2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Tahoe years
More complaints than typical for this model
100/100 4.7× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 4.7× that of a typical Chevrolet Tahoe year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 120 of its 461 complaints were filed by the end of 2023.
- Most reported problem: Engine lifter noise, knocking and engine replacement (154 complaints, median 60,452 mi).
- 16 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2018, 2020
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 461filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 41,500miles, 102 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 16campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 17 mpgcombined, 5.3L 8-cyl RWD · 15 city / 20 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2021 Tahoe most often describe sudden loss of power or stalling, frequently traced by dealers to the fuel pump control module, and engine top-end noise or failure involving lifters and, in some cases, the whole engine. A second cluster of complaints covers transmission shuddering and hard shifting attributed to the valve body, plus repeated "Service Safety Restraint" warnings on the air bag system.
- Fuel system
Stall or loss of power (fuel pump control module)
- 131 complaints (28%)
- median 43,000 mi at 4.4 yrs old (41 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $9,188 (median of 8 quotes)
- filed 2020–2026
Complaints describe the vehicle losing motive power or shutting off at speed, at stops, or while leaving a driveway, often without warning lights. In several cases it would not restart and was towed. Dealers commonly diagnosed the fuel pump control drive module as failed and replaced it; some owners report the same failure returning after a prior replacement, and a number of complaints note the VIN was not covered by the fuel pump module campaign. Spread across the range, with many reports between roughly 20,000 and 70,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the fuel pump control module has been replaced and whether the VIN was included in the fuel pump module campaign. If the engine has ever cut out, get the module and fuel delivery checked before purchase.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart for 40 minutes. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump power control module. The vehicle was not repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11582189, filed 2024-04, 42,000 miles“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power, stalled, and failed to return to normal operation. The contact researched and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V739000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. A dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11768971, filed 2026-10, 50,000 miles - Engine
Engine lifter noise, knocking and engine replacement
- 154 complaints (33%)
- median 60,452 mi at 4.5 yrs old (47 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $8,900 (median of 13 quotes)
- filed 2020–2026
Owners describe knocking, banging or clunking from the engine compartment, a flashing or steady check engine light, shaking, hesitation and reduced-acceleration messages. Dealers diagnosed failed lifters or cam components and replaced them; in some cases metal was found in the oil and the entire engine was replaced or the engine was found seized. Mostly reported between roughly 10,000 and 80,000 miles, sometimes within the first few thousand miles.
What to check: Listen for ticking or knocking at cold start and at idle, check oil level and condition, and ask whether any lifter or engine work has been done and whether the VIN falls under the connecting rod/crankshaft campaign.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On april 3, 2021 at approximately 5:00pm, while driving on the highway through north carolina (on a trip from maryland to florida) with my family of 5 (two adults and 3 young children, including my infant son) out of nowhere my brand new Tahoe began shaking uncontrollably and the engine starting popping and sputtering as if it were going to give out completely. This occurred on a very busy highway, where my vehicle was surrounded by many other vehicles driving at high rates of speed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11416410, filed 2021-05, 5,334 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11657793, filed 2025-04, 89,678 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission shudder, downshift clunk and valve body failure
- 91 complaints (20%)
- median 60,000 mi at 4.4 yrs old (19 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $5,746 (median of 14 quotes)
- filed 2020–2026
Complaints describe hard or unexpected downshifts with a loud clunk, loss of acceleration, the transmission slamming into gear, and "Reduced Acceleration" messages, with some owners also reporting rear-wheel lock-up. Dealers typically diagnosed a faulty transmission valve body that needed replacement; in one case the repair was done under a transmission campaign. Commonly in the 39,000 to 114,000 mile range, with many reports in the 60,000 to 85,000 mile band.
What to check: Test drive at highway and uphill speeds and listen for a clunk on downshifts. Ask whether the transmission valve body has been replaced or a transmission software/valve body campaign was completed for this VIN.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission valve body had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 39,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11672350, filed 2025-07, 39,000 miles“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to slow down to approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact believed that the sound was caused by ice buildup on the mud flap, but shortly afterwards, the engine revved unexpectedly, with the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message “Reduce Acceleration - Drive with Care” was displayed. The vehicle started to coast unintendedly. …”
NHTSA complaint #11717741, filed 2026-02, 88,342 miles - Air bags
"Service Safety Restraint" warning and air bag connector
- 30 complaints (7%)
- median 7,737 mi at 1.1 yrs old (12 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2020–2026
Owners report a repeated "Service Safety Restraint System" message and air bag warning light, sometimes within weeks of taking delivery and sometimes recurring every few minutes while driving. Dealers traced some cases to a damaged or faulty connector under the front driver seat or an interior air bag connector; some owners were told there was no fix available at the time, and one dealer advised the air bags might not deploy in a crash. Reported from very low mileage up to about 100,000 miles, including vehicles barely driven off the lot.
