Skip to content
KLUNK
KLUNK

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The Verdict

33 Check Engine

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe has 420 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (249 complaints) and electrical (57 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 33/100, it earns a "Check Engine" rating. If you're shopping for a Chevrolet Tahoe, consider the 2025 model year which has 91% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2025 has 91% fewer complaints

View the 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe dashboard →

33

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

Get notified if a recall hits this car.

We email you when NHTSA issues a new recall on the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. No spam, no marketing.

Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
20009413435248
2001147266483126
2002136177615138
20031291092087117
200482812185926
200571221264922
2006551328108
2007420757711439
200819414313549
2009131101223111
20101721128125
20112311199205
201295664105
2013141659168
20144952865
201518918814110240
20166587323039
20173438253041
20183116132711
2019223184414
2020105141410
202153165724945
2022338258224
202318151912022
2024798333
2025673190

By Category

Engine
249
Electrical
57
Body
53
Transmission
45
Brakes
16

By Severity

1
203
2
203
3
2
4
12

Worst Problems

Complaints

Transmission 1

My transmission failed and it has been in a shop for 2 months. The pistons in the transmission failed not sure why but made it not go in reverse. The parts were on backorder for atleast a month. The warranty is out and my extended warranty will not pay because Chevorlet Dealership failed to flush my transmission when it was in for service. The transmission is a known problem on these models and was recalled for the diesel models but not the gas models.

10d ago
Engine 2

DATE: 06/17/2026 The engine shuts off without warning while I am driving, recurring roughly every 10 miles. When it stalls, the dashboard and electrical accessories stay on, but the vehicle loses motive power, along with power steering assist and power brake assist, which is extremely dangerous at road speed and in traffic. This began immediately after dealer service completed on 6/18/2026. During that visit the dealer performed two safety recalls (N252494000, the "L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion" PicoScope inspection with oil change; and N252510321, ECM software reprogramming) and a valve lifter replacement that required removing both cylinder heads. The vehicle was running and fully drivable when I dropped it off, and was returned stalling repeatedly while driving. It never did this before the service. At first the engine would not restart after stalling. The dealer replaced the starter; it now restarts but continues to stall every ~10 miles. A dealer diagnostic scan recorded numerous "Lost Communication" codes across nearly all control modules, plus control-module input-power codes showing low voltage and power-circuit correlation faults (e.g., U3505, U3018, U3007) and an active loss-of-communication code for the power steering module — consistent with an intermittent loss of electrical power or ground affecting engine control. The engine passed the recall's connecting-rod/crankshaft (PicoScope) inspection, so this is not the recalled bearing failure mode. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and is undrivable. The dealer has ordered a new engine and apparently also a new radiator for reasons unknown. No crash or injury has occurred to date, but the vehicle lost power while on the freeway at speed multiple times. A GM customer assistance case is open. Repair orders and the diagnostic scan are available on request.

16d ago
Engine 1

After a car wash, the car started to smoke out of a tail pipe, down shifting hard, car was shaking while running in park in the driveway- so we took it right to Chevy Turnersville, and they are now saying the whole engine is internally damaged ( not by the carwash) and the whole engine needs to be replaced. The trucks warranty just expired in Feb, the car ran perfectly fine before this. I dont understand how an engine just stops working this fast and out of no where. We took very good care of this truck. Oil changes every time we needed, new tires, new alignment, the mile recommendations, everything! and this happens out of no where. It will now cost $12,000 to repair this which we do not have. Please help and explain this

18d ago
Engine 1

The engine's Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) lifter failed and damaged the camshaft at around 70,700 miles. The broken components are available for inspection upon request. This failure put occupants at risk because the vehicle suddenly lost power, began shaking violently, and could not accelerate safely in traffic. This unexpected loss of propulsion created an immediate collision hazard. The problem was officially diagnosed and confirmed by a repair service center. It has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. There were no advance warning signs. At the exact moment of the failure, the check engine light started flashing, the car began shaking heavily, and the engine made a loud knocking sound.

18d ago
Engine 2

Fuel pump relay module failed, we had the vehicle towed to a mechanic and payed for the repair, a week later we received mail from GM saying the fuel pump relay module was faulty in our model, that we could take it to a dealership and have it repaired, or if we had already had it repaired we would be reimbursed, the dealership refused to reimburse us, and directed us to GM customer service, we sent the required documents in October of last year, received a call from a GM representative to let us know they were reviewing our case about 3 days after sending the information in, we haven’t heard from them since.

20d ago
Engine 2

2021 Chevy Tahoe with 6.2 engine (VIN: [XXX]) has been experiencing severe oil consumption, and making odd noises during operation. All while NOTshowing ANY recalls for the issue. Although there's an active recall/investigation into the 6.2 L87 engine, which my vehicle has. I've been having Valvoline document the severe oil consumption during oil changes per manufacturer specs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

21d ago
Engine 2

We have a 2021 Chevy. Tahoe, and we just had an inspection done because a light kept coming on saying that our engine might fail. The shop initially said it needed cam shaft replacement, but now are saying the entire engine needs to be replaced. The care has ~ 67,000 miles on it and is 5 years old.

24d ago
Electrical 2

I am having a problem with my driver seat airbag which has already been recalled. The recall number is N202310850. When I called Chevrolet they told me since my vehicle vin is not in the recall it wont be fixed even though I am having the same symptoms.

26d ago
Body 1

Panoramic sunroof shattered while sitting parked in a closed garage.

