2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 453 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 26 Tahoe model years with reports.
Of the 2021 reports, 9 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 9 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, diesel, storage, tank assemblySep 18, 2025
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, 2021, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, and 2022 and 2024 GMC Yukon vehicles equipped with a 6-cylinder diesel engine. The original fuel tank may have been replaced with an incorrect fuel tank, which can allow fuel to leak in a rollover crash.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Dealers will inspect for the correct fuel tank and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 5, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252512770. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 18, 2025.
Campaign 25V619000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engine, hard parts internal/mechanicalApr 24, 2025
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.
Campaign 25V274000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, control module, softwareOct 24, 2024
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.
Campaign 24V797000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, lighting control module, softwareNov 3, 2022
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will provide an over-the-air (OTA) update for the Body Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222382220.
Campaign 22V827000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, critical fastenersAug 11, 2022
General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may have been improperly formed.
A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 28, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 1, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222372380.
Campaign 22V617000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, driveshaftJan 27, 2022
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated properly, possibly resulting in driveshaft failure.
Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212351030.
Campaign 22V036000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pump, control/drive moduleSep 23, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump power control module may cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, which can interrupt fuel flow to the engine, and cause an unexpected engine stall.
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 14, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212332040.
Campaign 21V739000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, power assist, electric, control module, softwareJul 29, 2021
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 Stability Control (ESC) , traction control, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), and braking while towing a trailer.
Overall braking performance may be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 1-800-222-1202; GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212340970.
Campaign 21V579000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, steering control moduleJun 17, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. A software issue may cause a loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving.
Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash.
The power steering module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 13, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212333900.
Campaign 21V455000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, srs malfunction warning lamp/lightJun 10, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.
The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212338110.
Campaign 21V421000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, rear/otherMar 25, 2021
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 vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208. "Occupant Crash Protection."
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.
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 may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212329320.
Campaign 21V210000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat beltsMar 18, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Suburban, and Tahoe vehicles with third-row seating. The third-row outboard seat belts may have been entrapped or misrouted behind the outboard seat-folding mechanism, which could result in damaged seat belts.
A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third-row outboard seat belts, replacing any damaged seat belts, and rerouting them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313000.
Campaign 21V190000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assemblyFeb 11, 2021
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 result in a fuel leak.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
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 service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212327720.
Campaign 21V064000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat beltsDec 23, 2020
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
Campaign 20V811000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat beltsDec 17, 2020
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.
If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.
Campaign 20V792000 on NHTSA.gov
SeatsNov 25, 2020
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles. During general assembly, a repair involved removal of one or both front seats. The attachment bolts for the front seats may not have been properly reinstalled after the repair was completed.
If an occupied front seat has loose or missing attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seated occupant.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N202312720.
Campaign 20V735000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
184 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Jul 17, 2021
The engine started knocking and running rough. My wife pulled the car over. She could tell from the sound it was not a minor issue. We had the 2021 Tahoe toed to Vaden Chevrolet in Beaufort, SC, where we purchased the vehicle. The dealer confirmed it was an engine problem. 8 lifters along with other associated parts need to be replace. This is a major engine repair. The vehicle is 8 months old and has approximately 10,000 miles on it. Doing internet search, the failure of engine lifters in Tahoes and Silverados appears to be a known problem. The service department manager told me that they have already done 10 of these this year. Failure of an engine while driving is a major safety issue. The vehicle is in for repair, now.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 10, 2021
On July 3, 2021 approximately 2:00pm EST. Left to go out of town, had driven about 50 miles. Stopped to top off fuel. Left station for fueling stopped at red light to turn left to get back on interstate. The vehicle stuttered, stalled, and would not restart in middle of intersection. Hazard lights put on nearly hit by other vehicles. State trooper had to get behind vehicle to let other know of hazard. Towed to nearest dealer. Onstar diagnostic revealed fuel management system and transmission. Dealer hasn’t contacted but service advisor from GM notified me it was fuel pump.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 16, 2021
We have owned this 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe for a little less than a year. Since acquiring this vehicle, there have been multiple safety recalls and we have had to get the vehicle serviced 3 times due to electrical issues. Now for the major safety issue, was out of town waiting at a red light in a turning lane. As we were waiting, the Tahoe spontaneously turned off. All of the indicator lights on the dashboard were illuminated and my husband tried to restart the car but the engine just kept turning and the car would not start. We put the hazard lights on and wanted to get the vehicle out of the road where there was active traffic. However, the vehicle was unable to be shifted to neutral so we were stuck and also important to note the hazard lights were not working. We towed to the nearest dealership and tow driver had to apply WD40 on the ramp to get the truck off since it wouldn't shift to neutral. At the same time, my husband received an email from OnStar "An issue with the Engine and Transmission System in your 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe has been detected." Now being told by dealership this was caused by a fuel pump module cut off, causing the car to go into "limp mode" so who knows what is true. I do not feel safe driving this car nor having my kids in it. This would be a very different conversation if this happened on a highway. This vehicle should be recalled because someone gets killed.
Engine, May 30, 2021
On my way to work a few days ago I noticed a lag while driving and a knocking feeling/sound ever few seconds going highway speeds. No engine light came on to warn or tell of an issue. I thought maybe it was just a section of roadway that makes cars ride rough. Anyway, made it to work and I could hear a whining sound every time I gave vehicle gas and RPMs increased. We called our GM dealer and he said it’s a known issue of collapsing lifters and to bring it in for repair. Vehicle had around 5900 miles. 20% oil life was left. I checked oil and level was fine. I’m in a loaner now waiting for repair. If it’s a known issue, why is it happening. Inferior parts or bad design? A recall needs to happen before someone gets hurt.
