general problems of the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe - part 1

During highway driving, alert on dashboard stated “electrical system failing enter idle mode”. Tahoe slowed down and then engine began knocking right as it shut off resulting in needing to coast to the shoulder of the highway safely since engine was off. Towed to dealership and then they came back saying needed a new battery, new alternator belt, pulley and water compartment. After those installed, additional call was made indicating the engine needed a full replacement as it keeps overheating despite no sensor alerts and codes are being tripped. Here we are asked to pay 16k for new engine install and unable to fix.

The backup camera quit working.

Since March of 2025 I have identified a critical safety defect with my vehicle. When driving and without warning, the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, experiences a loss of propulsion, and the engine shuts off. This has occurred multiple times in which I narrowly escaped collisions with other vehicles or objects. If this would occur at a high rate of speed, it would certainly result in serious accident including possible fatality. I have experienced three near-accident scenarios when I had children in the vehicle. I have worked with classic Chevrolet in sugar land, texas who has made six attempts at repair. They have each time found a different component attribute to an error code and replaced that part. After each visit they tell me that the car is fixed and safe to drive. They have never been able to provide a clear explanation as to why I am experience this reoccurring issue, but attribute it to a different part each time. Within 5 days to 2 months, the incident repeats. I have recent video of the incident that I can share. Chevrolet customer care has been minimized my concern and informs me that their service staff has found the vehicle to be fully operational and safe to operate. I have spent over $6,000 in failed repairs. I do not feel safe operating this vehicle. That list of repairs includes: March 7, 2025 - battery replacement March 28, 2025 - DC/DC power converter April 22, 2025 - ecm updates January 8, 2026 - •throttle body replacement •serpentine belt replacement •engine air filter replacement •transmission fluid flush •coolant fluid flush •fuel injection cleaning •hydrogen carbon cleaning service January 23, 2026 - power control module (recall) January 30, 2026 - rear differential system replacement March 10, 2026 - • replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump • replacement of the DC power supply converter • hydrogen carbon cleaning service I can share all invoices. Chevy is not taking this matter seriously. Please support.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a breach in communication with the onstar system. The contact believed that the brakes failed, and several other safety systems became inoperable due to a failure with the onstar system. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 114,000.

The sound in my entire truck goes in and out. Even my blinker signal does not make sound and I have to look down to ensure my blinker is on which could lead to an accident.

My truck was driving perfect and I went to pull into a parking lot in arkansas where I live in long story short it started acting funny trying to idle out and then I heard a knocking noise. It happened twice. Then my service esv light come on next my motor light come on then my auto for a collision system failure light come on. It’s on the dash anyway my vehicle is not running around. It has hardly no power and I smell something under the hood from time to time burning it’s kinda like an electrical smell. I’m not sure. I’m not a mechanic. I’m a [xxx]. I’m a [xxx]!!! but I have to have a way back back-and-forth to work and I cannot drive this vehicle. I have been driving it to work and just straight to home and that’s only like a mile from the shop but I need a replacement vehicle I need to sell mine at wholesale value as you guys said you would that would be greatly appreciated. God bless you guys. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Electric power steering system issue after battery died and had to be jump started.

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 20 mph into the driveway, the engine seized. The contact stated that the service traction, service esc, and engine warning lights were illuminated. Upon research, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA action number: ea25007 (engine, engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and dtc: p0300, p050d, and p0302 were retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and offered to help with the cost of the repair. The approximate failure mileage was 64,572.

When driving the car just stops losing power then the car immediately shuts down and stops driving. I had to call a tow truck when it’s taken to the dealership the fuel pump power control module is faulty. This is a 2021 Tahoe they had to replace the fuel pump, power control module, and this vehicle should not have to be replaced. Chevrolet/GMC knows that these modules will make the vehicle stop wherever it is driving. I happen to be on a freeway going 70 mph and could have been killed. They have not put a recall out to have these modules replaced in any SUV. This is a danger for any driver on the road. This is a lawsuit waiting to happen for people. You know that they are aware this is happening because they paid for the tow and replaced this part that is not warranty now for free. Yes, great that it was paid for but thankful I did not lose my life as I could’ve been rear ended when my car shut down going that fast in the middle of the freeway I am begging that they please put a recall so no one gets injured or killed.

