Always thought oil consumption on GM vehicles was normal so never thought to make a complaint. Last year we had the engine fail when a lifter or rod went out causing motor failure. The engine always drove sluggishly towards the last 20k miles so it was clear something was failing. Mechanic recommended replacing with a used engine since it would cost the same to tear the damaged motor down to replace parts. Dealership wanted $9k to start the work on it which was ridiculous.
This is super frustrating. Chevy Suburbans are too expensive to have these kinds of problems. What amazes me is that GM has a Technical Service Bulletin, which is self-admission to a design flaw in their engines, yet they're making this the buyer's problem.
When I called GM corporate about the issue, they initially told me the oil consumption was within "acceptable limits". But then when I confronted them about the existence of the Technical Service Bulletin, they back-pedaled and told me I really needed to get the vehicle inspected/diagnosed by a dealership. Wow.
I took the Suburban to the dealer and they told me the pistons and rings needed to be replaced to the tune of $4,000. I asked what would cause this and they told me it could be the oil got too low or the wrong oil was used. Again, when I confronted them about the Technical Service Bulletin, they admitted to oil burning in the combustion chamber and a buildup of carbon had occurred. Wow again.
I told them I didn't think it was right I had to pay for GM's design issue and the dealer offered to call GM to see if they would do anything. But they said it was unlikely since I was out of the 100k power train warranty. They called me back within an hour and told me that GM would pay for half the cost. Wow again, again.
Now, while I appreciate them at least coming in the right direction, it feels like a half-ass (literally) attempt to resolve the problem. I think they should pay for ALL of their design problem. Not half.
All-in-all, we love the Suburban. It's a perfect fit for our large family. However, given that GM gave me their dishonest run-around and then only paid for half of the repair, I will be selling the vehicle after it gets fixed and will NEVER buy another Suburban again. GM just created a loyal Chevy Suburban buyer to a non-buyer. Chew on that GM.
Opened at least four claims with GM possibly more.
Case # 7112...
Case # 7111...
Case # 8-288...
Case # 8-332...
After the first fix on 8/13/13 it took 6 months of more oil consumption tests before they did the second repair on 3/6/14. After the second fix the vehicle continued to consume oil and the third repair (replacing the engine) took place on 7/29/15. It was a lengthy two years from the first occurrence to get anything significant done and the vehicle consumed oil consistently the entirety of the two years. NOW the pattern is starting again with the second engine... Oil consumption, rough idling from misfiring cylinders and fouled spark plugs and they've replaced the valve cover FIX 1 and cleaned the cylinders FIX 2 and now another fouled spark plug and they want us to continue oil consumption test.
I DO NOT want to go through this process again...
The car was a lemon from the beginning and they sufficiently delayed the repairs by pushing us out of the 18 month time frame by requiring repeated oil consumption test every 500 miles.
THIS IS ONE MORE REPAIR IN A LONG LIST OF REPAIRS for OIL CONSUMPTION... NOW ON THE SECOND ENGINE.... NEW engine at 63,783 MILES so 40,243 miles on this engine and CONSUMING OIL AGAIN!!!
Opened at least four claims with GM possibly more.
Case # 71127...
Case # 71113...
Case # 8-288...
Case # 8-332...
After the first fix on 8/13/13 it took 6 months of more oil consumption tests before they did the second repair on 3/6/14. After the second fix the vehicle continued to consume oil and the third repair (replacing the engine) took place on 7/29/15. It was a lengthy two years from the first occurrence to get anything significant done and the vehicle consumed oil consistently the entirety of the two years. NOW the pattern is starting again with the second engine... Oil consumption, rough idling from misfiring cylinders and fouled spark plugs and they've replaced the valve cover FIX 1 and cleaned the cylinders FIX 2 and now another fouled spark plug and they want us to continue oil consumption test.
I DO NOT want to go through this process again...
The car was a lemon from the beginning and they sufficiently delayed the repairs by pushing us out of the 18 month time frame by requiring repeated oil consumption test every 500 miles.
Dealership found engine is still consuming oil (after replacing the left valve cover) and found engine piston rings frozen and allowing oil to by pass pistons.... Necessary to REPLACE ALL 8 PISTONS.
Purchased Vehicle 1GNSKJE71DR104259. 7/24/12 NEW with 48 miles.
Opened at least four claims with GM possibly more.
Case # 7112...
Case # 71113...
Case # 8-288...
Case # 8-3324...
After the first fix on 8/13/13 it took 6 months of more oil consumption tests before they did the second repair on 3/6/14. After the second fix the vehicle continued to consume oil and the third repair (replacing the engine) took place on 7/29/15. It was a lengthy two years from the first occurrence to get anything significant done and the vehicle consumed oil consistently the entirety of the two years. NOW the pattern is starting again with the second engine... Oil consumption, rough idling from misfiring cylinders and fouled spark plugs and they've replaced the valve cover FIX 1 and cleaned the cylinders FIX 2 and now another fouled spark plug and they want us to continue oil consumption test.
I DO NOT want to go through this process again...
The car was a lemon from the beginning and they sufficiently delayed the repairs by pushing us out of the 18 month time frame by requiring repeated oil consumption test every 500 miles.
- J G.,
Hamilton, US
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
excessive oil usage that leads to spark plug issues
My vehicle is only 2 years old. At approximately 85000 miles on a car that is properly maintained it suddenly started to burn out spark plugs. After numerous spark plug burn outs and service appointments I was told that the engine is damaged because the number 1 cylinder was cracked and opening the engine was the only way to confirm how significant the issue was. As the cost and remedy was unknown and longterm fix seemed unfavorable to me, I took the option to replace the engine. I have tried to get to a resolution with GM but got absolutely nowhere. I am in a network of owners of these vehicles and a significant amount of drivers are experiencing the same issue. some GM service stations have also mentioned that the issue was not corrected until the 2015 model year. This tells me that GM is aware of the issue and has chosen to do absolutely nothing to assist customers with this unacceptable issue.
overview of the many issues:
Excessive oil usage
Spark plugs burning out or failing
Sluggish engine
Clicking noise in engine
Prior to fixing the engine, I spent approximately $1500 in repairs and lost wages as I use the vehicle for work.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Always thought oil consumption on GM vehicles was normal so never thought to make a complaint. Last year we had the engine fail when a lifter or rod went out causing motor failure. The engine always drove sluggishly towards the last 20k miles so it was clear something was failing. Mechanic recommended replacing with a used engine since it would cost the same to tear the damaged motor down to replace parts. Dealership wanted $9k to start the work on it which was ridiculous.
- Josh O., Oakley, CA, US