). The car also needs to have the rear aexl rebuilt as I found this is a common problem too. I have been a loyal Chevy customer for many years but this car is a piece of sh*t. I will never buy one of their cars again.

- Jason M., Simi Valley, CA, US

problem #162

Feb 042011

Suburban LT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 61,372 miles

Stilllllllll burning oil....... replaced all 8 piston rigs and reinstalled 2 broken exhaust manifold bolts and one exhaust flange stud. Extracted and retapped holes. New gaskets and fasteners, replaced all lifters on the drivers side. All on 60k miles. Geezus, this is not normal wear and tear type stuff. I drive my kids to and from school and sports I'm not 4x4 ing how do exhaust manifold bolts just break from normal driving. WTH. Hate this car. Stuck in it thank god all this crap covered under warranty.

- tsweet, Renton, WA, US

problem #161

Jul 012011

Suburban LT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,000 miles

Ok after having this POS in the shop every couple months I feel a little relieved that they are replacing the engine; right.... wrong. Engine finally stops burning oil but then the rest of the damn thing starts to fall apart.

- tsweet, Renton, WA, US

problem #160

Dec 012012

Suburban LTZ 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Bought my wife a suburban LTZ 2007 with 49000 miles and bought the extra 36 thousand miles extended warranty. Before the first oil change was due the add oil light came on said I was low. I took it back early and have started the annoying process of oil consumption test. I've taken it back so many times and if I go overt the 1000 mile mark before the oil test I have to start all over again. GM knows about the problem and needs to recall or refund! I will go one more time with my lawyer and the BBC and every person I can think of that can make them fes up to this engine flaw so they can fix it. Big trust factor here. My friend had the same problem with his and it took him 2 years of complaining and trading it back before they replaced the engine. So let's keep bugging them and caning the news so they can just fix it.

- sonny86, Bakersfield, CA, US

problem #159

Jul 232014

Suburban LTZ 5.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

I purchased a used 2007 Chevy Suburban with 48,000 miles on it. Prior to the due date and mileage of my first oil change, the alert came on that oil was low and to add. I immediately took it into the shop to get the oil changed and they said that it was at least two quarts low and didn't even register on the dip stick. The same thing occurred with 1500 miles left until my next oil change (synthetic oil so it had been 3500 miles and the engine used almost all of the oil). I did some online research and found that this was a common problem and a design defect with these engines. I took it into my dealership and showed them the fix and the estimate was $3600 to repair. Since it is a known design defect from GM, they should issue a recall and cover the cost of the fix.

- gapirate, Augusta, GA, US

problem #158

Mar 152013

Suburban LT 5.8L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 99,000 miles

Apparently we are having the same issue that most 2007 Suburban owners are having with excessive oil consumption. Currently 1 quart every 500-1000 miles. What a black eye for Chevy! I didn't realize the extent of the issue until I started researching online and found volumes of complaints. The consensus appears to be that Chevy is pretending not to see an issue. For me, Chevy has a few options: 1) repair the defect, 2) trade out owners straight across with new models that don't have a problem, or 3) legal proceedings.

- Shane C., Syracuse, UT, US

problem #157

Jul 222014

Suburban LX V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,000 miles

Purchased 2007 Suburban new from dealer. At approximately 75K miles the engine started using about 1 to 2 qts of oil every 3000 miles or so. Vehicle was running good, just using more oil than I thought it should. I called dealer and asked about the oil usage, was told no problem, I could expect to use a quart between oil changes. The dealer never mentioned the known problem with excessive oil usage.

At 83K I took vehicle in for routine oil change and inspection, vehicle still running fine, but using oil. I picked up vehicle and on the way home it started to misfire and idle rough. The stabilizer light came on, but went off within minutes. I carried vehicle back to shop and now I'm told about the known problem, excessive oil use. My warranty has expired and of course neither the dealer or GM take responsibility. Dealer says replace plugs, install deflector shield, and cleaning engine will take care of problem. I will be responsible for the Approx. $1600.00 charge.

I am disappointed with the dealer and GM. I can no longer recommend the purchase of any late model Suburbans.

