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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 3 of 10)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #146

Jun 012013

Suburban LS V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 105,000 miles

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

This vehicle has been a lemon since I bought it brand new. Have replaced bearings, replaced, brakes 3 times already, and uses oil like crazy. I had the transmission fixed twice which was actually covered under warranty. Continuous stabilitrak problems, sometimes it only runs 35 mph and revs RPM's out of this world. We have been smelling gas and today a mechanic told us it has a valve problem that is causing the engine to leak gasoline and will be another 1k to repair. 4 of the 5 interior door locks don't work, the rear defrost wires have fallen off, the rear windshield wiper pump sticks and leaks out all the fluid in storage, and the back exterior lock has fallen off and is lost somewhere in Texas. Oh yea and we have replaced 3 gas caps because it has trouble sealing the gas tank properly. This is my 5th Suburban or Yukon product and when you pay 56k, you expect it to work. If this is the new GM, I have bought my last.

- Don R., Decatur, TX, US

problem #145

Mar 182011

Suburban LTZ 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,000 miles

Like many others, we are experiencing the same Excessive Oil Consumption problem with our LTZ. We can drive it for approx. 800 miles and yup, you guessed it, we need to put at least a quart of oil in it. I have had numerous situations where I will check the dip stick and it is BONE dry. This is clearly unacceptable and it is a shame that GM is not stepping up to the plate to create a fix. What can we do to resolve?

- Bill G., Breinigsville, PA, US

problem #144

Jan 012011

Suburban LS 5.3L Vortec V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

I was not notified of the oil consumption problem until one week after my warranty expired. GM said they would warranty the problem since I am such a good customer. I had it fixed at a dealer who then told me to keep an eye on the oil levels. I noticed after eleven months it was still going through a lot of oil. I spoke with the dealer who did the warranty work, they contacted GM who told me to take it back to the dealer for an oil consumption test. So they did a complete oil change then had me stop in every 500 miles so they could check the oil levels After the third time, or 1500 miles, the dealer notified GM of my levels to which GM replied the levels fell under their specs. So why then did my husband have to add over 1 1/2 quarts 500 miles before I am due for an oil change??

- Jessica M., Polson, MT, US

problem #143

Sep 212011

Suburban LT 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,500 miles

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

This is a follow-up to my previous post. The dealer called me back, they've been working with a field agent. My 2007 suburban has been having this oil consumption problem, purchased it used with 45000 on it and it drinks oil like a drunkard drinks liquor, every 1000 miles. The field agent said they'll cover replacing the rings, but there is no gaurantee that will solve the issue, cost is 1800 bucks and they'll pay it or I can purchase a new factory engine. The new revision which they swear doesn't have this issue (how do they know it doesn't if they don't really know what the problem is) and they will deduct the $1800 on the new engine, cost to me about $4200. WHAT!!!!

They should give me a new engine for free!!!!! My wife says have them fix the rings and trade it in. Trade it in for what? A new 55000 dollar potentially similar piece of junk? I really wanted a Suburban cause of the space, we've had two in the past, why can't they put in a friggin reliable engine in these beasts like they use to. What a mess.

Someone, how do we get a class action going? And after we gave them our hard earned tax dollars, the dealership acts like I'm inconveniencing them, it's unbelievable.

Update from Mar 18, 2014: After GM covered the cost of replacing the rings and did the work free of charge, I've since put another 45,000 miles on the truck, it now has 90,000 and the oil consumption issue has NOT returned. I've changed the oil regularly at about 3-4,000 miles letting it go once to 5,000 and so far no issues. I"m really hoping it doesn't show up when i'm in the 100,000 mile range, but I think I'm OK so long as I keep up with the oil changes. Based on my experience, replacing with a new engine to solve this specific problem is a waste of money unless you have say 120,000 miles and plan to drive the truck to 200,000 or more. Good luck all.

