general problems of the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe - part 2

108 problems related to engine and engine cooling have been reported for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe based on all problems reported for the 2021 Tahoe.

36 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/25/2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving 15 mph, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there were no associated recalls. VIN tool search showed: NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,440.

37 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/07/2025

While starting from a stop the engine stuttered and resulted in a major loss of power. Luckily this occurred pulling out of our driveway on to a quiet neighborhood street. Several warning lights and messages went off including the engine and transmission system warning, “service esc”, “service traction control”, and the emission system warning. After driving it to the dealership at 30mph since the shaking and banging noise was so bad, the dealer diagnosed it as a cylinder 6 caused by a failed lifter and lifter rod. Resulting repair involved lifters and rods in that same bank at a $3500 repair. The vehicle was just over 4 years old with 79,250 miles. Repair invoice available upon request.

38 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/05/2025

While traveling on the highway one day, my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe began warning lights on the dashboard. Shortly after, it running roughly,, and jerking, so I pulled over to investigate. There no visible smoke, so I drove to the nearest auto parts store, where they ran a diagnostic test that returned a code of p0306. I then took vehicle back to the dealership where have always received oil changes and repairs. I have never visited any other dealership, relying on certified gm/Chevrolet dealerships. After inspecting the vehicle, they informed me that the lifters needed replacement advised that it would be best to replace the engine entirely. Upon further research, I discovered that issue has been affecting many people in our area and across the united states. This needs to be addressed, as the vehicle is only three years old, purchased brand new with zero miles, and I have not done anything out of the ordinary to cause this problem. The vehicle being 70,000 and 12. 000 for repairs is insane.

39 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/29/2025

2nd glow plug failure.

40 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/27/2025

After I washed my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, I went to run some errands. As I pushed the start button, the car would try to start but did not. I tried several times without success. I had the truck towed to ed morse Chevrolet in sunrise, florida. My odometer is at approximately 43,000 miles. About 3-4 months ago, at 42,000 miles, I had the same situation. I had to have the truck towed to ed morse. At the time, the service writer told me it was probably the fuel cell module and that chevy has been a problem with them. The service writer surprisingly admitted that this issue could cause the truck to stop in the middle of your commute! I told him that an issue this serious needs a recall. So, today, when aaa picked up my truck, he said that this happens frequently and he towed many Chevrolet Tahoes and pickup trucks with this issue. The aaa technician even reiterated that the fuel cell modular failure shuts down your vehicle while driving! this is insane and troubling. Within 1000 miles, I will need 2 fuel cell modules and there is no guarantee that this one will last. Thanks tom klem eversoslim@att. Net.

41 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/20/2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights illuminated. The message "loss of oil pressure" was displayed, and the vehicle made an abnormally loud banging sound. The contact was able to continue driving at slow speeds with the hazard lights engaged. The contact drove to the dealer, where he was employed. The dealer diagnosed that the engine lifters had failed. The vehicle was then towed to the Chevrolet dealer, where it was diagnosed that the lifters had failed. The dealer provided an estimated fee for the repair. The vehicle was towed to redline performance llc, where it was diagnosed that there were metal shavings in the oil pump, camshaft, and in other unknown parts, along with the lifters failure. The mechanic replaced the lifters, the connecting rod, the camshaft, the oil pump, and other unknown parts; however, the failure recurred after picking up and driving the vehicle to the residence. Additionally, there was smoke coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to stan mcnabb Chevrolet columbia (101 s james campbell blvd, columbia, TN 38401), who informed the contact that the vehicle would not be diagnosed by the dealer. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling), which the contact related to the failure; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

42 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/13/2025

Driving on a highway to dallas and vehicle loss power and locked up in the middle of the highway. Was stranded on the highway for 4 hours. Vehicle would not start up and had to get towed to local dealership. Dealership diagnose the problem and stated that the engine has failed. I got the vehicle towed back home to my local dealership and they confirmed that the engine has failed. The vehicle showed no signs of engine issues. Gm needs to recall this vehicle.

