2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Complaints

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE — Filed 10/04/2026

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power, stalled, and failed to return to normal operation. The contact researched and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V739000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. A dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone, and the manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 09/25/2026

I am writing to report a serious safety defect regarding the Driver's Side LED headlight assembly on my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe (VIN: [XXX]. While driving, the headlight suddenly dropped completely out of alignment and is now pointing directly at the ground, casting light only a few feet in front of the bumper. Upon inspection, it was determined that the internal plastic headlight adjuster mechanism completely snapped/failed. This failure has created an immediate and severe night-driving hazard. Because the LED headlight now illuminates only the ground immediately in front of the vehicle, forward visibility on the driver side is effectively reduced to zero at highway speeds. This drastically reduces my reaction time to avoid pedestrians, debris, or oncoming obstacles, making the vehicle unsafe to operate after dark. The internal plastic adjuster mechanism cannot be purchased or repaired separately. General Motors requires the replacement of the entire sealed headlight assembly, which costs upwards of $1,500. This is not a wear-and-tear item; it is a premature structural failure of a critical safety component. I request that this failure be investigated as a safety defect to protect other motorists from sudden loss of nighttime visibility. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ENGINE — Filed 08/29/2026

The vehicle suffered complete internal engine failure due to a snapped timing chain on startup. The vehicle turned over via the starter motor but failed to start. A professional diagnosis confirmed the broken timing chain caused extensive valve-to-piston damage, requiring a full engine replacement. This failure appears to be a direct consequence of the known 6.2L L87 V8 engine crankshaft and connecting rod manufacturing defects. Severe mechanical resistance or violent rotational harmonics at the crankshaft level place un-engineered stress on the timing drive system, causing the chain to snap under startup torque. All broken components are preserved and available for inspection. The defect creates a severe risk of sudden, total loss of propulsion while driving. Had the compromised timing chain snapped at highway speeds rather than on startup, it would cause immediate engine seizure, a sudden loss of power steering, and a loss of power brake vacuum assist. This leaves the driver unable to accelerate or safely steer out of active traffic, creating an extreme risk of a high-speed crash.The broken timing chain and total engine destruction were officially diagnosed and confirmed by professional automotive repair technicians.The damaged components have been inspected by independent repair representatives. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by General Motors because this specific VIN is excluded from the current recall scope. There were no warning lamps, check engine lights, or diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) prior to parking the vehicle, and no outward symptoms of severe engine stress were present until the complete no-start failure.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 06/01/2026

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.

ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 09/04/2026

On [XXX], while driving near Mammoth Mountain, California (Highway [XXX]), the vehicle suffered a sudden, severe engine malfunction. The engine began misfiring violently, accompanied by a loud, mechanical clacking noise, and experienced an immediate loss of propulsion power. This mechanical failure left my family—including young children—completely stranded on the side of a mountain highway in a secluded wilderness area with dropping temperatures (39°F) and active local wildlife Because the vehicle could not safely maintain highway speeds or generate sufficient power, it created an immediate and severe traffic safety hazard, forcing us to secure emergency transport for the vehicle. Which took 4hours for someone to come out to the secluded hwy on a holiday weekend. Dealership Diagnostic Findings A formal inspection conducted by a certified General Motors dealership (Michael Hohl Motor Company) confirmed the following: Symptoms: Gas engine diagnostic confirmed "Misfire, and clacking noises coming from passenger side of the motor." Diagnosis: Cylinder Head / Valve / Lifter / Lash Adjuster failure. The dealership documented a collapsed lifter and recommended a complete engine tear-down to inspect lifters and pushrods for wear or bending. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

POWER TRAIN — Filed 09/19/2026

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 09/15/2026

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe – Unexpected Shutdown/Restart While Stopped On two separate occasions, my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe has unexpectedly appeared to shut down while I was stopped with my foot on the brake. The vehicle is equipped with Auto Stop/Start, and initially the event seems like a normal Auto Stop. However, instead of a normal engine Auto Stop/Start cycle, the vehicle appears to shut down or reset more completely. The event is jarring, and the power door locks lock/unlock as the vehicle shuts down and restarts. The vehicle subsequently restarts and I have been able to continue driving. This has now occurred twice while stopped. I am concerned that the vehicle may be experiencing an unintended stall, loss of electrical power, or another malfunction rather than normal Auto Stop/Start operation. I checked my VIN through NHTSA and it does not currently show an open recall. I am aware that certain 2021 Chevrolet Tahoes have previously been recalled for a condition that could result in an engine stall, although my VIN does not appear to be included in that recall population.

AIR BAGS — Filed 08/02/2026

I received an automated message from the vehicle stating to service the safety restraint system. I took the car to the local dealer and they ran a diagnostic review. There is a TSB for the vehicle and they say that the problem is coming from the overhead console part number 86575239. This part is not available anywhere. I contacted General Motors and requested assistance. All they have done is escalate it to the parts delay team. When I called today, all they say is they do not have any information available. They can’t even say when the part will be in stock. The dealership was unable to say that the airbag system would work as required or not. The car is unusable due to the passenger air bag system fault.

