2021 Chevrolet Tahoe FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
Complaint Timeline
Chronological view of owner reports
I noticed the vehicle had intermittent hesitation while accelerating to merge onto a freeway on the previous evening. We drove straight home from there and the next morning as we prepared to go somewhere the vehicle lost power in our driveway and now will not start. Trouble code P129F Fault code is being thrown. This seems to be related to the GM issued TSB PIP5964 and the also GM Recall N252516900 . However, GM is denying that our VIN should be affected. I'm concerned that they're not aware of or intentionally excluding vehicles that could have this issue. Had we lost power while in motion, like on a busy freeway or crossing an intersection, this could have been catastrophic.
I was driving down a busy road with my toddler in the car when the car just stopped. Went from traveling 40 mph to a complete standstill. Dead, in the middle of the road. No warning lights or signals at all. Could not get the car in neutral. Wheels locked up and not able to shift to neutral without the car being on, which was not happening. Had to get the car towed to the dealer. The tow truck driver had to drag the car on to the truck. No getting the car in neutral at all. Dealer diagnosed the problem as the fuel pump control module, which after researching is a major problem for this make/model/year. Should most definitely be a recall that has to be remedied by the manufacturer as this is not safe at all. Could have easily been hit due to traveling at a normal speed to stopping so suddenly. Then on top of it, not being able to get in to neutral to get to a safe location out of traffic.
My Tahoe 2021 RST has been leaking what smells like diesel. This goes all the way back only months after I bought it new. This came and went sometimes once a week sometimes once a month. And for the next few years many months I could smell it but no leaks but in the last 10 days the diesel leak has been massive. It leaks from under the engine and if the hood is opened the diesel leak is all over the engine. The smell has been noxious sunce the beginning. Over the years the smell was there off and on. Comes and goes. But the last few months it has been everyday. Apparently the shop had fixed and replaced some parts several weeks ago but the smell of diesel never went away. Now it is in the dealer shop again. Because the fuel leak is too massive and the smell is ever worst.
The fuel pump power control module failed. The service center tested the vehicle and the error code was for this component. I do not believe the service center kept the part. The part failed while driving, the engine stopped running and the vehicle lost all power with no warning. I had the vehicle towed to an independent service center where it was confirmed through diagnostics that the component had malfunctioned. Prior to and during the failure there were No warning lights or signals to indicate there was a problem prior to the vehicle shutting down.
I am writing to formally request a review of my vehicle’s eligibility for Recall N212332040. I own a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, which is currently not listed under the affected vehicles for this recall. However, based on the recall description and the symptoms outlined, I believe my vehicle experienced related issues and should be considered for inclusion. While driving down the highway my vehicle experienced power failure leading to a full stop in the middle of the highway, resulting in a 9-1-1 call due to safety concerns for myself and oncoming traffic. The car was later diagnosed with the fuel pump module failure that other vehicles within the same year & model experienced, which were included in the recall. Why mine wouldn’t be included is quite confusing. I respectfully ask that your team investigate whether my Tahoe meets the criteria for Recall N212332040. On 10/20 I sent in a request to the GMC recall department & on 11/11 I was denied anything further. I appreciate your attention to this matter and your commitment to vehicle safety.
While driving my vehicle shut down. It will not longer crank. Had to have it towed. I am told that it’s the fuel pump driver control module. I carry my two children in this vehicle daily. This could have ended very badly. Now not only is my family without a dependable vehicle, I am going to be out a lot of money on an issue that is already a common issue.
Was in stop and go traffic. Car suddenly said “conditions not correct for shift” and engine died. The car would not turn on and it could not be put into neutral therefore was stuck in the lane stopping all traffic on the NJ turnpike. It created a safety issue for that reason as there was no way to move the car to a safe place until a tow truck came and had to drag it onto the bed. I have since had it repaired at a local shop not Chevrolet dealer and was told it was fuel pump failure. There was no warning or any other symptoms in facet I had just had an oil change a week prior. Had there not been stop and go traffic and I was going the speed limit (60mph), there could have been a major accident and injuries.
The fuel pump control module failed while I was driving. My vehicle shut down in the middle of the road. I was unable to put my vehicle in neutral to move it off the road. A tow truck had to come in order to get it out of traffic. The next day we had it towed to the dealership who replaced the fuel pump control module. This is a safety issue because the car will shut down with no warning while driving. It’s very dangerous. The second safety issue is that the vehicle becomes immovable without a tow truck. There is no accessible shift override to manually put the vehicle in neutral.
