2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Problems

The vehicle suffered complete internal engine failure due to a snapped timing chain on startup. The vehicle turned over via the starter motor but failed to start. A professional diagnosis confirmed the broken timing chain caused extensive valve-to-piston damage, requiring a full engine replacement. This failure appears to be a direct consequence of the known 6.2L L87 V8 engine crankshaft and connecting rod manufacturing defects. Severe mechanical resistance or violent rotational harmonics at the crankshaft level place un-engineered stress on the timing drive system, causing the chain to snap under startup torque. All broken components are preserved and available for inspection. The defect creates a severe risk of sudden, total loss of propulsion while driving. Had the compromised timing chain snapped at highway speeds rather than on startup, it would cause immediate engine seizure, a sudden loss of power steering, and a loss of power brake vacuum assist. This leaves the driver unable to accelerate or safely steer out of active traffic, creating an extreme risk of a high-speed crash.The broken timing chain and total engine destruction were officially diagnosed and confirmed by professional automotive repair technicians.The damaged components have been inspected by independent repair representatives. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by General Motors because this specific VIN is excluded from the current recall scope. There were no warning lamps, check engine lights, or diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) prior to parking the vehicle, and no outward symptoms of severe engine stress were present until the complete no-start failure.

On [XXX], while driving near Mammoth Mountain, California (Highway [XXX]), the vehicle suffered a sudden, severe engine malfunction. The engine began misfiring violently, accompanied by a loud, mechanical clacking noise, and experienced an immediate loss of propulsion power. This mechanical failure left my family—including young children—completely stranded on the side of a mountain highway in a secluded wilderness area with dropping temperatures (39°F) and active local wildlife Because the vehicle could not safely maintain highway speeds or generate sufficient power, it created an immediate and severe traffic safety hazard, forcing us to secure emergency transport for the vehicle. Which took 4hours for someone to come out to the secluded hwy on a holiday weekend. Dealership Diagnostic Findings A formal inspection conducted by a certified General Motors dealership (Michael Hohl Motor Company) confirmed the following: Symptoms: Gas engine diagnostic confirmed "Misfire, and clacking noises coming from passenger side of the motor." Diagnosis: Cylinder Head / Valve / Lifter / Lash Adjuster failure. The dealership documented a collapsed lifter and recommended a complete engine tear-down to inspect lifters and pushrods for wear or bending. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 because a vehicle can become totally immobilized instantly. The dealership says my VIN shows no open recalls and are resistant to making a request for authorization to apply this recall. I think the failure of the Fuel Pump Power Control Module needs to be escalated until recall indicates ALL vehicles involved. I am glad I wasn’t entering a busy intersection when my vehicle became fully immobilized. As it was, vehicles were unable to go around for the 45 minutes I waited for a tow truck.

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

On September 19, 2026, while traveling approximately 30 mph, the vehicle experienced a sudden, hard shift. The check-engine light then illuminated. I pulled over as soon as it was safe to do so. After stopping, the vehicle would not shift into reverse and entered limp mode. The transmission malfunction created a safety risk because the vehicle’s operation and available gears became restricted unexpectedly while it was being driven. The loss of reverse also prevented the vehicle from being maneuvered normally. The vehicle was not driven after the incident and was towed from the location. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection upon request. At this time, the vehicle is awaiting inspection and diagnosis to determine the exact cause of the transmission malfunction.

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!!

While at a drive thru, my 2021 Chevy Tahoe High Country experienced a total failure with no advance warning where the engine shut down and would not restart despite what appeared to be good electrical power. We tried to jump start the vehicle with both another vehicle as well as a AAA power pack with no luck. The vehicle was not movable and had to be towed using a lift truck to the dealer. The dealer performed an analysis, reproduced the problem, and determined that the engine failed due to a spun bearing despite no documented codes from the analysis. In performing research, this failure appears identical to NHTSA Campaign 25V274 / GM number N252494000 however the car has been deemed to not be covered with mileage at 139,300.

The backup camera quit working

On [XXX], while driving near Mammoth Mountain, California (Highway [XXX]), the vehicle suffered a sudden, severe engine malfunction. The engine began misfiring violently, accompanied by a loud, mechanical clacking noise, and experienced an immediate loss of propulsion power. This mechanical failure left my family—including young children—completely stranded on the side of a mountain highway in a secluded wilderness area with dropping temperatures (39°F) and active local wildlife Because the vehicle could not safely maintain highway speeds or generate sufficient power, it created an immediate and severe traffic safety hazard, forcing us to secure emergency transport for the vehicle. Which took 4hours for someone to come out to the secluded hwy on a holiday weekend. Dealership Diagnostic Findings A formal inspection conducted by a certified General Motors dealership (Michael Hohl Motor Company) confirmed the following: Symptoms: Gas engine diagnostic confirmed "Misfire, and clacking noises coming from passenger side of the motor." Diagnosis: Cylinder Head / Valve / Lifter / Lash Adjuster failure. The dealership documented a collapsed lifter and recommended a complete engine tear-down to inspect lifters and pushrods for wear or bending. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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.