- nachoman, Auburn, NH, US

problem #142

Jun 012013

Suburban LTZ 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

Like so many others, we owned a oil hog 2007 Chevy Suburban LTZ 5.3 engine. We bought it used and really loved everything about it until the check oil light came on at 85,000 miles. It was two quarts low and we were appalled. At about 90,000 miles it was using 2.5 quarts of oil every 3,000 miles. The oil consumption caused other problems. Such as, the catalytic converters at almost 100,000 miles and shortly after that the knock sensor was saturated with the vaporized oil in the intake. Also, the lifters were chattering all the time. Here's the good news......I found the fix.... I went and traded that junk for a new Ford Expedition EL Limited 5.4 engine and we love it. I could kick myself for not buying the Expedition in the first place. It has nearly 1000 pounds more towing capability, independent suspension, and six-speed transmission. I thought I would help out by venting a little and share my fix action.

- Steve C., Franklin, OH, US

problem #141

Sep 022010

Suburban LT 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,000 miles

General Motors should stand behind there products. They have proved to just ignore the complaints and give you the run around.

- frendzel, Berkeley Springs, WV, US

problem #140

May 082013

Suburban LT 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,000 miles

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

Had a low oil pressure on the instrument panel analog needle. The valves weren't chattering so I knew some pressure was getting there. Local mechanic it was probably sludge on the oil pickup in the pan. ??????? I've changed the oil every 3000 miles instead of the 5000 miles GM recommends. He wasn't quite sure but may be related to the oil consumption problem. A possible piston blown by with carbon being deposited in the pan due to the unacceptable oil consumption between changes? Coincidence? Don't know. Anyway, we removed the pan and found junk on the oil pick up. Cleaned, changed filter and oil and the pressure reading went back where it should be.

- Dwayne K., Chesapeake, VA, US

problem #139

Jun 012010

Suburban

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

I've seen others have the same issue; we bought our 2007 Chevy Suburban with about 60,000 miles on it. We had the drive train warranty through 100,000. We were having excessive oil issues almost immediately. We took it in, and the local dealership said they were aware of the issue, and they had a fix coming and would let us know when it was available. We took it back in just before 100,000, and were told the same thing. Now 60,000 miles later, not only do we have a large oil spring on our driveway, and blue smoke when we start it, but the engine has a terrible knocking (oh, and no fix notification from our dealership as promised). We've been adding oil on a much too regular basis. I think we were sold a lemon, and they did not want to deal with.

Update from Jul 12, 2013: We've had to replace the engine, just as predicted by other writers on here.

Update from Mar 19, 2014: No, GM did not cover any of the cost.

- rjcafe, Murfreesboro, TN, US

problem #138

Nov 162012

Suburban LTZ

  • Manual transmission
  • 97,000 miles

We purchased our 2007 Chevy Suburban in November of 2012 with 98K on it. After about 4k miles the "add oil" message popped up. I checked the dip stick only to find it was about a half quart low. We just traveled 600 miles for Christmas vacation and toward the end the same message appeared. We checked the oil only to find that it was about two quarts low!! I have read all of the complaints and it sounds like there is no resolution here? I am hoping Chevy steps up and does the right thing for the American people, especially since we are still paying for their bail out! My first Chevy and I am probably going to go back to Honda. Too bad.

- n8campbell, Charlottesville, VA, US

problem #137

Feb 152012

Suburban LS 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,000 miles

My neighbor has a 2006 4wd Silverado that required an engine replacement @ less than 90000 miles - I attributed that to poor maintenance / hard driving on his part until my 2007 Suburban began using 1/2 qt. of oil between changes - than went to 1 qt. and is now @ 2 qts. in LESS than 3000 miles! This vehicle has had the best of care - 3K mile oil & filter changes vs. the 5K miles that GM says they're good for - is not a trailer towing "worker" and is not driven hard. I was told by my independent mechanic that excessive oil consumption starting @ about 80K miles is very common with these engines and the cause is rings that lose their concentricity / clearance to cylinder walls and become "egg shaped". I have a `98 Suburban with just under 300000 miles and it doesn't use ANY oil between changes! Until GM finds and implements a solution to this problem, I won't consider another / newer Suburban even though that vehicle type is what I have owned / driven for 30+ years.