To whom it may concern, I am writing to formally report serious defects with my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe (VIN: [xxx] ) and to request assistance with repair costs. Approximately six months after purchase, when the vehicle had about 22,000 miles (I bought it used with around 19,000 miles), the battery and electrical system failed. I brought it to the dealer and was told there was no issue; they only performed a jump start. Two days later, the vehicle broke down in the middle of the road. I had to pay for a tow truck and replace the battery completely out of pocket. More recently, at about 92,000 miles, the vehicle developed severe engine problems. A certified mechanic diagnosed collapsed afm lifters and camshaft damage. The repair requires oem gm parts and costs approximately $4,500. This issue is widely reported by other gm owners with 5. 3l afm engines and is known to be a manufacturing defect, not a maintenance problem. Please note that my Tahoe has been well maintained, with oil changes always performed on time and using the correct oil and service intervals recommended by gm. Despite this, the vehicle has experienced repeated and costly failures that create unsafe driving conditions. I kindly request that gm review my case and provide assistance with covering the repair costs or reimbursement, given that these issues are the result of known defects and not owner neglect. I look forward to your prompt response. Sincerely, [xxx] [xxx] 33032 [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe original owner. Fuel control module failures. 1. Failed on 6/29/21 at 5,068 miles. Dealer replaced with gm part #13537053. 2. Failed on 8/15/22 at 12,130 miles. Dealer replaced with gm part #13544060 3. Failed on 8/1/25 at 41,247 miles. Dealer replaced with gm part #13554821 on each failure, vehicle was unable to shift to neutral, power remained on, electrical component began shutting down to conserve power, left stranded and required towing with rear wheels being dragged locked up onto tow truck. Once power was shut down, could not operate windows or lock doors other than keyed driver's door. Th entire failure mechanism puts the driver in an extremely unsafe situation. Recall notice #21v739000 was issued on 9/23/21 with to impacted notified owners on 10/14/21. Did not receive this notification since first failure was prior to recall and assume gm considered vehicle repair completed. Note that the fuel module part number has changed 3 times in my case, but part # 3554821 replaces 5 other listed part numbers. Is this the 6th iteration or of this part? what is the root cause of the fuel module failure? is it the module itself failing or an electrical issue that causes the fuel module to short out and fail. Gm/Chevrolet is not solving this issue. With 3 failures of the same component, this is a lemon and I have no comfort or confidence using this vehicle. When will the next failure occur and what unsafe situation will this leave me stranded in? read this issue applied to 2021 and 2022 gm full size SUV's and now reading issues through the 2024's. Unacceptable and poor quality. Gm needs to be held accountable to solve the root cause of these failures and stop putting a replacement band aid on the problem.

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.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the fuel pump module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The fuel pump module was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. After retrieving the vehicle, the message "key not detected" was displayed, and the vehicle was taken back to the local dealer. The dealer performed a diagnostic test and determined that there were 14 separate electrical failures with the tcm, ecm, and bcm. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 37,000.

