general problems of the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe - part 1

Driving car, suddenly when accelerating engine light started flashing, car was shaking and making knocking noise.

We just recently had the cam shaft and lifters replaced, as the vehicle began experiencing a knocking sound. The repair was supposedly completed, and they gave the truck back. We took the truck back in within a week, bc we continued to hear the sound. They sent it back saying they didn’t hear anything after test driving it. Over the weekend the car shut off after beginning to shake uncontrollably. Now supposedly the camshaft bearing is gone, and the truck experience engine failure. I spoke with someone previously, as the issue being repaired hundred thousands of cars were recalled for the same issue. I was told that it wasn’t on the same line, even though my truck was experiencing the exact issue and fell under the years. We were placed back on the road with our family, with a vehicle.

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).

2021 to 2024 has had countless problems with the 6. 2l engine. General motors has put a stop of sale on vehicles with this engine. When I purchased the car the wrong oil was in the car which always burned off with 2 months after an oil change. They figured out the right oil but the damage has already been done.

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.

I am writing to formally document serious engine defects I have experienced with my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe equipped with the 5. 3l l84 v8 engine. 1. Crankshaft failure omy Tahoe suffered a catastrophic crankshaft failure that required major repair/replacement. Oi am aware that gm has recalled certain vehicles equipped with the 6. 2l l87 engine for crankshaft and rod-bearing defects. Obased on my experience, the same or a very similar defect has also occurred in my 5. 3l engine, which is currently not included in that recall. 2. Valve lifter failure oin addition, my vehicle has suffered from valve lifter collapse—a well-documented problem in 2021–2022 gm trucks and suvs with both the 5. 3l and 6. 2l engines. Othis caused severe misfiring, drivability issues, and expensive repair needs. Why this is a concern: •both failures occurred well before what would be expected of a modern engine. •the crankshaft failure raises a safety risk: sudden loss of propulsion while driving could lead to accidents. •the lifter issue is widely reported by other owners and has been the subject of gm service bulletins. •taken together, these problems suggest systemic defects in the 2021 Tahoe’s 5. 3l engine that have not been adequately addressed by gm. Requested action: •I ask gm to extend recall and warranty coverage to include the 5. 3l l84 engine in addition to the 6. 2l l87. •I ask NHTSA to consider investigating whether the scope of the current 6. 2l recall should be broadened to include 5. 3l engines, given failures like mine. •at minimum, I request assistance in covering repair/replacement costs for both the crankshaft and lifter defects, which are clearly not due to normal wear and tear. Vehicle details: •year/make/model: 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe •engine: 5. 3l v8 l84.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. While driving 25 mph, the vehicle stalled in the street. The vehicle was eventually restarted and was driven to the family’s residence. After arriving at the residence, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that the failure was like the failure in NHTSA campaign number 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling). There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.

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).

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while his wife was attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over as intended. No warning light was illuminated. Upon further inspection, the contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact used an obd-2 diagnostic scanner and retrieved dtc: p129f and u18a2. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it remained for further investigation. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe (VIN: [xxx] ) which has developed a severe transmission shudder at both low and highway speeds. The issue has been confirmed by my Chevrolet dealer, who provided an estimate of $5,492. 18 for torque converter and valve body replacement. This failure is identical to the torque converter shudder problem documented in gm service bulletins and special coverage adjustments for other gm vehicles of the same make, model, and model year. However, my VIN is not currently included in those programs, leaving me without coverage despite experiencing the exact same defect. I believe this condition poses a serious safety risk, as the shudder occurs while driving at highway speeds, causing vibration, hesitation, and potential loss of control. These symptoms could lead to accidents if the vehicle fails to respond properly during acceleration or lane changes. Given that this appears to be a widespread defect affecting multiple gm vehicles, I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate and consider expanding any related recall or special coverage programs to include affected vins such as mine. Please let me know if further documentation, service records, or dealer estimates are needed to support my complaint. Thank you for your time and for working to ensure vehicle safety. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal ticking and knocking sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the nearby dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed based on the abnormal sounds. The dealer determined that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 187,000.

