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: power train
88 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Sep 23, 2026
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.
Power train, Sep 20, 2026
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.
Power train, Engine, Aug 28, 2026
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!!
Power train, Aug 25, 2026
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.
Power train, Aug 13, 2026
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.
Steering, Power train, Air bags, Aug 2, 2026
-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)
Suspension, Power train, Jul 27, 2026
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.
Power train, Jul 8, 2026
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.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 2, 2026
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.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 30, 2026
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.
Power train, Engine, Jun 24, 2026
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.
Power train, Jun 19, 2026
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
Power train, Jun 11, 2026
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
Power train, May 25, 2026
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 .
Power train, May 6, 2026
The contact owns a . The contact stated that while driving in reverse a loud popping noise had occurred coming from the engine compartment. Later, while driving up a hill was warning message "Accelerator, Reduced Speed" had displayed and the vehicle was slowly driven home. The contact later discovered that the vehicle also did not operate in reverse. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission valve body was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered.. The failure mileage was 85,000.
Power train, Apr 15, 2026
My Tahoe has 108,000 miles on it. It broke down in the middle of the road and refused to go into gear with zero symptoms prior to this. We had it towed to the dealership and were told it is the Transmission Valve Body. This is a known issue but our VIN isn't covered for some reason so we have to pay out of pocket for this costly repair that is a known problem!
Power train, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 12, 2026
The component at issue is the engine, which suffered a sudden and catastrophic failure due to unknown causes. At no time prior to this incident were there any warnings, symptoms, or indications of an underlying mechanical defect that would have allowed for preventative action. While operating the vehicle on the highway with my family present, multiple warning indicators activated simultaneously, including a blinking check engine light, traction control light, ESC warning, and a forward collision warning. Immediately thereafter, the vehicle experienced a rapid and significant loss of power accompanied by a loud and persistent engine knocking noise, rendering the vehicle unsafe to operate and placing the occupants at risk. It is important to emphasize that traction control and ESC systems are not causally related to an engine misfire condition, further supporting that this event was abrupt and not part of a progressive or diagnosable issue. A diagnostic scan performed at that time identified a misfire in cylinder 1. Upon delivery of the vehicle to the dealership for inspection, it was determined that the engine had suffered complete internal failure and was deemed “blown.” This finding confirms the occurrence of a catastrophic mechanical breakdown. Based on the sudden onset, absence of prior warning, and severity of the failure, there is no reasonable basis to attribute this condition to normal wear and tear, operator misuse, or neglect. Rather, the facts support the conclusion that this was the result of a latent defect or internal mechanical failure beyond the operator’s control. Accordingly, this matter should be addressed under applicable warranty coverage or consumer protection standards.
Power train, Mar 9, 2026
Driving down the highway and I lost all the gears it went from driving speed then wouldn’t go over 30 mph. When I got pulled into a business on the side of the road then tried to restart it it then wouldn’t go into reverse. It was dangerous because there was cars behind me going the speed limit then my car just lost speed. No warnings it’s not throwing any codes. Looking on the internet it seems it’s the transmission or valve body
Power train, Mar 2, 2026
I was driving yesterday and noticed my transmission started to shift hard and unnecessarily. Then I received a warning that propulsion was affected and to drive with care. The check engine light came on. I was able to make it home, but the vehicle wouldn't go into reverse. I had it towed to a dealership today and they identified the issue as being related to the valve body. Apparently a recall was just issued for this on the 2022 Chevy Tahoes. I'm not sure why this isn't being extended to the 2021 model.
Power train, Mar 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle lost motive power, and the transmission slammed into gear, and it felt like the vehicle was rear-ended. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission valve body failure. The contact was informed that the transmission valve body needed to be replaced. The contact was later informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Power train, Mar 2, 2026
Transmission issue -while driving 55 mph the RPM’s revved up and the vehicle felt as it it was in 2nd or 3rd gear. Warning lights came on stating “rapid deceleration use caution” and the engine light came on. The vehicle was able to go into park but upon shifting back into drive, it did not change gears. Sounds as if it is being driven in 2nd or 3rd gear with RPM’s elevated.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Mar 1, 2026
#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)
Power train, Feb 28, 2026
While driving my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe at highway speeds (approximately 60 mph), the transmission suddenly malfunctioned due to what the dealership is telling was a valve body failure. Without warning, the vehicle lost proper propulsion and began to decelerate rapidly in active traffic. I did not receive adequate warning before the failure occurred. The sudden loss of power at highway speed created a very dangerous situation. Vehicles behind me had to brake abruptly, and I was nearly rear-ended. This presented a serious safety risk to me, my three children, and surrounding drivers. The issue was later diagnosed as a transmission valve body failure. A failure of this nature should not occur on a relatively new vehicle, and there Is currently a recall on other 2021 Tahoe’s for this same issues. My car is sitting at the Chevy dealership waiting for a full valve body replacement, which the dealership said they are having issues getting the part and will take over 2 weeks. The cost is around 5k to fix.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to slow down to approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact believed that the sound was caused by ice buildup on the mud flap, but shortly afterwards, the engine revved unexpectedly, with the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message “Reduce Acceleration - Drive with Care” was displayed. The vehicle started to coast unintendedly. The contact stated the vehicle returned to normal operation after a short while. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanics pushed the vehicle out of the parking spot before inspecting the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed with transmission valve body failure. The contact was informed that the transmission valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,342
Power train, Feb 6, 2026
2021 tahoe with 3.0L diesel engine and 139k miles recently began overheating when on interstate but temp would jump up quickly then quickly back down. Reduced acceleration mode is triggered and AC is turned off automatically. Diagnostic report shows coolant control valve error code and it was explained to me that valve is sticking then as engine pressure rises, it knocks it loose again explaining the quickly jumps and dips in temp. Fan runs constantly from moment it is started too. When looking for the part online to get an idea of repair cost, there was a bulletin about this being a known issue in the 2021 tahoes with the diesel engines and bulletin states GM extended special coverage for 15yrs/150k miles. When I called dealer to schedule service, I was told this bulletin doesnt come up under my vin number despite it having the same issues, error codes, year, make, model, and engine.