2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

Above average

Owners filed 449 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 16 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
40,000 milesMedian miles at failure

99 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine134
210
Fuel/Propulsion System74
000
Power Train52
000
Electrical System34
020
Air Bags24
203
Unknown or Other21
001
Fuel System, Gasoline18
000
Engine and Engine Cooling17
000
Service Brakes13
201
Exterior Lighting13
000

16 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Diesel › Storage › Tank Assembly25V619000
Filed Sep 18, 202512 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, 2021, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, and 2022 and 2024 GMC Yukon vehicles equipped with a 6-cylinder diesel engine. The original fuel tank may have been replaced with an incorrect fuel tank, which can allow fuel to leak in a rollover crash.

Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a vehicle fire.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect for the correct fuel tank and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 5, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252512770. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 18, 2025.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical25V274000
Filed Apr 24, 2025597,571 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Fluid/Lubricant › Valves/Valve Body24V797000
Filed Oct 24, 2024463,295 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.

Risk. Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.

Exterior Lighting › Lighting Control Module › Software22V827000
Filed Nov 3, 2022338,735 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV 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."

Risk. Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will provide an over-the-air (OTA) update for the Body Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222382220.

Seat Belts › Critical Fasteners22V617000
Filed Aug 11, 2022484,155 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may have been improperly formed.

Risk. A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 28, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 1, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222372380.

Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft22V036000
Filed Jan 27, 20221,789 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212351030.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump › Control/Drive Module21V739000
Filed Sep 23, 202114,939 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump power control module may cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, which can interrupt fuel flow to the engine, and cause an unexpected engine stall.

Risk. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 14, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212332040.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Electric › Control Module › Software21V579000
Filed Jul 29, 20212 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon vehicles. Dealer service technicians may have calibrated the brake system incorrectly, affecting Electronic Stability Control (ESC) , traction control, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), and braking while towing a trailer.

Risk. Overall braking performance may be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will recalibrate the brake system control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1202; GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212340970.

Steering › Steering Control Module21V455000
Filed Jun 17, 202126,847 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy. The power steering module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 13, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212333900.

Air Bags › Srs Malfunction Warning Lamp/Light21V421000
Filed Jun 10, 2021285,622 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.

Risk. The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212338110.

Showing 10 of 16 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 15, 2026VA

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe – Unexpected Shutdown/Restart While Stopped On two separate occasions, my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe has unexpectedly appeared to shut down while I was stopped with my foot on the brake. The vehicle is equipped with Auto Stop/Start, and initially the event seems like a normal Auto Stop. However, instead of a normal engine Auto Stop/Start cycle, the vehicle appears to shut down or reset more completely. The event is jarring, and the power door locks lock/unlock as the vehicle shuts down and restarts. The vehicle subsequently restarts and I have been able to continue driving. This has now occurred twice while stopped. I am concerned that the vehicle may be experiencing an unintended stall, loss of electrical power, or another malfunction rather than normal Auto Stop/Start operation. I checked my VIN through NHTSA and it does not currently show an open recall. I am aware that certain 2021 Chevrolet Tahoes have previously been recalled for a condition that could result in an engine stall, although my VIN does not appear to be included in that recall population.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 14, 2026PA

I received an automated message from the vehicle stating to service the safety restraint system. I took the car to the local dealer and they ran a diagnostic review. There is a TSB for the vehicle and they say that the problem is coming from the overhead console part number 86575239. This part is not available anywhere. I contacted General Motors and requested assistance. All they have done is escalate it to the parts delay team. When I called today, all they say is they do not have any information available. They can’t even say when the part will be in stock. The dealership was unable to say that the airbag system would work as required or not. The car is unusable due to the passenger air bag system fault.

Engine
Filed Sep 14, 2026MN

The number 7 DFM lifter failed and is suspected of failing due to the Active Fuel System. The vehicle is currently at the dealership where it was diagnosed and is awaiting replacement parts that are on GMC back order for a month or longer. The vehicle started shaking on 8/25/26 when idle and the following warning lights were visible: AVS, traction control, and ECU.

