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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 6 of 10)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #86

Jul 092011

Suburban LTZ 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 53,000 miles

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

Adding a quart every 1000-1200 miles. Has anyone reported this problem on the 2008 or newer? If not, what's the difference in the engines - I thought they were identical.

- myflier, San Diego, CA, US

problem #85

Apr 052011

Suburban LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

I have owned 4 Suburbans. Purchased this one new in 2007 with all the extra features. It is burning oil every month. I will never buy a Chevy product again. I own 3 businesses and have 6 kids, (which is why I was buying Suburbans), but their quality has falling off. It appears that GM is ignoring the problem based on the large number of complaints.

- hesspa, Erie, PA, US

problem #84

Jan 132009

Suburban LT 5.3L Flex

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,000 miles

Bought the vehicle with 32,000 miles and after 2500 miles had the oil light come on and thought they didn't put in enough, changed it and every 2500 miles like clock work I have to add a quart of oil. I am a loyal GM customer with 15 of their products currently owned by my company and this is the first major problem I have had. I have received the run around at the dealer and they tell me this normal.

- jamie78, Clayton, NC, US

problem #83

Feb 162011

Suburban LT 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,000 miles

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

Same deal...consumes a qt or two every oil change.

- Charles G., Mesa, WA, US

problem #82

Jun 252011

Suburban Z71 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,600 miles

I have the same problem everyone else has with the 5.3L V8 Suburban burning/loosing oil. I called and spoke with the local dealership in my town and they set up an oil consumption test for this weekend. I have had to add about 4 Quarts of oil and still have 22% oil life remaining. After reading this site along with others I have discovered that this is not an isolated problem. I called GM corporate and spoke with a Customer Service rep. and opened a file on my problem. I recommend everyone needs to do the same thing. With everyone calling and complaining about the same problem GM can't ignore the problem. I will let everyone know how the test goes and what, if anything, they do to fix it. This number to call is 1-866-790-5600 Ext. 12975. Ask to speak to Dan. Great guy and hopefully he is not full of crap. Good Luck

- Shane T., Dayton, TN, US

problem #81

Apr 282008

Suburban LT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,000 miles

My car starting showing that it was low in oil 1000 miles AFTER I had the oil changed. I took it to a dealer and the service guy told me that who ever changed the oil didn't put enough in. So I left, bought some oil at Walmart and added a quart to my engine. 2 months after the next oil change, the same thing happened. I took the car to back to the dealer (and 2 other dealers) and was told the same thing every time - whoever was changing the oil wasn't putting 6 quarts in. From here on out, I took my car to my brother's tire shop for the oil change. They SWEAR they put in 6 quarts...it was low 1000 miles later.

Finally, in March of 2011, I took my car in for some warranty work and had the DEALER change the oil. Sure enough, 1000 miles later, I was low in oil. I took it to the dealer and told my service guy and he said, "Whoever changed your oil last didn't put enough in." I proceeded to tell him that HE changed the oil. He checked his records and admitted my car into the shop to look at.

Since March of 2011, the Dealer (per GM) has changed the oil drip pan, some kind of valve and then most recently the pistons and rings. UGH! Last week I brought my car home with the new pistons and rings. Yesterday, as I was dropping my girls off at dance, my car started shaking uncontrollably...and sputtering. I took it right to the dealer. They opened my hood and there were sparks flying! Service guy said "we may not have to charge your for this"! WHAT? I didn't do anything!! When replacing the pistons and rings, the engine has to be taken apart. When doing this, the mechanic has to touch everything! There was a hairline fracture on a spark plug which caused the shaking and sputtering. I am SO annoyed. I'm in my 6th loaner car in 6 months. I'm frustrated with GM that this is taking so long to fix. It's a complete inconvenience. My other brother who is a mechanic at another dealership suggests that GM should have just replaced the engine to begin with.

Any advice out there on how I can get some REAL help? The service guys at the dealership have been very kind, but now I'm fed up and ready to fight. This problem should have been taken care of years ago --- but the GM Service Men I spoke with several times wouldn't even give me the time of day.

