Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure. This special coverage covers if an engine failure occurs in the vehicle as a result of the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after May 23, 2025, are covered by this special coverage and must be submitted using the labor operation code
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2022 Chevrolet Suburban engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban have filed 34 NHTSA complaints about the engine at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
34
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 Suburban | 65 |
| 2022 Suburban (this page) | 34 |
| 2023 Suburban | 53 |
| 2024 Suburban | 16 |
When does it fail?
Of the 34 engine complaints filed for the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 32% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 5 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 34 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Under Field Actions N252494000, N252494001, the service procedure includes performing a PICO test on vehicle engines within the identified suspect VIN population. If the engine passes the PICO test, the engine oil will be changed from 0W20 to Mobil 1 Supercar 0W40 dexosR. From that point forward, the engine must use 0W40 dexosR oil products for all future oil change services.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition that could cause the engine coolant control valve to fail an onboard vehicle diagnostic test. If this condition were to occur, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) will illuminate, and a diagnostic trouble code will set. Additionally in some cases, the engine cooling fans may run after the engine is switched off. Dealers are to replace the engine coolant control valve as necessary. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the camshaft actuator magnet to correct customer concerns of engine related shudder.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2022 Chevrolet Suburbans are reporting sudden, unwarned engine seizures while driving on highways and city streets. The 6.2L L87 V8 engine, subject to NHTSA Recall 25V274 / GM N252494000, fails by locking up—typically due to seized connecting rod bearings—leaving families stranded in traffic with no safe retreat. Multiple owners describe near-misses with other vehicles.
Metal shavings and black sludge consistently appear in oil filters long before catastrophic failure. Dealers confirm metal contamination in oil pans and document pitted camshafts, worn piston rings, and stuck lifters. One owner is on their third replacement engine—the second already failed with spun rod bearings.
The recall remedy—switching to 0W-40 oil, replacing the cap and filter, and inserting an owner's manual addendum—has not stopped failures. One owner reports a GM dealer service manager explicitly warned that the engine will eventually fail regardless of the recall work, with an eight-month wait for replacement after seizure.
Out-of-warranty repairs run $8,200 to $12,000 for engine replacement. Some owners are denied warranty coverage by just 2,000 miles. Replacement engines come with a non-transferable warranty, damaging resale value. One owner also reported recurring coolant system failures and overheating after engine replacement, while another discovered lifter failure requiring full engine replacement at 100,000 miles. Recall parts remain unavailable months after the directive was issued.
Same Chevrolet Suburban engine reports on nearby years: 2021 · 2023 · 2024
Failure modes owners describe
Catastrophic engine seizure / connecting rod bearing failure
Engine seizes without warning, usually while driving. Owners report locked-up crankshaft, seized bearings, metal particles in oil, and sudden loss of propulsion. Affects 6.2L L87 V8 engines covered under NHTSA Recall 25V274 / GM Recall N252494000. Multiple owners report engine replacements; some are on their second or third replacement engine, with failures recurring.
When: Varies from 3,000 miles to 175,000 miles; many occur on highways under load or at red lights
Symptoms owners cite: Engine seizes or shuts down without warning; Sudden loss of propulsion while driving; Loud knocking or banging noise from engine; Metal shavings or black sludge in oil filter; No prior warning lights in many cases; Vehicle locked in gear, unable to shift to neutral; Smoke or burning smell from engine compartment
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light, Traction Control light, ESC (Electronic Stability Control) light, Collision warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required; cost ranges $8,200–$12,000 out-of-warranty. Dealer inspections document metal in oil pan, seized connecting rod bearings, pitted camshaft, and damaged pistons/piston rings. Some owners report engines being sent to Chevrolet for analysis with no feedback on root cause. Warranty on replacement engines not transferable, affecting resale value.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 25V274 / GM N252494000 issued; remedy consists of oil viscosity upgrade (switching to 0W-40), oil cap change, filter replacement, and owner's manual insert. GM warranty denial letters cite mileage just outside 60,000-mile limit. Dealer service managers have told owners the recall remedy does not fix the underlying defect and engine will eventually fail. Long-term warranty (10 years / 150,000 miles) offered on replacement engines but non-transferable.
Engine overheating and coolant system failure
Vehicle displays engine overheating warnings after engine and radiator replacement. Persistent sweet coolant odor inside and outside cabin. Engine hesitation when auto start/stop reengages at traffic lights. One owner stranded roadside shortly after radiator and cooling component replacement.
When: Occurred shortly after engine and radiator replacement; cooling valve failures documented at ~40,000 miles initially, then failed again in June/July 2025
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating warning light; Sweet coolant/radiator smell in cabin and outside vehicle; Engine hesitation or stuttering at idle; Reduced acceleration; Constant radiator fan running; Check Engine light; Vehicle enters limp mode
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light, Engine overheating warning
Repairs/costs cited: Coolant control valve replaced in July 2023 (~40,000 miles) under warranty. Failed again June/July 2025 out of warranty. Replacement radiator and cooling components installed at authorized Chevrolet dealership; overheating issues recurred shortly after.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives. Owner requested formal investigation but no warranty coverage after initial repair because subsequent part failure fell outside transferable warranty.