Engine
Filed Sep 13, 2026IN

DFM (Dynamic Fuel Management) system failure causing collapsed lifters, oil consumption, and complete engine failure. To repair our vehicle it will require a complete engine replacement. This has been a known issue with GM and yet there has been no recall to fix the issue. Now our engine must be replaced.

Engine
Filed Sep 8, 2026NE

Total engine failure. No warning lights shown and vehicle had been checked numerous times and reported as just fine.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 8, 2026NE

Headlight adjustment broke and headlights point straight down. Can not see anything when driving at night.

Engine
Filed Sep 1, 2026118,000 milesMO

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the message "Service ESC" was displayed, and the check engine, traction control, and Forward Collision Avoidance warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle started shaking and then lost power. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, parked, and then turned off. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,000.

Engine
Filed Sep 1, 2026KY

Engine failure Transmission failure

Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 31, 2026TX

Driver's side headlamp beam direction is out of alignment.The beam is aiming at the ground which is greatly affecting visibility. I have never adjusted or attempted to adjust the headlamps. It has gone out of alignment due to normal driving use.

Engine
Filed Aug 30, 2026SC

The lifters are tapping on my vehicle and the engine also has a shutter to it. I am also not getting 5000 miles per oil change by 5000 miles my vehicle is showing add engine oil and is taking 2qts to get it back showing on the oil stick.

Engine
Filed Aug 28, 2026CA

Engine ceased to run. Two rods bent. No power. All engine lights on. Good oil pressure and oil level. Tahoe towed back to Simi Valley Chevrolet for engine replacement.

Engine
Filed Aug 28, 2026ID

My vehicle had a pop and loss of power on the highway. After pulling over, I did not have a check engine light but did connect my code reader and found a P308. I felt unsafe to drive so I had it towed to a shop. I later found out the DOD system or lifter on valve #8 has failed and needs replacement. Factory recommends oil change at every 7k miles, I did them at 4K. My oil pressure was up to par with the small window of real time allowable oil pressure. The design was great on paper but one of the worst engines GM has ever made. I sincerely hope there is enough people complaining about these 2021 GM 6.2 & 5.3 engines!!

Power Train
Filed Aug 25, 2026PA

Our Tahoe keeps burning through oil. about 2/3 of the way through an oil changes i have to add 2 more quarts to get to the next oil change. Our tahoe was not part of the initial recall i am not sure why.

Engine
Filed Aug 25, 2026IN

When vehicle is idling the cabin shaking/vibrating. When engine is warm the sound of engine goes away and when it is cool the sound and vibrating comes back.

Engine
Filed Aug 24, 2026VA

Nearly new Chevrolet Tahoe in 2021 with less than 4,000 miles had an engine failure due to defective valve lifters that required a significant repair and lengthy out of service period (replaced valve lifters in one bank). Now in 2026 the same vehicle's engine has failed for the same reason and the engine needed to be replaced.

Engine
Filed Aug 22, 2026MO

Engine failure of the 6.2L L87. Was 12 hours from home with my family on vacation in Colorado cruising up a 4 lane mountain highway about 700 yards from entering [XXX] thru the mountain and the engine started screaming and knocking. Thank the lord there was a way I could quickly steer my vehicle and family off the 65 mph hwy. Engine had recently passed the recall inspection test. “3,000ish miles ago” dealership confirmed engine failure and it’s sitting in cooorado waiting for a replacement engine. I believe this will be the 3rd engine now in my car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine
Filed Aug 22, 2026SC

6.2L engine failure. Camshaft and lifters. My [XXX] wife ([XXX]) was driving and it shut off going down the highway. It is at my local Chevrolet dealer getting repaired. No warnings. No engine light. Vehicle has 88,000 miles on it, I purchased it April 22, 2026 with 84,700 miles on it. My Chevrolet App says there are no issues with the vehicle..it’s in pieces at the dealership. I had higher standards for a high country. Always owned Chevrolets. May be my last one. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Power Train
Filed Aug 13, 2026IN

