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2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The Verdict

29 Check Engine

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe has 459 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (272 complaints) and electrical (64 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 29/100, it earns a "Check Engine" rating. If you're shopping for a Chevrolet Tahoe, consider the 2025 model year which has 88% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2025 has 88% fewer complaints

View the 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe dashboard →

29

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.

21V210000 SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

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

21V579000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

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

21V064000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

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.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
20009413435248
2001147266483126
2002136177615138
20031291092087117
200482822185926
200572221264922
2006551328108
2007421757711439
200819414313549
2009132101223111
20101721128125
20112321199205
201295664105
2013141660168
20144952865
201519018814110340
20166688333139
20173438263541
20183516142911
2019233184916
2020105141711
202153186427252
2022398279427
202320152114429
20249119373
2025875310

By Category

Engine
272
Electrical
64
Body
53
Transmission
52
Brakes
18

By Severity

1
218
2
227
3
2
4
12

Worst Problems

Complaints

Brakes 1

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.

5d ago
Engine 2

Fpcm went out about 2 hours from home vehicle only has a little over 12000 miles there's a recall for this problem just not under our vin how does a part go bad that is recalled the same year but isn't covered

7d ago
Brakes 2

There are thousands of people across social media and internet websites with the same exact problem they are having with 2021 chevy tahoe. There has also been multiple recalls for the same problem but seems it was not issued for all the vehicles that has this default. The Brake service light first came on the dash along with service esc, max speed limited to 43, service brake monitor system. It was taken to multiple shops for a diagnostic including Jim Hudson Chevy and all of them said how this is an ongoing issue with 2021 tahoes. No one knows the exact problem or cause. The dealership said it’s probably the brake control module, because that’s what the issue was all of the other times they had this occur.

7d ago
Engine 1

Vehicle is a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Premier with under 50,000 miles. The vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of reverse gear, accompanied by violent lurching, sputtering, and dangerous hesitation/stuttering while accelerating between gears at speed. A certified dealership inspection physically diagnosed the vehicle with multiple stuck valves inside the transmission control valve body, requiring a complete valve body replacement. This exact mechanical failure completely mirrors the known safety defects outlined in GM Special Coverage Program N242454441, which details transmission pressure losses causing gear engagement conflicts and potential rear-wheel lock-up hazards. The replacement transmission component installed by the certified dealer failed catastrophically within four miles of pickup, again causing severe transmission sputtering and shifting failures that render the vehicle entirely unroadworthy and a safety hazard on public roads. The dealership has been forced to order an entirely new replacement valve body assembly under warranty due to a consecutive failure. General Motors Corporate Customer Assistance acknowledged that the vehicle is physically experiencing this transmission valve defect, but refused a voluntary warranty override solely because the vehicle's automated database VIN block falls just outside their pre-programmed list for Special Coverage N242454441. The corporate case representative explicitly instructed the consumer to file this federal safety report with the NHTSA due to the systemic component failure.

12d ago
Transmission 2

My car on the dash board said do not accelerate and was shaking and the gear would not go into reverse. When I tried the car would not move. I towed the car to local Chevy dealer and when I told them about N242454441 or related safety campaigns like N242454440 nothing came up for my VIN but was informed GM had this program specifically for my code ( check engine light on) reading P0776 and P0700. This was not covered.

13d ago
Engine 2

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power, stalled, and failed to return to normal operation. The contact researched and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V739000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. A dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone, and the manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

21d ago
Electrical 2

I am writing to report a serious safety defect regarding the Driver's Side LED headlight assembly on my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe (VIN: [XXX]. While driving, the headlight suddenly dropped completely out of alignment and is now pointing directly at the ground, casting light only a few feet in front of the bumper. Upon inspection, it was determined that the internal plastic headlight adjuster mechanism completely snapped/failed. This failure has created an immediate and severe night-driving hazard. Because the LED headlight now illuminates only the ground immediately in front of the vehicle, forward visibility on the driver side is effectively reduced to zero at highway speeds. This drastically reduces my reaction time to avoid pedestrians, debris, or oncoming obstacles, making the vehicle unsafe to operate after dark. The internal plastic adjuster mechanism cannot be purchased or repaired separately. General Motors requires the replacement of the entire sealed headlight assembly, which costs upwards of $1,500. This is not a wear-and-tear item; it is a premature structural failure of a critical safety component. I request that this failure be investigated as a safety defect to protect other motorists from sudden loss of nighttime visibility. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

25d ago
Engine 2

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.

1mo ago
Transmission 2

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.

1mo ago
Engine 2

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)

1mo ago
Transmission 1

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.

1mo ago
Engine 2

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.

1mo ago
Engine 2

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.

1mo ago
Electrical 2

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.

1mo ago
Engine 2

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.

1mo ago
Engine 1

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

1mo ago
Electrical 2

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

1mo ago
Engine 2

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.

1mo ago
Engine 1

Engine failure Transmission failure

1mo ago
Electrical 1

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.

1mo ago

459 total

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