Fuel System complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 5% | — |
| 2023 | 6 | 5% | — |
| 2022 | 13 | 10% | 40,000 miles |
| 2021 | 32 | 16% | 62,000 miles |
| 2020 | 3 | 7% | — |
| 2018 | 4 | 5% | 52,000 miles |
| 2017 | 6 | 4% | 120,000 miles |
| 2016 | 5 | 2% | 123,000 miles |
| 2015 | 27 | 6% | 55,000 miles |
| 2014 | 2 | 3% | 35,000 miles |
| 2013 | 5 | 4% | 4,000 miles |
| 2012 | 2 | 2% | 113,000 miles |
| 2011 | 6 | 4% | 150,000 miles |
| 2010 | 3 | 3% | 103,000 miles |
| 2009 | 6 | 6% | 170,000 miles |
| 2008 | 6 | 3% | 113,000 miles |
| 2007 | 11 | 4% | 78,000 miles |
| 2005 | 8 | 6% | 108,000 miles |
| 2004 | 14 | 7% | 58,000 miles |
| 2003 | 11 | 4% | 47,000 miles |
| 2002 | 27 | 9% | 69,000 miles |
| 2001 | 60 | 14% | 60,000 miles |
| 2000 | 40 | 14% | 63,000 miles |
| 1999 | 37 | 6% | 85,000 miles |
| 1998 | 11 | 5% | 121,000 miles |
| 1997 | 46 | 11% | 128,000 miles |
| 1996 | 23 | 6% | 171,000 miles |
| 1995 | 7 | 2% | 305,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I was driving down the road at roughly 30 mph when my fuel tank dropped. The front fuel tank strap fell off and the bolt was gone. The fuel tank drug on the road, which prompted me to stop driving. There are scrapes on the front of the fuel tank and the strap was bent. This is a huge safety concern because had the fuel tank cracked or fell off completely this could have caused a fire. Had we been traveling at higher speeds, this could have been a very serious accident. The potential for gasoline or diesel to ignite was absolutely present. It could cause a fire or even an explosion, potentially injuring occupants and causing damage to the vehicle. I was travelling with my kids and mom, so the risk of injury to multiple people was present. The manufacturers only response so far is that it was not an open recall issue so it is not covered. No warning lights came on when this happened.
My 2023 Chevrolet Suburban with the 5.3L V8 engine has experienced lifter failure twice within less than [20,000 miles]. Both times the vehicle developed a misfire, engine belt like noise and was diagnosed by the Chevrolet dealership as having collapsed AFM/DFM lifters. All oil changes have been done at the dealership using GM-approved oil. The issue appears to be a known problem on 2021-2023 GM vehicles with the 5.3L L84 engine. GM has a technical service bulletin (PIP5776H) regarding lifter collapse, but no permanent fix has been provided. I am concerned this could lead to engine failure or stalling while driving, creating a safety hazard.
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was an abnormal scraping sound coming from under the vehicle. After stopping to inspect the vehicle, the contact discovered that the fuel tank had partially detached from the subframe and fuel was leaking from the fuel tank. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who replaced the fuel tank. No further information was available. The cause of the failure was unknown. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.