On 01/03/24, the vehicle stalled and smoked on the suncoast parkway. All dashboard warning lights and messages illuminated, and the vehicle entered emergency park mode. Onstar was contacted and the vehicle was towed to jenkins Chevrolet in homosassa, FL. The failure was linked to a broken pulley and belt system that damaged the ecm and wiring harness. No dtcs were pulled, and mileage in/out was 80042/80043—no test drive performed. On 08/06/24, the vehicle returned to jenkins for a roaring noise. A pulley bearing was replaced, possibly related to the earlier failure. Again, no drivability evaluation or codes recorded. On 03/09/25, the same full system warning lights/messages appeared again. The vehicle experienced harsh shifting and delayed acceleration. It was taken to autonation Chevrolet south clearwater on 03/10/25. Dtcs (p0700, p0717, p2714, p2716, p0706, and u-codes) were found but dismissed. Only the battery was replaced. Mileage in/out was 99494—no test drive performed despite claims one occurred. On 07/08/25, the vehicle again showed full dashboard warnings. Brought back to autonation on 07/09/25. On 07/14/25, customer received a $9,177. 85 estimate including full transmission replacement. Safety was at risk due to repeated stalling, loss of acceleration, and emergency parking mode while driving or merging. These failures could have led to accidents or left the vehicle disabled in traffic. Driver and children were present during each incident. The vehicle is enrolled in onstar and the mychevy app, which provide monthly health reports. Despite these incidents, no faults or warnings were ever shown in the reports. Vehicle remains available for inspection. A case is open with gm. Across 4 service visits, gm-certified dealerships failed to follow proper protocols, including code checks, drivability assessments, and test drives—contributing to delayed diagnosis of transmission failure.

The affected components are the electrical system, engine, and power train. In March 2025, my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe displayed multiple warning lamps across the dash, including traction control and check engine lights. The vehicle shifted erratically and sometimes entered limp mode. I brought the vehicle to autonation Chevrolet south clearwater for inspection. The dealer replaced the battery, dismissed my concerns, and stated that a test drive was performed, but the mileage in and out on the invoice was identical, showing it never actually occurred. Diagnostic trouble codes (p0700, p0717, p2714, p2716, p0706, and multiple u-codes) were present but were not fully investigated. A gm technical service bulletin (21-na-149, December 2022) covers these exact symptoms (caused by engine wiring harness chafing), but it was never referenced or applied. Because the problem was not addressed, the condition worsened. By July 2025, the vehicle suffered a complete transmission failure. At that point, the dealer confirmed the issue, documenting transmission slipping, shuddering, noise, and additional codes (p0700, p077c, p17f6, p17fb, p1872). Gm increased its goodwill contribution from 15% to 40% of the $9,925 repair cost, while autonation offered only $500 despite their role in the missed diagnosis. Safety risk: my family and I were at risk each time the vehicle stalled, lost power, or shifted erratically while driving, including at highway speeds. These failures created a significant risk of collision. The drivability problem was not properly confirmed in March 2025 despite multiple codes being present. By July 2025, the dealer acknowledged and confirmed the transmission failure. The vehicle remains available for inspection, and I have retained all invoices, diagnostic reports, and communications with gm and the dealership.

The affected systems are the power train, engine, and electrical. My 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe experienced failures consistent with gm technical service bulletin 21-na-149 (engine wiring harness chafing) and the conditions outlined in recall n232404190 (valve body failure, November 2024). Beginning in March 2025, the vehicle displayed warning lights and messages including check engine, traction control, service transmission, and limp mode (reduced acceleration – drive with care). The vehicle shifted erratically, lost power, and occasionally failed to accelerate, creating a serious safety hazard at highway speeds. These problems were documented at autonation Chevrolet south clearwater, where multiple diagnostic trouble codes (p0700, p0717, p2714, p2716, p0706, and u-codes) were recorded but not properly investigated. No test drive was performed despite being claimed by the service technician, and the applicable TSB was not referenced. By July 2025, the condition worsened into a complete transmission failure, with additional codes (p0700, p077c, p17f6, p17fb, p1872). The dealer’s estimate required a full transmission replacement at nearly $10,000. Gm reviewed the case through its internal policy evaluation tool and increased goodwill assistance from 15% to 40%, while autonation contributed only $500. Gm’s partial contribution confirms the defect is recognized, yet this VIN remains excluded from the official recall. This issue placed my family and other motorists at significant risk, as sudden loss of power and shifting failures occurred during normal driving conditions. Dealer records, gm documentation, and photographs of warning messages are available. I request that NHTSA expand recall n232404190 to include affected vins such as mine, since the symptoms, diagnostic codes, and confirmed failures match exactly what gm has already identified as a known safety issue.

