Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2015 Chevrolet Suburban owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became stiff, and the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine, seat belt, stabili-trak, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was occasionally towed and taken to the same local dealer on several occasions, where it was diagnosed; however, the failure was not yet determined. The transmission, fuel pump, battery, alternator, and unknown wiring were replaced at the consumer's expense; however, the failure persisted. In addition, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V586000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2015 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while attempting to have the vehicle inspected, it was discovered that the catalytic converter was missing, the wires were cut, and a pipe was inserted to muffle the noise. The contact was told that the check engine warning light was turned off and the carbon monoxide was not being cleaned, and that fumes were entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact also discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy on the vehicle. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 131,000 and at the time of the inspection, it was discovered that the mileage was approximately 231,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, with an abnormal clicking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the hydraulic lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the hydraulic lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,800.
The # 7 cylinder valve lifter in the 2015 Suburban engine fails when accelerating in certain situations. This has happened to this vehicle twice at and expense of rebuilding the engine. The in both cases the vehicle was accelerating into fast moving traffic. When the lifter fails the engine loses power and no longer accelerates which requires swerving out of traffic, back to the shoulder to not get rear-ended by on-coming traffic. The problem was confirmed and the service provided indicated that this was a significant issue with this particular engine. Basically, it happens to many of these vehicles. The engine has been rebuilt twice while I have owned it. When the lifter fails the check engine light comes on. These failures occurred on September 24, 2021 and again on September 9, 2023.
Replaced lifters 1,3,5,7 and added automatic fuel mgmt system bypass chip after the vehicle went into limp mode ON THE HIGHWAY. Ran for less than 2000 miles and those same lifters failed a second time and had to be replaced AGAIN. The last incident occurred after about 200 miles and had engine failure, limp mode with multiple sensor failures in the middle of the road in the dark. Limited ability to move it safely off the road.
I have a 2015 Chevy Suburban with a 5.3L v8 motor. At 123,067 miles I lost the lifters in the number 7 cylinder due to the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system. This is an ongoing issue with Chevy motors from2014 to 2021. There is currently a Class Action Law Suite. I am hoping the NHTSA will issue a recall. This repaid cost me $4,000.00 to repair.
While driving at highway speeds my vehicle lost steering the radio and the hvac turned off. I had abs and brake lights on the dash as well as a service stabilitrac message. The vehicle completely shutoff and I almost had an auto accident. I have not taken it anywhere as I'm to afraid to drive it for fear of having an accident.
El problema de esa camioneta esque lla se le a cambiado 3 veces los catalizadores uno alos 30 mil millas y oto alos 80 mil millas y el otro alos 165 mil millas y haora tiene 168 mil millas esta com el c digo p0430
Clanking, stalling , wouldn't go into gear. Had to have the truck flatbed to AAMCO. Was told transmission. Call Chevy during issue's and told vehicle was not part of recall. Transmission had to be replaced.
At low speed (backing into a parking spot on the street) the brake pedal got very hard and the vehicle would barely stop. I then did not go into that space to avoid hitting the car behind me. I pulled into a parking lot across the street. When backing in, I could not stop (moving with car at idle engine speed). The hitch hit the concrete wall-happily no damage done. With research, I find this is a common problem that GM has not addressed. I usually occurs at slow speeds or stop and go slow speed traffic. This is unpredictable and very unsafe. The vehicle is a 2015 with only 35,000 miles. The vacuum pump (the failure) is bolted to the engine and engine-driven and lubricated by engine oil which puts my engine at risk. Yet none of this is covered by the power train warranty. This is not a slow, but a sudden failure item. …
Engine complaints in other Suburban years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2015 Chevrolet Suburban?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2015 Chevrolet Suburban, 9% of the model year's 431 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2015 Chevrolet Suburban engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2015 Chevrolet Suburban, though it has 11 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 2015 Chevrolet Suburban engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles, and 24% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 6 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.