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.
I own a 2007 Chevy Suburban LTZ. Bought new, well maintained (regular fluid changes, etc...). The truck has always consumed oil (excessively in my opinion) and you often heard a knocking sound when starting. Always told this was all normal. At 125,000 the truck started running really rough. Took it to the dealer and was told I had a lifter failure. Fix was to replace all lifters and some other redesigned parts. Cost for fix was $3500!
I'm convinced that GM knew of a problem with these engines (I'm told there is a service bulletin and of course the lifters are of a new design). As opposed to standing by their $60k vehicle, they let it fail and leave the huge bill with the consumer. To make matters worse the transmission went out less than a month later. Similar story there, new parts, new design. Unfortunately for me, the owner, another +$3K repair. I have loved this vehicle and have always taken great care of it. I feel like GM has stuck it to me and for that I don't think I can ever purchase one of their vehicles again. Hey GM, where is my bailout?
Driving me CRAZY! At engine start up the car make similar to a lifter or valve knock for about 30 seconds to a minute. Dont mean to be a nit picker as the truck runs very well but I am TRULY concerned that it will lead to BIGGER problems. I also just read in posts here that alot of people are having oil consumption problems. I only have the truck for about 1,500 miles so far and havent seen it but I am awaiting....any suggestions?
- aferrara,
Clarksburg, NJ, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I own a 2007 Chevy Suburban LTZ. Bought new, well maintained (regular fluid changes, etc...). The truck has always consumed oil (excessively in my opinion) and you often heard a knocking sound when starting. Always told this was all normal. At 125,000 the truck started running really rough. Took it to the dealer and was told I had a lifter failure. Fix was to replace all lifters and some other redesigned parts. Cost for fix was $3500!
I'm convinced that GM knew of a problem with these engines (I'm told there is a service bulletin and of course the lifters are of a new design). As opposed to standing by their $60k vehicle, they let it fail and leave the huge bill with the consumer. To make matters worse the transmission went out less than a month later. Similar story there, new parts, new design. Unfortunately for me, the owner, another +$3K repair. I have loved this vehicle and have always taken great care of it. I feel like GM has stuck it to me and for that I don't think I can ever purchase one of their vehicles again. Hey GM, where is my bailout?
- Todd F., Manchester, MI, US