Total Complaints
527 filings
CHEVROLET TAHOE · model year
527 NHTSA complaints, 18 crash reports, and 16 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2021CHEVROLETTAHOE carries 527 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 18 crashes, 5 fires, 18 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 3/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2021 TAHOE is engine with 128 filings, followed by fuel/propulsion system (82) and power train (64). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 16 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 2021 TAHOE, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
527 filings
Crashes Reported
18 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 128 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 82 |
| POWER TRAIN | 64 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 48 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 36 |
| AIR BAGS | 19 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 19 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 16 |
| SEAT BELTS | 12 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS | 12 |
| STEERING | 12 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 12 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 10 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 9 |
| SEATS | 6 |
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 Stability Control (ESC) , traction control, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), and braking while towing a trailer.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
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.
SEATS
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 co
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 vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208. "Oc
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
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 caus
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
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 d
SEAT BELTS
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 m
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE
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 un
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
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
SEAT BELTS
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 resu
SEAT BELTS
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 fram
STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE
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.
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
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
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 result in a fuel leak.
AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT
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),
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
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 requireme
While driving home late at night, the vehicle experienced a sudden mechanical failure in the engine. I was traveling approximately 2 miles per hour while slowing to stop at a stop sign when there was a loud âclunk,â followed by an abrupt stop of the vehicle. Immediately after this occurred, multiple dashboard warning lights illuminated, and a knocking sound began coming from the engine. The vehicle is currently not operating normally and is available for inspection upon request. This incident occurred late at night while I was driving with my two young children in the vehicle. The sudden and unexpected stop put us at risk of being rear-ended or stranded in an unsafe location. The loss of normal vehicle operation created a dangerous situation, especially given the time of night, location, and the presence of my children. There were no warning lights, messages, or noticeable symptoms prior to the incident. All warning lights illuminated only after the loud clunk and abrupt stop occur
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 âReduce Acceleration - Drive with Careâ 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
Mileage: 88,342
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 âReduce Acceleration - Drive with Careâ 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
Mileage: 88,342
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 âReduce Acceleration - Drive with Careâ 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
Mileage: 88,342
Vehicle taken into dealership for maintenance, after car received cars system software malfunctioned. Display screen went black and states "return to dealer. failed update" due to this issue I don't have access to car settings with most features are unavailable. All warning chimes such as turn signals, park sensor warnings, lane departure warning are inoperable. Had drove miles with turn signal on causing traffic disruption on neighboring lanes.
Vehicle taken into dealership for maintenance, after car received cars system software malfunctioned. Display screen went black and states "return to dealer. failed update" due to this issue I don't have access to car settings with most features are unavailable. All warning chimes such as turn signals, park sensor warnings, lane departure warning are inoperable. Had drove miles with turn signal on causing traffic disruption on neighboring lanes.
Vehicle taken into dealership for maintenance, after car received cars system software malfunctioned. Display screen went black and states "return to dealer. failed update" due to this issue I don't have access to car settings with most features are unavailable. All warning chimes such as turn signals, park sensor warnings, lane departure warning are inoperable. Had drove miles with turn signal on causing traffic disruption on neighboring lanes.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning the steering wheel, there was an abnormally loud grinding sound coming from the vehicle, and the steering was difficult to turn. The vehicle was driven to a dealer and determined that the vehicle had lost power steering assist functionality. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V455000 (STEERING); and associated the failure with the recall; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,725
Mileage: 96,725
