Recalls · problems · safety

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe: recalls and problems

16 recalls and 453 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine.

16recalls
453complaints
9crashes reported
3fires reported
9injuries reported

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Engine168 · 37%
  • Fuel/Propulsion System93 · 21%
  • Power Train87 · 19%
  • Electrical System52 · 11%
  • Unknown Or Other41 · 9%
  • Fuel System (Gasoline)24 · 5%
  • Forward Collision Avoidance21 · 5%
  • Air Bags20 · 4%
  • Engine And Engine Cooling17 · 4%
  • Service Brakes17 · 4%

What owners report

Engine

The vehicle suffered complete internal engine failure due to a snapped timing chain on startup. the vehicle turned over via the starter motor but failed to start. a professional diagnosis confirmed the broken timing chain caused extensive valve-to-piston damage, requiring a full engine replacement. this failure appears to be a direct consequence of the known 6.2l l87 v8 engine crankshaft and connecting rod manufactur

Power Train

The contact owns a 2021 chevrolet tahoe. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds uphill, the vehicle made a loud clunking sound while downshifting. while driving 70 mph on one occasion, and while driving 20 mph on another occasion, the vehicle made a loud clunking sound while downshifting and lost motive power, prompting the driver to pull over to the side of the road. the message "reduced acceleratio

Engine,Forward Collision Avoidance

On [xxx], while driving near mammoth mountain, california (highway [xxx]), the vehicle suffered a sudden, severe engine malfunction. the engine began misfiring violently, accompanied by a loud, mechanical clacking noise, and experienced an immediate loss of propulsion power. this mechanical failure left my family—including young children—completely stranded on the side of a mountain highway in a secluded wilderness

Power Train

On september 19, 2026, while traveling approximately 30 mph, the vehicle experienced a sudden, hard shift. the check-engine light then illuminated. i pulled over as soon as it was safe to do so. after stopping, the vehicle would not shift into reverse and entered limp mode. the transmission malfunction created a safety risk because the vehicle’s operation and available gears became restricted unexpectedly while it w

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV 2WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering Tahoe. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.