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, May 24, 2021
We purchased this vehicle on 11/28/20, and on 12/10/20 began receiving multiple error messages and loss of power on the accelerator. Shortly after the error messages began I was no longer to even start the vehicle. It needed to be towed to the dealer and eventually required a full engine replacement, and was out of service for 22 days. On 5/19/21 I was getting on the highway with my wife and 3 young children and began receiving many of the same error messages. The car was brought to the dealership the following day and I found out that this was another major engine issue. They need to order several parts, one of which is on backorder. As of 5/24 it has been out of service for an additional 5 days, bringing the total up to 27 days out of service, and there are currently 4800 miles on the car.
Engine, May 13, 2021
ON APRIL 3, 2021 AT APPROXIMATELY 5:00PM, WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THROUGH NORTH CAROLINA (ON A TRIP FROM MARYLAND TO FLORIDA) WITH MY FAMILY OF 5 (TWO ADULTS AND 3 YOUNG CHILDREN, INCLUDING MY INFANT SON) OUT OF NOWHERE MY BRAND NEW TAHOE BEGAN SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY AND THE ENGINE STARTING POPPING AND SPUTTERING AS IF IT WERE GOING TO GIVE OUT COMPLETELY. THIS OCCURRED ON A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY, WHERE MY VEHICLE WAS SURROUNDED BY MANY OTHER VEHICLES DRIVING AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED. IT WAS A VERY FRIGHTENING SITUATION AND I IMMEDIATELY EXITED THE HIGHWAY AND STOPPED AT THE NEAREST SAFE LOCATION, WHICH WAS A WENDY'S RESTAURANT. AT THE TIME THAT THIS SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT OCCURRED, MY BRAND NEW 2021 CHEVROLET TAHOE RST, WHICH I HAD OWNED FOR LESS THAN 6 MONTHS, HAD ONLY 5334 MILES ON IT. I CONTACTED ONSTAR AND WAS TOLD THERE WERE NO ISSUES DETECTED AND THAT I SHOULD "TAKE IT EASY" AND CONTINUE DRIVING. THE ENGINE CONTINUED SHAKING AND SPUTTERING FOR ABOUT AN HOUR AND THEN STOPPED. WE WENT TO ATLANTA TO MEET WITH FAMILY AND PARKED THE CAR. THE NEXT MORNING WHEN I WENT TO START THE CAR, IT BEGAN SHAKING AND SPUTTERING AGAIN LIKE THE ENGINE WAS GOING TO BLOW AND THE ELECTRIC PANEL ON THE CAR DISPLAYED A NUMBER OF ERRORS. I CONTACTED ONSTAR AND WAS INFORMED THERE WAS ENGINE TROUBLE AND I SHOULD TAKE THE CAR TO THE NEAREST DEALER. I STILL HAVE NOT GOTTEN MY CAR BACK. I HAVE INITIATED A LEMON CLAIM WITH GM BUT THEY HAVE SAID THERE'S A BACKLOG AND HAVE NO ETA ON WHEN THIS ISSUE IS TO BE RESOLVED. MEANWHILE, MY FAMILY IS OUT OF A VEHICLE AND I AM STILL PAYING A CAR NOTE FOR AN $80,000 BRAND NEW CAR THAT I DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO AND THAT IS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS AS I'VE SEEN OTHER REPORTS OF SIMILAR ISSUES ON THE INTERNET. PLEASE HELP.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Feb 24, 2021
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR NEW TAHOE (5,101 MILES) DOWN A NEIGHBORHOOD STREET, STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AND HIT GAS TO PROCEED INTO A TURN AND ENGINE COMPLETELY TURNED OFF. SHE WAS ABLE TO GLIDE TO A STOP IN FRONT OF A HOUSE, BUT IS TERRIFIED WHAT MAY HAVE HAPPENED IF SHE WAS TRAVELING FAR FROM HOME OR ON THE INTERSTATE AT HIGH SPEED WITH THE SAME OCCURRING. CAR WOULD NOT TURN OVER/START AFTER STOPPING AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. OCCURRED ON A NEIGHBORHOOD STREET (ASHLEIGH ROAD IN FAIRFAX, VA)
Engine, Dec 21, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FROM ONSTAR THAT THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BEAVER CHEVROLET (3494 PHILIPS HWY, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32207, (904) 398-3036) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE HAD COLLAPSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REQUESTED A NEW VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,700.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 7, 2020
BRAND NEW 2021 TAHOE 1367 MILES CATASTROPHICALLY LOST POWER WITHOUT NOTICE WHILE IN A BUSY INTERSECTION WITH MOTHER AND SON. ONSTAR EMERGENCY SERVICES DID NOT WORK. UNABLE TO PLACE CAR IN NEUTRAL TO MOVE OUT OF BUSY INTERSECTION. POLICE CALLED, VEHICLE TOWED. COULD NOT START, JUMPING NOT SUCCESSFUL. TOWED TO DEALER (HENDRICKS CHEVY 12050 W BROAD STREET RICHMOND VA 23233). CHEVY CERTIFIED MECHANIC STATED CABLE FROM BATTERY TO ALTERNATOR HAD BURNED/MELTED/FRIED, CAR LOST POWER, NO WARNING. WANTED TO SIMPLY "REPLACE CABLE" AND "GET ME BACK DRIVING." FEARFUL OF MAJOR/LARGER ELECTRICAL ISSUE CAUSING FIRE/ELECTRICAL FAILURE.