2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
The Verdict
The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe has 442 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (263 complaints) and electrical (61 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 31/100, it earns a "Check Engine" rating. If you're shopping for a Chevrolet Tahoe, consider the 2025 model year which has 89% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2025 has 89% fewer complaints
View the 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe dashboard →
Klunk Score: Check Engine
More complaints than most vehicles. Known issues exist — budget for potential repairs.
How is this calculated?
The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.
Recalls 3
Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. The second-row center seat belt latch may be trapped beneath the trim bezel and therefore inaccessible. As such, these...
Risk
A passenger in the second-row center will be unable to wear a seat belt, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove the trim bezel, correctly position the seat belt latch plate, and reinstall the trim bezel, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2021. Owners ...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
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 Stabili...
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 1-800-222-120...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon vehicles. The fuel tank assemblies may be missing adhesive between two layers of the fuel tank shell which may resu...
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer se...
Reported Nov 2, 2021
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Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
| Year | Body | Brakes | Electrical | Engine | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 94 | 134 | 35 | 24 | 8 |
| 2001 | 147 | 266 | 48 | 31 | 26 |
| 2002 | 136 | 177 | 61 | 51 | 38 |
| 2003 | 129 | 109 | 208 | 71 | 17 |
| 2004 | 82 | 81 | 218 | 59 | 26 |
| 2005 | 72 | 22 | 126 | 49 | 22 |
| 2006 | 55 | 13 | 28 | 10 | 8 |
| 2007 | 421 | 7 | 577 | 114 | 39 |
| 2008 | 194 | 14 | 313 | 54 | 9 |
| 2009 | 132 | 10 | 122 | 31 | 11 |
| 2010 | 172 | 1 | 128 | 12 | 5 |
| 2011 | 231 | 1 | 199 | 20 | 5 |
| 2012 | 95 | 6 | 64 | 10 | 5 |
| 2013 | 141 | 6 | 59 | 16 | 8 |
| 2014 | 49 | 5 | 28 | 6 | 5 |
| 2015 | 189 | 188 | 141 | 102 | 40 |
| 2016 | 66 | 88 | 33 | 31 | 39 |
| 2017 | 34 | 38 | 26 | 34 | 41 |
| 2018 | 33 | 16 | 14 | 29 | 11 |
| 2019 | 23 | 3 | 18 | 46 | 15 |
| 2020 | 10 | 5 | 14 | 15 | 11 |
| 2021 | 53 | 16 | 61 | 263 | 49 |
| 2022 | 36 | 8 | 26 | 87 | 25 |
| 2023 | 19 | 15 | 19 | 130 | 26 |
| 2024 | 7 | 11 | 8 | 34 | 3 |
| 2025 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 27 | 0 |
By Category
By Severity
Worst Problems
Complaints
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 failure Transmission failure
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.
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 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.
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!!
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.
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.
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.
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)
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)
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 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
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.
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.
-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)
The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) light illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Chevrolet dealership (Goodwin Chevrolet in Oxford, ME) for diagnostic testing on July 22, 2026. The certified technician diagnosed a catastrophic component failure within the primary safety restraint system, noting that the driver's seat side airbag has failed and must be completely replaced. The vehicle has only 53,472 miles. Because the SRS system is currently experiencing a critical fault, the driver's side airbag -- and potentially the rest of the vehicle's airbag deployment network -- is compromised and may fail to deploy as intended in the event of a collision. The manufacturer (General Motors) was contacted but refused to assist with the repair of this premature safety restraint failure, leaving a severe, active safety hazard unresolved.
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.
The engine in my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe High Country equipped with the 6.2L V8 (L87) experienced a catastrophic failure. While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost power, displayed a “Service ESC” warning, illuminated the check engine light, and unexpectedly shifted into Neutral. After stopping the vehicle, it would not restart. The dashboard would illuminate, but the engine would only produce a faint clicking sound and would not crank. The vehicle was towed to a Chevrolet dealership, where it remains available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This failure occurred while I was driving, causing an unexpected loss of power and propulsion. The vehicle became disabled without warning, creating a significant risk of being struck by surrounding traffic. Losing the ability to accelerate or safely maneuver a full-size SUV in traffic placed both me and other motorists at risk of a serious crash. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Chevrolet dealership, Crews Chevrolet. The dealership confirmed that the engine had catastrophically failed and advised that it qualified for replacement under General Motors’ special coverage program for the 6.2L L87 engine. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Chevrolet dealership. General Motors has authorized replacement of the engine under its special coverage program. No police report was filed because there was no collision.
442 total