2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Driver assistance Problems

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated that several warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed engine, lane departure modular and the brake master cylinder. The contact was informed that the engine, lane departure modular and the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the lane departure module was in back order. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,026.

NHTSA ID

11737018

Incident

Jan 31, 2026

Mileage

78,026 mi

The component at issue is the engine, which suffered a sudden and catastrophic failure due to unknown causes. At no time prior to this incident were there any warnings, symptoms, or indications of an underlying mechanical defect that would have allowed for preventative action. While operating the vehicle on the highway with my family present, multiple warning indicators activated simultaneously, including a blinking check engine light, traction control light, ESC warning, and a forward collision warning. Immediately thereafter, the vehicle experienced a rapid and significant loss of power accompanied by a loud and persistent engine knocking noise, rendering the vehicle unsafe to operate and placing the occupants at risk. It is important to emphasize that traction control and ESC systems are not causally related to an engine misfire condition, further supporting that this event was abrupt and not part of a progressive or diagnosable issue. A diagnostic scan performed at that time identified a misfire in cylinder 1. Upon delivery of the vehicle to the dealership for inspection, it was determined that the engine had suffered complete internal failure and was deemed “blown.” This finding confirms the occurrence of a catastrophic mechanical breakdown. Based on the sudden onset, absence of prior warning, and severity of the failure, there is no reasonable basis to attribute this condition to normal wear and tear, operator misuse, or neglect. Rather, the facts support the conclusion that this was the result of a latent defect or internal mechanical failure beyond the operator’s control. Accordingly, this matter should be addressed under applicable warranty coverage or consumer protection standards.

NHTSA ID

11730632

Incident

Apr 5, 2026

My truck was driving perfect and I went to pull into a parking lot in Arkansas where I live in long story short it started acting funny trying to idle out and then I heard a knocking noise. It happened twice. Then my service ESV light come on next my motor light come on then my auto for a collision system failure light come on. It’s on the dash anyway my vehicle is not running around. It has hardly no power and I smell something under the hood from time to time burning it’s kinda like an electrical smell. I’m not sure. I’m not a mechanic. I’m a [XXX]. I’m a [XXX]!!! but I have to have a way back back-and-forth to work and I cannot drive this vehicle. I have been driving it to work and just straight to home and that’s only like a mile from the shop but I need a replacement vehicle I need to sell mine at wholesale value as you guys said you would that would be greatly appreciated. God bless you guys. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11722698

Incident

Feb 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to slow down to approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact believed that the sound was caused by ice buildup on the mud flap, but shortly afterwards, the engine revved unexpectedly, with the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message “Reduce Acceleration - Drive with Care” was displayed. The vehicle started to coast unintendedly. The contact stated the vehicle returned to normal operation after a short while. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanics pushed the vehicle out of the parking spot before inspecting the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed with transmission valve body failure. The contact was informed that the transmission valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,342

NHTSA ID

11717741

Incident

Feb 4, 2026

Mileage

88,342 mi

Vehicle taken into dealership for maintenance, after car received cars system software malfunctioned. Display screen went black and states "return to dealer. failed update" due to this issue I don't have access to car settings with most features are unavailable. All warning chimes such as turn signals, park sensor warnings, lane departure warning are inoperable. Had drove miles with turn signal on causing traffic disruption on neighboring lanes.

NHTSA ID

11717162

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

Lost Power. Engine went into a limp mode. Engine starting knocking loudly and service esc came up on dash along with check engine light. Took it to the dealer and they said a lifter spun and damaged the camshaft. Dealer says it’s not covered by recall. Vehicle has been in Chevy dealer garage for 2 weeks and no repair yet.

NHTSA ID

11714679

Incident

Jan 12, 2026

While driving on I-90 in Montana on a clear, sunny day at the posted speed limit of 80 miles per hour for one hour, the vehicle began making knocking noises then, all of a sudden lost power. Upon inspection at the nearest GM dealership service department in Butte, MT, I was told something within the engine broke. I have attached an emailed repair bid from the GM service department and have copied and pasted the highlights here: -Engine, Lines, Radiator, Water Pump, and Tune up ($14,400.00) -Cam, Lifters, Lines, Radiator, Water Pump, and Tune Up ($11,400.00) -Master Cylinder/EBCM ($3,310.00) Previous to the incident, all recommended and routine maintenance was performed at intervals recommended by GM and by GM dealership service departments and/or the Valvoline Oil Change location in Missoula, Montana. The odometer reading was between 95,000 and 96,000 miles at the time of incident.

