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8.4

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$5,000
Average Mileage:
55,850 miles
Total Complaints:
18 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (14 reports)
  2. repair engine (2 reports)
  3. replace engine (2 reports)
2009 Chevrolet Suburban engine problems

engine problem

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2009 Chevrolet Suburban Owner Comments

problem #18

Sep 222017

Suburban LTS 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

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

This engine uses 1 quart of oil every 750 miles. I bought my first GM product in 1975 and have driven only GM since. This is the first GM product I've owned that I have to add oil between changes!

- Rick S., Berlin, US

problem #17

Jun 212012

Suburban LT 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 64,000 miles

excessive oil consumption, 3 QUART LOW WHEN OIL CHANGE OR SOMETIMES BONE DRY

- canizo, Conroe, TX, US

problem #16

Mar 012016

Suburban LTS 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 47,000 miles

I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK FROM AN ESTABLISHED CHEVY DEALER IN FREEPORT NY. I BOUGHT THE 2009 SUBURBAN WITH 27000 MILE IN 2014. I LOVE THE TRUCK AND HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS UNTIL NOW. I'VE RECENTLY HAD BLUE/WHITE SMOKE BLOWING OUT OF EXHAUST AND EXCESSIVE OIL USAGE. I HAVE NO LEAKING OIL ANS NO SPOTS ON THE GROUND WHERE I PARK. I UNDERSTAND IT IS A PROBLRM WITH THE AFM AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT MY COURSE OF ACTION CAN BE WITH CHEVY/GM

- Michael P., Freeport, NY, US

problem #15

Jan 182016

Suburban LT 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

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

Engine uses more oil than gas. Just took it to the dealer and paid them to replace the oil pressure sending unit. That didn't fix it, so now they recommend replacing the whole engine???? 80K miles and it needs a new engine? Went 300 miles and it used 2 quarts of oil. Anyone have an avenue at Chevrolet to make a formal complaint?

- Corey N., Marine, IL, US

problem #14

Dec 022015

Suburban LS V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

Chevrolet is highly aware of this known problem. I have been dealing with this for over 50K miles. Never should a consumer be expected to pay for a known manufacturer problem but that is exactly what is being expected of me.

- rvpowell, Lee's Summit, MO, US

problem #13

Aug 062015

Suburban LTZ 5.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,400 miles

NO OIL AT ALL AFTER 3000 MILES

Oil changed religiously

NO driveway drips

NO obvious leak

NO prior repairs

Bone dry 3000 miles after oil change

- dentish, Jupiter, FL, US

problem #12

Aug 312015

(reported on)

Suburban LS 8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

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

PEICE OF S...!!! FIRST TIME BUYING A CHEVROLET BRAND NEW PAID ALMOST $50000 FOR IT , WORST INVESTMENT EVER.... EVERY DOOR LOCK HAS FAILED, ALL INTERIOR HANDLES PAINT CAME OFF AT ONE POINT I CALLED THE DEALER. TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE HANDLES AND THE DOOR LOCKS NOT WORKING AND I EVEN NOTIFIED THEM THAT MY KIDS WERE GETTING CUT WITH THE SHARP PLASTIC THAT WAS PEELING OFF THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLES, THEIR RESPONSE WAS WELL WE HAVE NOT HAD ANYONE ESLE COMPLAIN ABOUT THAT. THE SIDE SAFETY BUMPERS PANELS ON THE OUTSIDE DOORS HAVE STARTED TO DETACHED FROM BODY . I CAN NOT EVEN EXPLAIN HOW FRUSTRATED I HAVE BEEN WITH THIS SUV . THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT ON GOING ISSUE , I HAVE TO ALWAYS ADD OIL BECAUSE IT BURNS IT TOO QUICK , THAT DEALER ALSO HAVE MENTION THAT THEY KNOW ABOUT THE ISSUES BUT CAN NOT DO ANYTHING. MY SUV STALLED ON MY WIFE WITH THE KID AND THE ISSUE WAS A MISFIRE DUE TO ENGINE ISSUES. I WILL NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER WASTE MY MONEY OF A CHEVROLET PRODUCT . WORST EXPERIENCE OF OWNING A NEW CHEVROLET SUV, AND DEALING WITH THE DEALERSHIP- WHY TELLS US THAT YOU GUYS KNOW ABOUT THE ISSUE BUT CAN NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT DUE TO NO RECALLS, BUT AGAIN THERE WAS A RECALL TO CLEAN THE CARBON BUILD UP . ITS ALL RELATED TO A POOR BUILT CAR AND AN ENGINE THAT YOU KNOW ALOT OF CUSTOMERS HAD ISSUES . STOP HIDING THE TRUTH AND FIX THE PROBLEMS, SAVE YOUR CUSTOMERS BEFORE ITS TO LATE . (SORRY GUYS I AM JUST FEED UP WITH A PRODUCT THAT SHOULD REPRESENT AN AMERICAN COMPANY AND IS SO BAD IN ADMITTING THAT CUSTOMERS ARE ALWAYS RIGHT AND IF WE DONT TAKE CARE OF THEM THERE NOT COMING BACK TO BUY THE SAME PRODUCT WE MUST ALL TAKE A STANCE AND SHOW CHEVROLET THAT WE EXPECT BETTER QUALITY AND SERVICE .

- Arturo O., Hacienda Heights, CA, US

problem #11

Feb 152015

Suburban LTZ 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

Others have complained about having to add 2-3 quarts of oil in between oil changes. We've had the same problem with no clear evidence of the problem until the engine started clicking -- no oil on the ground, no problem with oil pressure, no blue smoke out of the exhaust. We faithfully checked the oil once we recognized this as issue but then noticed what felt like the automatic transmission having difficulty shifting in low gear.