43 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/11/2025

We had a failed lifter that caused bent rods which caused scratches on the crank shaft which caused us to have to replace the engine. After a simple internet search I have found the lifter failure is very common with gms 5. 3 v8. We were told oil needs to be changed at least every 5000 miles although the vehicle prompts you around 7000.

44 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/07/2025

2 incidents of complete engine power loss while driving. Luckily was able to roll off road safely to curb. Dashboard glitch/flashing multiple/various message, including check engine, conditions not ideal to shift, etc. Would not re-start/shift when attempted. Tried disconnecting battery cable completely and re-connecting and that seemed to 're-set' the system and engine re-started. Incidents were about 30 days apart. "this battery reset" was tried because approx 1 year prior after leaving Tahoe parked at airport for a 7 day trip, it would not start, completely dead. Battery charge/jump would not work. . . Watched youtube videos and someone said to try disconnect/reconnect cable and it worked to start it up at that time & did take it into dealership after that incident and no-cost repairs were made for that issue. Called chevy 3/25/25 on this power loss while driving issue to ask for information/assistance, they advised to take to dealership for diagnostic info/report and depending on result/cause might assist with costs to repairs. Appointment set for 3/28/2025 with salem oregon Chevrolet.

45 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/04/2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that upon coming to a complete stop, the vehicle suddenly jolted forward independently. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the valve body. The vehicle was not repaired due to part availability. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 57,000.

46 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/22/2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the engine made knocking sounds. The message "service transmission" was displayed. The contact's husband pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle failed to restart immediately. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the camshaft retainer, valve tensioner kit, gaskets, seals, lifters, engine bolts, rods, and pipes; however, the "service transmission" message displayed again while driving. The dealer was made aware of the failure, but the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 89,678.

47 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/21/2025

Sudden engine failure while driving. Was able to pull to the side of the road with a few hundred feet. Repair required full engine replacement. Have to other friends that drive similar gm products that also experience engine failure with 3 weeks of our incident.

48 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/09/2025

I was driving along the highway at 11pm when I the vehicle started shaking and I heard strange sounds coming from outside the vehicle. I pulled over to inspect and realized it was coming from the engine bay. The engine was making knocking, rattling, and belt slipping noises and the entire vehicle was shaking and the engine also stuttering. I was able to drive the vehicle to a nearby plaza where I had it towed the following morning. There were no warning signs, the vehicle ran properly up until this occurred. The dealership inspected it and told me the engine needs to be replaced and it was likely that a rod bearing that went bad. This happened nearly 2 months ago and I am still waiting for a new engine.

49 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/02/2025

Engine knocking while accelerating. Told by chevy dealership that a thruster is broken. Car is only 4 years old with 60k miles. Unfortunately, not under warranty. Quoted $5,000 for fix. No errors on dash or visuals of the problem.

50 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/19/2025

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.

51 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/16/2025

My wife was driving the vehicle when all of a sudden the engine started knocking and throwing a bunch of codes. The engine has a bottom end knock and it seems this is a known problem with these engines.

52 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/03/2025

I am getting heavy oil consumption and the dealer just keeps on wanting to run tests and not fix the actual issue.

53 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/19/2024

On [xxx] I was driving in the [xxx] in el paso texas at about [xxx] I was about to enter [xxx} and the vehicle suddenly stopped with no warning! I was able to pull to the side and put the blinkers because the traffic was heavy and could of had a vehicle crash into me if I had not maneuver the vehicle quickly(my two daughters where with me in the vehicle). The vehicle prompted to start the vehicle, which I did so and continued my way. As soon as I was able to get into the [xxx] the check engine light turned on, and the forward collision warning message on the display. I stopped to my nearest autozone to get some help as the vehicle started to make a noise too. They connected their computer and told me that the vehicle was given a message of a faulty cylinder, they told me I should not move the vehicle until I had it inspected on a gm dealership. Which I did on Friday December 20, 2024, I am waiting for a full diagnostic to see what had happened to my vehicle. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

54 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/26/2024

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.