ENGINE — Filed 08/25/2026

The number 7 DFM lifter failed and is suspected of failing due to the Active Fuel System. The vehicle is currently at the dealership where it was diagnosed and is awaiting replacement parts that are on GMC back order for a month or longer. The vehicle started shaking on 8/25/26 when idle and the following warning lights were visible: AVS, traction control, and ECU.

ENGINE — Filed 09/10/2026

DFM (Dynamic Fuel Management) system failure causing collapsed lifters, oil consumption, and complete engine failure. To repair our vehicle it will require a complete engine replacement. This has been a known issue with GM and yet there has been no recall to fix the issue. Now our engine must be replaced.

ENGINE — Filed 05/01/2025

Total engine failure. No warning lights shown and vehicle had been checked numerous times and reported as just fine.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 08/29/2025

I drive a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. This occurrence has happened on three separate occasions and each time it was raining outside. The first occurrence, my vehicle was running and parked in the rain after driving approximately 5 miles. While parked my check engine light came on with a series of warnings: service ECS, service traction control, forward collision system unavailable, reduced acceleration drive with care. Two days later it went away. The second occurrence, I was driving in the rain for approximately 22 miles and briefly parked with my vehicle running. I then turned out of a parking lot and began to accelerate to speed up and the check engine light came on along with all the same messages, this time my vehicle acceleration had seized and wouldn’t go faster than 30 MPH. I slowly drove back to the parking lot and turned the vehicle off to let it sit, disconnected the battery and reconnected, and the issues went away. The third occurrence, I was driving on the highway in the rain for approximately 10 miles, I went to merge into a right hand lane, I took my foot off the acceleration peddle to slow down for the merge and as I slightly turned the wheel to the right, my vehicle spun out three times, throwing the back end of the Tahoe into the inner highway wall, which spun me again to face the right direction, next to a highway exit. I then went to accelerate to exit the highway but noticed my vehicle would only coast and realized my engine had cut out at some point. I started the vehicle and exited the highway and parked in a parking lot only feet away from the exit. After I parked I noticed all the same warning lights came back on. Each occurrence happened on [XXX], [XXX], [XXX]. My vehicle was towed to Gunn GMC Collision Center in Selma, Tx and will be looked at on September 3, 2025 around 8:00am. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 06/01/2025

Our vehicle was rear ended and the front passenger seatbelt did not lock or (possibly) locked too late. The front passenger's face hit the dashboard, as well as their knees and feet. The vehicle that hit ours was estimated to be travelling at about 45 mph and we were rolling at around 5 mph in traffic. The failure has not been able to be reproduced by the collision center, the sensor callibration contractor, nor the dealership. No sensors showed any failures and the tension appears to be correct on the seatbelt. We have been unable to determine why the seatbelt failed during this incident and if the vehicle will react appropriately in the event of another collision.

AIR BAGS — Filed 12/12/2024

Air bags did not deploy after significant frontal damage. No warning that the air bag sensor was bad.

TIRES,WHEELS — Filed 09/22/2023

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe equipped with Good Year Tires, Tire Line: Wrangler Trail Runner AT, Tire Size: 275/60/R20, and DOT number M6W0JA3R3121. The contact stated that while entering her driveway, the driver's side front tire, wheel, and hub detached from the vehicle and crashed into an unknown parked vehicle located in the driveway. The contact was unconscious for a period of time, and she woke to the vehicle sliding against the parked vehicle and garage. The contact stated that she was unconscious, but no medical attention was provided. There were no reports of air bag deployment, fire, or a police report filed. OnStar notified her that her front driver's side tire had a problem. The contact's neighbor, who is an independent mechanic, stated that the tire broke and detached. The contact called a local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage of the tire and the vehicle was approximately 14,200.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 02/01/2024

2 ISSUES - 1) vehicle repaired 5 times for "transmission" problem by replacing wiring harnesses. On 5th attempt, the GM factory part or the technician caused the Tahoe to catch fire. Worst part is that it happened 1 hour after test driving and parking the car at their dealership, thankfully, I would normally have driven it home and it would have destroyed my home too. GM investigated and was unable to determine cause. 2) each time the "transmission" error occurred the GM car went into what they call the "limp" mode. The car immediately loses speed control and drifts to about 35 mph until you have control of the accelerator. I was on an interstate going +70 mph to pass a semi and immediately after passing the car went into Limp Mode, the semi nearly rear ended me and then passed me blowing his horn and cursing me. GM could certainly correct this latter issue by creating a warning on the screen that gives the driver ample time to pull over and address the problem as they do when DEF fluid (this was a diesel) is low and will give warning to add DEF or reduce speed after so many additional miles are driven. The former issue needs to be addressed immediately too, I've noted 4 other drivers on social media that had similar fires. Both of these issues could have resulted in serious injury to me or my family.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 10/25/2023

