182 of the 637 complaints about the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe are about the engine — 29% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 61,000 miles.
182
Complaints
2
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
ENGINE
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Total engine failure. No warning lights shown and vehicle had been checked numerous times and reported as just fine.
NHTSA complaint #11762682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Engine failure Transmission failure
NHTSA complaint #11761241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Engine failure of the 6.2L L87. Was 12 hours from home with my family on vacation in Colorado cruising up a 4 lane mountain highway about 700 yards from entering [XXX] thru the mountain and the engine started screaming and knocking. Thank the lord there was a way I could quickly steer my vehicle and family off the 65 mph hwy. Engine had recently passed the recall inspection test. “3,000ish miles ago” dealership confirmed engine failure and it’s sitting in cooorado waiting for a replacement engine. I believe this will be the 3rd engine now in my car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11758674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
6.2L engine failure. Camshaft and lifters. My [XXX] wife ([XXX]) was driving and it shut off going down the highway. It is at my local Chevrolet dealer getting repaired. No warnings. No engine light. Vehicle has 88,000 miles on it, I purchased it April 22, 2026 with 84,700 miles on it. My Chevrolet App says there are no issues with the vehicle..it’s in pieces at the dealership. I had higher standards for a high country. Always owned Chevrolets. May be my last one. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11758758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
While at a drive thru, my 2021 Chevy Tahoe High Country experienced a total failure with no advance warning where the engine shut down and would not restart despite what appeared to be good electrical power. We tried to jump start the vehicle with both another vehicle as well as a AAA power pack with no luck. The vehicle was not movable and had to be towed using a lift truck to the dealer. The dealer performed an analysis, reproduced the problem, and determined that the engine failed due to a spun bearing despite no documented codes from the analysis. In performing research, this failure appears identical to NHTSA Campaign 25V274 / GM number N252494000 however the car has been deemed to not be covered with mileage at 139,300.
NHTSA complaint #11754638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
The engine in my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe High Country equipped with the 6.2L V8 (L87) experienced a catastrophic failure. While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost power, displayed a “Service ESC” warning, illuminated the check engine light, and unexpectedly shifted into Neutral. After stopping the vehicle, it would not restart. The dashboard would illuminate, but the engine would only produce a faint clicking sound and would not crank. The vehicle was towed to a Chevrolet dealership, where it remains available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This failure occurred while I was driving, causing an unexpected loss of power and propulsion. The vehicle became disabled without warning, creating a significant risk of being struck by surrounding traffic. Losing the ability to accelerate or safely maneuver a full-size SUV in traffic placed both me and other motorists at risk of a serious crash. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Chevrolet dealership, Crews Chevrolet. The dealership confirmed that the engine had catastrophically failed and advised that it qualified for replacement under General Motors’ special coverage program for the 6.2L L87 engine. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Chevrolet dealership. General Motors has authorized replacement of the engine under its special coverage program. No police report was filed because there was no collision.
NHTSA complaint #11752953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
DATE: 06/17/2026 The engine shuts off without warning while I am driving, recurring roughly every 10 miles. When it stalls, the dashboard and electrical accessories stay on, but the vehicle loses motive power, along with power steering assist and power brake assist, which is extremely dangerous at road speed and in traffic. This began immediately after dealer service completed on 6/18/2026. During that visit the dealer performed two safety recalls (N252494000, the "L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion" PicoScope inspection with oil change; and N252510321, ECM software reprogramming) and a valve lifter replacement that required removing both cylinder heads. The vehicle was running and fully drivable when I dropped it off, and was returned stalling repeatedly while driving. It never did this before the service. At first the engine would not restart after stalling. The dealer replaced the starter; it now restarts but continues to stall every ~10 miles. A dealer diagnostic scan recorded numerous "Lost Communication" codes across nearly all control modules, plus control-module input-power codes showing low voltage and power-circuit correlation faults (e.g., U3505, U3018, U3007) and an active loss-of-communication code for the power steering module — consistent with an intermittent loss of electrical power or ground affecting engine control. The engine passed the recall's connecting-rod/crankshaft (PicoScope) inspection, so this is not the recalled bearing failure mode. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and is undrivable. The dealer has ordered a new engine and apparently also a new radiator for reasons unknown. No crash or injury has occurred to date, but the vehicle lost power while on the freeway at speed multiple times. A GM customer assistance case is open. Repair orders and the diagnostic scan are available on request.