55 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/25/2024

I have taken this vehicle two times to the dealers that sell Chevrolet. The first time it was there for 5 hours and nothing was done and the second time the service agent said there was no recall on this vehicle when obviously there is one.

56 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/19/2024

Engine failed while driving down the road. There was not prior warning signs to this issue. Vehicle was unable to accelerate. The safety of myself and husband were put a risk as we were traveling on an interstate 12 in baton rouge, la. The vehicle was inspected by pine belt chevy and the cause identified as camshaft and lifters failed in the engine causing a sudden deacceleration.

57 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/15/2024

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving 5 mph in the driveway, the vehicle stopped and stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the fuel pump control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there were no associated recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 21v739000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

58 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/05/2024

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe engine began misfiring and check engine light and esc warning indicators displayed as I was driving. I pulled over and shut off vehicle, read manual and restarted engine. Same problems occurred, so I drove to Chevrolet dealer which was a mile away. The advisors said I shouldn’t drive it on the expressway or any further since engine had known problems that gm was aware of and it would blow up. Scans showed p0300 & p0305 for cylinder 5 misfire. Major repair included replacement of all lifters and push rods on both banks and the camshaft taking 17 days. This engine should have a gm recall due to its severity. I was told the engine usually blows up before the warranty period is over and gm would just fix it. Unfortunately for me, my engine failed after full warranty and while I was traveling out of state to a family wedding, costly me directly. Gm did pay half of the cost of repair which indicates admitting fault. The major safety concern is when an engine blows up and the driver cannot control the vehicle causing accidents or fire (and being stranded). There were no previous indications or symptoms of engine failure prior to date the problem occurred. Police departments in illinois have had the same problem with this engine and their entire Tahoe fleet needed a new / repaired engine. This is an unacceptable action by gm to just wait for the problem to occur instead of proactively recalling the engine for repair.

59 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 09/20/2024

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving on two occasions at various speeds, the rpm needle dropped, and the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated at that time. The vehicle was not able to restart each time. The vehicle was towed a dealer where it was diagnosed that he fuel control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred approximately 10 months later. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,438.

60 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 08/07/2024

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.

61 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 08/07/2024

Driving on the I-95 I abruptly lost power driving in the left lane, rpm dropped all the way down and speed was rapidly decreasing. I had to pull over on the shoulder in the most safe manner possible for myself and other drivers on the road; but it was not without any risk. The body of the car was rattling on my way to the shoulder and the car shut off before I could put the car in park in a safe place. With my hazard lights on I tried restarting the car but the enging would not turnover, the starter would run and the car would rattle about all whilst creating a traffic jam. Once I noticed the engine light and yielded to the car's inabiltiy to start up, we got the attention of a fhp state trooper who called in a tow truck for us. Getting te car onto the tow truck in traffic also increased the risk associated for everyone involved. Aftert succesfully oading the car, which was no smooth task as the car could not shift into neutral; we took the car to my local firestone. After a diagnostic test done the following morning, we were notified of a fuel pump issue that has been on the recall list for my vehicle, but not associated with my VIN.

62 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 06/09/2024

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.

63 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2024

This is a fairly new vehicle, so to be told we need a new engine when we’ve had the car for only 4 years is ridiculous! we were driving one day and heard a knocking sound coming from the front of the car. We made it home, but when we tried to leave the next time, we only made it halfway down our driveway when we heard a loud knocking noise from the front and the car suddenly stopped. We were dead in the water and needed to get the car towed back to our house. The gear shift was also stuck in drive and we couldn’t turn the car on. The engine had completely seized up. The tow truck driver had to get underneath the vehicle in order to disengage the gear shift and allow us to shift into neutral so that we could get it back home. When we had it towed to our mechanic, they told us that it was a bearing failure and the connecting rod had caused our engine to seize up. I’m just glad we weren’t on a major highway or busy street at the time this took place. This is supposed to be our family vehicle and it has been out of commission for more than 6 months because we haven’t been able to afford to replace the engine. We’ve tried contacting gm directly, but they said we were beyond our warranty and there was nothing they could do to help us.