The airbags failed to deploy in my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe after being involved in an accident where another vehicle t-boned my vehicle on the passenger side front end to rear end causing severe damage and pushing my vehicle with great force. A police report was taken by officers that responded to the traffic accident. A claim was filed with my auto insurance and my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe is currently being repaired as it was not deemed a total loss. Myself and my passengers were injured and received and continue receiving medical treatment for our injuries; our safety was definitely placed at risk. Before being involved in this accident, warning alerts/lamps would appear on the vehicle’s dashboard indicating to “service the safety restraint system” and also to “open then close passenger window” which in turn led me to take the vehicle in for service however the dealer said it could not be duplicated nor did the computer show any alerts. After the accident, I Contacted General Motors and filed a claim for the non deployment of the airbags, they in turn are conducting their investigation.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 03/31/2023

On three (3) different occasions, I put the SUV in Park and the car engaged, and the "P" lit up as engaged. As I took my foot off the brake, the SUV went into Drive and rolled. This last time, the SUV did this at my kid's school Ater putting it in Park, I took my foot off the brake and turned to get the kids unbuckled, and my foot accidentally pushed the gas pedal. The SUV went into drive on its own and the SUV drove over the sidewalk hitting a rock staircase causing an accident with all 4 kids in my SUV. This is the 3rd time, and I don't know what to do about it. Thankfully there were no kids in front of the SUV.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 01/03/2023

Panoramic sunroof exploded suddenly and without any warning.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 07/09/2021

Brakes fail a low speed, less than 10 MPH. Happen three times. First time there was an accident. I have a dash cam. I had to place the Tahoe into park to get it to stop. Was at dealership for bent push rods for 15 day. I ask them to check the brakes. I guess there were to busy and never checked them (Nucar Chevrolet). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFjiqRWFXuE

ENGINE — Filed 01/25/2022

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that stated while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied caught fire without warning. The contact noticed there was smoke and flames emerging from the vehicle, and it burnt to the ground. There were no reported injuries. The contact's belongings purse and wallet were destroyed in the fire. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was not filed. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but, no further assistance was provided. The vehicle was towed to a salvage investigation lot by the insurance company. The approximate failure mileage 10,000.

STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS — Filed 06/15/2021

While driving on a residential street during daylight hours, on a clear day at approximately 20 miles per hour the right wheel on my car dislodged.  This caused me to lose control of steering the vehicle and strike a parked car.  There were people walking about on the sidewalk at the time and other cars traveling.  When I exited the car I saw that the passenger side was completely on the ground and there were broken pieces and liquid coming from underneath the car.  The axel was broken with a clean break.  The car was then towed to the dealership where I was informed it could not stay.  My insurance company then towed it to their repair shop where upon assessing the damage they could tell that this was not caused by a collision.  General Motors along with our independent investigator examined the parts and vehicle. Leaving me without a vehicle for 4 months.  Our Insurance investigator determined this was a defect in manufacturing and GM did not agree.  General Motors will not communicate with us any further on this matter.  Some of the repairs that were made was the left front and CV axel, also the left front aluminum steering knuckle was missing.  This should be investigated for metallurgical discrepancies by an independent lab.  While the car was being inspected there was a recall to the power steering that may apply to the vehicle.  I would like for the NHTSA to investigate this issue.  The car has been repaired and is in my possession and my insurance company has all of the reports, documents, and parts regarding the investigation.  I also have pictures immediately following and a witness to the incident. Had a been traveling on a highway at a higher rate of speed this could have been fatal.  Your assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

STRUCTURE — Filed 07/15/2021

There is a serious cabin air pressure issue in this vehicle. When driving at any speed with the windows up, there is a booming inside the cabin, as if the passengers are inside of a subwoofer. My theory is that the headliner panel has too much flexibility in it due to the ceiling air vents. When driving, it is likely the headliner is bouncing up and down, creating the booming air pressure. Within 2 weeks of delivery of this new car and daily driving, my passengers and I developed serious ear issues which we attributed to the car. It got to the point where I would immediately have pain and ringing in my ears just driving a very short distance. None of my other cars including SUVs cause or have ever caused this issue. It is important to note that with all 4 windows rolled down, the problem does not happen. It's only when the windows are up. I have the LS trim without the sunroof.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 04/12/2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE IDLED AND LOSS POWER. THE CONTACT DETECTED A SMOKE ODOR AND SMOKE CAME INSIDE THE VEHICLE FROM THE REAR SEATS. THE SERVICE ESC, TRACTION CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION, AND ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LINDSAY CHEVROLET (15605 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY, WOODBRIDGE, VA 22191) AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE SENSORS WERE FAULTY AND HAD THE ENGINE COIL REPLACEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE VEHICLE BACK FROM THE DEALER AND WAS DRIVING IN THE DEALER'S LOT WHEN THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT AFTER DIAGNOSIS THAT THE MODULAR SYSTEM NEEDED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL AT THE DEALER AND NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD CONTACT THE DEALER TO SEE WHAT THE DIAGNOSTIC WAS AND WHAT WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,502.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 10/14/2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE DRIVER EXPERIENCED A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. DURING THE INCIDENT, THE PRE COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND DID NOT ACTIVATE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A STEEL TRANSFORMER. DURING THE CRASH THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FRACTURED RIBS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH WAS DUE TO A FAILURE OF THE AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM TO DEPLOY. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT YET NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,400.