- John H., Keswick, VA, US

problem #156

Jun 012014

Suburban LS 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 143,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Used a bit of oil (1 qt er 3,000 miles). Now uses 1 qt per tank of gas. Chevy dealer said I simply need a new $5,800 engine.

- James S., Saratoga, WY, US

problem #155

Feb 022014

(reported on)

Suburban LT 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

Purchased vehicle with 40k miles. By 45k had to add one quart of oil every 1k miles. Dealership did an oil consumption test and verified the excessive loss of oil every 1k. When asked what they would do about it they said we would have to go through a couple more cycles of oil consumption testing. What? Have been adding one quart of oil every 1k since.

- rklein4, Appleton, WI, US

problem #154

Aug 222013

Suburban LT 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,000 miles

I operate as a small car service between the airport and ski resorts in Salt Lake and use Suburbans as my choice of vehicles for going up the mountain passes to the ski resorts. Since 2007 I've used the 2002 and 2004 model of the Suburban with no problems.

Last year (2013) I made the bad decision of switching over to the newer looking 2007 model. Since driving I've had to keep checking the oil consumption every 500 miles. This has become a pain the rear as I can put in 500 miles easily in 3-4 days of driving. The oil light came on. I've had to change the oil sensor as that went out soon after I bought it used from a private seller. Wished I had checked this site prior to purchasing it.

As far as GM vehicles go I am completely done with them. Will never buy another GM vehicle even if they fixed this issue in the newer 2014 models. For 7 years they did nothing about this problem and gave nothing but excuses. Will now be looking at Ford Expeditions for my car service business and will be selling this one soon. Hope someone buys it. I have however managed to slow the oil consumption problem by switching to Mobile One Full Synthetic High Mileage 10W 30 Oil. This has reduced the MPG quite significantly from the already poor MPG. Many of my friends who are also in the business are moving away from GM vehicles for car services and I constantly tell new start ups in the business never buy the newer Suburbans. Heck, I'm even considering the AWD Sienna's. Not the image I want as a car service but I suppose a black one with leather interior should do the trick.

- jason1137, Salt Lake City, UT, US

problem #153

Jul 082010

Suburban

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,000 miles

We took it in to the dealer when we noticed it was going through about a quart of oil every 1000 miles. The dealer told us that was "per spec". I didn't buy that so we kept on them. The consumption got to about 1 quart every 500 miles and then the dealer started the repair attempts. New splash pan, new lifters, new valve seats (I think). I had a 100k mile extended warranty on it along with the 100k factory one. Most things were covered, I just had the $100 dollar deductible each time. GM extended the factory warranty to 110k, however with 95k I traded it in for a Ford Expedition EL. I drive my cars normally for 10 years or 200k. I didn't want the headaches that were sure to come from burning so much oil. The catalytic converter must be next, along with the throttle body. The throttle pedal gave out and I had to replace that and we changed the ground cable 2 times. Lets not forget about the silver razor flakes that cut us when we opened the door with the inside handles.

- Steve K., Chandler, AZ, US

problem #152

Dec 302011

Suburban LT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

All I can say about the 2007 Suburban is it is an oil sucking money pit!!! I had a Salvage 99 Expedition that was only $4000 and it runs better than my Suburban to this day. It started sucking down a quart of oil every 2000 miles after we got to 85000 miles. We had to have two cylinders repaired and the cam lifter. Also, the rings and a bunch of other stuff I can't even remember. It was $1200!!!!

The dealership was less than helpful. We ended up going to an independent garage and paid more because they were so rude. I contacted Chevrolet and they gave me no answers and did not offer to help in any way. Needless to say, this is the first Chevrolet and the last Chevrolet I will ever buy. Also, had to replace the transfer case, wheel bearing, ball joints, brakes three times, throttle control censor, oil pressure censor, and the 4 wheel drive. Thanks to Chevrolet for making such a wonderful piece of junk!!! I'm so disgusted they won't stand behind the vehicles they build. I really hope there is a class action lawsuit!!!! No one should pay $45000 for a vehicle and have these problems!!!