- Michelle R., Gilbert, AZ, US

problem #80

Aug 102011

Suburban LT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

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

My engine has not been replaced yet, but the pistons and rings have been. When the dealership did this, they fractured a spark plug, causing my car to shake and sputter. My concern is this: if they have to tear apart my engine to replace the pistons and rings, and in doing so caused damage to something else, am I in danger? When we popped the hood at the dealer and saw sparks flying, my first thought was "this could have caught on fire"... my second thought was "I'm so glad I didn't have my kids buckled in the car with me in case it DID start on fire"... I could maybe get out of a burning car fast enough, but not if I had 3 little kids buckled up in car seats.

They told me the "fix" they did has a 12 month/12K mile warranty on it. Does this cover everything they touched in my engine during the fix? It better!!

I'm in my 6th loaner car right now in the past 6 months. My car has been using oil like crazy! No leaks, no smoking... just consumption. It's been going on since the car was 6 months old. But I was told by every service man at the dealership that who ever was changing my oil wasn't putting enough in.

- Michelle R., Gilbert, AZ, US

problem #79

Jul 152007

Suburban LT 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,000 miles

The truck has the excessive oil consumption issue, the first time they did nothing, just changed the oil, though i had changed it about a month before and had 91% remaining. now, most recently, they changed the pistons, rings, and installed an oil deflector.

- bschoolchris, Chicago, IL, US

problem #78

Jul 142010

Suburban LT 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,000 miles

When I bought the Suburban it had 48000 miles on it. It now has 70000 miles on it a year later. I have added 2 to 3 quarts of oil between oil changes since day one of my ownership. I drove it on vacation last week and I added 1 quart of oil at approximately 1000 miles from the time I added the last quart. After driving another 800 miles the add engine oil light is back on. I had this problem with a 1999 Astro Mini Van at 48000 miles. It was using 8 quarts every 2000 miles, again no sign of smoke, leaks, or any other sign of oil loss. The Dealer at that time changed the engine under warranty. I hope this issue can be also resolved. I am sorry to hear that others of you share the same agony. I plan to contact my Dealer tomorrow. It will be interesting to here what they say about this issue.

Update from Jul 14, 2011: Took my Suburban in to the Dealer today to start a oil consumption test. It will take 5000 miles to complete the test. As I approached the service desk and was asked what my issue was, I said, I am here to start a oil consumtion test, a lady comming in behind me said, hey, thats what I am here for as well. She was about 1/2 way through with her test. She was not aware of others having this problem. I told her that I had discovered this site and told her we were not alone.

- Joe B., Tarboro, NC, US

problem #77

Jan 012010

Suburban

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

Add me to the group of 2007 Sub owners with excessive oil consumption - i thought it was just my vehicle, but now I see I am not alone......

- Janet K., Grand Haven, MI, US

problem #76

Mar 012010

Suburban V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

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

I too have a 2007 flex fuel chevy suburban. I have been experiencing excessive oil consumption over the last year. I don't remember the exact mileage when it began (could look up records) but I do remember when it started. It has been a nonstop problem ever since. I have had other problems with my suburban, but this one seems to be a major issue that keeps progressing. I am continually replacing oil, starting around 1k miles after an oil change, and yes I am using synthetic. I have also been told that the use is fine and nothing was done other than replacing an oil pressure sensor (didn't help anything). Again, problems keep progressing to the point that this morning my truck was smoking heavily, the motor was vibrating and making a knocking/tapping noise.

I'm almost certain nothing will be done by GM, especially since all my warranties are up (including extended) but I absolutely hate my truck. It is a never ending money pit. I pray that somehow this can be fixed without costing a fortune!! I hate making a monthly payment for something like this and having to also put big bucks into ridiculous repairs.

