2021-2024 Chevy Suburban 5.3L V8 Engine (L84): Problems, Longevity, Specs

Americans still prefer big cars with big engines. And yes, we'll have to change that in the nearest future because the era of EVs is coming soon, but when you have this tempting option of the 5.3L V8 monster engine in the new 2023 Chevrolet Suburban, no one can make you think twice - you just buy it, right?

Well, today, we are going to tell you more about the 5.3-liter L84 gasoline engine that you will find under the hood of the new Suburban SUV. And we'll cover not only its main specs but also its problems and weak spots that could spoil your mood when driving this big SUV. Time to sort things out and learn more about this V8 engine that still seems so tempting to buy.

Key features and my opinion about the engine

• Production years:2019-now
• Average lifespan of L82/L84:240,000-280,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:355 hp
• Fuel efficiency:bad
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:oil consumption, cooling system problems, head gasket failure, AFM/DFM problems.

What should you know about the new 5.3L V8 engine in the Suburban SUV?

Well, this is the fifth generation of the small-block engines by Chevy. It's not the good old Vortec 5300, but actually, this is its son. A lot of common things are there between these two engines but differences are crucial. First of all, the newer engine is much less durable and reliable because of the implementation of additional ecological equipment.

Also, you should notice some changes in the fuel supply system, exhaust system, valves, lubrication, etc. The fifth generation of LS engines came out in 2013, the new 2021 Suburban got this engine from the very first day, so it's still available in the 2023 model year. You should also know that the engine is codenamed EcoTec3.

Here are some important facts about the engine:

• this is the V8 L84 engine with a huge displacement of 5.3 liters without any turbochargers or really tricky technologies included;
• this is the FlexFuel engine which means it can easily run on Ethanol fuel making it a little cheaper to own than other engines of the kind;
• it's not the biggest engine you can get in the new Suburban, there is another option with a 6.2-liter displacement, and the third option is also the 3.0 Duramax diesel engine;
• the only transmission type available with the 5.3L V8 engine is the 10-speed automatic transmission by Chevy - a pretty good unit;
• the engine offers 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque - you could expect more from this displacement, but it's still not bad;
• the worst news for those who hate spending money is the mileage - the claimed 20 MPG on the highway and 15 MPG in the city traffic are almost unachievable in real life;
• the cheaper versions of the 5.3L V8 Suburban come equipped with the rear-wheel drive which is a shame for this vehicle, we suppose.

When you are buying the Suburban, you should get a lot for your money. This is a large SUV with a lot of space inside. It's pretty comfortable, has a great design, and has a lot of cool features. But the engine could be considered a little too weak for the vehicle. Yes, 5.3 liters seem like a lot, but the power of 350 hp is not the dream power for any buyer of an SUV of this size.

You could go for the 420-horsepower 6.2L engine but it will cost you a lot more. Even the diesel Duramax engine seems to be a more interesting choice with its 277 hp and 460 lb-ft available much earlier than in petrol engines. So, before deciding to buy a 5.3L V8 Suburban, just take a ride, test-drive it, and ask for different versions from a dealer to compare them and make the best choice.

What should be the longevity of the 5.3L V8 EcoTec3 engine in the Suburban?

Well, in terms of durability, this is one of the best gasoline engines in the world among all that are currently still manufactured. The engine is going to survive for more than 280,000 miles and sometimes even much longer if maintained well. But some things may surprise you during your journey.

First of all, the 10-speed automatic transmission by Chevy and Ford (HydraMatic 10L80, to be precise) is not that durable. To drive your Suburban for 280,000 miles, you will probably need to replace the transmission at least once.

Secondly, the 5.3L EcoTec3 engine is equipped with quite an expensive system of catalytic converters and with an EGR valve that are going to get on your nerves after 100,000 miles or 10 years. Replacing converters and cleaning those EGR valves is not something pleasant and cheap, so get ready for this.

Also, the 5.3L EcoTec3 engine in the 2013 Suburban is going to need wonderful maintenance. Otherwise, it will get strong wear and tear and will eventually take thousands of dollars from your pocket on repairs.

What are the common problems with the 5.3L V8 engine in the Suburban?

We won't talk much about expected issues such as carbon buildup. This is a direct injection engine and you can expect each of these engines to get some carbon problems on valves at about 80,000 miles or sooner. Just have the valves cleaned to drive another 80K miles. But there are problems that you wouldn't expect from an engine with such a displacement and history.

Here are some of the common issues with the 5.3L EcoTec3 engine in the Suburban:

1) Fuel injection problems

Fuel injectors in these vehicles are really poor. They can fail much sooner than the warranty period is over. And that's good because you won't have to pay for replacing them. But eventually, they will fail again and this is not the cheapest part of your engine.

Whenever you experience rough idling and engine misfires in your Suburban equipped with the 5.3L V8 engine, check the injectors. Chances are you will lose some money to have them replaced.

2) High-pressure fuel pump issues

Injectors are not the only bad thing in the fuel supply system. In this engine, there are two fuel pumps - the one with high pressure will be the pain in your neck. Well, it's going to go for about 50K miles which is not that bad, but eventually, it will fail. And the worst thing is that it's crazily expensive.

Yes, many direct-injection engines are prone to HPFP (high-pressure fuel pump) failure, but you can't expect the pump in your Suburban to die as soon and to cost as much.

3) AFM - Active Fuel Management

Whenever you hear that a vehicle is equipped with a cylinder management system, you can be sure this system will cause problems, especially on a high-mileage engine. The AFM system in your Suburban is designed to economize fuel and turn off 4 of the cylinder whenever they aren't needed. But the problem is that it communicates poorly with other parts of the engine and causes extremely bad oil consumption in most engines.

Also, the system may glitch which will result in harsh driving, RPM issues, power problems, etc. So, the AFM system introduced in EcoTec3 engines is not the best invention of GM.

4) Overheating issues

Like its ancestors, the 5.3L V8 EcoTec3 engine in the new Suburban hates overheating. Although it has a reliable cooling system, it can still sometimes malfunction. Also, the engine may overheat if you drive it at high RPM for a long time. So, be careful with this and avoid overheating at all costs.

These engines are afraid of too much heat - this may affect road bearings, crankshaft, pistons, and some other crucial parts of the construction. Keep an eye on the coolant level and ensure the cooling system works well.

How can you prolong the life of the 5.3L L84 engine in your Suburban?

The Suburban is not the vehicle for aggressive drivers. Also, it's not designed to tow a lot of weight. This is a pleasurable SUV with a lot of space but that's it. Never buy it if you need to tow a huge boat or want to go at very high speeds on highways.

You should understand all the limitations this vehicle has with its engines and other parts. Also, here are some other important considerations:

• make sure you keep up with all the regular maintenance procedures;
• buy good oil and filters, also don't try to buy cheaper aftermarket parts;
• have the vehicle inspected every time you suspect some issues;
• avoid driving at high RPM for too long.

Final words

We know that the Suburban may be a frustrating vehicle for some buyers. This is an SUV for calm and confident people who know what they want from the car. And yes, the base 5.3L V8 EcoTec3 engine is certainly not the best option for this vehicle. But if it seems to be OK for your needs, you can go for it - this is still a reliable and capable engine with a lot of advantages.