64 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/22/2024

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving at various speeds on several occasions, there was a banging sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the cam lifters needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred two weeks later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,400.

65 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/14/2024

Approximately 4/14/24 while I was driving home from being out of town with my child the check engine light came on with a message “reduced acceleration drive with care. ” the car was not shifting and I couldn’t go over 45 mph and the rpm’s were about 3000 at that speed. The light went off and the car seemed to be driving normally. While on the interstate traveling at approximately 70 mph the car did a hard shift and drastically slowed while the rpm’s spiked. I took it to the dealership who determined the valve body needed to be replaced. Approximately August 2024 it happened again but the light went off. December 2024 same issues with the check engine light, reduced acceleration and not shifting happened. Took the car back 12/9/24 where a wire was replaced. Picked the car up 12/12/24 and 12/18/24 while driving in the car rider line picking my child up the car had a hard shift, check engine light came on, reduced acceleration message and the car would not shift. Notified the dealership immediately and took it back 12/26/24 where they did a second valve body replacement. 1/28/25 on my way home from running errands and was stopped at a red light and the car shifted hard, check engine light came on, reduced acceleration message and engine would not shift causing me to drive slowly to get home (40 mph or less). Dealership was notified immediately and took in the following day. Dealership had a week and had me pick it up because they “couldn’t replicate the issue. ” 2/15/25 after driving 2 hours we pulled in a parking lot and the car shifted hard hard, check engine light came on, reduced acceleration and would not go into reverse. The dealership picked the car up and have had it since trying to replicate it. It occurs without warning while driving and will drastically slows the car down putting us a risk of being rear ended due to the rapid and speed change. It also is a safety risk due to lack of warning that a power failure is about to occur while driving.

66 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/15/2024

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at 35–40 mph, the vehicle abruptly shutdown. The contact continued to pump the brakes to alert oncoming traffic. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the police, who towed the vehicle to an impound lot. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump control drive module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number 21v739000 (fuel system, gasoline).

67 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/08/2024

As a traffic crash reconstructionist, the issue is a major safety issue. My wife was exiting a residential driveway when the vehicle started to stutter and immediately shut down with no power or any capability to get the vehicle off the road. The shutdown caused the blockage of a residential street on a Friday afternoon, until the correct tow truck arrived. This was due to the fact the vehicle could not be moved due to not being able to start the engine nor the ability to place the vehicle into neutral, without starting the engine or crawling un der it with tools. It was determined the fuel module went bad. There was no warning of the failure of the component. Luckily the shut down of all components of the vehicle did not occur on a high speed or highly traveled road since I did not have any control of the vehicle after the fuel module failed. This is not the first report of the issue to NHTSA. Hopefully something will happen to find a fix to put the vehicle in neutral without tools, for the safety of the motoring public.

68 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/05/2024

Third time engine only cranks and will not start. I was forced to disconnect the battery and reconnect after a short while to get the vehicle to start.

69 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/04/2024

At 35,000 miles, my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe started to misfire. When I pressed the accelerator, the truck started hesitating and the check engine light started flashing. I was able to get the truck to the dealer I purchased it at. The technician "claimed" it was a bad fuel injector. The dealer replaced the spark plug and injector. The vehicle was never test driven. I picked up the truck and drove it on the road. Within 1 mile, the truck started to misfire again with the check engine light started flashing. The dealer claimed that the lifter or lifters in one engine bank were bad. The dealer replaced the lifters on the one side of the engine.

70 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/25/2024

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a left turn, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled in the middle of the road. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the gear shifter had seized in park. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.


Other Engine And Engine Cooling related problems of the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe


Tahoe Service Bulletins
Tahoe Safety Recalls
Tahoe Defect Investigations