Chevrolet Tahoe Complaints (2021)

437 consumer complaints on file.

#11705391December 16, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Issue related to the rear-differential fluid, TSB 21-NA-028. Its a known issue where the rear differential make moan/chatter noises on turning (including at low speeds). Dealers are instructed to service/replace the rear differential fluid and perform procedures to address clutch pack chatter. It is such an issue, the fluid to remedy this is on back order!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704723December 12, 2025
ENGINE
Having to replace the radiator due to it leaking around a plastic connection to metal. Was told by the dealership this has an updated part from GM due to it being a known issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703278December 5, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Based on dealer inspection, oil was found sitting on top of the #2 piston, and you’ve indicated the failure is originating from the bottom end of the engine—likely involving piston, ring, or cylinder wall damage. Combined with the stored P050D, P0300, and P0302 codes, this represents a clear internal mechanical failure. Vehicle is currently at the dealership. Mechanical failure while driving the vehicle. Sensor light for service ESC and service traction control both showed as the failure was occurring.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703042December 4, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while turning left with a foot on the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost motive power and started shaking. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the intake fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred approximately five months later. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, where the fuel pump power control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702758December 3, 2025
POWER TRAIN, STEERING
While driving and turning left and right, and while cold and turning It does a grinding/groan noice, and recently while driving it did that, and It started losing speed and the grinding worsening and I was losing control of the vehicle. Putting the vehicle in Auto makes the groan/grind worse.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702532December 2, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
PER HENDRICKS CHEVROLET IN HOOVER, AL "INSPECTED REAR DIFF FOR METAL & FOUND LAARGE AMOUNTS OF METAL ON DRAIN PLUG MAGNET. RECOMMEND REPLACING REAR DIFF DUE TO LARGE AMOUNT OF METAL FOUND IN OIL." There was no warning on the vehicle; however, you can hear it loudly when a left or right turn is made.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700891November 21, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Driver's side headlight adjuster screw breaks very easily, and makes the headlight beam be too low with inability to adjust it. There is no way to replace it... it requires a change of the entire headlight, which requires removing the entire grill. A cheap piece that makes customers pay thousands of dollars in repairs. There are a myriad of reports of this issue online, for example here: https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/headlight-adjuster-broken-again.144355/
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700577November 20, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
I am writing to formally document serious engine defects I have experienced with my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe equipped with the 5.3L L84 V8 engine. 1.Crankshaft Failure: My Tahoe suffered a catastrophic crankshaft failure that required major repair/replacement. I am aware that GM has recalled certain vehicles equipped with the 6.2L L87 engine for crankshaft and rod-bearing defects. Based on my experience, the same or a very similar defect has also occurred in my 5.3L engine, which is currently not included in that recall. 2.Valve Lifter Failure: In addition, my vehicle has suffered from valve lifter collapse—a well-documented problem in 2021–2022 GM trucks and SUVs with both the 5.3L and 6.2L engines. This caused severe misfiring, drivability issues, and expensive repair needs. Why this is a concern: •Both failures occurred well before what would be expected of a modern engine. •The crankshaft failure raises a safety risk: sudden loss of propulsion while driving could lead to accidents. •The lifter issue is widely reported by other owners and has been the subject of GM service bulletins. •Taken together, these problems suggest systemic defects in the 2021 Tahoe’s 5.3L engine that have not been adequately addressed by GM. Requested Action: •I ask GM to extend recall and warranty coverage to include the 5.3L L84 engine in addition to the 6.2L L87. •I ask NHTSA to consider investigating whether the scope of the current 6.2L recall should be broadened to include 5.3L engines, given failures like mine. •At minimum, I request assistance in covering repair/replacement costs for both the crankshaft and lifter defects, which are clearly not due to normal wear and tear. Vehicle details: •Year/Make/Model: 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe •Engine: 5.3L V8 L84
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699415November 14, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Answer: The vehicle’s 6.2L L87 V8 engine suffered a sudden internal mechanical failure involving the connecting rod, rod bearings, and crankshaft assembly, resulting in catastrophic engine damage. The failure mode is consistent with the defect described in GM Recall N252494001. The engine and all damaged components are fully available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Answer: The engine failed without warning while the vehicle was in motion, causing an immediate loss of propulsion. This created a hazardous situation where the vehicle could no longer accelerate or maintain speed in traffic, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision or loss of vehicle control. GM’s own recall documentation identifies this exact failure mode as a significant crash risk, and that same hazard occurred in my case. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Answer: Yes. A service technician confirmed catastrophic internal engine failure consistent with connecting-rod or crankshaft damage. The dealer also verified that the engine is inoperable and requires full replacement. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Answer: No, the engine failed while in motion and was taken to the closest mechanic. Inspections by an insurance representative or manufacturer representative can be arranged. The vehicle and damaged engine remain available for further examination. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Answer: No. There were no warning lamps, diagnostic messages, or drivability symptoms prior to the catastrophic engine failure. The failure occurred suddenly and without any advance indication. All service records are available
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699261November 13, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The message “Service Electronic Stability Control" was displayed, and the traction control warning light and the check engine warning light were illuminated. The failure persisted while driving, and the vehicle failed to exceed 50 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the lifters had failed, the camshaft had failed, and there was a misfire in cylinder #5. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the residence and had not been driven since. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698844November 11, 2025
POWER TRAIN, STEERING, ENGINE
