I have a 2008 Suburban Z71 with 51000 mile. It has a oil consumption issue. I have had it looked at the dealership numerous times. I had the lifters replaced in Jan 2011. Checked oil yesterday and it was 3.5 quarts low. I am hearing this is becoming problematic for several GM models 2009 and prior. I was told that GM is good with oil consumption at a rate of 1 quart per 2000 miles. Is there not a fix, and that type of oil consumption cannot be good? Thanks

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1 quart for 3000 miles is about normal, yours seems a bit high. As long as you don't see leaking, or find the plugs are fowling you should be fine, just keep an eye on the level.

It must be a GM thing. I have never had a vehicle that required oil between oil changes. I can say that I am very disappointed. When I tell people that my vehicle consumes about a quart per 2000 miles and that is exceptable by GM standards they can not believe it. I had to have the dealership print off the document so as to show that I am not making this up.

Your not the first person here saying that. My guess is it has to do with the piston rings not sealing very tight. But I have had other brands of engines go threw that much oil as well, it'* not just GM, it just depends on the engine.

Please tell me you didn't go from January to the end of July without checking (and changing) the oil.

Wife'* vehicle. She started a new job where she is now working from home. Sits in the garage most days. It has 6000 miles on it since last oil change and lifters replaced in Jan 2011. I was checking the oil level more often when it came back from the dealer, I thought it had been fixed. This issue was first noticed at approx 16000 miles.This was to new and to much technology to consume over half of it'* engine oil between oil changes. My first and last GM vehicle.

GM has been using more and more "low tension" oil rings in it'* products. And for whatever reasons, some burn oil more than others. But there is a ton of e-literature out there of people griping about it. And GM'* insistence a quart per 2000 "can" be normal. If it doesn't foul, than I guess the cost of a extra quart might be offset by less friction and wear.

I always feel like a jackass in these threads, because I never had that issue with my vehicle.

2007 Avalanche with the 5.3L, didn't use oil. Oil was changed every time the computer told me to change it (around 5k), and I checked oil about every 1k. Didn't use it at all. Never had any smoke puffs at start, no leaks on the ground, nothing.

Now while GM says that 1 quart every 3k is ok, I haven't seen a GM engine ever do that, and I've owned a good chunk of GM products.

If you can figure out a way to get the dealer to tear down your engine to see if they piston rings are out of tolerance, that'd be your best bet.

My dad'* 2004 Century is the same way. It has over 320,000kms (~200,000mi) and doesn't burn a drop of oil. Other than a slight piston slap, the engine runs just as smooth and as strong as the day we bought it with 7km on it.

On the other hand, my 2002 Century will use a quart and a half to two quarts between oil changes..about 8-10,000km (~5-6200mi)..so I guess thats somewhat normal.

My parents 2009 Impala also uses some oil..I'm not really sure how much, but its only a small amount.

have a 2008 suburban, love the way it drives, love the way it rides, but.....Had trouble with the breaks since the first day I had it, finally got the breaks fixed. Now with only 67,000 on it, have to have engine rebuilt....had oil changed every 3000 miles by a chevy dealer, never abuse my engine and it went out....lifters and pistion have to be replaced...only 3 month left in my warrenty, that is the only good thing.

Have a 2011 silverado truck....breaks the same way........

Really don't think I will ever buy another GM product.....