What to check: With the ignition on, confirm the air bag warning lamp behaves normally and ask whether the seat wiring and connectors have been inspected. Check whether the communications gateway recall was performed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I've been receiving this message service safety restraint system since october 26, 2020. Surprised that I keep receiving this message and I've had this vehicle for 3 weeks brand new. Unsure as to what is causing the problem and currently seeking resolution of this.”
NHTSA complaint #11366995, filed 2020-10, 1,275 miles“The service safety restrain system warning keeps coming on along with the airbag readiness warning. We have taken it into the dealership twice in the first month of owning this vehicle and we were told there is no current fix. However the manual states to have the vehicle serviced immediately to avoid injury due to the airbags might not be working properly. This warning goes off every 2-3 minutes when driving after we reset the alert. This started happening the minute we drove it off of the lot.”
NHTSA complaint #11360339, filed 2020-09, 60 miles - Forward collision avoidance
Phantom braking and adaptive cruise braking
- 36 complaints (8%)
- median 10,000 mi at 1.4 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2020–2026
Complaints describe the forward collision system applying the brakes with no obstacle present, including at highway speed under adaptive cruise control and when accelerating from a stop. Owners often had the system deactivated to stop it recurring; complaints describe limited dealer diagnosis. Typically reported at low mileage, many under 10,000 miles.
What to check: During a test drive, try adaptive cruise and forward-collision alert settings, check for any stored camera/radar module codes, and ask whether any software updates were applied for the driver-assist system.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Took delivery of vehicle on friday, january 29th, 2021. While driving home from plymouth, ma to concord, nh, I was using the adaptive cruise control. I was traveling between 65mph and 70mph. Roads were completely dry, there were no other cars near me, and there were no obstacles in front of me. I was traveling in the middle lane of a three lane highway. Out of nowhere, the brakes were forcefully applied by the computer which nearly brought the vehicle to a stop in the middle of the interstate. …”
NHTSA complaint #11397468, filed 2021-02, 980 miles“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the driver experienced a medical emergency. During the incident, the pre collision warning system malfunctioned and did not activate causing the vehicle to crash into a steel transformer. During the crash the driver sustained fractured ribs that required medical attention. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. …”
NHTSA complaint #11372952, filed 2020-11, 3,400 miles
Buying note. Ask for service records showing whether the fuel pump control module, engine lifter work, or transmission valve body repairs have been done, and check the VIN against the open fuel pump, engine and transmission campaigns. A pre-purchase scan for stored codes plus a highway test drive covering cruise control and firm downshifts will reveal most of what owners describe.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 461 consumer complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. 102 of the complaints include a mileage, and 56% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 41,500 miles. Of all complaints, 9 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 9 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns and 1,477 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Chevrolet Tahoe model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 100 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine169 37%
- Fuel system120 26%
- Electrical system58 13%
- Other or unknown41 8.9%
- Air bags27 5.9%
- Brakes22 4.8%
- Forward collision avoidance21 4.6%
- Engine cooling17 3.7%
- Exterior lighting16 3.5%
Also reported: Steering (15), Seat belts (13), Vehicle speed control (10), Suspension (8), Seats (7), Lane departure (4), Body and structure (4), Wheels (4), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Electronic stability control (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “My wife was driving our new Tahoe (5,101 miles) down a neighborhood street, stopped at a stop sign and hit gas to proceed into a turn and engine completely turned off. She was able to glide to a stop in front of a house, but is terrified what may have happened if she was traveling far from home or on the interstate at high speed with the same occurring. Car would not turn over/start after stopping and had to be towed to dealership. Occurred on a neighborhood street (ashleigh road in fairfax, va)”
NHTSA complaint #11397666, filed 2021-02, 5,101 milesFuel system: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #11694633, filed 2025-10Transmission and drivetrain: “My Tahoe has 108,000 miles on it. It broke down in the middle of the road and refused to go into gear with zero symptoms prior to this. We had it towed to the dealership and were told it is the Transmission Valve Body. This is a known issue but our VIN isn't covered for some reason so we have to pay out of pocket for this costly repair that is a known problem!”
NHTSA complaint #11731354, filed 2026-04Electrical system: “Vehicle will not start. Only 6900 miles. Battery fine, lights and radio work, windows and tailgate work. Car turns over, but just won't start. Read manual, did everything suggested. Clearly an electronic error. And, because vehicle could not be started, it could not be put in neutral. Tow driver had to drag car across pavement on flatbed. Could not be good for brakes or anything else down below. When arrived at dealership, could not get Tahoe off flatbed. Winch only pulls up onto flatbed, does not push backwards. …”
NHTSA complaint #11407748, filed 2021-04, 6,900 milesMileage when problems were reported
56% of the 102 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 12,400 and 70,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tahoe · SUV 2WD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 21.2% risk |
| Tahoe · SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 21.9% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2021 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking standard.