Update from Jun 15, 2011: just had to update ** I switched to penzoil syntheic high mileage 10w30 (it's in a bronze colored bottle) and while this is not recommended by GM to use 10w30; I found I had more problems when I used the recommended oils. Anyway, right after switching to this oil is when I had the problem w/ the smoking and the truck acting all crazy (only happened once) BUT after that I have not had near the trouble.My husband and I question if maybe the trouble I did have that one day was possibly some gunk or build up that let loose b/c the Penzoil has "active cleansers" so they may have caused some build up to break free. My truck is now using substantially less oil; it had gotten to the point before where I was adding ATLEAST 2qts between oil changes but I don't have to do that now. The only time I had to add oil between oil changes was after a LONG trip to the mountains. SO, short story long; switching to this oil has helped BIG TIME, so if you're having the same problem I was, this may be worth a shot for you.

- mrstrw, Sylacauga, AL, US

problem #75

Jan 012011

Suburban 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

Bought used with 13k, no problems until about 60k. Started burning 1 qt. every 5k, then got as bad as 1 qt. every 3k miles. Doesn't smoke or leak at all, and runs great, just burns a lot of oil. Just traded it in on a Ford Expedition, which seems to ride a lot smoother with ind. rear suspension.

- Tim M., Ardmore, OK, US

problem #74

Feb 052010

Suburban 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 29,158 miles

2007 GM 5.3L Flex Fuel with 4-8 cylinder fuel control. Uses 1-2 quarts of oil between services of 4,000 miles. Don't let the dealer tell you there is no fix for this OR that this kind of oil consumption is normal/within specs. There is a fix GM has, but your dealer has to investigate and document tons of info. (Pain in the ass to go to dealer every week to check the oil.) The fix is a splash guard they put in the oil pan, believe it or not. When I get the TIB, I will post for you.

- Greg S., New Carlisle, IN, US

problem #73

Dec 262010

Suburban LTZ 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,000 miles

I'm sick after reading all of these postings. I bought my '07 Suburban LTZ w/ 55K in October 2010 and just experienced the 'Add Oil' warning. IS THIS NOT COVERED ON THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY? I've read a lot of posts of folks wanting to be included in a class-action suit, but what needs to be done to start it? Any lawyers having this issue that could offer advice?

- Phil G., Franklin, TN, US

problem #72

Mar 102010

Suburban LT 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

Same problem here- however this started using oil at 75000 miles. I've had this in at dealer now 3 times. This last time they added oil deflector and cleaned carbon from cylinders- vehicle made it 10 miles, had to be towed, it's back at dealer. Dealer has been great to work with but they didn't offer to complete the deflector and carbon cleaning until I had showed them the previous 53 complaints from this site. I asked him for a GM number to reference these problems ( as I am close to being over my 100,000 mile warranty). So, I called this in to verify that I would be covered after the 100,000 miles even with GM knowing about this oil problem and he said that I was only his 4th call regarding this issue and if there was a problem after the 100K mile warranty, they would be responsible for 12 months or 12K miles as long as it is from the same repair.

GM number to call is (800) 222-1020- please call and voice opinions in helping ourselves make GM get off their can!!!

- David R., Columbus, IN, US

problem #71

Jul 012009

Suburban XL 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

We got our Suburban new in 2006 for a safe vehicle for my wife and kids. Little did we know that newer is not better and this will be the last GM Vehicle we buy. We have had an oil consumption problem for going on 2 years. Its amazing to spend so much money on a vehicle only to have GM tell you that burning or losing a quart of oil every 1,000 miles is acceptable according to there engineers. Amazing they even stressed to us not to add oil to the vehicle that it had to be brought into the dealer to check it and document it regardless of where we are at or going. This vehicle has been in the garage off and on repeatedly. They told us to run Synthetic oil in the vehicle and that would probably help. The vehicle has had Mobil 1 since the first oil change. GM does not seem to care if we are inconvenienced or whether the oil light comes on or not. They just give us the same run around well we are working on a solution. Amazing the car payment sure does not go away and there has been nothing, but frustrated service managers looking at us and saying they are sorry there is nothing they can do. The vehicle has been torn apart and gaskets replaced and still no clue where the oil is going. They all say the same thing, they are not in charge its a corporate decision that has to come from GM on what to do. We cant even trade the vehicle in with it burning a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. I have voiced my opinion to GM and it has done nothing, but waste my time and take time away from providing for my family. Funny thing is that amazed me the most is opening the door and seeing that it was assembled in Mexico. I mean is that what GM has come to stand for the heart beat of America made in Mexico? Any suggestions let me know this has been going on for 2 years and I'm tired of the run around.

