Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Chevrolet Suburban owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shut off without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the failure. The contact has had multiple repairs performed on the engine; however, the failure persisted. The dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 169,000.
The dash board in the vehicle is cracked and none is able to fix problems. The engine misfire and to figure out the problem cost lost of money. The lifters goes bad on vehicle. Suspension works always need.
My vehicle has an oil consumption issue, like many of the 07-08 models. We have taken it to 2 dealerships, and they request that we replace the cam and lifters. We have been told by 2 different Chevrolet dealerships that this is a bad design by Chevy, and they see it all the time with this year. They also stated that they would not even sell our vehicle on their lot if we traded it in. I live in a small town, and I know 4 people who had this same issue, and had to buy new vehicles because Chevy did not offer a solution. The repairs cost approximately $5000. Our only option is to trade it in or pay the repairs out of pocket. This is a bad design by Chevy, and a safety issue. We cannot drive our vehicle at this time. When the issue began in October of 2016 we were driving down the highway and it started making a knocking noise. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban. While driving various speeds, the vehicle lost power and the vehicle failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated that various warning indicators were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to manassas Chevrolet (8000 sudley rd, manassas, va 20109 [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed replacement. The contact stated that the catalytic converter was replaced, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to luck Chevrolet (516 s washington hwy, ashland, va 23005 [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the number one and seven spark plugs were covered with oil gunk. The spark plugs were replaced. The dealer also stated that the motor in the vehicle was burning oil and continuously caused the number one and 7 spark plugs to fail. …
2008 Suburban 135K. Vehicle has been running well, all routine maintenance was done. Without any warning the vehicle was 3 quarts low on oil. Dealer checked engine told new engine needed. I was told a common problem further investigation I noted far to many similar complaints. This seems to be a defect in engine design. It should not require deaths before this issue is investigated. Like so many others repair cost is an unexpected burden. GM response the vehicle high mileage and age are a factor. This problem has affected vehicles with a rang of miles. GM should recall the 5.3l engine and repair the defect. The first issue with vehicle I was driving on highway the warning light came on. Please take the time to look into this issue. GM has indicated 2 quarts of oil being burned in 3000 miles is normal. Please take the time to look into the matter. GM shouldn't be the only bail out. …
The engine has a design flaw and consumes oil rapidly, loses oil and deteriorates internal parts of motor causing total engine replacement or repair. This motor is currently apart of a class action lawsuit but the lawsuit is only for this engine in the 2010-2013 vehicles. This motor however has been in GM vehicle since 2007 and I assume that the company withheld this information from consumers and public just as they did in 2010. I believe that GM should be responsible for the design flaw of motor in all vehicles that included the engine. Personally I had to replace my motor for excessive oil consumption at the cost of $7,712.13 which included taxes. Then, of course, the motor you put in inherently has the same issue and its just a matter of time before it fails due to excessive oil consumption. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban. While driving 35 MPH, an abnormal noise was heard coming from the engine and the oil gauge displayed zero. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road to check the oil level. The contact discovered that there was no oil in the engine, but the digital display read 13% oil. The contact added oil to the vehicle and drove to a dealer where it was diagnosed with an oil consumption issue. The vehicle was deemed unsafe to drive. The contact was informed by the service technician that the engine needed replacement the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and filed a case. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 117,000. Updated 06/02/17
My 2008 Chevy Suburban with 94,000 miles stalled while in traffic traveling at about 20 MPH without warning. I luckily was able to coast it to the side of the road and after letting it sit for a short time it did restart again but only to stall again after the car ran for another 5 minutes again traveling at about 20 MPH. I had it towed to my dealership and have been told that my crankshaft position sensor has failed. While my VIN and year is not covered, there is an active recall on this condition (GM recall no. 06083.). This is a very dangerous issue to have especially when traveling with small children in the car. The recall should be extended to other years who experience this issue for the safety of families.
Apparently there was a technical bulletin issued for this truck. The special warranty was for 120,000 or year 2018. In 2015 I disputed the engine failure and also the oil consumption and the#7 cylinder. My truck was at 170,000 miles and GM refused to pay for the repair. On August 20, 2016, my truck was having the same problems. I returned it back to the same dealer and they said it was the same problem again, this repair was performed less than a year. I called GM again and they refused to make the dealership warranty the repair from last year. GM knows that this engine is faulty and refuse to recall this 5.3 engine. Now I have to pay for a new engine
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban. While the vehicle was in park or drive, all four doors failed to unlock and the key fob failed to unlock the door. In addition, while driving 50 MPH, the check engine, stability track disengage, and traction control lights illuminated. The vehicle decelerated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil spilled and caused the spark plugs to fail. The spark plugs were replaced numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Engine complaints in other Suburban years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2008 Chevrolet Suburban?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2008 Chevrolet Suburban, 13% of the model year's 213 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 Chevrolet Suburban engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2008 Chevrolet Suburban, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Chevrolet Suburban engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 122,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.