27d ago
Transmission 1

Rear end makes noise when turning, been flushed based on current bulletin. Still makes noise but not as bad. Now transmission is jerking at multiple gears

29d ago
Engine 1

The contact's husband owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and experienced a loss of drive power. A message to turn on the vehicle was displayed. The contact's husband coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and attempted to jumpstart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the engine had seized and the crankshaft had failed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

1mo ago
Transmission 1

My vehicle would not shift into reverse. Took it into the Chevrolet service and they said the Valve body needs replaced. There are known issues with the Valve body in 2021 Tahoe but they said it is not covered under any of the GM extended warranties. It should be covered under Special Coverage N242454441 or N242454440, but they said no coverage. The vehicle only has 46,200 miles on it

1mo ago
Engine 2

While driving my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, the check engine light illuminated. Shortly thereafter, the engine began shaking severely and I heard clicking and popping noises from the engine compartment. The following morning, the vehicle was barely operable, shaking excessively and unable to properly reverse. Due to the unsafe condition, I had the vehicle towed to the dealership. The dealership diagnosed a failure involving all 8 lifters on one side (bank) of the engine, requiring extensive engine repairs. My vehicle has approximately 74,000 miles, which I believe is low mileage for such a significant internal engine failure. The symptoms included severe engine vibration, misfiring, loss of performance, and the potential for loss of power while driving. This is not the first major failure I have experienced with this vehicle. In approximately April 2023, when the vehicle had about 32,000 miles, it unexpectedly shut off while I was reversing in a roadway. The dealership diagnosed a failed fuel pump control module (fuel pump modulator). Similar failures were later identified in recalls and corrective actions affecting other GM vehicles. I am concerned that my vehicle has experienced multiple failures involving components that appear to be associated with known issues affecting GM vehicles, yet my Tahoe was not included in applicable recalls. These failures created significant safety concerns, including unexpected engine shutdown, loss of vehicle operation, and potential loss of power while driving. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles should have been included in existing and future safety recalls related to these defects and other known defects that GM vehicles are experiencing with the motor, transmission and other parts. Note: No invoice is available yet as I am seeking GM assistance due to no warranty status. Estimated repair cost from dealership is up to $8,900.

1mo ago
Engine 1

My wife was stopped at a stop light traveling west from and appointment. When the light turned green she moved her foot from the brake to gas when all of the warning lights. It happened at the worst time possible during rush hour and we were fortunate that she was not hit by traffic. After the police arrived to help re direct traffic and wait for a tow truck, we found coolant spilling underneath the engine towards the rear of it. Towed to local repair shop, they inspected and found the engine had a catastrophic failure. Likely related to the current recall for the 6.2l V8 engine installed in this Tahoe.

1mo ago
Transmission 2

Transmission failed. Only warning was check engine light on 10 minutes prior to failure. At 30 mph on city road car was suddenly coasting, engine rpms revved to 7-8k, no driving power available for approximately 30 seconds. 'Drive' reingaged but apparently in limp mode enough to get a few hundred yards more to parking lot. No reverse gear available and warning on dash 'catastrophic failure' imminent. Garage reports the transmission is 'bad' . Awaiting dealership input but 3 weeks before they will look at it .

1mo ago
Engine 2

On May 2nd 2026 I was driving my 2021 Tahoe high country with the 6.2 motor at 60 mph and started to slow down before my left hand turn. In the process of slowing down at about 40mph I heard a loud bang/thud noise. The car had completely shut down all motor related usage. I coasted into the shoulder on the side of the road the vehicle would not restart. I had my children and wife in the car. There were no check engine lights or any other warning signs on the dash prior to this happening. The Tahoe was running perfectly fine. Ended up needing the vehicle towed to the chevrolet dealership. It was confirmed upon dealership inspection by the mechanic that an intake valve spring broke and locked up the engine. We currently are being denied coverage through our extended warranty with endurance to replace the engine.

2mo ago
Engine 2

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.

2mo ago
Engine 1

Engine has developed a miss and has check engine code P0300 random misfires. There are subcodes pending of P0011 and P0016 indicating Crank and Cam misalignment. This has all the classic signs for a failing engine. I am taking this truck in for the GM Picoscope test, the oil was changed to 0w40 mobile one supercar oil approx. 2,800 miles ago when the truck was under Powertrain warranty. I will preform a Blackstone oil test to determine if there is abnormal engine wear. My truck is not in the vin. recall range.

2mo ago
Engine 1

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle began bucking and sputtering, and the check engine warning and then the low fuel warning lights illuminated. The contact existed the highway and while on the exit ramp the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The contact believes that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V739000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired as of yet. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.

2mo ago
Brakes 1

I was driving home after dropping my kids off at school and when I was almost home my dash lit up with the traction control light, check engine light, ABS light, red break light, service ESC message, forward collision system unavailable message and break system failure 62 MPH top speed ( was switching between 43 MPH top speed and 62 MPH top speed ), I went to slow down and I had no brakes at all. The pedal sunk to the floor with zero resistance no matter how many times I pushed it. I live on a dead end road and thank god I had already crossed the major highway before my road because it would have been an incredibly bad accident. I finally got it to switch into neutral to stop and into park where I sat with my foot on the brake in park until someone could come out to me. I called my local dealership whom had it towed to them. My vehicle is a 2021 Tahoe with 23,014 miles at the exact moment this happened. The dealership said it was the master cylinder/brake module which is not covered under the power train warranty I still have. This is a major safety issue and it seems it is not isolated due to a simple google showing reports on other forums of other newer chevy/gms in different models have this same issue with brakes going out while driving.

2mo ago

420 total

1/ 21
Report a Klunk