Failed ota update to information center (radio) has caused radio unit and screen to become inoperable. Blinkers do not sound when on, warning sounds when backup camera are in use no longer work, along with cross traffic warning due to this. It should be noted we did not consent to the ota update, and would have not wanted the update as it has caused damage to this system. Gm know this is an issue and has refused to fix this.

Instrument panel has failed twice and is unresponsive. The gauges move and stay to the left after moving left to right. All lights begin to cycle through error messages. I have video of the issue both times it happened. When it occurs, you don't know your speed you have to guess, the full tank reads empty etc. , and it is dangerous to back up. The vehicle has been diagnosed by one independent mechanic and is currently at the dealership. There was no warning before the instrument cluster failed other than a cycling through of warning messages service transmission check 4x4, service suspension system, service power steering drive with care. -the center screen goes in and out. -when in reverse, the rear camera is black, the screen blinks intermittently. - dealer has stated that the wires are put on incorrectly- if that is the case, I am not sure who would have done that other than the manufacturer. -previously reported there was a strong gasoline smell in the cabin that made it really hard to breathe. Dealer corrected. Right passenger side is intermittently wet with no cause from the interior creating stale smells, making it hard to breathe. It is important to note this is the side where the electrical wires are "put in incorrectly" according to the dealer. I also have a video of what occurs.

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.

We are apart of the safety recall with the potential brake and engine issues, we have contacted the dealership and they have no remedy at the current time for our defective vehicle. We contacted gm to request a buy-back due to the safety issues with the vehicle, told we did not qualify but they have no remedy for our defective truck. We do not fell safe in the vehicle, the brakes are sticking and the engine is making weird noises. We are currently seeking legal representation because we are being forced to drive around our family of 5 in an unsafe vehicle with no remedy or option to trade it in.

Info center with radio, vehicle info, on star keeps going black screen. When this happens I loose all control of info center and on star goes out where no location would be available if the vehicle was in an accident. This is safety concern because with no automatic notifications of accident no one would know if vehicle was in an accident. The vehicle has been to dealer 4 times for this problem since February of this year. Each time the dealer says it needs another update each time. Gm is having this issue with many of the vehicles like this Tahoe. On star is also aware of the issue too. Gm knows there's an issue but now they are saying I have to pay for an update because I am out of my extended warranty even though this has been an ongoing problem which started when I was in warranty. This has to be a programming issue that they need to fix. The vehicle has to be shut off for up to an hour for screen and controls to come back on which is safety issue because no way to change any settings for vehicle and safety backup because of no on star.

On 2 occasions the dash lights and gauges do not turn on when the vehicle is on. The first time this happened I was driving and was no longer able to see my speed or any other details provided by the gauges. We changed the fuse and it seemed to work for 1 day. The next day I turned the vehicle on, was able to drive but none of the dash features were functioning again. Will be taking to dealership when available scheduling to have it evaluated.

Vehicle brake module system failed after being replaced one week ago. All of my systems system lights are coming on on my dashboard. I cannot drive past 62 mph. This is the second time that this has happened under a month after vehicle being serviced at a gm dealership.

My vehicle performed an update without my knowledge. When I got back into my vehicle after a quick stop the infotainment system said "update failed - return to dealer". I did so and was informed that a reprogram was attempted but failed so the entire system needed replaced. There is active recalls I'm told on newer model vehicles with the same issue but mine is not included. So, after the ota update I didn't ask to take place I'm stuck paying $1,300 for a new infotainment system. I called gm who basically told me without there being a recall there was nothing they could do.