- nike_herc, Arlington, TX, US

problem #136

Dec 202012

Suburban LT 5.3L Vortec W/ Afm

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

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

This is obviously a common issue with a very unclear fix. I've had the vehicle in twice now as the engine is burning about a quart every 1,000 miles. It seems to be getting worse recently. They initially did some type of flush and them replaced the AFM and PCV valve. Now, I'm being told that they'll need to tear down the engine to see if there is piston/valve/cylinder damage caused by carbon buildup. This should be a GM recall/fix.

- sglasgow, Elk River, MN, US

problem #135

Mar 042012

Suburban LT 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

Car burns 2 quarts every 3 ,000 mile, Increased oil usage, now at 53,000..From what I read it looks like worse ahead. Engine light comes on, scan shows Cat. converter failure..Step up GM....I have been in contact with GM for over 5 years now..They will send me a Owner loyalty check for $3,000.00 . I said NO I will never buy GM again..Looking for people that want to go after GM...

- drdeyates, ALAMEDA, Ca, US

problem #134

Oct 012010

Suburban LT 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 21,000 miles

I had a Chevy Tahoe 02 never had a problem over 200,000 miles, purchased a 07 Suburban with only 21,000 miles on it, oil consumption was 1qt every 1,500 miles I was told this was "normal", I don't believe any oil use as normal however, Chevy does. Oil usage is now 1qt every 600 miles with 70,000 miles on it. What a disappointment. I was driving it this winter with my pregnant wife and the NO oil alarm went off, we had to walk for about 3 miles to get help, may not sound like much but with a 8 month pregnant women nagging about how I traded her Tahoe in for a more "reliable" vehicle needless to say it was the longest walk ever! I called Chevy and didn't get far with them, they had no problem accepting my payments though. This is the worst vehicle I ever bought and the customer service matches this POS, next time Chevy needs a bailout tell them it's "normal" for companies that take care of there customers like this to go out of business!

- William W., Lake Ariel, PA, US

problem #133

May 152011

Suburban LT 5.2L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 61,000 miles

I also need to speak out about the excessive oil consumption on our 2007 Suburban LT. My wife and I purchased the car used in 2011. We got an excellent deal. We have owned four Suburbans previous to the 2007. After only driving it for a few weeks the oil low warning came on. I have never had this happen before. I went to the garage I deal with and they needed to add a full quart of oil. Approx. 1,000 miles later I needed to add a quart oil as the warning light came on again. I took the car back to the Dealer I purchased it from and had it checked out for leaks. The service Manager assured me the vehicle was fine. Well, approx. 1,000 miles later it needed a quart of oil. I returned the Dealer and spoke the the Service Manager again. This time he told me using a quart of oil every

1,000 miles was not bad. I couldn't believe the answer he gave me. Many years ago when i was in college I drove a 1968 Impala that 10 years old and it didn't burn a drop of oil. After that I drove a 14 year old Pontiac Executive that did not use oil at the rate this car does. After trips back and forth to the Dealer, I gave up and know just add oil approx. every 1,000 miles. I have 81,000 on the Suburban. Whatever is going on with the engine, GM must have corrected it in the 2008 Suburbans, as I do not see any compliants about them.

- Mark S., catonsville, MD, US

problem #132

Apr 182013

Suburban Z71

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

Add us to the list. 2007 Chevrolet Suburban is burning excess oil, no leaks, no smoke...just adding 1-2 quarts of oil with 50-60%oil life left before oil change due, very frustrating. Dealership wants +$4,000 to "fix" the problem. We have not yet decided what to do. Any advise would be welcomed. Fix, trade, fight?

Update from Mar 2, 2014: We were about to fix...when the fuel pump went out, so last year we cut our losses and got ride of it.