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.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the air bag and SRS warning lights were intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the battery was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front passenger’s side air bag had failed, and the air bag wiring harness was frayed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and partially covered the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

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.

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.

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

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.

Seat belt 3rd row dont work properly doesn’t lock

Our vehicle was rear ended and the front passenger seatbelt did not lock or (possibly) locked too late. The front passenger's face hit the dashboard, as well as their knees and feet. The vehicle that hit ours was estimated to be travelling at about 45 mph and we were rolling at around 5 mph in traffic. The failure has not been able to be reproduced by the collision center, the sensor callibration contractor, nor the dealership. No sensors showed any failures and the tension appears to be correct on the seatbelt. We have been unable to determine why the seatbelt failed during this incident and if the vehicle will react appropriately in the event of another collision.

-On the date of Monday XXX at approximately 4:30 pm est I was traveling on [XXX] and transmission felt like a possible slip happened in transmission. At approximatively 4:45pm est I made it home tried to back vehicle into parking space and reverse was lost. Vehicle didn't and wouldn't shift into reverse. I had to push vehicle in spot backwards. No check engine or warning lights were displayed on dash. - On Tuesday XXX. I contacted [XXX] of [XXX] approximately at 8:30 am est. [XXX] answered. I explained the symptoms and asked If I could bring in within the hour or so. He stated it would be fine to bring in. - At approximately 9:10 am est My girlfriend and [XXX] daughter got in vehicle. Started vehicle no service lights were on, but had no reverse still no reverse. My girlfriends mother was following us to pick us up at dealership as we dont have a 2nd vehicle. We started out driveway to [XXX]. I had no problems at 1st then prior to the intersection of [XXX] the Vehicle lost control on its own. The sequences happened fast and abrupt. 1. Vehicle downshifted roughly to about 3 gear 2. Lost power steering 3. engine over revved 4. vehicle pulled right. During this time as a professional trained driver. I removed us off [XXX] off road way on to [XXX] (To the right) to avoid being in an accident. I would say that the speed was roughly 20MPH at turn as I was avoiding the accident that could of potentially happened. I was not on asphalt the whole time to make turn as I had a limited vehicle (Not properly functional). I was able to stop at [XXX] to stop. Stopped on Brigantine is when I pointed out to my girlfriend that the lights just came on. in the meantime, we received a phone call from [XXX] (Girlfriends mom) asking where we went as she didn't see us. We explained to her situation, and she met on Brigantine and followed us to dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

#1 ) el motor presento esta fallas en las 98mil millas, el motor empezó con un alto consumo de aceite de 5 cuartos de aceite cada 3 mil millas, en repetidas ocasiones estábamos de viaje junto a mi familia, mi esposa, [XXX]. Un dia Hicimos una para frente a un semáforo, y en seguida el vehículo empezo a tirar una gran cantidad de humo blanco por la salida de los escapes, mis hijas entraron en pánico una de ellas intento salir del vehículo en plena calle principal, ella sintió miedo y pensó que el vehículo se estaba incendiando. En ese momento le dije que es un problema de el vehículo pero que no era incendio. El humo que sale repentinamente es derivado de el excesivo consumo de de aceite en el motor. A mi punto de vista esto representa un alto riesgo en la carretera. Poniendo riesgo la vida de mi familia, la mía misma y la terceros en la carretera. El aceite que consume significa que esta llegando a las cámaras de combustión en el motor y esto puede deribar, que en un momento determinado el aceite sirva como combustible y el vehículo en marcha se acelere sin control y provocar graves danos a la integridad de mi familia y asta la muerte de terceras personasla carretera. #2) la transmisión en este vehículo tironea bruscamente cuando hace un cambio de velocidad esto representa un alto riesgo para mi familia, este vehículo representa un alto riesgo de que cuando haga un cambio de marcha rompa algunos componentes internos y esto lleve a una parada repentina y provocar un accidente mortal. #3) últimamente este vehículo a presentado inestabilidad en el volante, a la fecha de esta nota el problema tiene al rededor 5 días . El vehículo se llevo al consecionario Maik Chevrolet ubicado en 11711 Katy fresa y, houston tx 77079, ellos hicieron las respectivas pruebas en el vehículo y determinaron que el vehículo no era apto para estar en la carrtera debido a las fallas que presenta en la transmisión y el motor. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I purchased my vehicle new in 2020. It presently has around 83,000 miles. From early on, it has occasionally hesitated, then jumped when putting the car in reverse. I spoke to the dealership years ago but they said it was nothing. On July 19, 2026, my car randomly would not shift above (probably) second gear on the highway. After parking, it would not shift into reverse at all. The vehicle was towed more than 30 miles to my hometown dealership as it was inoperable. It now requires something approaching a transmission replacement costing between $2500-4500, or more. I am aware that this is a recurring problem with GM vehicles of this type and era, and it seems absurd to have so many vehicles with failing transmissions before they even reach 100,000 miles.

