2021 Chevrolet Tahoe: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 368 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the engine, fuel system, and transmission. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2021- Owner complaints
- 368
- Recalls
- 16
- Crashes reported
- 9
- 9 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/3
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/1
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Tahoe is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 5.3L 8-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 18 mpg |
| 6.2L 8-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 16–17 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cylDiesel | 4WD, RWD | 22–24 mpg |
- The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe was sold in three versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Tahoe that averages well under the EPA 16 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Early valve lifter failure
2,000–18,000 miles
Early fuel pump module stall
10,500–12,130 miles
Headlight adjuster breaks
13,540–60,000 miles
Fuel pump control module stall
35,000–38,000 miles
Airbag restraint system warning
37,000–45,000 miles
Lifter and camshaft failure
60,000–85,000 miles
Transmission slipping or failure
68,000–69,100 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Engine84No crashes
Valve lifters fail on the 5.3 V8, and the engine loses power without warning while moving. It misfires, bangs or knocks, shakes hard, and flashes the check engine light along with stability and traction warnings. A failed lifter often bends a pushrod and ruins the camshaft, and some engines need full replacement. Failures appear as early as 2,000 miles but cluster between 60,000 and 85,000 miles. Repeat failures are common when dealers replace lifters on only one bank. One report describes a parked, unoccupied vehicle burning at about 10,000 miles.
Fuel system70No crashes
The engine shuts off while driving or refuses to restart, and the fuel pump control module is the usual diagnosis. Stalls happen at idle, in intersections, and at highway speed, often with no warning light. Once dead, the vehicle cannot be shifted to neutral, so tow trucks drag it on locked wheels. Failures start as early as 3,500 miles and can repeat after replacement. Many owners find their VIN excluded from existing recalls, pay out of pocket, and wait on back-ordered parts. A separate report describes a persistent fuel leak and odor.
The vehicle stalls or loses power without warning, from parking-lot speeds up to 70 mph, and often will not restart. Dealers almost always diagnose a failed fuel pump power control module. Failures cluster around 35,000 to 38,000 miles, and several owners report the module failing again after replacement. Many link the failure to an existing fuel system recall but find their VIN excluded. A dead vehicle can stay stuck in Park, which complicates towing. One owner reports a cracked high-pressure fuel pump leaking gasoline, with fuel odor in the cabin.
Transmission561 crash
Transmission faults take many forms. The gearbox slips, revs and jerks, drops into limp mode, or loses reverse entirely. One transmission control module failure left a vehicle stranded at about 15,000 miles with no replacement part available. Engine lifter failures also land in this category. The rear differential moans, whines, or chatters in turns, especially when cold, and a fluid service under a bulletin does not always fix it. One owner reports the vehicle rolling and crashing after showing Park, and another vehicle caught fire after repeated wiring harness repairs.
Electrical391 crash
Sudden power loss and no-start conditions dominate, often traced to the fuel pump control module, with repeat failures on the same vehicle. Warning lights for stability control, traction control, and forward collision flash at once, and some trucks refuse to go over 62 mph. The instrument cluster or center screen goes black, sometimes at highway speed, and repeated dealer visits and software updates do not always cure it. One crash report with 3 injuries cites airbags that did not deploy, and one vehicle filled with smoke from the rear seats.
Airbags151 crash
The Service Safety Restraint System warning and airbag light come on repeatedly, sometimes every few minutes, and dealers say the airbags may not deploy while it is lit. The usual diagnosis is a wiring harness or connector under the driver's seat that is too short or damaged by seat movement. Repairs often do not hold, a bulletin fix failed for at least one owner, and parts can be back-ordered for weeks. Some trucks show the warning within days of purchase. One crash report describes airbags that did not deploy after heavy frontal damage.
Brakes132 crashes
Front brakes squeal loudly at low speed, a pattern reported across police versions and fleets, and repeated pad and rotor replacements do not stop it. More serious reports describe the pedal sinking to the floor, brakes failing at low speed, or warning lights followed by lost braking. One owner was told the master cylinder needed replacing a third time. Automatic emergency braking reportedly failed to engage in a crash with an injury at 3,400 miles. The parking brake sometimes releases on an incline with the engine running.