- fmtx5, Fm, TX, US

problem #131

Sep 262011

Suburban LT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 66,000 miles

To whom it may concern,

Before I go on a rant and rave on Facebook, Edmunds or take it to the Inspector General at Fort Carson, I was hoping someone could help me. I purchased a used 07 suburban with approx 60,000 miles on it a year and a half ago. Prior to that I had 3 Ford Expeditions. I have 5 children and a large family requires a large vehicle. A lot of my military friends and family told me I should go with a suburban, wonderful vehicle, spacious and minimal repairs; great company and reliable. I traded in my 07 Exp for the 07 Sub in Sept 2011. In Oct I got an oil change (per the advice of the vehicle). In November the vehicle told me my oil was dangerously low. Now, this was a month after my oil change. I took it to Al Serra Chevrolet who stated they would put a tag on the dip stick and to come in every thousand miles...I did this until Jan and it proved that there was an ongoing oil consumption problem and that this was a know problem through service and there were TSBs for the issue. At the end of January, Al Serra basically rebuilt the inside of my motor. They assured me that this should relieve the problem but if it did not, the motor would need to be replaced. Six months later I started getting the same "low oil, change oil" message shortly after I had just changed the oil. My service rep said, "it appears as if it could be consuming oil again. Your manufacturer warranty ends in less than two thousand miles but, we should start documenting the consumption again just in case". In August, they took an oil read. The oil was 1 1/2 quarts low after only 900 miles. They filled it up and again in Oct, it was 1 quart low after only 700 miles. I had a terrible family tragedy in Dec and was unable to get my consumption documented however, I did have an oil change. I am not sure what happened and why it was not documented but, I was told that the oil tag was "missing" and that they were starting a new tag. In Feb I went again for an oil change. On April 15th my oil light came on stating my oil was low and needed an oil change. On April 16th I noticed my truck start to hesitate and chug after taking off from a stop light or stop sign. I though perhaps it was bad gas. I used the rest of the tank and filled up on April 18th. On April 19th I noticed it was still hesitating and getting worse, now it was not only after coming to a complete stop, it was random and more frequent. The morning of April 20th I called Al Serra and told them I was scared and felt like it was a danger to drive my 5 children around in fear that we would lose power on the highway or getting on the highway or in the middle of an intersection. The service rep stated they could not get my truck in until Tuesday. I was not happy with that answer and visited a local mechanic. Upon my arrival I told my mechanic that my car was hesitating and losing power. The mechanic test drive the vehicle and came back to tell me the oil was bone dry. He stated that if I had driven much further, the engine would have seized. He wanted me to how the vehicle to Al Serra because he was afraid if serious damage and engine seizure. I told him he can't add any oil because it was being monitored for an oil consumption issue through Chevy. He then called Chevy and told them of the situation. The Chevy service member, Chris, asked him to add oil and to tell me to come over right away. I then drive to Al Serra, half scared to death that I would break down on the side if the road. My husband is currently in Alabama and I would have no help and stranded with my 5 children. I get to Chevy and was told there was nothing they could do today because they were closing. He could not authorize a rental vehicle because they did not have a diagnosis. I was forced to leave in a broken vehicle. Now, this has been an ongoing problem since January of 2012. Of course, my factory warranty has now run out and it is 3 months past the warranty of the repairs that were made. However, the ongoing problem WAS documented prior, much prior, to the repair warranty running out. I feel the rebuild on the engine did not work as it was supposed to and the warranty, while expired, must be honored since the problem was ongoing and documented before any of the warranties ran out. The service member at Al Serra advised me that he would speak with his service manager Duane on Monday and let me know what will happen. He stated there is a policy and procedure through GMC that must be met and because my warranty has run out, he did not think it would be in my favor. I am hoping that someone will recognize the severity if the issue and do the right thing by the customer. I am not asking for anything unusual or out of the ordinary. The work that was performed u set warranty has failed and was documented as failing prior to the warranty running out.

I cannot believe that GM is treating it's customers this way! Their striving for the best worldwide customer service?!?!?!! THIS IS NOT THE WAY TO GET IT!