Suspension system failed- had to replaced, Car difficult to control when operating. Repaired by dealer- Country Chevrolet, Benton KY- owner paid for repair. [XXX] Engine failure- knocking and difficult to drive on returning trip from Louisville KY to Benton, KY. Taken to dealer on 4.6.2026 - made it without being towed- extremely slow- traffic hazard- Tahoe has lots of road miles- always repaired and serviced by dealer. There were no warning lights, symbols or indicators that there was a problem. Dealer still determining the extent of the damage. [XXX] Benton KY INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The head rest in the third row seat is broken and will not remain in the up position when the seat is up. This is causing a safety risk in that there is no safety for passengers in a rear end collision. There is already a recall that Chevrolet has issued for other Tahoe vehicles; however, my VIN number has not been added to that recall. I am requesting to have my vehicle's VIN number added to the already existing recall.

3rd row headrest- not staying upright was recalled prior to current condition not upright 2nd row seat- adjustment cable broken no longer working Transmission- pump and valve body failed required replacement

Sunroof continues to collect water in the drain. I have had it blown out but it continues to happen. It is a matter of time before it begins to leak into the truck. In my research, this is an extremely common problem/design flaw.

There is a serious cabin air pressure issue in this vehicle. When driving at any speed with the windows up, there is a booming inside the cabin, as if the passengers are inside of a subwoofer. My theory is that the headliner panel has too much flexibility in it due to the ceiling air vents. When driving, it is likely the headliner is bouncing up and down, creating the booming air pressure. Within 2 weeks of delivery of this new car and daily driving, my passengers and I developed serious ear issues which we attributed to the car. It got to the point where I would immediately have pain and ringing in my ears just driving a very short distance. None of my other cars including SUVs cause or have ever caused this issue. It is important to note that with all 4 windows rolled down, the problem does not happen. It's only when the windows are up. I have the LS trim without the sunroof.

GM does not install TPMS devices in spare tires. I had a flat tire in snowy conditions 100+ miles from the nearest place for assistance. After putting on the spare tire the DIC (driver information center) displayed no air in tire. That’s because a TPMS doesn’t exist in spare tires. I started driving a my four wheel drive turned off. I turned it back on and after a very short distance it turned off again. Since the vehicle determined I didn’t have air in one of the tires (spare previously mentioned) the four wheel drive shouldn’t work to prevent damage. I needed the four wheel drive in the snow so I had to proceed at approximately 25 mph. This is a safety issue for not only my vehicle but others on the roadways. I contacted the dealer that had no idea about the problem and neither did the national GM customer support center. There is a tool that “tells” the vehicle where each tire is located so that is low tire pressure occurs the driver would know which tire needs attention. If a TPMS was installed from the factory and a flat occurred, spare installed then the four wheel drive would function. If a flat subsequently occurred the driver would still be alerted but wouldn’t know tire was involved. Visual check would find it. Either this or have GM provide an override so the trip could be continued safely. I believe that this situation applies to any four wheel drive vehicle not just GM and should be resolved if the NHTSB would initiate an investigation.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the front tires. The contact stated that the abnormal tire sound was constant and was occurring at various speeds. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was occasionally failed to start. The contact stated that there was no starter motor sound or even the sound of clicking when the ignition key was turned. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,844.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving in a rainstorm, rainwater leaked into the vehicle through the panoramic sunroof. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who removed debris from the sunroof drainage system, but water leaked into the vehicle persisted. The contact was later informed that the panoramic sunroof gaskets were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 50,000.

I was north of Pittsburg on Sunday 30 July 2023 when I seen that rain was approaching. I turned on my rain sensing wipers and as the rain approached and turn into a down pour I had NO wipers. Couldn't see where I was going, went to the left and hit rumble strips so I went right and heard the rumble strips there. Stopped and almost caused a pile up. Took it to the dealer on 03 August 2023 and the dealer (Walker Brothers) Edinboro,PA. trouble shot my vehicle and then ordered me a new wiper motor with NO idea when it will be in.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds uphill, the vehicle made a loud clunking sound while downshifting. While driving 70 MPH on one occasion, and while driving 20 MPH on another occasion, the vehicle made a loud clunking sound while downshifting and lost motive power, prompting the driver to pull over to the side of the road. The message "Reduced Acceleration - Drive with Care" was displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated following the failure. The vehicle was restarted but the warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission control valve body and a separator plate or spacer needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with TSB: 22-NA-258; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and offered partial financial assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that upon attempting to reverse out of a parking spot, the vehicle failed to respond and there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe equipped with Good Year Tires, Tire Line: Wrangler Trail Runner AT, Tire Size: 275/60/R20, and DOT number M6W0JA3R3121. The contact stated that while entering her driveway, the driver's side front tire, wheel, and hub detached from the vehicle and crashed into an unknown parked vehicle located in the driveway. The contact was unconscious for a period of time, and she woke to the vehicle sliding against the parked vehicle and garage. The contact stated that she was unconscious, but no medical attention was provided. There were no reports of air bag deployment, fire, or a police report filed. OnStar notified her that her front driver's side tire had a problem. The contact's neighbor, who is an independent mechanic, stated that the tire broke and detached. The contact called a local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage of the tire and the vehicle was approximately 14,200.