NHTSA ID

11710051

Incident

Jan 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH into the driveway, the engine seized. The contact stated that the service traction, service ESC, and engine warning lights were illuminated. Upon research, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: EA25007 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and DTC: P0300, P050D, and P0302 were retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and offered to help with the cost of the repair. The approximate failure mileage was 64,572.

NHTSA ID

11705793

Incident

Oct 29, 2025

Mileage

64,572 mi

On the morning of 1 Oct, I had left the house here in Cedartown GA to head to a meeting in Atlanta with a customer. I had started the truck 15 minutes before departing just as we have always done to our vehicles over the years to allow them to warm up properly. I departed Doyle Rd onto Hwy 27 South heading towards interstate 20. About 15 miles from the house I was at a steady cruise speed of 45 MPH, no traffic, acceleration or deceleration and the stability control system light came on, one second later the engine light came on and the engine all of a sudden started making a loud grinding and clunking noise. I was on the inside lane so let the car pass next to me and started to pull over onto the shoulder of the road. I immediately shut off the truck, popped the hood and got out to inspect what might have happened. There was no smoke, I checked all the fluids and all were at the normal ranges. The engine oil was at its full mark as well. The oil was just changed a month early and still of the same color as it was new. After checking, I got back on the truck, attempted to start and it ran for a few seconds then I immediately shut it off after hearing again the loud noise. A Polk county police officer stopped to check on me and offer assistance as well as some tow companies to call. Eventually after about at hour a tow truck showed, we tried to momentarily start the vehicle so it could be put in neutral but the engine had locked up. I’m glad I got off the road when I did, otherwise I feel I could have been driving and experienced that sudden lock up and loss of control which could have been a serious accident with log trucks up and down that highway all day long. This vehicle is my wife’s primary vehicle and always has been maintained to a T just like all of our GM vehicles have. My daughter just graduated and drives our passed down 2005 Tahoe with over 300k miles that we bought in 2006. This has never happened to us and I feel it is a serious safety issue on the 6.2

NHTSA ID

11693139

Incident

Oct 1, 2025

I drive a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. This occurrence has happened on three separate occasions and each time it was raining outside. The first occurrence, my vehicle was running and parked in the rain after driving approximately 5 miles. While parked my check engine light came on with a series of warnings: service ECS, service traction control, forward collision system unavailable, reduced acceleration drive with care. Two days later it went away. The second occurrence, I was driving in the rain for approximately 22 miles and briefly parked with my vehicle running. I then turned out of a parking lot and began to accelerate to speed up and the check engine light came on along with all the same messages, this time my vehicle acceleration had seized and wouldn’t go faster than 30 MPH. I slowly drove back to the parking lot and turned the vehicle off to let it sit, disconnected the battery and reconnected, and the issues went away. The third occurrence, I was driving on the highway in the rain for approximately 10 miles, I went to merge into a right hand lane, I took my foot off the acceleration peddle to slow down for the merge and as I slightly turned the wheel to the right, my vehicle spun out three times, throwing the back end of the Tahoe into the inner highway wall, which spun me again to face the right direction, next to a highway exit. I then went to accelerate to exit the highway but noticed my vehicle would only coast and realized my engine had cut out at some point. I started the vehicle and exited the highway and parked in a parking lot only feet away from the exit. After I parked I noticed all the same warning lights came back on. Each occurrence happened on [XXX], [XXX], [XXX]. My vehicle was towed to Gunn GMC Collision Center in Selma, Tx and will be looked at on September 3, 2025 around 8:00am. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11684360

Incident

Aug 29, 2025

several issues with certain popups regarding various indicators on dash and engine not getting enough psi

NHTSA ID

11667954

Incident

May 13, 2025

Failed OTA Update to information center (Radio) has caused radio unit and screen to become inoperable. Blinkers do not sound when on, warning sounds when backup camera are in use no longer work, along with cross traffic warning due to this. It should be noted we did not consent to the OTA update, and would have not wanted the update as it has caused damage to this system. GM know this is an issue and has refused to fix this.