NHTSA complaint #11747941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
The engine's Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) lifter failed and damaged the camshaft at around 70,700 miles. The broken components are available for inspection upon request. This failure put occupants at risk because the vehicle suddenly lost power, began shaking violently, and could not accelerate safely in traffic. This unexpected loss of propulsion created an immediate collision hazard. The problem was officially diagnosed and confirmed by a repair service center. It has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. There were no advance warning signs. At the exact moment of the failure, the check engine light started flashing, the car began shaking heavily, and the engine made a loud knocking sound.
NHTSA complaint #11747364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
After a car wash, the car started to smoke out of a tail pipe, down shifting hard, car was shaking while running in park in the driveway- so we took it right to Chevy Turnersville, and they are now saying the whole engine is internally damaged ( not by the carwash) and the whole engine needs to be replaced. The trucks warranty just expired in Feb, the car ran perfectly fine before this. I dont understand how an engine just stops working this fast and out of no where. We took very good care of this truck. Oil changes every time we needed, new tires, new alignment, the mile recommendations, everything! and this happens out of no where. It will now cost $12,000 to repair this which we do not have. Please help and explain this
NHTSA complaint #11747386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
2021 Chevy Tahoe with 6.2 engine (VIN: [XXX]) has been experiencing severe oil consumption, and making odd noises during operation. All while NOTshowing ANY recalls for the issue. Although there's an active recall/investigation into the 6.2 L87 engine, which my vehicle has. I've been having Valvoline document the severe oil consumption during oil changes per manufacturer specs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11746967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
We have a 2021 Chevy. Tahoe, and we just had an inspection done because a light kept coming on saying that our engine might fail. The shop initially said it needed cam shaft replacement, but now are saying the entire engine needs to be replaced. The care has ~ 67,000 miles on it and is 5 years old.
NHTSA complaint #11746218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact's husband owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and experienced a loss of drive power. A message to turn on the vehicle was displayed. The contact's husband coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and attempted to jumpstart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the engine had seized and the crankshaft had failed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11743739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
While driving my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, the check engine light illuminated. Shortly thereafter, the engine began shaking severely and I heard clicking and popping noises from the engine compartment. The following morning, the vehicle was barely operable, shaking excessively and unable to properly reverse. Due to the unsafe condition, I had the vehicle towed to the dealership. The dealership diagnosed a failure involving all 8 lifters on one side (bank) of the engine, requiring extensive engine repairs. My vehicle has approximately 74,000 miles, which I believe is low mileage for such a significant internal engine failure. The symptoms included severe engine vibration, misfiring, loss of performance, and the potential for loss of power while driving. This is not the first major failure I have experienced with this vehicle. In approximately April 2023, when the vehicle had about 32,000 miles, it unexpectedly shut off while I was reversing in a roadway. The dealership diagnosed a failed fuel pump control module (fuel pump modulator). Similar failures were later identified in recalls and corrective actions affecting other GM vehicles. I am concerned that my vehicle has experienced multiple failures involving components that appear to be associated with known issues affecting GM vehicles, yet my Tahoe was not included in applicable recalls. These failures created significant safety concerns, including unexpected engine shutdown, loss of vehicle operation, and potential loss of power while driving. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles should have been included in existing and future safety recalls related to these defects and other known defects that GM vehicles are experiencing with the motor, transmission and other parts. Note: No invoice is available yet as I am seeking GM assistance due to no warranty status. Estimated repair cost from dealership is up to $8,900.
NHTSA complaint #11743348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
My wife was stopped at a stop light traveling west from and appointment. When the light turned green she moved her foot from the brake to gas when all of the warning lights. It happened at the worst time possible during rush hour and we were fortunate that she was not hit by traffic. After the police arrived to help re direct traffic and wait for a tow truck, we found coolant spilling underneath the engine towards the rear of it. Towed to local repair shop, they inspected and found the engine had a catastrophic failure. Likely related to the current recall for the 6.2l V8 engine installed in this Tahoe.
NHTSA complaint #11740788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
On May 2nd 2026 I was driving my 2021 Tahoe high country with the 6.2 motor at 60 mph and started to slow down before my left hand turn. In the process of slowing down at about 40mph I heard a loud bang/thud noise. The car had completely shut down all motor related usage. I coasted into the shoulder on the side of the road the vehicle would not restart. I had my children and wife in the car. There were no check engine lights or any other warning signs on the dash prior to this happening. The Tahoe was running perfectly fine. Ended up needing the vehicle towed to the chevrolet dealership. It was confirmed upon dealership inspection by the mechanic that an intake valve spring broke and locked up the engine. We currently are being denied coverage through our extended warranty with endurance to replace the engine.
