Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Chevrolet Suburban owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had stalled while driving on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that four fuel injectors were faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair and was informed that there was a special coverage program related to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the special coverage program. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idle, the vehicle made a choking sound as if the vehicle was about to shut-off. The brake pedal was stiff requiring extra effort than normal for the vehicle to come to a stop. While turning left or right at low speeds, the steering wheel was difficult to turn and made an abnormal hissing sound. The contact stated that there was oil leaking from the front-end of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the vacuum pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that due to the mileage on the vehicle, the vehicle no longer qualified for the special recall related to the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.
While driving on the interstate in Nevada (speed limit of 80MPH) I had my 2016 Suburban throw a rod through the engine block as I was in the left lane passing a Uhual on an incline. The vehicle made a loud bang, lost all engine power and protruded smoke so thick I could not see cars behind me. I was thankfully able to coast to side of the road without being hit. I then exited vehicle and there was a fire in the engine bay which I put out with a gallon of water in the trunk. My mechanic confirmed the thrown rod and hole in the block and that the car needs a new engine now. I had a CEL a few minutes prior to throwing the rod for an engine knock.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle started driving rough and vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the lifters in the engine were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but shortly after retrieving the vehicle, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the lifters had failed again and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 86,243.
After replacing my transmission on my 2016 suburban at 83k miles at the cost of $6,097 in January 2022, I was endangered again on 3/2/22 when I attempted to drive on the interstate. My SUV failed to accelerate and the check engine light started flashing. Thankfully, I was able to maneuver and exit the interstate as soon as possible and waited two weeks for an appointment at my local dealer. I did not drive the car on the interstate during this two weeks. I am told that my engine is misfiring and they are going to try to figure out why. My car (that is barely 5 years old - purchased 2/14/17) has both transmission failures and engine problems. And the air conditioner failed. The list goes on and on. NHTSA please check into accidents involving chevrolets. I could easily have died on the interstate two weeks ago and no one would have known that it was because my car would not accelerate. …
The vehicle will just stop operating while driving. This past Sunday, December 18, 2022, I was driving to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers game and turning into the parking lot and the vehicle just stopped operating, completely turned off. Couldn't turn steering wheel, put into neutral or anything. Police assisted me as I was blocking the main road to the parking lot. No electrical in the vehicle. This happened a few times before but the car would usually restart quickly. This time it sat for over 5 minutes and then for some reason I was able to get it restarted. There is a service bulletin for this issue from Chevrolet TSB PIT5405, however there are no parts available for this fix. This is a very dangerous situation as this happened in the middle of a major road and could happen at anytime without any warning. Luckily no one has been hurt or any accident but it is scary to say the least.
Reduced or loss of power steering assist. Steering wheel jerks or kicks back when turning. Service Stabilitrak message with warning chime. Engine stall. IPC going blank or inoperative. Radio/ICS going blank. HVAC going blank. Hood ajar message and/or dome lamps flash when shifting into reverse. Alarm sounds when locking doors or door locks cycling. Wipers continue to run for a short time after turning off and then stop/park in the incorrect location Engine stall and loss of steering almost caused a collision putting mine and others lives at risk. This has happened seven times since I bought the car in July 2021. No warning its going to happen other than dash lights flicker , warning lights on, steering fails, car dies, won't restart. GM has a Technical Service Bulletin #18-NA-161 . I hope you can do something about this serious problem before someone is serious hurt or dies. Thank you
Had the transmission replaced after 100,000 miles. Not even a year later the whole engine blew. With zero warnings lights or signs the engine gave 5 gallons of gas was in the engine along with other issues. We replace the engine and everything starts falling apart. Another $1,400 later it's still throwing codes which come to find out the computer is now bad. Less the 300 miles have been put on the engine since it was replaced. Constant cam shaft sensors are going off causing the car to not run. $10,000 was put into it to have a running car and huge mechanical issues continue to happen with maybe 150,000 miles. Maintenance was done regularly. Zero issues prior to the transmission which thankfully was covered under warranty.
Loss of steering, jerks the week right out of your hand and then you are unable to turn the wheel. Engine stalls and you have to try to coast to the side of the road, put in park and try to restart the vehicle. Service Stabilitrak warning appears on display, Alarm Sounds, Radio beeps and display goes blank, navigation compass does not work. There is a current Technical Service Bulletin for these issues: #18-NA-161, document ID 5075841 that lists the years from 2014 to 2020. There were Product Safety Recalls issued: 17276 Loss of Steering Assist, Reference Number:N172085440 for vehicles listed in this TSB for 2014 and 2015 but no Recalls for later vehicles with the same problems.
While driving at speed between 18-35mph the transmission began to shutter. I attempted to make a left turn and the vehicle would not accelerate as I pushed on gas pedal. I believe the transmission failed almost causing us to be T-boned by another vehicle approaching intersection from opposite direction. This is definitely a important safety concern.
Engine complaints in other Suburban years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban, 12% of the model year's 220 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2016 Chevrolet Suburban engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban, though it has 6 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 2016 Chevrolet Suburban engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 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.