AutoDefect IQ

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe problems, complaints & recalls

Most-reported problem areas: Engine (91) · Fuel/Propulsion System (83) · Power Train (73)

🧭 Reliability snapshot

77 /100
⚠ Buy with caution

Compared against other Chevrolet Tahoe model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →

🛣️ Complaints by mileage

<25k miles: 35 complaints 35 <25k 25–50k miles: 22 complaints 25–50k 50–75k miles: 22 complaints 50–75k 75–100k miles: 15 complaints 75–100k 100–125k miles: 4 complaints 100–125k 125–150k miles: 3 complaints 125–150k 150k+ miles: 1 complaints 150k+

102 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.

464
Complaints
16
Recalls
1,477
Service bulletins
9
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
0
Deaths

Safety recalls (16)

Fuel System, Diesel:storage:tank Assembly 2025-09-18 · campaign 25V619000 · 12 vehicles

Defect: 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.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a vehicle fire.

Fix: 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.

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/Mechanical 2025-04-24 · campaign 25V274000 · 597,571 vehicles

Defect: 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.

Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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

Power Train:automatic Transmission:fluid/Lubricant:valves/Valve Body 2024-10-24 · campaign 24V797000 · 463,295 vehicles

Defect: 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.

Risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Exterior Lighting:lighting Control Module:software 2022-11-03 · campaign 22V827000 · 338,735 vehicles

Defect: 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."

Risk: Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Seat Belts:critical Fasteners 2022-08-11 · campaign 22V617000 · 484,155 vehicles

Defect: 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.

Risk: A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: 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

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft 2022-01-27 · campaign 22V036000 · 1,789 vehicles

Defect: 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.

Risk: Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump:control/Drive Module 2021-09-23 · campaign 21V739000 · 14,939 vehicles

Defect: 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.

Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:electric:control Module:software 2021-07-29 · campaign 21V579000 · 2 vehicles

Defect: 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.

Risk: Overall braking performance may be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Steering:steering Control Module 2021-06-17 · campaign 21V455000 · 26,847 vehicles

Defect: 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.

Risk: Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Electrical System:software 2021-06-10 · campaign 21V421000 · 285,622 vehicles

Defect: 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.

Risk: The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

Seat Belts:rear/Other 2021-03-25 · campaign 21V210000 · 5 vehicles

Defect: 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."

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Seat Belts:rear/Other 2021-03-18 · campaign 21V190000 · 94,641 vehicles

Defect: 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.

Risk: A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.

Fix: 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly 2021-02-11 · campaign 21V064000 · 18 vehicles

Defect: 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.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

Seat Belts:critical Fasteners 2020-12-23 · campaign 20V811000 · 470 vehicles

Defect: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Seat Belts:critical Fasteners 2020-12-17 · campaign 20V792000 · 624,216 vehicles

Defect: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Seats:critical Fasteners 2020-11-25 · campaign 20V735000 · 94 vehicles

Defect: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Service bulletins (1,477)

Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.

Unknown Or Other 2026-10-05 · PIT6477D · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

this preliminary pi was created to advise techniians in the field that they will not be able to perform a gds automated bleed with the scan tool dues to a issue with the software in the scan tool

Unknown Or Other 2026-09-26 · PIT5698F · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

this pi provides diagnostics tips on how the lin bus works and how to diagnosis it.

Unknown Or Other 2026-09-10 · PIT5801F · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

this preliminary information communicates diagnostic tips for air leveling suspension system.

Unknown Or Other 2026-09-04 · PIP4902W · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

this preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email gds2 session logs into technical assistance.

Unknown Or Other 2026-08-26 · PIT5869B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

this pi provides a diagnostic tip when fuse f4dr is opening and dealerships are to inspect the wiring at the center console lid.

Unknown Or Other 2026-08-20 · PIC6551C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

this preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a mec reset for wireless projection issues

Showing the 6 most recent of 1,477 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.

What owners report

2026-10-29 · Fuel/Propulsion System

“fuel pump control module failed at under 60k miles. no parts in stock and was told by dealer, no parts anytime soon. this is unacceptable, especially since this is a known problem. a rental car should be provided as expected wait time is now going on two weeks.…”

2026-10-28 · Engine

“driving on the highway when all lights lit up on the dashboard. car slowed down immediately following alert notifications. towed to dealer. was told i needed camshaft and both banks of lifters all head bolts and head gaskets (w) [other]: camshaft actuator and bolt and chain tensioner …”

2026-10-27 · Fuel/Propulsion System

“while driving down interstate at approx. 55-65mph, vehicle "sputtered" and shut off while driving. vehicle would crank but not start. after sitting approx. 10 mins, was able to restart and drive approx. one mile or less before "sputter" and vehicle died, followed by another crank no start. no check engine lights came on. vehicle was in roadway in v…”

2026-10-22 · Fuel System, Gasoline · 96,202 mi

“the contact owns a 2021 chevrolet tahoe. while the contact’s wife was driving 55 mph, the vehicle unexpectedly started losing automotive power before the vehicle stalled. the driver was able to safely guide the vehicle to the shoulder of the highway. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a fuel pump power con…”

2026-10-21 · Steering

“while traveling at highway speeds, the vehicle experienced an instantaneous, simultaneous, and total failure of both the electronic eboost braking system and the electronic power steering assist. the dashboard flashed multiple critical system malfunction notifications with zero prior warning. when attempting to slow down, the brake pedal sank compl…”

2026-10-19 · Service Brakes

“there are thousands of people across social media and internet websites with the same exact problem they are having with 2021 chevy tahoe. there has also been multiple recalls for the same problem but seems it was not issued for all the vehicles that has this default. the brake service light first came on the dash along with service esc, max speed …”

2026-10-19 · Fuel/Propulsion System

“fpcm went out about 2 hours from home vehicle only has a little over 12000 miles there's a recall for this problem just not under our vin how does a part go bad that is recalled the same year but isn't covered …”

2026-10-14 · Power Train

“vehicle is a 2021 chevrolet tahoe premier with under 50,000 miles. the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of reverse gear, accompanied by violent lurching, sputtering, and dangerous hesitation/stuttering while accelerating between gears at speed. a certified dealership inspection physically diagnosed the vehicle with multiple stuck valv…”

2026-10-13 · Power Train

“my car on the dash board said do not accelerate and was shaking and the gear would not go into reverse. when i tried the car would not move. i towed the car to local chevy dealer and when i told them about n242454441 or related safety campaigns like n242454440 nothing came up for my vin but was informed gm had this program specifically for my code…”

2026-10-05 · Fuel System, Gasoline · 50,000 mi

“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 bac…”

Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.

Other Chevrolet Tahoe years