- arsimz01, North Judson, IN, US

problem #70

Jun 012007

Suburban LTZ 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

I bought my Suburban new, probable one of the first off the line in 2007. It has used excess oil since day one especially on the highway. I have carried a couple of quarts in a tool box for ever. Yesterday my dealer installed a "baffle" in the oil pan (3/8/11). This is a new fix from Chevy. I'll be going on a long road trip at the end of next week and will report the results when I get back.

Update from Apr 9, 2011: Well I have completed my trip. I drove about 2900 miles in two weeks. My previous consumption was about 1 quart every 800 miles. Now that I have the baffle it have been 1 quart at 1700 miles and a second quart after 1600 miles. This is certainly an improvement but still reminds me of my old car from the 70's. My wife has an Olds that is 11 years old that still doesn't use any oil between changes.

- Jack M., Bolingbrook, IL, US

problem #69

Mar 282008

Suburban LS 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

Started to use oil soon as it rolled over 30K miles. One quart every 1000-1500 miles! B.S. it is not normal! Class A? Yes definitely if any one knows where to start please let me know! Dealer give me run around tired of them! I'm a Chevy person, but this one suck! Usually I was buying used Chevy's and then decide to get new Burban for my big family what a mistake!

Update from Jun 29, 2011: 65 k miles on it now still using oil 1qt every 1000-1500 miles and now it got ticking noise from the engine, went to a dealer they say it is carbon build up on top of the piston and there is some kind of 'mirracle" chemical crap they sell that will fix it. Ooooh I had enough!To many problem with this thing! I have used AMS OIL synthetic oil in it from the day one and changed it regularly. Shame on the GM for not taking care of this problem! Im considering to trade this thing for a Dodge truck! NO MORE NEW GMC CARS OR TRUCKS EVER IN MY GARAGE!

- Victor S., Lebanon, OR, US

problem #68

Jan 262011

Suburban LT 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,750 miles

Imagine that!!!!! My add oil light came on again. Thanks, Carlos for your ideas, but I've had this serviced at a DEALER and they better not be using crappy oil on me. In addition, my local STS guy pu in the more expensive synthetic oil this last ol change....this is the SECOND add oil warning in 3,000 miles. Very Sad. I sent a letter to General Motors and have not heard anything back yet...

Update from Dec 19, 2011: Well, at 75544 miles, my dealer tells me they got the go ahead to make the necessary repairs to alleviate the oil consumption issues. I'm ecstatic at this time because its beena total pain in the butt going to the dealer after every 500 miles in order to have them monitor the oil consumption.

So they install an AFM Oil deflector (don't know what that is actually, just reading it off of the work order) and they clean carbon from the cylinders as per GM Bulletin # 10-06-01-008B. They even have the odacity to add to the work order that the work is done "goodwilled" for customer satisfaction.

So I get in my truck on Saturday morning. The odometer reads 77,002 miles...and what I start the truck, the add engine oil; oil low warning light comes on AGAIN.

- under a rock, Yardley, PA, US

problem #67

Aug 182010

Suburban

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

I have the same problem as everyone else. It takes a quart of oil every 1,500 miles. Now today the oil pressure was low. It said turn off engine. That's when I found this site. I have had 5 suburbans. None have ever taken oil before. Now it says add oil even when it's full. It is very annoying.

- Dennis O., Sioux Falls, SD, US

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