13 complaints reported

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
13
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Feb 2026

1ST ISSUE: 9/2025, after driving from another city to my home at 55-75 mph. As I pulled up home, the car just stalled and wouldn't start. I googled issue to find out it was a commonly known issue by GM. If fuel pump control module had happened while driving faster and not on my street to roll up to curb. I would have or could have been deadly. I find out what part # and local dealer knew there was a recall but told me he never heard about it and charged me for part. I installed in front of home on street and have been trying to get money back after reporting to GM I repaired my fuel pump control module and have been trying to get my money back from a repair done on 9/29/2025 by me. GM says it's looking into still after I keep calling them on status of this notice. I still have old part. I have filled out all reimbursement forms.1st the danger of it failing and now no money. By the time engine light comes on you have no power for any stopping or steering. #2 engine 2021 Tahoe High Country 6.2 L V8: NO RECALL HAS BEEN SENT. GM has known about an engine that has multiple failure issues that could GET YOU IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT/death BY JUST STOP RUNNING, while just driving at any moment, INTERNAL FAILURES and main seal leaks, MORE! Mine just poured oil out on driveway after driving 6 miles to church and back. this will be the largest and most deadly auto issue in history. They even had dealers now with any on lot with this engine a stop sale order. aprox. 800,000 of these engines are out there, Local GM dealer says THERE IS NO RECALL. 2021 TO 2026 and they have only changed out aprox. 2800 engines and telling me mine sitting in driveway is not on recall. BS. these engines are in their high-end trucks, SUV's, Escalades. Someone needs to get Gm to do what's right and replace with new engines. That have been tested, all issues before someone has to die. Trying to keep silent on internet is sad. Yes its going to cost billions. But to keep customers safe and not scared.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET TAHOE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2026
Dec 2025

I was driving on the highway at approximately 35mph when I noticed there was no response from the accelerator. I shifted the vehicle into neutral and coasted onto a side road and call OnStar for assistance. The dashboard indicator said to restart engine. I attempted to restart, but the engine would crank but not turn over (start). The vehicle was towed to the dealership where the fuel pump assembly was found to have failed and need replacement.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET TAHOE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Dec 2025
Nov 2025

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Answer: The vehicle’s 6.2L L87 V8 engine suffered a sudden internal mechanical failure involving the connecting rod, rod bearings, and crankshaft assembly, resulting in catastrophic engine damage. The failure mode is consistent with the defect described in GM Recall N252494001. The engine and all damaged components are fully available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Answer: The engine failed without warning while the vehicle was in motion, causing an immediate loss of propulsion. This created a hazardous situation where the vehicle could no longer accelerate or maintain speed in traffic, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision or loss of vehicle control. GM’s own recall documentation identifies this exact failure mode as a significant crash risk, and that same hazard occurred in my case. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Answer: Yes. A service technician confirmed catastrophic internal engine failure consistent with connecting-rod or crankshaft damage. The dealer also verified that the engine is inoperable and requires full replacement. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Answer: No, the engine failed while in motion and was taken to the closest mechanic. Inspections by an insurance representative or manufacturer representative can be arranged. The vehicle and damaged engine remain available for further examination. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Answer: No. There were no warning lamps, diagnostic messages, or drivability symptoms prior to the catastrophic engine failure. The failure occurred suddenly and without any advance indication. All service records are available

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET TAHOE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Nov 2025
Jun 2025

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET TAHOE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jun 2025
Jun 2025

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET TAHOE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: May 2025
Apr 2025

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

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET TAHOE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Apr 2025
Jan 2025

On May 14, 2023 I was on a trip driving the Tahoe (midnight blue Tahoe in the pictures) about 60 mph, on highway 41 (middle of nowhere, no cell reception) south of kettleman city, CA when, without any warning or symptoms of any problem whatsoever, the engine lost propulsion and died. I was able to coast onto the shoulder and tried starting it. It started again and I continued driving and about 35 minutes later I stopped at a red light on Highway 41 in Lemoore, CA. Again the Tahoe engine died without warning and would not restart. When I tried starting it I could smell a burning smell. The engine cranked but wouldn’t start, and then the check engine light came on. I was at a stoplight on a major highway and was unable to move the vehicle, and was scared to sit in it, so I put on the vehicle hazard lights, got out of the car and ran to the side of the road for safety. Luckily I did not have my children with me. I called 911 and a police officer came and parked behind my vehicle with his lights on so hopefully no other vehicles would hit it. A tow truck was immediately dispatched as high priority by the police. I had it towed to Hedricks Chevrolet dealership in Clovis, California, who informed me there was metal parts in the oil and that the engine was destroyed and had to be replaced. It took several months to get the engine replaced and in the meantime, I bought a new 2023 Cadillac Escalade so I would have a vehicle to drive. The Cadillac Escalade ended up having an extremely similar problem (and I will file a separate report for that vehicle). A few months later when the Tahoe replacement engine was installed I picked up the Tahoe from the dealership and sold it to Carmax.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET TAHOE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: May 2023
Jan 2025

2nd glow plug failure

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET TAHOE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Mar 2025
Aug 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET TAHOE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jul 2024
Sep 2023

On Wednesday,Sept20 2023 I was traveling eastbound in the passing Lane on interstate 90 in New York when my Chevy tahoes motor began shaking violently, chugging, and losing power. The check engine light illuminated. The engine stalled as I frantically tried to move to the berm. There is a lot of large semi traffic on that road and I had a difficult time maneuvering safely without power to get onto the side of the road. I was unable to move completely into what I felt to be a safe area. I continued to try to start the motor after about 10 minutes I was finally able to get it started and move it to an exit where it was towed to community Chevrolet in Meadville Pennsylvania. The Chevy dealer at this point has told me it is a fuel pump problem and they are on back order and there is a strike by the auto workers. They are unsure as to when I can have this problem remedied with the parts that are needed.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET TAHOE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Sep 2023
Jun 2023

The suit also says the lifters in affected engines were installed in an incorrect position in the lifter guide and do not always conform to design specifications. Plaintiffs claim their vehicles needed frequent valvetrain maintenance, including “more frequent oil changes, engine flushing and cleaning and/or replacing the valve lifter oil manifold and its filter at regular intervals.”

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET TAHOE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Sep 2021
Jan 2022

This model engine stalls/cuts out acceleration because of valve lifter problems. While Chevrolet has repaired many of these engines, they are waiting until the check engine light comes on (or flashes) to initiate the warranty repair. It is very possible to be miles from a dealer, requiring a tow, and the dealer not having the repair parts in stock.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET TAHOE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Dec 2022
Oct 2021

On July 3, 2021 approximately 2:00pm EST. Left to go out of town, had driven about 50 miles. Stopped to top off fuel. Left station for fueling stopped at red light to turn left to get back on interstate. The vehicle stuttered, stalled, and would not restart in middle of intersection. Hazard lights put on nearly hit by other vehicles. State trooper had to get behind vehicle to let other know of hazard. Towed to nearest dealer. Onstar diagnostic revealed fuel management system and transmission. Dealer hasn’t contacted but service advisor from GM notified me it was fuel pump.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET TAHOE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Mar 2021

Trend Over Time

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Quick Summary

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe has 13 ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.