Steering121 crash
Power steering assist cuts out, making the wheel hard or impossible to turn, sometimes at low speed or after a dead battery. A Service Steering Column Lock message appears repeatedly, and one owner reports losing steering control when it showed. Several owners match their symptoms to a steering recall but find their VIN excluded. Grinding or groaning in turns, worse when cold, also appears and overlaps with rear differential noise. One crash report with an injury describes a wheel separating at about 20 mph after the axle broke.
Exterior lights12No crashes
The driver's side headlight adjuster breaks, and the beam drops toward the ground, leaving poor visibility at night. It cannot be readjusted, so the fix is a full headlight assembly, which means removing the grille or front bumper. Failures show up between about 13,540 and 60,000 miles and can recur after a warranty replacement. Owners report no recall coverage and costly out-of-pocket repairs. A separate report notes the low-mounted headlight knob can be bumped off by the driver's knee.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Tahoe owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Vehicle has no warning of issues. Regular maintenance had been performed and had 80k miles. Driving down a 4 lane the engine locked up and lost power. We have been waiting on it to be repaired for 4 months now. The engine is back ordered from GM and no one can find used ones. We found a refurbished one but it also locked up within 30 minutes of being installed. I was warrantied so now we are having ours rebuilt but is costing us $14k.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2025
GM has a known issue with engine lifters on this model engine that fail around 60,000 miles. Customer service managers even stated so themselves and GM has a TSB related to this. Repair bill is $5K-$6K if it doesn’t bend the cam shaft and upwards of $10K if cam is bent. This is a huge safety issue because vehicle fails while in motion, shakes violently, and numerous safety features the driver relies on turn off.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2025
Recently, while idling in parking space the vehicle stalled and engine and fuel lights came on. The vehicle was towed to the nearest dealer, and the diagnosis was a failure of the fuel pump control module. The vehicle has less than 10,500 miles. The dealer stated that over the last four days, two other vehicles were brought in for the same issue.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2022
Fuel Pump Module Failure at 27k miles, experienced total loss of power while driving. GM issued a recall for this part in other 2021 Tahoes, but said my vehicle is not included in the recall. Researching online this seems to be a large problem with this model year, yet they did not recall all vehicles. Clearly mine was effected.
Filed with NHTSA, April 2025
i have a 2021 Tahoe with 68,000 miles on it. On March 14 my transmission started slipping while driving. the RPM would rev up, the car would jerk forward and then the RPM would fall back down. did this to me 6 times while driving. i got my car home, called the dealership. went to drive it to the dealership and the car would no longer go in reverse. had to have the car towed to the dealership.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2025
Check Engine Light Came On. Upon Diagnosis', the engine is misfiring, lifters are not performing correctly and there are critical engine alerts and an estimate of 11,000 to fix. 2021 - 83,000 miles v8 - 5.3 NOT the 6.2 and no one will help me bc my power train expires. I am the only owner. Second brand new Tahoe ai bought from this dealership and they are doing nothing to help.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2025
Car stopped while in motion, engine shutdown and could not be put into neutral to move vehicle out of traffic. Car had to be towed away. Only 37 k miles. This is the Second time this has happened in traffic posing a major safety hazard. Fuel control module was what shut down the car while driving the first time. Now it has failed again
Filed with NHTSA, August 2025
Truck want go over 62 miles heater comes on full blast truck reduces speed while drive and transmission want shift 4wd error comes on service climate system comes on the power steering error comes on the service esc and washer fluid system error comes on it seems like an electrical manufacture error with the truck
Filed with NHTSA, May 2025
How the 2021 compares with other Tahoe years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2021 has the most owner complaints of the 8 Tahoe years we cover, about 4.3 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Engine8425
- Fuel system702
- Transmission5615
- Electrical3914
- Airbags153
- Brakes136
Recalls to confirm (16)
Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
25V619000Fuel systemSep 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.
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.
25V274000EngineApr 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.
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 for this recall is N252494000.
24V797000TransmissionOct 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.
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. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.
22V827000Exterior lightsNov 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.".
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.
22V617000Seat beltsAug 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.
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 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222372380.
22V036000TransmissionJan 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.
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.
21V739000Fuel systemSep 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.
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.
21V579000BrakesJul 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.
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.
21V455000SteeringJun 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.
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.
21V421000AirbagsJun 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.
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.
21V210000Seat beltsMar 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.".
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.
21V190000Seat beltsMar 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.
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.
21V064000Fuel systemFeb 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.
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.
20V811000Seat beltsDec 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.
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.
20V792000Seat beltsDec 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.
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.
20V735000SeatsNov 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.
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.
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