2023 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban has 3 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is AFM/DFM Lifter Failure (5.3L/6.2L V8) ($1,500-$4,000 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $50 to $4,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2007-2025 Chevrolet Suburban, the Active Fuel Management (AFM) and Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) systems on the 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines deactivate cylinders to save fuel by collapsing hydraulic valve lifters. These lifters have a complex locking pin mechanism that fails, causing the lifter to collapse and the affected cylinder to misfire. A collapsed lifter can also damage the camshaft lobe it rides on, turning a $300 lifter into a $3,000 camshaft and lifter replacement. The issue affects 2007+ Suburbans and is one of the most complained-about GM V8 problems. GM switched from 4-cylinder AFM to 17-pattern DFM in 2019, but lifter failures continue.
Replace the failed lifter(s) and inspect the camshaft for damage. A single-side lifter replacement (one bank of 8 lifters) costs $1,500-$2,500 including labor. If the camshaft is damaged, add $500-$1,000 for a new cam and installation. Many owners opt to replace all 16 lifters and delete the AFM/DFM system with an AFM delete kit ($200-$400) and a custom tune that disables cylinder deactivation. This eliminates the root cause but requires a tuner ($400-$600). GM range device ($300) is a plug-in alternative that keeps all cylinders active without a tune.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2000-2025 Chevrolet Suburban, the transfer case on the 4WD Suburban develops fluid leaks from the front and rear output shaft seals, the input shaft seal, or the case halves where the case splits. The NP246 (half-ton) and NP261/NP263 (heavy-duty) transfer cases all share this tendency. Low transfer case fluid causes the internal clutch pack to overheat and burn, leading to expensive internal damage. The rear output seal is the most common leak source, and the leak often drips onto the exhaust, creating a burning fluid smell. Many owners do not realize the transfer case has its own fluid that needs periodic changing.
Replace the leaking seal(s) — the rear output shaft seal is $10-$20 for the part and 1-2 hours of labor ($100-$250). The front output seal is similar but harder to access. If the case halves are leaking, resealing requires splitting the case ($400-$800 labor). Check the transfer case fluid level every oil change and change the fluid every 50,000 miles with the GM-specified Auto-Trak II (NP246) or DEXRON VI (NP261/NP263). Low fluid is a transfer case killer — check before it is too late.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2015-2025 Chevrolet Suburban, the 2015+ Suburban uses an electronic steering column lock that can malfunction, causing a clicking noise from the steering column, failure to recognize the key fob, or preventing the vehicle from starting. The electronic lock module replaces the traditional key-cylinder lock and communicates with the body control module (BCM) to verify the key fob is present before allowing the engine to start. When the lock module fails, it may click repeatedly without unlocking, or it may not engage at all, leaving the steering unlocked even when the vehicle is off.
The steering column lock actuator module needs replacement ($150-$400 for parts, $200-$400 labor). The module is located inside the steering column and requires partial disassembly to access. A scan tool is needed to program the new module to the BCM after installation. In some cases, a BCM software update at the dealer resolves the clicking without hardware replacement. If the vehicle will not start due to a failed lock module, a tow to the dealer is required — there is no manual override.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
SUSPENSION:REAR
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The rear suspension outer control arm bolts may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause the bolts to break.
STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. A software issue may cause a loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated properly, possibly resulting in driveshaft failure.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2023-2023 Chevrolet Suburban has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: AFM/DFM Lifter Failure (5.3L/6.2L V8), Transfer Case Fluid Leak, Steering Column Lock and Click Noise. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2023-2023 Chevrolet Suburban has 3 known issues documented across 0+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: AFM/DFM Lifter Failure (5.3L/6.2L V8). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Chevrolet Suburban issues range from $50 to $4,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, AFM/DFM Lifter Failure (5.3L/6.2L V8), typically costs $1,500-$4,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The Active Fuel Management (AFM) and Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) systems on the 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines deactivate cylinders to save fuel by collapsing hydraulic valve lifters. These lifters have a complex locking pin mechanism that fails, causing the lifter to collapse and th… Repairs typically run $1,500-$4,000. Severity: high.
The transfer case on the 4WD Suburban develops fluid leaks from the front and rear output shaft seals, the input shaft seal, or the case halves where the case splits. The NP246 (half-ton) and NP261/NP263 (heavy-duty) transfer cases all share this tendency. Low transfer case fluid… Repairs typically run $50-$1,000. Severity: medium.
The 2015+ Suburban uses an electronic steering column lock that can malfunction, causing a clicking noise from the steering column, failure to recognize the key fob, or preventing the vehicle from starting. The electronic lock module replaces the traditional key-cylinder lock and… Repairs typically run $150-$800. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
