2019 Chevrolet Suburban

My certified used 2019 Chevy Suburban, with all routine maintenance completed, transmission abruptly failed. The vehicle was just serviced the month prior and with no current issues revealed during that appointment. We have never seen a transmission just fail suddenly with no warnings, no light on dash, and the transmission fluid was a good color and with no burn smells. My wife had just been on the 35 freeway and a moment before exited off to where we were going to eat breakfast, had she still been on the freeway, it could have been catastrophic as she had three of my children in the car with her. I researched the internet; GM has had many transmission problems on Suburban and other model cars from 2015-2019 with their currently being a class action on the other models.

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. Vehicle was serviced previously on 11/1/2025 for routine oil change and inspection, with transmission noted as "good." Onstar monthly diagnostic for December 26, 2024 indicated engine and transmission system "good/OK".

Our transmission when out while driving at high speed down the road, which could have caused a serious accident. There was no warning light to alert the driver before this incident occurred. We had to pull over and have our car towed - and it was dangerous to be along side of the road. We had to pay over $4000.00 to have our transmission replaced and the mechanic, who is an independent dealer, said "in his opinion, the transmission problem was caused by the defective GM automatic 8-speed transmission". We have a detailed bill of all work completed by our independent transmission dealer - dated Feb 2025.

At a stop light the stabilitrack and check engine light came on. Engine began running very rough. I pulled around the corner and was able to get into a parking lot. When I stopped the vehicle the car shutoff completely, including all the electrical. I tried to start the car but when I did there was no engagement of the starter and all electrical shut off again. Car was towed to a mechanic shop and was advised that the engine was seized after they could not turn the engine using manual means. I had to have the engine replaced.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The transmission failed due to transmission oil that went bad and subsequently damaged the transmission. The failed transmission is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The transmission failure created unsafe driving conditions by reducing vehicle control, particularly in situations requiring acceleration or deceleration. This could have resulted in a collision if the vehicle lost power while in motion. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the problem has been confirmed by an independent service center, which diagnosed the transmission failure as a result of degraded transmission oil. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. It has only been inspected by an independent service center. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, there were symptoms prior to the failure. These included occasional transmission slipping and delayed gear shifts, which began several months before the complete transmission failure. No warning lamps or dashboard messages appeared. This issue is of significant concern as the vehicle was purchased as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle in 2022 and the transmission should not have failed this early. I am requesting an investigation into this issue to determine if it warrants a recall to prevent future safety risks for other drivers.