2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

454 complaints on file, page 1 of 23.

1. Filed Oct 1, 2026Failure Sep 25, 2026Butte, MTExterior lighting

   I am writing to report a serious safety defect regarding the Driver's Side LED headlight assembly on my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe (VIN: [XXX]. While driving, the headlight suddenly dropped completely out of alignment and is now pointing directly at the ground, casting light only a few feet in front of the bumper. Upon inspection, it was determined that the internal plastic headlight adjuster mechanism completely snapped/failed. This failure has created an immediate and severe night-driving hazard. Because the LED headlight now illuminates only the ground immediately in front of the vehicle, forward visibility on the driver side is effectively reduced to zero at highway speeds. This drastically reduces my reaction time to avoid pedestrians, debris, or oncoming obstacles, making the vehicle unsafe to operate after dark. The internal plastic adjuster mechanism cannot be purchased or repaired separately. General Motors requires the replacement of the entire sealed headlight assembly, which costs upwards of $1,500. This is not a wear-and-tear item; it is a premature structural failure of a critical safety component. I request that this failure be investigated as a safety defect to protect other motorists from sudden loss of nighttime visibility. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11768239
2. Filed Sep 23, 2026Failure Aug 29, 2026Seattle, WAEngine

   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 manufacturing defects. Severe mechanical resistance or violent rotational harmonics at the crankshaft level place un-engineered stress on the timing drive system, causing the chain to snap under startup torque. All broken components are preserved and available for inspection. The defect creates a severe risk of sudden, total loss of propulsion while driving. Had the compromised timing chain snapped at highway speeds rather than on startup, it would cause immediate engine seizure, a sudden loss of power steering, and a loss of power brake vacuum assist. This leaves the driver unable to accelerate or safely steer out of active traffic, creating an extreme risk of a high-speed crash.The broken timing chain and total engine destruction were officially diagnosed and confirmed by professional automotive repair technicians.The damaged components have been inspected by independent repair representatives. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by General Motors because this specific VIN is excluded from the current recall scope. There were no warning lamps, check engine lights, or diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) prior to parking the vehicle, and no outward symptoms of severe engine stress were present until the complete no-start failure.

   NHTSA complaint 11766558
3. Filed Sep 23, 2026Failure Jun 1, 202676,000 milesSilverthorne, COValves/valve body

   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 Acceleration - Drive with Care" was displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated following the failure. The vehicle was restarted but the warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission control valve body and a separator plate or spacer needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with TSB: 22-NA-258; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and offered partial financial assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11766359
4. Filed Sep 22, 2026Failure Sep 4, 2026Fontana, CAEngine, Warnings, Automatic emergency braking

   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 area with dropping temperatures (39°F) and active local wildlife Because the vehicle could not safely maintain highway speeds or generate sufficient power, it created an immediate and severe traffic safety hazard, forcing us to secure emergency transport for the vehicle. Which took 4hours for someone to come out to the secluded hwy on a holiday weekend. Dealership Diagnostic Findings A formal inspection conducted by a certified General Motors dealership (Michael Hohl Motor Company) confirmed the following: Symptoms: Gas engine diagnostic confirmed "Misfire, and clacking noises coming from passenger side of the motor." Diagnosis: Cylinder Head / Valve / Lifter / Lash Adjuster failure. The dealership documented a collapsed lifter and recommended a complete engine tear-down to inspect lifters and pushrods for wear or bending. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11766224
5. Filed Sep 20, 2026Failure Sep 19, 2026Newport, TNPower 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 was being driven. The loss of reverse also prevented the vehicle from being maneuvered normally. The vehicle was not driven after the incident and was towed from the location. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection upon request. At this time, the vehicle is awaiting inspection and diagnosis to determine the exact cause of the transmission malfunction.

   NHTSA complaint 11765656
6. Filed Sep 15, 2026Failure Sep 15, 2026Virginia Beach, VAEngine, Unknown or other

   2021 Chevrolet Tahoe – Unexpected Shutdown/Restart While Stopped On two separate occasions, my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe has unexpectedly appeared to shut down while I was stopped with my foot on the brake. The vehicle is equipped with Auto Stop/Start, and initially the event seems like a normal Auto Stop. However, instead of a normal engine Auto Stop/Start cycle, the vehicle appears to shut down or reset more completely. The event is jarring, and the power door locks lock/unlock as the vehicle shuts down and restarts. The vehicle subsequently restarts and I have been able to continue driving. This has now occurred twice while stopped. I am concerned that the vehicle may be experiencing an unintended stall, loss of electrical power, or another malfunction rather than normal Auto Stop/Start operation. I checked my VIN through NHTSA and it does not currently show an open recall. I am aware that certain 2021 Chevrolet Tahoes have previously been recalled for a condition that could result in an engine stall, although my VIN does not appear to be included in that recall population.