- Alison K., Gnadenhutten, OH, US

problem #151

May 032010

Suburban LTZ

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

We too have a 2007 Suburban. Excessive oil consumption after 80,000 miles. Bought a case of oil just to have after learning this was an issue. Vehicle now has 160,000 miles and the dealer is telling me the cam needs replaced or new engine. The low oil pressure light with the notification saying shut the engine off immediately came on. A different mechanic has it and trying to find out the causes. After much searching on the internet, it appears it could be the oil pressure relief valve.

Prior to this, it was a new transmission, lifters, catalytic converters and many other things. My Cadillac CTS was a maintenance hog as well and now my 2012 Buick LaCrosse is already costing me. My neighbor and good friend owns the dealership, but I don't blame them. Its GM quality. I know he hates seeing my wife's new vehicle in the driveway though. Its not a GM product. They do have great commercials though.

- Daryl B., Crestwood, KY, US

problem #150

Jul 012008

Suburban LS 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,000 miles

Purchased this vehicle new in 2007 with 6 miles on the odometer. I never new of this problem for at least over a year. I would change oil every 3000 mike regardless if the vehicle said to change or not. In July of 2008 I started changing my own oil and letting the vehicles display state when to change it. That's when I started noticing the loss of 1 to 1 1/2 quarts every oil change. I noticed this for the next year. After the year I went back to using an oil change garage and forgot about the issue. Fast forward to present day. I recently took the vehicle in for service at a local Chevy dealer. When I picked up the vehicle the clerk stated that it was slightly over 2 quarts low. He changed the subject when I asked what is causing the problem. He stated I don't know never seen that before. Then went straight into how I needed brakes and rotors and they could do it for over twice what I could do it for. When I was able to order my parts, I did some internet research and found out that this is a common problem. This is very upsetting. I had a 1990 Chevy pick up with 276000 miles on it. It puffed smoke when first started but still used less oil than my 2007 Suburban.

If there is a class action law suit point me in the right direction.

Update from Mar 27, 2014: Going in on Monday to change oil and do the consumption test. Thinking we should all find an attorney and do a class action against GM.

- Vic H., Strafford, MO, US

problem #149

Feb 142014

Suburban LTZ 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,481 miles

I have a 2007 Chevy Suburban which I purchased in November/2009. It has a 5.3L V8 engine. I have done all the proper vehicle maintenance on the vehicle (oil changes, brakes etc.). Since I had the vehicle, I have noticed I would have to add a quart of oil in-between oil changes. I was told this is normal for this vehicle. At approximately 92,400 miles the vehicle started to have a ticking noise coming from the engine. I brought it to my mechanic. After examining the engine, the mechanic found the lifters, cam shaft and the cam shaft bearings were worn and damaged. It was recommended that a new engine is needed at a cost of $5500.00. Upon looking online for more information about this problem, I have discovered multiple complaints about this problem with this engine. I am wondering if anyone has contacted GM about this and if so can they advise me as to where I should start.

- Vito T., Nesconset, NY, US

problem #148

Nov 012012

Suburban LT V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

Chevy dealer told me to keep track and report every 1000 miles, I did this. the truck consumed over 5 quarts but during the time the Warranty expired and the service agent said nothing could be done.

- Chris C., Poulsbo, WA, US

problem #147

Sep 302011

Suburban LX V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

First; I have a very trust worthy mechanic.

The truck started using about 1.5 quarts of oil per month depending on the amount of driving. All of a sudden the engine light came on and lights on the dash. The vehicle was miss firing and running rough, so much so you could not drive it. The mechanic said it was showing a code for miss fireing on two plugs . It turned out to be two plugs fowled with oil. ( This has happened several more times. ) Each time it cost me $160 to $200 to clean and replace the plugs. Recently the oil pressure switch failed and had to be replaced it (about $300 ).

I was told the only way to cure this is ; engine replacement. I have friends with Suburbans that have 300,000 miles or more. I am thinking of filing a claim in small claim court against GM. I am told a new engine is somewhere around $5200.00.

I think G M should step up and admit that they have a chronic problem with this model engine. I want them to replace the engine at their expense and not with the same inferior product

The alternative would be a class action brought by Suburban owners who have damages due to this problem.

- whurney, Port Jefferson, NY, US

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