Neighbouring years: 2020: same overall rating; 2022: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tahoe 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 16 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Tahoe 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Tahoe 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $4,850 |
| Tahoe 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 14 | 20 | 16 | $5,150 |
| Tahoe 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 16 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Tahoe 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Tahoe 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $5,150 |
| Tahoe 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 13 | 19 | 16 | $5,150 |
| Tahoe 2WD | 3.0L 6-cyl · diesel | 10-speed automatic | 21 | 28 | 24 | $4,000 |
| Tahoe 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl · diesel | 10-speed automatic | 20 | 26 | 22 | $4,350 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 25V619000Sep 18, 2025Fuel system, diesel › Storage › Tank assemblyCovers: Chevrolet Tahoe 2021, 2023–2024, GMC Yukon 2022, 2024, Cadillac Escalade 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, 2021, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, and 2022 and 2024 GMC Yukon vehicles equipped with a 6-cylinder diesel engine. The original fuel tank may have been replaced with an incorrect fuel tank…
- 25V274000Apr 24, 2025Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Hard parts internal/mechanicalCovers: Chevrolet Tahoe 2021–2024, GMC Yukon 2021–2024, Yukon XL 2021–2024 +5 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft…
- 24V797000Oct 24, 2024Power train › Automatic transmission › Fluid/lubricant › Valves/valve bodyCovers: Chevrolet Tahoe 2021, GMC Sierra 2500 2020–2022, Sierra 3500 2020–2022 +9 more
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The…
- 22V827000Nov 3, 2022Exterior lighting › Lighting control module › SoftwareCovers: Chevrolet Tahoe 2021, GMC Yukon 2021, Yukon XL 2021 +3 more
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these…
- 22V617000Aug 11, 2022Seat belts › Critical fastenersCovers: Chevrolet Tahoe 2021–2022, GMC Yukon 2021–2022, Yukon XL 2021–2022 +3 more
General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right…
- 22V036000Jan 27, 2022Power train › Driveline › DriveshaftCovers: Chevrolet Tahoe 2021, GMC Yukon 2021, Yukon XL 2021 +3 more
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated properly…
See all 16 recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,477 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038139Oct 5, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary PI was created to advise techniians in the field that they will not be able to perform a GDS automated bleed with the scan tool dues to a issue with the software in the scan tool
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037260Sep 10, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates diagnostic tips for air leveling suspension system.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11036702Aug 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides a diagnostic tip when fuse F4DR is opening and dealerships are to inspect the wiring at the center console lid.
- 11036392Aug 20, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues
- 11035351Jul 24, 2026Other or unknown. This PI Communicates information to ensure Memory Recall is enabled to ensure memory mirrors return to set position after curbview assist is used.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11035308Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
- 11034974Jul 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates where to find the back antenna for learning new key fobs.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Tahoe
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 28 | 3,783 | 3 | 5 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 52 | — | 1 | 5 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 69 | 14,000 | 3 | 4 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 233 | 33,253 | 5 | 4 | 17 | 100 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 197 | 49,000 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 73 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 461 | 41,500 | 16 | 4 | 17 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 57 | 16,000 | 3 | 4 | 18 | 22 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2019 | 109 | 28,000 | 2 | 4 | 18 | 42 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 105 | 42,000 | 3 | 4 | 19 | 24 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2017 | 174 | 50,000 | 4 | 4 | 19 | 49 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 256 | 48,000 | 8 | 4 | 19 | 94 · More | Rising |
| 2015 | 659 | 62,000 | 14 | 4 | 18 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 90 | 56,000 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 4 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 233 | 60,000 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 31 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 178 | 70,000 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 11 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 447 | 66,801 | 5 | 4 | 17 | 65 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 314 | 74,000 | 3 | — | 17 | 27 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 284 | 77,756 | 5 | — | 16 | 51 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 528 | 72,750 | 4 | — | 16 | 67 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 1,177 | 77,000 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 114 | 75,122 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 293 | 80,000 | 5 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 467 | 72,000 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 507 | 74,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 449 | 80,500 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 512 | 69,551 | 5 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 282 | 79,300 | 6 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 552 | 91,794 | 1 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 263 | 85,000 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1997 | 410 | 91,475 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 283 | 110,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 246 | 117,500 | 6 | — | 12 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 19 | 115,000 | 2 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1993 | 8 | 159,745 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1992 | 6 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Tahoe model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe?
Owners of the 2021 Tahoe most often describe sudden loss of power or stalling, frequently traced by dealers to the fuel pump control module, and engine top-end noise or failure involving lifters and, in some cases, the whole engine. The issues reported most often: Stall or loss of power (fuel pump control module); Engine lifter noise, knocking and engine replacement; Transmission shudder, downshift clunk and valve body failure.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe have?
NHTSA recorded 461 consumer complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 169 complaints (37% of the total), followed by fuel system with 120.
Has the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe been recalled?
NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe (Tahoe 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl) at 17 mpg combined, 15 city and 20 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,950 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe reported?
Among the 102 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 41,500 miles and the middle half falls between 12,400 and 70,000 miles; 56% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.