Stopped for gas, then proceeded to leave store, the check engine light came on, and car immediately shut off while on the highway going ~25mph. Car would not turn back on, and then lights for fuel machine error started coming on. Car sat there trying to turn on, lights off, and then would say push start button, but nothing happened. Car began to shake and continued to try to turn on, yet nothing happened. Car was towed to home, sat for an hour and then started again, check engine light remains on.

What failed: main radio. Safety concerns: gm sent an over the air update to car around July 5, 2024 and the update broke the whole radio system to my car. I now have no access to onstar, bluetooth for phone safety, maps, blinkers on side mirrors, radio etc. Dealer mentioned it is a very common problem with this particular gm product and the over the air update to cars. When I asked to turn this feature off so it doesn't happen again it is not an option. The Chevrolet dealer and a sound system specialist has inspected vehicle. Sound system specialist said this part may only be replaced by the dealer as it is the high end radio system. There was no warning of the update happening. The car was in great condition until this update was pushed through in the middle of the day. Now I am being quoted $2000 to fix it with no guarantee that it wont happen again.

I am experiencing loss of power just like the recall shows for campaign 22v036000 powertrain. Engine stall in the middle of the street just like it shows for the fuel system 21v73 9000. I have stalled in the middle of the street including today four times and a month. The dealership can’t seem to find what’s wrong. Nor other places. I don’t think they are looking hard enough at the dealership. I almost got killed by another car going at least 65 mph while I was stuck in the middle of the street at a stoplight. These are all different days. While working and people in my car.

Vehicle infotainment system will randomly "restart" or shut off completely when vehicle is being drove, but will still be playing music also all time and temperature (outside temp) will freeze when this happens. It also make the battery drain when this happens. The only way to get the screen to come back on weve tried is to disconnect battery. Weve replaced the battery, weve had a chevy dealership look into it. No one can figure out what is happening. Now it is happening more and more. We also do not receive updates anymore to the infotainment system. The dealership had to manually do it a year ago. Also will not keep our proifile signed in at all. Always says were stuck in guest mode. Says we have full storage when there is not any apps downloaded.

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.

Alternator in 2021 Tahoe has went bad twice now! I’m on my third one. Obviously there is a issue for this needing to be replaced so often.

This is the second engine I’ve had replaced since I bought the vehicle in December 21, 2023. The first engine failed in August of 2022 while I was driving on the highway. The vehicle began to smoke and shut down while I was driving on the highway. The vehicle shut down and I had to use the current momentum of the vehicle to pull over to the shoulder. The vehicle would not come out of gear and would not restart. I complained of transmission problems ever since the engine was replaced. The service department escalated the concerns to the gm engineers who never gave directions to check the transmission fluid or physically check the transmission. January 24 of this year I was on the highway driving to work when the vehicle again shut down. The dash stated restart the vehicle. While in motion the vehicle was trying to shift to neutral. I informed the dealer of this message and they claim they took note of it. With the vehicle not being able to start or move out of gear the tow truck had to drag the vehicle onto the bed of the tow truck. This also occurred on the first engine failure as well.

The fuel pump power control module failed. We were driving on the interstate going around 75mph with traffic. The car suddenly lost power dropped to 60, 40, 20 in 5 seconds. We barley made if off the hwy`s left side when the Tahoe died. Would not start back up and locked in park. Had to be towed on a flat bed dragged up the bed and brought to the chevy dealer who confirmed the fuel pump power control module failed and replaced under warranty. We have a 2021 Tahoe, there is a recall for this part but it did not include our VIN. Really scary breakdown and could have been hit by another car.

The truck had an airbag malfunction notice on the information center. We took the truck to the dealer and was told that it was an electrical problem with the airbags. That the only way to have it covered under warranty was for the vehicle to be under the bumper to bumper warranty. The truck at the time the mileage was 39844. We had the truck fixed since it was a safety issue. It cost $420+ to fix it. We feel that it should have been covered due to a safety issue.

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.