NHTSA ID

11667745

Incident

Jun 8, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that upon coming to a complete stop, the vehicle suddenly jolted forward independently. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the valve body. The vehicle was not repaired due to part availability. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 57,000.

NHTSA ID

11665817

Incident

Mar 4, 2025

Mileage

57,000 mi

Truck want go over 62 miles heater comes on full blast truck reduces speed while drive and transmission want shift 4wd error comes on service climate system comes on the power steering error comes on the service esc and washer fluid system error comes on it seems like an electrical manufacture error with the truck

NHTSA ID

11663669

Incident

May 25, 2025

On April 25th, 2025 we were taking our kids to their after school activities when the SUV started to shake, and accelerate very fast by barely pushing the gas pedal, the ETS light along with the forward collision warning also appeared on the dashboard along with the check engine light. This prompted my husband to get our vehicle towed to the nearest shop close to the street where our vehicle started having problems. After several days of diagnostics the shop let us know our vehicle needed the following repairs: Bank One lifters replacement, head gasket service, and a water pump replacement, we ok'd the repairs. Although these components were replaced, we were informed on May 15, 2025, that the vehicle continues to misfire and now requires a camshaft replacement as well. The total cost of the repair has now risen from $5,182.16 to $13,549.79, which is a significant financial burden as the vehicle is just outside of warranty coverage. We are aware that there is an active recall covering similar issues for 2021–2024 Chevrolet Tahoes equipped with 6.2L engines. However, our 5.3L engine model is experiencing the same mechanical failures, including misfires, knocking noises, low RPM idling, and performance degradation. There is growing evidence that the valve lifter issues are not limited to the 6.2L engine variant. Our experience—and the experiences of others reported online—suggests that the 5.3L L84 engine may also suffer from the same design or manufacturing flaws. We respectfully urge NHTSA to investigate whether this issue warrants expanding the scope of the existing recall to include the 5.3L engine models, and we ask that GMC/General Motors be encouraged to provide assistance. Given the severity and known pattern of these issues, we believe GMC should cover at least 75% of the repair costs, or ideally, offer to perform the repair at no charge. Thank you for your time and consideration.

NHTSA ID

11661268

Incident

Apr 25, 2025

While traveling on the highway one day, my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe began warning lights on the dashboard. Shortly after, it running roughly,, and jerking, so I pulled over to investigate. There no visible smoke, so I drove to the nearest auto parts store, where they ran a diagnostic test that returned a code of P0306. I then took vehicle back to the dealership where have always received oil changes and repairs. I have never visited any other dealership, relying on certified GM/Chevrolet dealerships. After inspecting the vehicle, they informed me that the lifters needed replacement advised that it would be best to replace the engine entirely. Upon further research, I discovered that issue has been affecting many people in our area and across the United States. This needs to be addressed, as the vehicle is only three years old, purchased brand new with zero miles, and I have not done anything out of the ordinary to cause this problem. The vehicle being 70,000 and 12.000 for repairs is insane.

NHTSA ID

11659186

Incident

Apr 5, 2025

1st. While driving at highway speeds my vehicle disengaged from adaptive cruise control when no cars were in view of sensors. However, cars were behind me, making it a little scary. Happened once but I haven't had my vehicle to know if it would happen again. 2nd. Car has a vibration at speeds of 30 to 40 mph. Vehicle has literally been at dealership since February 10th, 2025 with no eta for valve body in sight.

NHTSA ID

11658264

Incident

Feb 10, 2025

We had a failed lifter that caused bent rods which caused scratches on the crank shaft which caused us to have to replace the engine. After a simple internet search I have found the lifter failure is very common with gms 5.3 v8. We were told oil needs to be changed at least every 5000 miles although the vehicle prompts you around 7000.