Engine lifter failure
Left-side lifters stop working, causing engine stutter, misfire, and loss of acceleration. One owner documented four out of eight lifters failed. Camshaft pitting and rotating valve rods observed. Requires left lifter replacement plus valve cover gasket, push rods, and head gasket; in one case, full engine replacement was recommended when camshaft damage was discovered.
When: Documented at approximately 100,000 miles and 175,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stuttering or hesitation; Check Engine light; Traction Control light; Loss of acceleration or power; Shaking or vibration; Multiple warning lights (Engine, Traction, ESC)
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light, Traction Control light, ESC light, Up to 20 error codes reported
Repairs/costs cited: One owner quoted $5,000 for lifter, push rod, valve cover, and head gasket replacement; technician discovered pitted camshaft and rotating rods during disassembly, recommending full engine replacement ($12,000 with 3-year warranty) instead. Engine failure at 100,000 miles led to this discovery.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Excessive oil consumption
Engine consumes 2–3 quarts of oil per approximately 4,000 miles despite owner following GM oil fill recommendations. Low oil warning light activates during driving. Piston and piston ring wear documented, followed by cylinder head failure.
When: Reported at approximately 3,000 miles and ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: No oil visible on dipstick despite regular maintenance; Low oil warning light; Engine sounding low on oil when cranking; Abnormal oil consumption rate
Codes mentioned: Low oil warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Piston and piston ring replaced for excessive wear; failure persisted. Cylinder head replaced; failure persisted again. Dealer was unable to replicate failure on third visit.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Covered under NHTSA Recall 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); no specific manufacturer response noted beyond recall notification.
Catalytic converter malfunction
Catalytic converter not burning exhaust gases properly, causing check engine light and reduced engine performance.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light; Fumes from exhaust; Reduced engine performance
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Y-pipe with catalytic converter (part #86781749) requires replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner references NHTSA document N232419720 (Emission Recall Incorrect Catalytic Converter Service Part) and requests investigation and recall inclusion.
Recall remedy delay and parts unavailability
Owners unable to complete recall service because required parts are unavailable from manufacturer. Vehicles remain unrepaired months after recall notification.
When: Recall issued April 2025; parts unavailable as of complaint date
Symptoms owners cite: Knocking sound from engine during remote start; Vehicle unable to receive recall service
Repairs/costs cited: None; repair cannot proceed due to parts shortage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 25V274000 issued but parts unavailable at dealer. Manufacturer exceeded reasonable timeframe for remedy availability. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Synthesized from 34 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
I want to complain that my 6.2L V8 engine was “inspected” and they deemed it OK, then proceeded to make a requirement of thicker oil for its life. I was also given a long term warranty on the engine, however it is non-transferable, therefore the re-sale value of the vehicle is damaged beyond normal conditions. The engine is suspect, why else would it need thicker oil? The engine is all over the…
Car initially started stuttering on the high, check engine and traction control lights came on. I immediately went to the nearest Chevy dealership a mile away. Initially I had 20 error codes. The problem was the Left side lifters 4 of 8 stop working. Dealership recommended Replace Left lifters, 2 push rods, valve cove, head gasket. $5000. After starting the work. The technician could not repair…
at some point,we noticed that every time we crank it up, the engine would sounding weird, like it was low on engine oil, we checked the engine oil, and it was no less then 2 quarts low, that was realy weird, because we change the oil as needed and we definitly make sure that we add the amount recomended by GM, also this past weekend, it was rainy, we were out doing some shopping and on the way…
Engine failed while driving. Vehicle began making clicking noise less than one minute for engine shut off while driving. Check engine light came on after engine shut off. Car was stopped at a busy intersection and couldn’t move. Car is currently at Chevrolet dealership and is in need of a total engine replacement
The contact owned a 2022 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with the engine running, the front of the vehicle began to shake violently, with a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine, traction control, and collision warning lights were illuminated. The contact called an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed…
I own a 2022 Chevrolet Suburban (VIN: [XXX] ) that is included in NHTSA Recall No. 25V274 / GM Recall No. N252494000 for engine defects in the 6.2L L87 V8 engine. My vehicle was inspected at an authorized GM dealer today, on 9/23/2025 (Don K in Whitefish Montana). Instead of replacing the engine, the dealer performed the recall “remedy” of switching to higher-viscosity oil, changing the oil cap…
This is the second engine failure. First engine was completed being installed on 7/26/24 also reported catastrophic engine failure. Second engine was installed completion date on 4/04/25 it also had spun 2 rob bearings
Had engine trouble with your 2022 Chevrolet Suburban?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 34 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 34 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 82,500 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2022/Chevrolet/Suburban.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.