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 while driving at approximately 40 mph, and accelerating to merge onto a highway, the check engine warning started flashing on the instrument cluster. The contact stated she heard an abnormal sound like "clunking" from under the floor boards and the engine compartment. The contact pulled over and stopped the vehicle and had it towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the number 6 lifter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA safety hotline. The contact stated that the failure was a known problem by the manufacturer and was offered some monetary assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

I was driving down I-635 (dallas) at 70mph on Friday 7/25 when my Tahoe started shaking, knocking and had complete engine failure. I managed to regain control and slow to the service road. Thankfully the car next to me was paying attention & swerved to avoid me, but honked at me the entire time. The vehicle was towed and we are being told we need to replace the engine for $14,500. As I’ve researched, the 6. 2l is recalled for this exact issue. The 5. 3l has no current recall but I’m clearly experiencing the same engine failure and being told I’m responsible for it. I had no prior warnings & have regularly maintained this vehicle. Any chance others have complained about the 5. 3l as well & our Tahoe’s should be included in this recall?.

Engine starting banging loudly and misfiring. There was a loss of power and engine codes. Brought to the dealer and they said cylinder #4 was misfiring due to a stuck lifter, bent push rod and destoyed cam. Total cost of repair was $9200. Vehicle is less than 4 years old an has 75,000 miles on it.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power and shut off unexpectedly. The contact stated that several attempts were needed to restart the vehicle to continue driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated during the failure. The vehicle made an abnormal ticking sound while idling. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 24,971.

Lifter failure and camshaft failure. Found metal in engine oil that has caused bearing failure and engine damage. While driving the Tahoe on [xxx] I experience a jolt on the front right side. Then warning messages regarding the traction control and to service the esc appeared. As I cleared those messages my engine light was blinking and several other dash lights were lit up. There was a knocking sound. I contacted the dealership (coyle Chevrolet in clarksville, in) and they sent a tow truck to bring it in. They assumed it would be in the recall but it is not. I am without a vehicle and the engine is backordered. It's not right that gm is picking which engines they are going to include in the recall when they know there is a manufacturing issue. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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.

My 2021 Tahoe high country began to make unrecognizable sounds and the orange engine light started blinking. I immediately pulled over and turned the vehicle off. I was made aware that numerous 2021-2024 v8 6. 2l engines are affected. I am waiting for my VIN to be selected in some sort of lottery format to qualify for a fix. I was told by a chevy service technician that it can take 2 weeks or 2 years for gm to find a “remedy”. Unacceptable and very expensive to rent a vehicle for work until gm decides to “remedy” my situation. I truly hope they provide me with a solution soon.

I’m reporting a transmission failure that occurred unexpectedly on my 2021 chevy Tahoe/the diesel version has been recalled so I don’t know why all the other 2021 Tahoe have not been recalled for this issue . The vehicle began shifting roughly and slipping between gears, followed by a warning message and eventual inability to shift properly. I had it inspected by a family friend who owns a body shop , and I was told the transmission needs to be replaced at a cost of nearly $7,000. I am no longer under powertrain warranty, but this failure feels premature and unsafe for such a new vehicle. I’ve seen many other 2021 Tahoe owners report similar issues online including transmission failure, harsh shifting, valve body problems, and complete breakdowns . This seems like a pattern, and I believe it may warrant investigation. I’m asking NHTSA to investigate whether this is part of a broader transmission defect that poses a safety or reliability concern. Sudden shifting issues and inability to accelerate or reverse are dangerous for drivers and passengers. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Leaving the stoplight, all the sudden the dash read service ecm in the motor started clanking. Took it to the dealership where they told me the cam and lifters were bad and said we might as well get a new motor $17,000. And not approved by extended warranty, crooks.

[xxx] # [xxx] VIN = [xxx] make ; Chevrolet Tahoe 2021 re : I received a recall affects certain 2021-2024 models equipped with the 6. 2l v8 l87 engine. The defect involves the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components, potentially leading to engine damage or failure. On March 2025, my tohoe completely stopped while I was driving. My SUV was towed to bomnin Chevrolet in manassas virginia. They diagnois was crank shaft damage leading to engine failure. My SUV was in the dealership for 2 weeks while the engine was replaced. I spent a total of $ 15,027. 20 to fix my car for that problem. I called gm recall about this problem. I was informed that the recall was for only certain vehicles. Not my SUV. I am concerned that my SUV was affected by faulty crank chaft. I had to replace the engine. Thanks, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I was driving home from a long trip and heard a large pop. Several warning signs and messages began popping up and the vehicle was shaking and struggling to maintain speed. I was able to get home and get my family out of the vehicle and get it to a dealer down the road. They stated the fuel injector and harness had failed.