We had the transmission checked out and serviced with no problems apparent. About a week later, the oil pressure gauge showed no pressure for the first time. We immediately turned off the engine and had the vehicle towed to the nearest Chevy dealership who gave us the bad news that a total engine replacement was required. I don't know what is going on with this particular engine but clearly there is a major issue that Chevy has not diagnosed or addressed. I would definitely advise anyone to avoid the 2009 Suburban.

- ryanutah, Blanding, UT, US

problem #10

Jan 222015

Suburban LTZ V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 61,000 miles

Bought the 2009 Suburban new and have had continued chronic issues. Most recently the engine oil was pouring into a cylinder using all the oil and fouling the plug. After a quick internet search found this is a chronic issue with the 2009 Suburban engines. Really disappointed with GM, Chevrolet and would NEVER recommend a GM product to anyone. BTW GM doesn't stand behind their products at all.

- Kim B., Egg Harbor Twp., NJ, US

problem #9

Dec 212014

Suburban LTZ

  • Automatic transmission
  • 81,525 miles

I typically go off the change oil system in the vehicle that informs me of the remaining oil life left. It was telling me I had close to 50% oil life remaining but the engine was making a slight knocking sound. I had only driven the vehicle maybe 2,000 miles from the last oil change. I shut off the engine and waited for about 8 hours before I checked the oil level. When I pulled the dipstick, it was bone dry. I didn't understand this. The oil pressure light never came on, I hadn't driven close to 3,000 miles yet and my oil life remaining was reading at around 50%. I will now check my oil levels daily and report how long it takes to eat through the oil.

- Jeremiah H., Springfield, VA, US

problem #8

Apr 152010

Suburban LTZ 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,500 miles

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

Have 2009 Suburban that burns oil at 3000 miles. First I thought it was the oil change facility not filling it to the right level. I have watched it closely and that is not the problem, it is actually burning oil.

- gjmurphy, Corpus Christi, TX, US

problem #7

Jun 202011

Suburban LTS 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,000 miles

bought this 2009 suburban brand new and have had this excessive oil consumption problem ever since I've owned it. I've had the no oil pressure gauge go on many times. I always carry extra oil in ack of truck. it burns a quart of oil every 1000 miles. I hope I never burn up my engine. gm should fix this problem

- Wendy K., Mooresville, NC, US

problem #6

Mar 012012

Suburban LTZ

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,000 miles

My wife wanted a new car to haul our 4 boys and ourselves around. We had a Honda Pilot with no problems other than space at 80k miles, 2003. We bought a Suburban 2009 LTZ loaded with all the options and extended stuff for about 60k. It has the space but not the reliability at all.

Been in and out of the shop for all kinds of electrical and engine oil burning problems. They have monitored oil, washed pistons(what the hell), modified the crank oil thrower, still burns oil and now they want to replace pistons, rings. NOT happy at all with a new vehicle, lost all faith on, burning oil when my wife is anal about changing oil every time it is due. The dealership's first comment was 'oh we see it is 500 miles overdue for a change, this is probably the cause'....bullshit right. How many of us have gone over more than this with no problem burning oil. The Pilot never consumed oil, never had to worry about it. We want a new engine or they can have it back. GM customer service is working on something and will get back to us............waiting.

We did a zero percent loan and owe more than what they are willing to give us back on a trade in by 60000. Super unhappy with Chevy.

- Rod S., kalispell, MT, US

problem #5

Feb 022012

Suburban LTZ 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 24,000 miles

I have a 2009 Suburban that seems to be burning about 2qrts of oil in about 4,000 miles. That seems crazy to me. This truck was way too expensive for this kind of issue. I think we should file a class action to get our engines replaced.

- Thomas R., Pottstown, PA, US

problem #4

Nov 282012

Suburban LTZ 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

My wife's 2009 Suburban began to lose/use oil at an unbelievable rate at about 30,000 miles without evidence of oil loss or burn. 2 of the 3 times, no check oil or warning proceeded the more serious symptoms of loud engine tapping and black smoke. Dealer has no answer thus far. It's an excruciating annoyance that needs to be addressed or I'll never buy another GM product.

- Shawn T., Mount Laurel, NJ, US

problem #3

Jul 062011

Suburban Z71 5.3L V8 Flex

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,000 miles

Oil Pressure started dropping and car was running poorly, had it towed to dealer, oil level was extremely low, dealership changed oil and said may just have not filled last oil change. 3-4000 miles later checked oil was again significantly low, took to dealer and indicated was using oil, changed oil and sent my wife on her way. 3-4000 miles later again oil level extremely low contacted dealer waiting for resolution.

- Darrin M., Windsor, MO, US

problem #2

Jul 152011

Suburban LTZ

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,000 miles

The solution, as I was told, is to go to the dealer regularly, probably every 1000 miles, to have the oil consumption documented and to have it topped off. Then after it is proven that this is an ongoing problem, it will get fixed. The other option - trade it in; the problem does not exist on the 2011 Suburban.

Does excessive oil consumption (burning) mean excessive air pollution?

- Cathy N., Omaha, NE, US

problem #1

Jan 142009

Suburban V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

this is a typical chevy piece of shi- auto. we purchased the auto and was not told of a accident and then had oil changed and ck after 3k and no oil on the dip stick - filled and checked after 1 k and low - have a 100k warranty and took the unit back to the dealer and they said needs plugs-(for a oil leak) the oil low again - again - again - dealer is a typical gove center could not find where the oil is going - they said bring back ever 500 miles so we can ck the level - (the round trip is 100 miles) did this for a month they would add oil and after 3 months of this - their answer is NORMAL!!!!!!!!!

Is anyone going after a class actions suit - seem as if I am not the only one with the same problem

- stephr, Comfort, TX, US

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