   NHTSA complaint 11764299
7. Filed Sep 14, 2026Failure Aug 25, 2026Zimmerman, MNEngine

   The number 7 DFM lifter failed and is suspected of failing due to the Active Fuel System. The vehicle is currently at the dealership where it was diagnosed and is awaiting replacement parts that are on GMC back order for a month or longer. The vehicle started shaking on 8/25/26 when idle and the following warning lights were visible: AVS, traction control, and ECU.

   NHTSA complaint 11764249
8. Filed Sep 14, 2026Failure Aug 2, 2026Oakmont, PAAir bags

   I received an automated message from the vehicle stating to service the safety restraint system. I took the car to the local dealer and they ran a diagnostic review. There is a TSB for the vehicle and they say that the problem is coming from the overhead console part number 86575239. This part is not available anywhere. I contacted General Motors and requested assistance. All they have done is escalate it to the parts delay team. When I called today, all they say is they do not have any information available. They can’t even say when the part will be in stock. The dealership was unable to say that the airbag system would work as required or not. The car is unusable due to the passenger air bag system fault.

   NHTSA complaint 11764050
9. Filed Sep 13, 2026Failure Sep 10, 2026Linton, INEngine

   DFM (Dynamic Fuel Management) system failure causing collapsed lifters, oil consumption, and complete engine failure. To repair our vehicle it will require a complete engine replacement. This has been a known issue with GM and yet there has been no recall to fix the issue. Now our engine must be replaced.

   NHTSA complaint 11763919
10. Filed Sep 8, 2026Failure Sep 1, 2026Lincoln, NEExterior lighting

    Headlight adjustment broke and headlights point straight down. Can not see anything when driving at night.

    NHTSA complaint 11762683
11. Filed Sep 8, 2026Failure May 1, 2025Lincoln, NEEngine

    Total engine failure. No warning lights shown and vehicle had been checked numerous times and reported as just fine.

    NHTSA complaint 11762682
12. Filed Sep 1, 2026Failure Oct 2, 2025Ashland, KYEngine, Unknown or other

    Engine failure Transmission failure

    NHTSA complaint 11761241
13. Filed Sep 1, 2026Failure Aug 31, 2026118,000 milesPerryville, MOEngine, Warnings, Service brakes, Hydraulic

    The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the message "Service ESC" was displayed, and the check engine, traction control, and Forward Collision Avoidance warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle started shaking and then lost power. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, parked, and then turned off. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11761231
14. Filed Aug 31, 2026Failure Jun 16, 2026Mckinney, TXExterior lighting

    Driver's side headlamp beam direction is out of alignment.The beam is aiming at the ground which is greatly affecting visibility. I have never adjusted or attempted to adjust the headlamps. It has gone out of alignment due to normal driving use.

    NHTSA complaint 11761064
15. Filed Aug 30, 2026Failure Aug 28, 2026Bennettsville, SCEngine

    The lifters are tapping on my vehicle and the engine also has a shutter to it. I am also not getting 5000 miles per oil change by 5000 miles my vehicle is showing add engine oil and is taking 2qts to get it back showing on the oil stick.

    NHTSA complaint 11760686
16. Filed Aug 28, 2026Failure Aug 3, 2026Meridian, IDEngine, Power train

    My vehicle had a pop and loss of power on the highway. After pulling over, I did not have a check engine light but did connect my code reader and found a P308. I felt unsafe to drive so I had it towed to a shop. I later found out the DOD system or lifter on valve #8 has failed and needs replacement. Factory recommends oil change at every 7k miles, I did them at 4K. My oil pressure was up to par with the small window of real time allowable oil pressure. The design was great on paper but one of the worst engines GM has ever made. I sincerely hope there is enough people complaining about these 2021 GM 6.2 & 5.3 engines!!

    NHTSA complaint 11760499
17. Filed Aug 28, 2026Failure Nov 13, 2025Thousand Oaks, CAEngine

    Engine ceased to run. Two rods bent. No power. All engine lights on. Good oil pressure and oil level. Tahoe towed back to Simi Valley Chevrolet for engine replacement.

    NHTSA complaint 11760482
18. Filed Aug 25, 2026Failure Aug 18, 2026Fort Wayne, INEngine

    When vehicle is idling the cabin shaking/vibrating. When engine is warm the sound of engine goes away and when it is cool the sound and vibrating comes back.

    NHTSA complaint 11759492
19. Filed Aug 25, 2026Failure Aug 25, 2026Meadville, PAPower train

    Our Tahoe keeps burning through oil. about 2/3 of the way through an oil changes i have to add 2 more quarts to get to the next oil change. Our tahoe was not part of the initial recall i am not sure why.

    NHTSA complaint 11759308
20. Filed Aug 24, 2026Failure May 1, 2026Richmond, VAEngine

    Nearly new Chevrolet Tahoe in 2021 with less than 4,000 miles had an engine failure due to defective valve lifters that required a significant repair and lengthy out of service period (replaced valve lifters in one bank). Now in 2026 the same vehicle's engine has failed for the same reason and the engine needed to be replaced.

    NHTSA complaint 11759036