Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2019 Chevrolet Suburban owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that there was a winding sound coming from underneath the body of the vehicle in the center of the cabin. The tow light was intermittently illuminated without the vehicle being placed in tow mode. The contact stated that while accelerating and shifting gear, the vehicle hesitated and was sluggish while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission fluid was black, due to the transmission burning. The mechanic stated that flushing the fluid would cause more issues and advised the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was only quoted the cost for the repair because the vehicle was not covered under warranty. …
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light and traction control warning light were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact continued to drive the vehicle; however, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate as intended. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that, as per the two truck drivers, transmission fluid was leaking onto the street. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate while pressing the accelerator pedal. The contact indicated that the RPM would increase but the vehicle would not respond as needed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who replaced the catalytic converter; however, after retrieving the vehicle, the failure recurred and the vehicle stalled while driving on the freeway. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked abnormally hard. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to three dealers, and the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
The contact's wife owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving and exceeding 45 MPH, the vehicle was jerking with a loud grinding sound. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the failure recurred, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle was almost struck by a semi-truck. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact made a local dealer aware of the failure, but no appointments were available to be scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
The contact called on behalf of his daughter who owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle began to shake and lost motive power. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact noticed that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle slowed down and failed to properly shift gears. The contact shifted into neutral while stopping the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle was driven to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with severe fluid leakage and torque converter shutter. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal and made an abnormal whining sound. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter had fractured, and further diagnostic testing was needed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
I bought this vehicle in August 202 from Bayway Chevrolet in Pearland, Texas. The vehicle is now at 101,703 miles. The vehicle is a 2019 Chevy Suburban LT with the 8L43 transmission. Approximately 1 year ago, we started to have issues with the electronic screens - both the dashboard and the radio screen. The screens freeze, change channels and displays without any buttons being pressed or the screen being touched. Due to cost, we have not had this repaired yet, however our usual mechanic has said that he sees this issue all the time in smart technology vehicles. The transmission, on [redacted], we were going to a family dinner and the vehicle started shifting hard and making a clanking noise. We turned around and went straight home. The next morning we took the vehicle to our mechanic who said the motor mounts were broken and a tune-up was needed. …
Catastrophic transmission failure while driving on highway trip with family. Thankfully did not completely lock up drive train, but such a catastrophic failure could have caused a transmission/engine lock up leading to a serious accident. Drove to nearest Chevy dealer (Everett Chevy Morganton NC), inspected, validated catastrophic transmission failure. Vehicle towed back to Hendrick Chevy Monroe NC. Hendrick confirmed catastrophic transmission failure, required complete transmission replacement. I requested failed part evaluation/warranty review. Escalated to Chevy customer support. Hendrick replaced transmission 1/29/2025. Hendrick upgraded to new Thermal Bypass Valve per service bulletin #21-NA-199 as part of complete transmission replacement. …
Related recalls
Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe vehicles.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge.
Transmission complaints in other Suburban years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban, 49% of the model year's 78 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2019 Chevrolet Suburban transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 26V-289 (transfer case (4-wheel drive), May 7, 2026). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2019 Chevrolet Suburban transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles, and 27% before 25,000 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.