- Heather M., Colorado Springs, CO, US

problem #130

Jun 012012

Suburban

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,000 miles

We purchased a 2007 Suburban in July 2011 with 55,000 miles. We didn't notice the oil consumption until this past summer. We pull a camper, (dry weight is 4900) about 5-7 times a year, so we thought that it was okay for higher oil consumption. We started using Lucas Oil treatment and switched to the high mileage oil change and it is getting worse. I had to add a quart at about 2000 miles and the add oil light came on at the 3000 mile mark. Got the oil changed on Monday (4/01/13 with 82,000 miles)and there was no oil on the dipstick.

Reading all the comments makes me not want to mess with the oil consumption tests...obviously Chevrolet is giving everyone the run around...and I don't think we are under any warranty...unless it is a power train warranty.

Wondering if we should mess with a Chevy Shop or just take it to a reliable mechanic...

Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated!

- Shawn C., Knightstown, IN, US

problem #129

Feb 292012

Suburban LS 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 180,000 miles

As other members of this board, my truck burns excessive oil and I knew it must be a chevy engine problem because I had 2 Burbs before and not this problem. Now, the low oil pressure alrm "Stop Engine" is on and truck is parked! What is really going on? Out of warrenty, one year left of payments and too pissed to go to dealer and argue. "Class action suit" right!

- hubb, Los Angeles, CA, US

problem #128

Oct 242011

Suburban LTZ 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,926 miles

When I bought my 2007 5.3L Suburban LTZ, I was really proud. What a beautiful SUV. However, the love affair soon ended! Had multiple issues with this vehicle but the most annoying was the oil consumption. Once, shortly after an oil change (around 50,000 miles) my low oil light came on. Thought it was weird but figured the oil filter didn't seal properly and was leaking. Checked my driveway and garage and noticed no oil on ground. Chalked it up as a fluke and topped off oil. Then, around 80,000 miles I noticed I was having to add a quart of oil between oil changes. Asked my Chevy dealer (Gilleland Chevrolet in St. Cloud, MN) if this was normal and he said "yes, it is a big truck". Interestingly, my Silverado (vehicle that I traded in for the Suburban) did not seem to have this issue. Around 95,000 miles I was adding 2-3 quarts between oil changes. I told my dealer I thought there was an issue and they laughed and said that was normal and I probably wasn't used to driving a big truck. Again, owned a Silverado pick-up before the Suburban, prior to that was a Dodge Durango and before that was a Dodge Dakota - non of which consumed oil! The oil issue kept up and around 120,000 miles, dealer thought there might be an issue but I was out of warranty. Well, I resolved the issue. Traded the lemon Suburban in for a 2012 Subaru Legacy which I absolutely love! It handled the snow and ice this past winter better than my Suburban ever did (live in MN). Chevy can kiss my A**! Got to know the guys at the Subaru dealership (much more honest than Chevy ever was) and the salesman that sold my traded Suburban asked me one day "did your old Suburban seem to go through a lot of oil?". Told him that it did but according to Chevy, that was normal! Apparently the poor guy who bought that piece of junk is adding oil every 700-900 miles!

- firedoc19, Sartell, MN, US

problem #127

Feb 062013

Suburban Z71 5.3L Vortec

  • Automatic transmission
  • 122,000 miles

i had the high oil consumption problem with my 2007 z71 suburban and here is what fixed it. I had the valve stem seals replaced along with my mechanic using ac delco upper engine cleaner which he got from the dealer for my specific engine. This cleaner is very strong and can only be in the engine for up to 3 hours. It is supposed to get all the old carbon deposits out and allow the oil rings to work correctly which is the main problem with high oil consumption. In addition to this i deactivated the afm feature of my engine with a diablo sport tune that really helped my overall performance. This worked so well that my engine uses less oil than it ever has and i bought it with 25000 miles on it and it now doesnt use any oil. please share this solution as i researched a lot and it took some time and a lot of talking about it to finally solve this problem. my 2007 chevy suburban z71 no longer uses a lot of oil and it has the 5.3l vortec. i am very pleased with the results so far as i thought i needed a new engine but all i needed was some simple maintenance.

- Jason S., Bowie, TX, US

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