Unknown - engine is driving hard and somethings wrong. No one will service my car because they say it’s on a recall, but then when they look up the VIN number it’s not on a recall however there are major issues going on.

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.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 40 mph, the "service stabili-trak soon" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine and the contact's husband pulled over and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that after the vehicle was restarted, the failure persisted. The contact's husband pulled into a gas station and called an independent mechanic. The mechanic advised the contact's husband to safely drive the vehicle home and to then take the vehicle to his shop the next day for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was driven to the independent mechanic and was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that cylinders #1 and #7 were not functioning as needed. The contact was then informed that the engine lifters needed to be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and parts were ordered to repair the vehicle. The vehicle remained in the possession of the mechanic and was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,400.

“catastrophic engine failure” as stated by Chevrolet dealership service department. Loud rattling noise prompted service visit. Not 6. 2 liter engine, but almost identical issue.

Several issues with certain popups regarding various indicators on dash and engine not getting enough psi.

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.

Automatic fuel management/ displacement on demand caused lifter failure which caused cylinder failures.

Engine burning through oil excessively. Has been noted on multiple occasions and requires early changes and top off. Is also happening with 3 friends with the same make and model with the 6. 2l. No warnings but was informed it is common at shop.

On April 25th, 2025 we were taking our kids to their after school activities when the SUV started to shake, and accelerate very fast by barely pushing the gas pedal, the ets light along with the forward collision warning also appeared on the dashboard along with the check engine light. This prompted my husband to get our vehicle towed to the nearest shop close to the street where our vehicle started having problems. After several days of diagnostics the shop let us know our vehicle needed the following repairs: bank one lifters replacement, head gasket service, and a water pump replacement, we ok'd the repairs. Although these components were replaced, we were informed on may 15, 2025, that the vehicle continues to misfire and now requires a camshaft replacement as well. The total cost of the repair has now risen from $5,182. 16 to $13,549. 79, which is a significant financial burden as the vehicle is just outside of warranty coverage. We are aware that there is an active recall covering similar issues for 2021–2024 Chevrolet Tahoes equipped with 6. 2l engines. However, our 5. 3l engine model is experiencing the same mechanical failures, including misfires, knocking noises, low rpm idling, and performance degradation. There is growing evidence that the valve lifter issues are not limited to the 6. 2l engine variant. Our experience—and the experiences of others reported online—suggests that the 5. 3l l84 engine may also suffer from the same design or manufacturing flaws. We respectfully urge NHTSA to investigate whether this issue warrants expanding the scope of the existing recall to include the 5. 3l engine models, and we ask that GMC/general motors be encouraged to provide assistance. Given the severity and known pattern of these issues, we believe GMC should cover at least 75% of the repair costs, or ideally, offer to perform the repair at no charge. Thank you for your time and consideration.

On April 25th, 2025 while traveling on interstate 20 at 70+mph speeds with my children in my vehicle and 30 weeks pregnant, with no indication of an issue my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe suffered catastrophic engine failure. There was zero warning from the vehicle including noises/electronic display warnings that this was fixing to occur. In the middle of going 70+mph surrounded by traffic on a busy interstate the vehicle just shut off completely. I was able to use what momentum I had from my speed to get on to the shoulder. However, the failure prevented me from being able to turn on my signal to alert other drivers of my merging and prevented the use of my emergency flashers to signal once on the shoulder immobile. The vehicle would not start up again after that, and I had to call a tow truck to take my vehicle to the nearest certified Chevrolet service center. When the tow truck arrived the vehicle would not even shift into neutral allowing them to load it without potentially causing more damage. It had to be drug with the wench in park onto the tow truck bed. Once at the nearest service center I was told it would be up to 3 weeks + before they could do a diagnostics. I was 14 hours from home when this happened, and now had to pay to have my Tahoe towed 14 hours back to the service center near my home. On may 8th the failure was determined to be caused by this recall, specifically the crankshaft. The dealership has lied and said they've ordered a new motor and it came in, then called to tell me they ordered the wrong motor. They said they ordered the correct one and it would be in within 14 days, and that was 25 days ago. They called today June 16, 2025 to tell me there is still no update on when my engine will ship to complete this repair. The dealership has also refused to assist me with any loaner vehicle or rental assistance even though gm has told me I am entitled to it under this recall. Gm has moved my case to parts delay team and I still have not been contacted.