My 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe suddenly shaked and the engine shut off and on and nearly stalled on the road. I towed the car to the servicing dealer who has not been able to fix the issue. There is a national recall for the issue for the month of September 2021 Safety recall N212332040 for this issue but NHTSA has not added my car. NHTSA must include my car with the same issue and built in during the same month of the recall. The safety issue is the car will stop running and may block traffic or can be hit when it breaks down.
Tahoe died while stopped, did not want to restart. Finally restarted and had no power when pressing the gas. Died again. Would not restart. Towed to dealership. Onstar identied it as a fuel management system error.
The fuel pump power control module went-out, and my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe would not start. The fuel pump power control module part number is 13554821. That part is not subject to any existing recall. However, part number 13544060, fuel pump control module, for 2021 Chevrolet Tahoes is subject to recall N2123320240. The parts appear to be almost identical when you compare diagrams. locations, and pictures on-line. I would like to request that part number 13554821, fuel pump power control module, be added to the recall. Thank you,
my fuel pump failed while driving on the highway with my whole family. i lost all power and my gas pedal lost all compression. I was barely able to pull off the road safely. no indicators flashed on my dash, no warning just a total loss of power and control. after pulling over, i let the truck sit for a second then tried to restart. it wouldn't. at that point, the yellow check engine indicator turned on. I logged into MyChevrolet and Onstar to see if any notifications were available to help diagnose, but nothing stood out. all systems appeared to be perfect at last check. I check temp and it was normal, oil level, normal. battery level, normal. Key battery, normal. i then started to google why my 2021 tahoe would die while driving and came across and widely known recall for 2021 GMC Full Size SUVs including Tahoes with faulty fuel pumps. my issue matched exactly to the description of what would occur. I did a quick search to see if i missed a recall notice for my truck, and didn't see anything. I was able to get my truck home and then to a dealership for a diagnostic. the only code that was discovered was for the fuel pump/fuel pump module. The dealership is now stating my vehicle doesn't qualify for a recall repair because my VIN doesn't appear on the affected vehicles list and that repairs will total $859.68 out of pocket. however, they also stated that early builds for this year may not have enough evidence. i ordered my truck, built to spec 6 months prior to receiving it. i would like my VIN added to the recall list. I have kept immaculate care of this truck and this is a known safety issue. this is my family moving rig. I don't want it to be unsafe.
Fuel Mod failed. Exactly like recall order. My unit not on recall list.
The fuel pump went out. We were driving, about to enter traffic, and the engine shut off. It would not restart, and we had to have it towed to a mechanic's shop. The fuel pump control module was removed and replaced.
My [XXX] and myself were going down the interstate and my Tahoe started to sputter and the gas pedal no longer worked. I had to get over to the shoulder of the interstate because my vehicle would not accelerate. It turned off as I was navigating to the shoulder. Thankfully I was able to get there safely without causing an accident. The vehicle completely turned off and would not crank leaving us stranded on the side of the road. I called my husband because I did not know what to do. I kept trying to start the vehicle and it would sputter, but not start. Finally after multiple attempts it cranked up and I was able to get home. The vehicle has not been inspected yet by a dealership; it will be taken first thing in the morning. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle shut off while being driven in traffic, almost causing an accident at intersection due to a failed fuel pump control module. Engine code given was a P102a. Vehicle was unable to be restarted and had to be towed to repair shop.
Check engine light comes on. Car suddenly stalls and engine shutters, shuts off and on. Goes into limp mode as engine shutters at about 15 miles per hour. GM has not included this 2021 Tahoe which is the same exact condition under Product Safety Recall N212332040 "Stall While Driving". That recall was issued at the same time or month as this Tahoe was built and sold and should have been included. This Tahoe was towed to the dealer and GM has not been able to supply parts. The Tahoe will soon have been at the dealer for 60 days with no solution. The recall build dates should be expanded to include all GM vehicles with this defect. It is explained as: "The fuel pump power control modules in these vehicles may contain a supplier manufacturing defect that can cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, interrupting the flow of fuel to the engine. If the engine does not receive adequate fuel, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall. The driver may see a check engine light, receive an OnStar notification that a Diagnostic Trouble Code has been set, or experience a rough running engine. The vehicle may also be placed into a reduced power mode. A vehicle stall without warning could increase the risk of a crash, especially at high speeds"
Vehicle smells heavily of gasoline/fuel exhausts to the point of headaches. Vehicle obtained just over one year ago currently with dealer.
I was driving the vehicle, exiting the parking lot when the engine and all electrical components turned off. This could have easily caused and accident as there were multiple vehicles that had to go around me while I tried to restart the vehicle. The engine would crank but not start up and left me stranded in the middle of the road AND in the middle of two lanes. When I finally got the vehicle towed several days later (which was not easy because in order to put the transmission in neutral without the engine being on, a special tool is needed) I took it to the dealership. They confirmed it was the fuel controller that went bad for the second time. The first time the vehicle was stuck in my garage at home with the same symptoms. They apparently replaced it with another faulty part that is a ticking time bomb. I have no faith that this won't happen again.