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while his wife was driving out of the driveway and driving approximately 20 MPH, the driver became aware of an abnormal flapping sound that became louder as the vehicle accelerated. Additionally, the contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 60-65 MPH on another occasion, the check engine warning light illuminated. The driver pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where a mobile independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a misfire in cylinder #8. The mechanic determined that both sides of the engine lifters, the gaskets, and other unknown parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle warranty company was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
Mileage: 93,000
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.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud grinding sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with failure. The contact was informed that the rear differential assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V036000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
Mileage: 95,000
1ST ISSUE: 9/2025, after driving from another city to my home at 55-75 mph. As I pulled up home, the car just stalled and wouldn't start. I googled issue to find out it was a commonly known issue by GM. If fuel pump control module had happened while driving faster and not on my street to roll up to curb. I would have or could have been deadly. I find out what part # and local dealer knew there was a recall but told me he never heard about it and charged me for part. I installed in front of home on street and have been trying to get money back after reporting to GM I repaired my fuel pump control module and have been trying to get my money back from a repair done on 9/29/2025 by me. GM says it's looking into still after I keep calling them on status of this notice. I still have old part. I have filled out all reimbursement forms.1st the danger of it failing and now no money. By the time engine light comes on you have no power for any stopping or steering. #2 engine 2021 Tahoe High Count
1ST ISSUE: 9/2025, after driving from another city to my home at 55-75 mph. As I pulled up home, the car just stalled and wouldn't start. I googled issue to find out it was a commonly known issue by GM. If fuel pump control module had happened while driving faster and not on my street to roll up to curb. I would have or could have been deadly. I find out what part # and local dealer knew there was a recall but told me he never heard about it and charged me for part. I installed in front of home on street and have been trying to get money back after reporting to GM I repaired my fuel pump control module and have been trying to get my money back from a repair done on 9/29/2025 by me. GM says it's looking into still after I keep calling them on status of this notice. I still have old part. I have filled out all reimbursement forms.1st the danger of it failing and now no money. By the time engine light comes on you have no power for any stopping or steering. #2 engine 2021 Tahoe High Count
The vehicle stalled while driving down the road and started making a loud ticking noise, the engine light went on. It was brough to the dealership where they did an engine rebuild. They replaced 16 lifters and camshaft, a pulley belt and gaskets. The vehicle was picked up, however, a month later the oil low add oil light came on and the oil tank was more than 2.5 quarts low indicating extreme burning of oil. The vehicle is shuttering on acceleration of low RPMs. Brought it back to the dealership and awaiting further instruction. It caused a major safety concern because it has the potential to stall due to a motor defect on a major highway, putting my family and possibly others at risk of harm or death.
Lost Power. Engine went into a limp mode. Engine starting knocking loudly and service esc came up on dash along with check engine light. Took it to the dealer and they said a lifter spun and damaged the camshaft. Dealer says itâs not covered by recall. Vehicle has been in Chevy dealer garage for 2 weeks and no repair yet.
Lost Power. Engine went into a limp mode. Engine starting knocking loudly and service esc came up on dash along with check engine light. Took it to the dealer and they said a lifter spun and damaged the camshaft. Dealer says itâs not covered by recall. Vehicle has been in Chevy dealer garage for 2 weeks and no repair yet.
While driving normally, the vehicle developed engine performance issues and was diagnosed with a catastrophic camshaft failure at approximately 85,000 miles. The vehicle has received regular oil changes with full documentation and has not been abused or neglected. A licensed mechanic confirmed that the camshaft was severely worn and damaged, consistent with AFM/DFM lifter failure, which is a known issue on GM V8 engines. This failure caused significant internal engine damage requiring major repair. The failed camshaft has been retained as physical evidence. A camshaft should not fail prematurely under proper maintenance. This appears to be a manufacturing or design defect, not normal wear and tear, and presents a potential safety concern due to sudden loss of engine power.
Electric Power Steering system issue after battery died and had to be jump started.
Electric Power Steering system issue after battery died and had to be jump started.
I was driving down a busy road with my toddler in the car when the car just stopped. Went from traveling 40 mph to a complete standstill. Dead, in the middle of the road. No warning lights or signals at all. Could not get the car in neutral. Wheels locked up and not able to shift to neutral without the car being on, which was not happening. Had to get the car towed to the dealer. The tow truck driver had to drag the car on to the truck. No getting the car in neutral at all. Dealer diagnosed the problem as the fuel pump control module, which after researching is a major problem for this make/model/year. Should most definitely be a recall that has to be remedied by the manufacturer as this is not safe at all. Could have easily been hit due to traveling at a normal speed to stopping so suddenly. Then on top of it, not being able to get in to neutral to get to a safe location out of traffic.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
Loss of Motive Power due to the Battery Energy Control Module
Electric Vehicle Battery Fires
Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
Fuel Line Leak
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.