The automatic transmission on my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe (gasoline engine, 10-speed 10L80 transmission) has been exhibiting intermittent slipping/skipping during gear changes, particularly during acceleration and deceleration. The transmission component is available for inspection upon request. The malfunction poses a safety risk as the unexpected hesitation and rough shifting creates unpredictable vehicle behavior at highway speeds and during merging, increasing the risk of a collision with other vehicles. The problem has not yet been formally confirmed by a dealer or independent service center, however a knowledgeable automotive advisor has assessed the likely cause as moisture contamination of the transmission fluid, which degrades lubrication and causes erratic shifting behavior, known issue in several GM vehicles, but the only recall related to this issue is for just Diesel vehicles. I contacted General Motors customer service regarding this issue and was directed to file this complaint with NHTSA, as GM stated they were unable to attach or create a related existing recall to my vehicle. The vehicle has not been inspected by police, insurance representatives, or the manufacturer at this time. I am in the process of scheduling service at a transmission specialist. No warning lamps or dashboard messages appeared prior to or during the shifting malfunction. Symptoms first became noticeable at 85,000 miles, and have continued since.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 10, 2026PA

Fuel Pump Power Control Module failed. GM Part Number: 13554821 My vehicle immediately became immobilized in a lane of traffic. The engine would crank but not start. It appeared that no fuel was pumped. This was confirmed with engine code P149F. GM diagnostic code P129F indicates a Fuel Pump Driver Control Module (FPDCM) fuel pump speed signal fault… My vehicle with 51,000 miles was serviced on 5/6/2026 for PA inspections, oil change and transmission flush. The VIN has no open recalls. GM has recognized the failure rate of the Fuel Pump Power Control Module, GM Part Number: 13554821 on many 2021vehicles and issued 2 recalls: 21V739000 issued September 23, 2021 And N252516900 issued September 11, 2025 Recall N252516900 was issued as a “phased launch” and yet (per GM) the Reason For This Recall: Certain vehicles may have a condition which can cause the fuel pump power control module to fail. If this were to occur, fuel flow to the engine could be interrupted. And Consequence Summary: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash. The vehicle instantly can become immobilized regardless of its location, in the middle of an intersection or in a lane of traffic. Without the engine running, the Tahoe cannot be shifted out of Park and cannot be pulled, pushed or dragged without causing damage. It must be properly loaded on a flatbed and be hauled from the failure site. GM “phased launched” the September 2025 recall to handle parts shortage. GM realizes how CRITICAL this recall is bec

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 8, 2026MO

I was driving on the highway and my car lost power and then had to shut down. I am now getting error code P129F. which is a known recall for the fuel pump control module. When I put in my VIN, it doesn’t show my car part of it, but it is a 2021 Tahoe experiencing the exact same issue and getting the same error code that is part of the recall. I also read that it is part of the federal emissions warranty, which is eight year 80,000 miles. My car has 59,000 miles on it and I verify that it’s still under warranty from that standpoint. I want to take it into the dealership on Monday, but I need to know what my options are to get it repaired for free under this recall since currently my car is not coming up via this VIN under this recall

20 of 449 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2007
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202624300Do not drive
202548110Routine
202466300Routine
2023218500Above average
2022186430Routine
2021 — this page4491630Above average
202055300Routine
2019105200Do not drive
2018103301Fatalities reported
2017173410Do not drive
2016256810Do not drive
20156581421Do not drive
201490301Fatalities reported
2013232400Above average
2012178310Routine
2011446520Above average
2010314400Above average
2009284500Above average
2008528450Above average
20071,1774270High concern
2006114440Routine
20052937140Above average
2004467571Fatalities reported
2003507791Fatalities reported
2002449684Fatalities reported
2001512878Fatalities reported
20002821050Above average
199955231210Fatalities reported
1998263470Above average
1997410231Fatalities reported
1996283552Fatalities reported
1995246853Fatalities reported
199419200Routine
19938000Routine
19926000Routine
19913000Routine

Compare every Tahoe year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Sep 18, 2025. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.