RoadVitals

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
467
+11 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
16
Latest Sep 18, 2025
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
5
2 currently open
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
12
9 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 467 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, most frequently naming the engine, fuel system and powertrain (other) categories. 16 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 5 NHTSA investigations name it; and 1,479 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

16 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Sep 18, 2025
12 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
The 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.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N252512770View on NHTSA.gov

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Apr 24, 2025
597,571 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
The 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.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N252494000View on NHTSA.gov

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:VALVES/VALVE BODY

Oct 24, 2024
463,295 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N242454440View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA26005OpenEngineering Analysis

Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy

Opened Aug 20, 2026

On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001.  This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V-274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GM’s recall remedy for Recall 25V-274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or an engine replacement, based on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. ODI continues to receive reports of engine failures after the completion of the recall remedy. To date, ODI has received 499 complaints alleging post-remedy engine failure in vehicles subject to Recall 25V-274, 473 of which involved an oil viscosity change and 26 a complete engine replacement. Additionally, ODI has received 191 reports of L87 engine failures in engines produced after the production period cited in Recall 25V-274. GM reported receiving 6,953 complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysisto continue investigating complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI is expanding the scope of this Investigation to include engines produced after the production period cited in the recall. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

ENGINE
EA25007OpenEngineering Analysis

Loss of motive power due to engine failure

Opened Oct 23, 2025

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 1,157 reports of engine bearing failure failures in the L87 6.2L engine produced by General Motors (GM). Of the 1,157 reports received, 173 are outside of the scope of recall 25V-274. These engines are installed in Model Years (MY) 2019–2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, and 2021-2024MY Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV vehicles. The subject engine failures were investigated as part of a Preliminary Evaluation (PE25001).  GM determined that these engine failures were due to multiple supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GM issued recall 25V-274 to address the supplier manufacturing and quality issues produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024. Based on the issuance of recall 25V-274, NHTSA has closed PE25001. ODI continues to receive a significant number of reports of engine failure in vehicles outside the scope of 25V-274.  This presents a potential safety risk that warrants further investigation.  ODI is opening this Engineering Analysis (EA) to further evaluate the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related issues of vehicles built outside the recall scope. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
RQ26001ClosedRecall Query

Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy

Opened Jan 16, 2026
Closed Aug 20, 2026

On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001.  This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V-274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GM’s recall remedy for Recall 25V-274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or an engine replacement, based on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. ODI continues to receive reports of engine failures after the completion of the recall remedy. To date, ODI has received 499 complaints alleging post-remedy engine failure in vehicles subject to Recall 25V-274, 473 of which involved an oil viscosity change and 26 a complete engine replacement. GM reported receiving 6,953 complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI will close this RQ and continue to investigate complaints of post-remedy engine failure for Recall 25V-274 as part of an Engineering Analysis (EA26005). To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

ENGINE
PE25001ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

Loss of motive power due to engine failure

Opened Jan 16, 2025
Closed Oct 23, 2025

On January 16, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25001 after receiving complaints and field reports concerning engine failures in MY2019-2024 GM’s full-size truck and SUV T1XX platform equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 engine. These complainants alleged engine bearing failures resulting in knocking and growling noises from the engine’s bottom end and in some cases more severe consequences such as broken connecting rods leading to engine damage, or engine failure. If the engine fails during vehicle operation, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. On April 24, 2025, GM issued recall 25V-274 to address the concern with L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024.  GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GM’s  recall remedy will be either an oil change to an oil with a different viscosity or engine replacement depending on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. To date, ODI has received 1,157 allegations of engine bearing failure. GM submitted 55,464 reports in total, with 29,752 unique VINs. ODI continues to receive allegations of L87 engine failures which fall outside of the scope of recall 25V-274. Based on GM’s recall, ODI will close this PE. NHTSA will continue to investigate complaints of engine failure outside the scope of recall 25V-274 as part ofEngineering Analysis (EA25007). To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICALLed to recall 25V274

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Seat belts
Filed Nov 8, 2026

I have multiple problems with the seat belt I have to take the truck 3 times and now I have a problems with the screen I have a mensage ( update failed return to the dealer so I want Talk with someone to give me an answer why I have all this problems

NHTSA ID
11776553
Incident
Oct 23, 2026
Engine
Filed Nov 4, 2026

The engine lifters have failed twice in our 2021 Chevy Tahoe. The first time was at 13k miles and the second time happened at 100k miles. Both times the failures put my family in an unsafe situation and almost led to a multicar accident. This is a known issue that multiple people report online in the 2021-2024 Chevy Tahoe. The first time the lifters went out, I had just purchased the car. I only had 13k miles on the vehicle when it began shaking and jumping while at a stop. As I drove further the car began violently shaking and making backfire noises. I had to stop the vehicle in the road, as there was no pull off. We had the vehicle towed to the dealership and they replaced them under warranty. They said the lifters had gone out and they resolved the issue. I asked at that time if this was normal and if it could happen again. I was told it was not normal and it was not something that should be happening on a new vehicle, but they had fixed the issue and felt comfortable that it was resolved. The second time happened just a couple days ago. There was no warning or lights that came on before the incident. My family was in the fast lanes on I-77, going about 70 mph, and the car began misfiring. It was making noises that grew loud and then the car began violently shaking. We were forced to pull off the interstate abruptly. This put us in an extremely unsafe situation. The car is only at about 100k miles and 5 years old. We had the car towed to a Chevy dealership and were told the lifters went out again. This time damaging the cam shaft as well. It is a $6,600 repair, as the car is out of warranty now. This issue should not be happening, especially not multiple times, on a car that is only 5 years old. I believe there is a defect. When there are no warning lights that alert you to a potential issue, this causes an extremely unsafe situation for drivers, passengers, and surrounding vehicles.