The rear differential makes a rubbing or humming noise when turning left/right at slow speed especially when it’s cold.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698708November 11, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am writing to formally request a review of my vehicle’s eligibility for Recall N212332040. I own a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, which is currently not listed under the affected vehicles for this recall. However, based on the recall description and the symptoms outlined, I believe my vehicle experienced related issues and should be considered for inclusion. While driving down the highway my vehicle experienced power failure leading to a full stop in the middle of the highway, resulting in a 9-1-1 call due to safety concerns for myself and oncoming traffic. The car was later diagnosed with the fuel pump module failure that other vehicles within the same year & model experienced, which were included in the recall. Why mine wouldn’t be included is quite confusing. I respectfully ask that your team investigate whether my Tahoe meets the criteria for Recall N212332040. On 10/20 I sent in a request to the GMC recall department & on 11/11 I was denied anything further. I appreciate your attention to this matter and your commitment to vehicle safety.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698363November 8, 2025
ENGINE
I am submitting this complaint to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding a sudden engine failure in my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe equipped with a 6.2L V8 engine, which posed a serious safety risk. I was driving on the highway at approximately 65 mph with cruise control engaged. Suddenly, the vehicle lost all power, disengaging the cruise control, and the check engine light began flashing rapidly. I managed to exit the highway safely. While stopped at a traffic light, preparing to turn into a nearby repair shop, the car started shaking violently from side to side, making it difficult to control. I took the vehicle to a Firestone shop and a local Chevrolet dealer, both of which diagnosed massive engine failure and indicated that the engine will most likely need to be replaced. The symptoms I experienced—sudden loss of power at highway speeds, flashing check engine light, and violent shaking—are in line with issues reported in other GM 6.2L engines that have been recalled. For whatever reason, my 2021 Tahoe, which falls in the middle of the affected model years for these recalls (e.g., GM recall N252494001 for 2021-2024 vehicles with 6.2L V8 engines due to defects in connecting rods and crankshafts leading to engine damage and loss of propulsion), is not included under the broader GM 6.2L engine recall, although I experienced very similar issues. The biggest safety concern was the engine essentially losing power at highway speeds, which could have led to a crash. I urge NHTSA to investigate and expand coverage if necessary to ensure public safety.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697121November 3, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact noticed an abnormal ticking sound. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #7. The independent mechanic checked the spark plugs and other unknown parts for failure; however, there was no evidence of a failure. The contact was informed of a valve lifter failure. The contact was informed that the valve lifter and possibly the push rods and camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced Technical Service Bulletin: N212353840; however, the VIN was not included. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,893.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696256October 29, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My tahoe is throwing a low engine oil code and burns through about 2 quarts of oil in between oil changes. other tahoes of the same year make and model have been recalled for the same issue but mine was not.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695459October 24, 2025
POWER TRAIN
My 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe recently displayed a warning message that said “Service Transmission – May Not Be Able to Shift Soon.” The message appeared at approximately 132,754 miles. Since then, I’ve noticed delayed and rough shifting between gears. The vehicle still drives and shifts into gear, but the message and behavior are concerning. I have an appointment scheduled for a diagnostic inspection on Tuesday, which was the earliest available. I have not yet received a confirmed diagnosis, but I’ve seen that many other 2021 Tahoe's and similar GM vehicles have experienced the same transmission problem and were included in recalls. My vehicle’s symptoms match those reports, though my VIN was not included. This situation makes me nervous because I drive with my four children daily. Even though the vehicle hasn’t completely lost the ability to shift, a sudden failure while driving could put my family and others on the road at risk. The warning itself suggests a potential failure is coming soon. The vehicle has been properly maintained and has not had prior transmission work. I’m reporting this because it appears to be part of a larger pattern that should be investigated to determine if more vehicles need to be included in GM’s existing transmission recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694633October 20, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving my vehicle shut down. It will not longer crank. Had to have it towed. I am told that it’s the fuel pump driver control module. I carry my two children in this vehicle daily. This could have ended very badly. Now not only is my family without a dependable vehicle, I am going to be out a lot of money on an issue that is already a common issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693630October 15, 2025
ENGINE
We have experienced a loss in power that is accompanied with an audible engine knocking sound. The loss of power affected our ability to safely merge into the highway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693278October 14, 2025
SEATS
The head rest in the third row seat is broken and will not remain in the up position when the seat is up. This is causing a safety risk in that there is no safety for passengers in a rear end collision. There is already a recall that Chevrolet has issued for other Tahoe vehicles; however, my VIN number has not been added to that recall. I am requesting to have my vehicle's VIN number added to the already existing recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693139October 13, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
On the morning of 1 Oct, I had left the house here in Cedartown GA to head to a meeting in Atlanta with a customer. I had started the truck 15 minutes before departing just as we have always done to our vehicles over the years to allow them to warm up properly. I departed Doyle Rd onto Hwy 27 South heading towards interstate 20. About 15 miles from the house I was at a steady cruise speed of 45 MPH, no traffic, acceleration or deceleration and the stability control system light came on, one second later the engine light came on and the engine all of a sudden started making a loud grinding and clunking noise. I was on the inside lane so let the car pass next to me and started to pull over onto the shoulder of the road. I immediately shut off the truck, popped the hood and got out to inspect what might have happened. There was no smoke, I checked all the fluids and all were at the normal ranges. The engine oil was at its full mark as well. The oil was just changed a month early and still of the same color as it was new. After checking, I got back on the truck, attempted to start and it ran for a few seconds then I immediately shut it off after hearing again the loud noise. A Polk county police officer stopped to check on me and offer assistance as well as some tow companies to call. Eventually after about at hour a tow truck showed, we tried to momentarily start the vehicle so it could be put in neutral but the engine had locked up. I’m glad I got off the road when I did, otherwise I feel I could have been driving and experienced that sudden lock up and loss of control which could have been a serious accident with log trucks up and down that highway all day long. This vehicle is my wife’s primary vehicle and always has been maintained to a T just like all of our GM vehicles have. My daughter just graduated and drives our passed down 2005 Tahoe with over 300k miles that we bought in 2006. This has never happened to us and I feel it is a serious safety issue on the 6.2
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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