NHTSA ID

11657047

Incident

Mar 11, 2025

My vehichle will not go in reverse my wheels are locking up and also my car is going over 6000 rpm when going down the highway and not wanting to shift gears where it is a safety concern for myself and my kids well being

NHTSA ID

11652056

Incident

Jan 29, 2025

Transmission control module failed. I was driving at about 40 mph on a 4 lane street and it begin to feel like something was pulling the steering wheel to the left and I could not control the speed. I then pulled off into a parking lot and was facing a drainage ditch and needed to back the car into a space out of the way, it would not go into reverse. My husband met with me and was able to drive it forward to drive it to a dealership. The diagnosis was a failed transmission control module that cost us $2,478.

NHTSA ID

11649857

Incident

Oct 5, 2024

On [XXX] I was driving in the [XXX] in El Paso Texas at about [XXX] I was about to enter [XXX} and the vehicle suddenly stopped with no warning! I was able to pull to the side and put the blinkers because the traffic was heavy and could of had a vehicle crash into me if I had not maneuver the vehicle quickly(My two daughters where with me in the vehicle). The vehicle prompted to start the vehicle, which I did so and continued my way. As soon as I was able to get into the [XXX] the check engine light turned on, and the forward collision warning message on the display. I stopped to my nearest Autozone to get some help as the vehicle started to make a noise too. They connected their computer and told me that the vehicle was given a message of a faulty cylinder, they told me I should not move the vehicle until I had it inspected on a GM dealership. Which I did on Friday December 20, 2024, I am waiting for a full diagnostic to see what had happened to my vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11632037

Incident

Dec 19, 2024

Vehicle brake module system failed after being replaced one week ago. All of my systems system lights are coming on on my dashboard. I cannot drive past 62 mph. This is the second time that this has happened under a month after vehicle being serviced at a GM dealership.

NHTSA ID

11628045

Incident

Nov 30, 2024

It’s happened about 10 times since I’ve owned the car but the dealer can’t recreate it so we are out of luck. The vehicle accelerates on its own. Scenario 1…with constant light steady acceleration, it will lurch forward like I’ve stomped on the accelerator a bit, for about a second then go back to my normal input. Scenario 2, same lurch but this time while coming to a stop at a stop sign WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL ONLY. scenario 3…I’ve been using the adaptive cruise control and had it disengaged by braking, coming to a stop, then parking and turning the vehicle off. Then after getting back in and starting up and slowly pulling forward, the cruise control suddenly and abruptly renegages and attempts to accelerate to the last demanded setpoint. Image this scenario pulling out of a spot at a crowded gas station with pedestrians. I almost ran someone the hell over just now at the gas station and I’ve had enough. The dealer won’t do anything and when I called Chevy engineering they put zero effort into it, it was a 20 second phone call stating if it can’t be reproduced at the dealer there’s nothing they can do. This is absolutely completely 100% dangerous and unacceptable

NHTSA ID

11618134

Incident

Oct 4, 2024

2 ISSUES - 1) vehicle repaired 5 times for "transmission" problem by replacing wiring harnesses. On 5th attempt, the GM factory part or the technician caused the Tahoe to catch fire. Worst part is that it happened 1 hour after test driving and parking the car at their dealership, thankfully, I would normally have driven it home and it would have destroyed my home too. GM investigated and was unable to determine cause. 2) each time the "transmission" error occurred the GM car went into what they call the "limp" mode. The car immediately loses speed control and drifts to about 35 mph until you have control of the accelerator. I was on an interstate going +70 mph to pass a semi and immediately after passing the car went into Limp Mode, the semi nearly rear ended me and then passed me blowing his horn and cursing me. GM could certainly correct this latter issue by creating a warning on the screen that gives the driver ample time to pull over and address the problem as they do when DEF fluid (this was a diesel) is low and will give warning to add DEF or reduce speed after so many additional miles are driven. The former issue needs to be addressed immediately too, I've noted 4 other drivers on social media that had similar fires. Both of these issues could have resulted in serious injury to me or my family.

NHTSA ID

11584718

Incident

Feb 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that after coming to a stop, upon depressing the accelerator, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. The contact stated that the Forward Collision Avoidance warning light illuminated, and the vehicle inadvertently stopped with no vehicles or objects nearby. The contact stated that the Forward Collision Avoidance system was deactivated to prevent the failure from recurring. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,500.

NHTSA ID

11524662

Incident

May 30, 2023

Mileage

8,500 mi