NHTSA ID
11775567
Incident
Nov 1, 2026
Engine
Filed Nov 2, 2026

Engine failure at2000miles, then at 80000

NHTSA ID
11775216
Incident
Oct 20, 2025
Fuel system
Filed Oct 29, 2026

Fuel pump control module failed at under 60k miles. No parts in stock and was told by dealer, no parts anytime soon. This is unacceptable, especially since this is a known problem. A rental car should be provided as expected wait time is now going on two weeks.

NHTSA ID
11774400
Incident
Oct 23, 2026
Engine
Filed Oct 28, 2026

Driving on the highway when all lights lit up on the dashboard. Car slowed down immediately following alert notifications. Towed to dealer. Was told I needed Camshaft and both banks of lifters all head bolts and head gaskets (W) [Other]: Camshaft actuator and bolt and chain tensioner

NHTSA ID
11774212
Incident
Aug 27, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Oct 27, 2026

While driving down interstate at approx. 55-65mph, vehicle "sputtered" and shut off while driving. Vehicle would crank but not start. After sitting approx. 10 mins, was able to restart and drive approx. one mile or less before "sputter" and vehicle died, followed by another crank no start. No check engine lights came on. Vehicle was in roadway in very dangerous location with blind curve requiring Police to be called in fear of my safety, since vehicle was in roadway, I was afraid for my children's safety as there were in car seats in the vehicle at time of failure. I was also concerned about my safety as well as other motorists safety. I was scared that I was going to get hit by another vehicle since my vehicle died in the roadway in a curve. There was an increased probability of injury or death from the faulty part on this vehicle. Police were on scene to assist with traffic, however no report was made, vehicle was disabled. Vehicle had to be towed to residence. CEL came on after approx 3rd start attempt. Believe issue to be Electronic Fuel Control Module which is common with this vehicle year/make/model. However in contacting the dealer in which I purchased Tahoe, they state that this particular VIN has no open recalls, however it matches description on recall N252516900 Fuel Pump Power Control Module. Vehicle is not yet repaired, it has not been inspected, and faulty part is still on the vehicle, vehicle and part are available for inspection.

NHTSA ID
11773913
Incident
Oct 22, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Oct 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. While the contact’s wife was driving 55 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly started losing automotive power before the vehicle stalled. The driver was able to safely guide the vehicle to the shoulder of the highway. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a fuel pump power control module failure and the vehicle was repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V739000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted and stated that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,202.

NHTSA ID
11773068
Incident
Oct 15, 2026
Mileage
96,202 mi
BrakesElectricalSteering
Filed Oct 21, 2026

While traveling at highway speeds, the vehicle experienced an instantaneous, simultaneous, and total failure of both the electronic eBoost braking system and the electronic power steering assist. The dashboard flashed multiple critical system malfunction notifications with zero prior warning. When attempting to slow down, the brake pedal sank completely to the floor with zero mechanical resistance and provided absolutely no braking response. Primary control of the heavy SUV was lost, forcing a dangerous maneuver across three highway lanes to avoid a high-speed collision. The vehicle is currently at a dealership due to a Fuel Pump Power Control Module Recall. Because this module interfaces with the high-speed electronic data network (CAN bus), its failure mode appears linked directly to the catastrophic communication drop that disabled the eBoost brakes and steering. This failure aligns with the mechanical faults documented under federal safety recalls 21V-455 and 21V-579, as well as the active NHTSA Engineering Analysis EA26006 investigating GM eBoost system failures. The defect completely stripped the vehicle of its primary safety functions without warning.

NHTSA ID
11772617
Incident
Oct 18, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIC5650N

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3

PIT6015D

This Preliminary Information provides diagnostic tips and guidance for situations where key fobs cannot be learned or programmed successfully.

PIT6564

Beginning with 2026 model year production, the floor console/armrest lamp design was changed by removing the tilt-switch ball. As a result, the lamp remains illuminated when the floor console compartment lid is closed. The BCM turns the lamp off after the ignition is switched off to prevent battery rundown. This PI is to inform dealers of the change in the lamp and operation of the lamp following repairs.

PIT6477D

This preliminary PI was created to advise techniians in the field that they will not be able to perform a GDS automated bleed with the scan tool dues to a issue with the software in the scan tool

PIT5698F

This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.

PIT5801F

This preliminary information communicates diagnostic tips for air leveling suspension system.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chevrolet Tahoe by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027000—
2026303157.8
2025531154.4
2024693461.3
20232365464.9
20221984465.0
2021Viewing46716567.8
2020583059.1
20191092055.9
20181063056.5
20171754054.3
20162568159.6
201565914157.5
2014903150.4
20132334150.8
20121783153.8
20114475152.4
20103144254.1
20092845152.8
20085284457.6
20071,1784560.6
20061144048.5
20052937052.3
20044675051.1
20035077358.3
20024496564.3
20015128665.8
200028210665.2
19995523562.2
19982634259.0
19974102456.2
19962835764.1
19952468864.8
1994192356.8
1993802—
1992602—
1991300—
1989000—
1988100—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.