My vehicle was subject to a GM recall involving inspection of the 6.2L engine. The recall inspection was completed by an authorized GM dealership at 58,581 miles. The vehicle was cleared as passing the recall criteria and returned to me. Within fewer than 10 miles after leaving the dealership following the recall inspection, at approximately 58,590 miles, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of propulsion while traveling at highway speed (approximately 65 mph) on a divided U.S. highway while ascending an incline. The vehicle shifted into neutral and lost engine power without warning. Steering and braking remained functional, but the vehicle lost forward motive power in the left lane of traffic. Attempts to restart the engine resulted in a loud mechanical thud, and the engine would not restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. The engine is now being replaced. …
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving on the highway, the vehicle experienced reduced engine power and failed to exceed 30 MPH. A message pertaining to the deceleration was displayed. The following Monday, the vehicle failed to exceed 35 MPH, and a friend followed the contact while driving to the dealer. The dealer recommended a fuel filter replacement. The contact declined the repair because the fuel filter life was at 47%; however, the dealer proceeded with the replacement. The contact provided the diagnostic trouble code to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was associated with TSB Numbers: 20-NA-197 and 18-NA 361. The contact then advised the dealer of the TSBs, and the dealer determined that the fuel pump module and fuel tank module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. …
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, and the vehicle decelerated unintendedly. Additionally, the vehicle failed to exceed 42 MPH. Later in the day, the gear shifter was shifted to reverse; however, the vehicle failed to reverse as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission valve body failure. The contact was informed that the transmission valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was at the dealer from December 2024 until June 2025. The vehicle was picked up from the dealer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized and failed to restart. …
Have had starter problems since we purchased the vehicle. Starter intermittently loudly grinds when pressed 2-3 times a week and won't start. Dealership could repeat problem once, but never fixed it. Took vehicle in at least half a dozen times. Never fixed. Car also makes an odd humming when gas is applied. This week, car started and died after driving a foot. Then car wouldn't start at all. Brakes stiffened up and wouldn't compress without substantial effort. Everything resolved on its own within 30 minutes. But the very next day, pulled inti position in our alley to back our Suburban into the garage. Put car in reverse. While using the back up cam (that came on like normal when car is in reverse), i applied gas. The car didn't respond at all (didn't even rev like what happens when you apply gas while car is in neutral). …
Fuel injector failed and pumped too much gas into cylinder causing gas to get into engine oil and ruin engine. GM claims they are building the replacement engine, but won't give any estimate of when it will be fixed. Other dealers that are receiving these engines will not sell the engine to my dealer. I believe there is a bigger problem that GM will not admit to and they should be held accountable. Four months is too long for this situation to exist!
Related recalls (6)
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump › Control/drive module
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump power control module may cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, which can interrupt fuel flow to the engine, and cause an unexpected engine stall.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 14, 2021.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Camaro, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump may be missing a pressure regulator, allowing for over-pressurization of the fuel system.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2019. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at…
Fuel system, gasoline
GM is recalling 27,188 my 2009 Cadillac escalade, escalade hybrid, escalade esv, and escalade ext; Chevrolet avalanche, suburban, tahoe, tahoe hybrid, and colorado; and GMC yukon, yukon hybrid, yukon xl, and canyon vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new fuel system control module free of charge. The recall began on May 18, 2009. Owners May contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and GMC at 1-866-996-9463 or at…
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Certain trucks and sport utility vehicles were built with fuel module reservoir assemblies that contain fuel pump wires connectors May overheat under certain operating conditions.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the fuel tank, and remove the module reservoir assemblies from the tank, and install a new service kit free of charge. An interim letter to owners was mailed on May 25, 2005.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
On certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with 5.3l (rpo l59) v8 engines, the engine fuel rail crossover tube retainer screws were not manufactured to specifications and May break.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel rail crossover tube and, if necessary, replace the retainer screws. Owners were notified by telephone on July 30, 2004, with a followup owner letter began August 5, 2004.
Show 1 more recall
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, vehicles, during a 30 degree left angle frontal impact of sufficient severity, a tear could develop in the mid-frame cross member at its attachment to the left frame rail.
Remedy: Dealers will install a fuel tank shield. Owner notification began February 20, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a…
NHTSA investigations
Overheated fuel pump wiring
The fuel pump wiring and connector May overheat and melt a hole in the top of the fuel pump module.possible consequences include fuel tank leakage and engine stall with no restart.fourteen of the 20 complaints to odi allege fuel tank leakage, including one that reported that a fire department was called to the scene after a pool of gasoline was discovered beneath the vehicle.most of the odi complaints report…
Overheated fuel pump wiring
In a letter dated April 14, 2005, general motors (GM) notified odi that it had identified a defect related to motor vehicle safety in approximately 316,508 model year (my) 2000-01 1500 series Chevrolet suburban and GMC yukon xl vehicles (recall 05v-155).GM determined that some of these vehicles were equipped with fuel module reservoir assemblies (mras) that contain fuel pump wires and/or connectors that May overheat…
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Suburban years have fuel system problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (60), 1997 (46), 2000 (40), 1999 (37) and 2021 (32) model years. Fuel System complaints make up 14% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Suburban fuel system problems?
Yes — 6 recalls, including 21V-739 (control/drive module, Sep 23, 2021); 19V-837 (fuel pump, Nov 21, 2019); 09V-154 (fuel system, gasoline, May 6, 2009). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Suburban fuel system problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles; 31% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the delivery › fuel pump (132 mentions), followed by the storage › tank assembly (31).
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.