On August 23, 2025 while driving on a highway with my daughter in the backseat, my car gradually stalled while it was going through an intersection. It ended up stalling prior to a turn ramp onto another highway. This resulted in an unsafe condition and unsafe location as it happened without warning or any alerts prior to or during the drive. The Tahoe was towed to the dealership service repair shop (Hendrick Chevrolet in Cary, NC) and was found to have a fuel pump control module failure requiring replacement (replacement: FP-number 13554821, module 3.900). The dealership service department acknowledged this is a part failure on the manufacturer end; however, mentioned this is a safety bulletin, but not a recall for the part. Due to the Tahoe being outside of warranty timeframe, this ended being an out of pocket expense. The service staff told us there were four other Tahoe vehicles waiting for this part at the dealership, and we waited over a week to obtain the part as it had to come from the manufacturing line. Due to the timeframe for repair (>1 week), we had associated rental car payments that was not provided by or covered by the dealership/manufacturer.
Fuel Pump Module Failure at 27k miles, experienced total loss of power while driving. GM issued a recall for this part in other 2021 Tahoes, but said my vehicle is not included in the recall. Researching online this seems to be a large problem with this model year, yet they did not recall all vehicles. Clearly mine was effected.
I JUST HAD TO BUY A FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE 2021 CHEVY TAHOE HIGH COUNTRY THAT WOULD CRANK OVER, AND NOT START. PER INTERNET, THIS PART IS ON A MILLION CAR PART FAILING. I FOUND ON INTERNET THAT IT SHOULD BE REPLACED AT NO CHARGE. I WAS STUCK AT HOUSE AND HAD A FRIEND CHECK WITH A OB2 TESTER AND IT SHOWED FAILURE. I CALLED 2 DEALERS AND MENTIONED RECALL AND WAS TOLD THEY KNEW NOTHING ABOUT. YET ON SEPTEMBER 11TH OF THIS YEAR, GM WAS WELL AWARE! RECALL #252516900. I HAD TO GET A RIDE AND GO PURCHASE AT A GM DEALER. AND PAID $69.09 WITH TAX. PART NUMBER #13554821 GM 03900 MODULE 03.900. AND COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS PROBLEM IF I WOULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING OR STUCK OR SOMEWHERE. COSTLY TO GET TOWED AND NO CAR TO DRIVE. IM HANDICAP AND CAN'T BE WITHOUT. BUT FOR A DEALER TO CHARGE. AND PLAY DUMB SINCE I WAS GOING TO HAVE TO BUY AND CHANGE AT MY HOME. WANT MY MONEY BACK FOR A NO CHARGE PART.!!!!!!!!!
I own a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe High Country (VIN: [XXX] ). My vehicle is subject to Recall #N252494000 (NHTSA #25V274) concerning the L87 engine and potential loss of propulsion. On [XXX], I received a “Low Oil” warning for the second time within a few months. This recurring issue matches the recall description. I contacted my local dealer, Kramer Autoplex (Livingston, TX), who confirmed the recall but stated no remedy is available. I am deeply concerned about safety, as the engine may suddenly lose power or sustain damage, leaving me and my family stranded or at risk of a crash. At this time, I have no assurance that my vehicle is safe to drive, no remedy is being offered, and I have already incurred expenses related to monitoring this issue. I am requesting NHTSA’s support in ensuring GM provides an expedited fix or interim assistance for affected owners. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Driving at 35 MPH and the engine cutout and stopped on 8 November 2024. I was able to pull over safely as I was on Vandenberg Space Force Base, but at highway speeds in traffic this would have been very dangerous without power. The local GM dealership at Lompoc, CA confirmed the fuel pump control module failed, which caused the loss of engine power. There was a recall for the 2021 Tahoe fuel pump control module, but my VIN was not included in this recall. Currently the fuel pump module is not in stock and GM has no estimation for when the part would be recieved
This is in addition to complaint # 11621324 The dealer now says it is the FUEL PUMP MODULE that is bad. Same item as on previous recall. They say it will be covered under emission warranty but not the fuel pump. At $1500 for fuel pump. However - they replaced fuel pump before discovering the module issue. They either did not test fuel pump properly, or, fuel pump was not bad, only the module. Or, if bad, the module caused the fuel pump to fail. Either way the fuel pump should be covered under this module recall too as a related cause from the faulty module(s) that were recalled.
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Quick Summary
The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe has 51 FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.