NHTSA complaint #11737454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Engine has developed a miss and has check engine code P0300 random misfires. There are subcodes pending of P0011 and P0016 indicating Crank and Cam misalignment. This has all the classic signs for a failing engine. I am taking this truck in for the GM Picoscope test, the oil was changed to 0w40 mobile one supercar oil approx. 2,800 miles ago when the truck was under Powertrain warranty. I will preform a Blackstone oil test to determine if there is abnormal engine wear. My truck is not in the vin. recall range.
NHTSA complaint #11736994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated that several warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed engine, lane departure modular and the brake master cylinder. The contact was informed that the engine, lane departure modular and the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the lane departure module was in back order. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,026.
NHTSA complaint #11737018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, there was an abnormal vibration coming from the engine compartment and felt in the steering wheel. The check oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence and then to the dealer, where it was determined that the vehicle was functioning properly, and there was no oil leak; however, the oil level was low even though an oil change was not yet due. The dealer added oil to the vehicle, and an oil consumption test was ordered. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
NHTSA complaint #11734758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Check engine light illuminated on my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. Upon diagnostic scan, the following emissions-related fault codes were present: P11D5 (NOx sensor), P14D9 (NOx sensor), P2383 (EGR pressure sensor), and P2C7A (NOx catalytic converter efficiency). All components are available for inspection upon request. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Chevrolet dealership for diagnosis. The dealer acknowledged the emissions codes but stated that unrelated components would need to be repaired at owner expense before the emissions system would be addressed, despite these codes falling within the federally mandated 8-year/80,000-mile emissions warranty. The fault codes were confirmed by the dealership. No safety incident has occurred to date, however degraded NOx and EGR function can result in increased harmful emissions output and potential engine performance issues. Warning lamps appeared without prior incident or symptom. The manufacturer has not offered to cover the emissions components under the federal emissions warranty without the owner first paying for additional repairs that may or may not be causally related to the emissions system failure. When the dealer was directly asked, "Are you saying the emissions system itself is functioning correctly, and something else caused these codes to appear?" — the dealer did not provide an answer. This question was asked in order to clarify whether the emissions components themselves are degraded or failed, which would confirm warranty coverage eligibility. The dealer's failure to answer this question directly is noted as part of this complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11734900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Urgent: Engine Failure Following Recent Service – 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally request assistance and an investigation regarding a serious engine failure involving my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. In July 2025, I paid out of pocket to have the lifters and camshaft replaced on this vehicle. More recently, while traveling, the vehicle broke down and was taken to Uebelhor Chevrolet, where the valve body in the transmission was replaced. After picking the vehicle up from Uebelhor Chevrolet, the vehicle broke down again approximately one hour later while in Henderson, Kentucky. At that time, the engine began smoking, running rough, and misfiring. I checked the oil level during the incident and found it to be extremely low on the dipstick (I have photographic evidence of this condition). The vehicle had to be towed to Kate Faupel Chevrolet for further inspection. I was then informed that the engine has a dropped lifter on cylinder #8 and possible camshaft damage. Given the following factors: Recent out-of-pocket lifter and camshaft replacement (July 2025) Immediate failure shortly after leaving a Chevrolet dealership Extremely low oil level observed at the time of breakdown (with photo documentation) Diagnosis consistent with potential oil starvation and internal engine damage I am requesting that General Motors conduct a full review of this situation to determine responsibility. This raises serious concerns about a potential defect, improper prior repair, or a service-related issue that resulted in catastrophic engine damage. At this time, I am not authorizing repairs until liability is determined. I am requesting: A formal case review and investigation Assistance with repair or full engine replacement Guidance on how this situation will be resolved This incident created a significant safety concern, as the vehicle became disabled shortly after leaving a dealership during travel. Please contact me as soon as possible to discuss next steps
NHTSA complaint #11734312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Vehicle is prompting a “decreased acceleration “ warning, will not shift past 3rd gear, and will not shift into reverse.
NHTSA complaint #11733633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Suspension system failed- had to replaced, Car difficult to control when operating. Repaired by dealer- Country Chevrolet, Benton KY- owner paid for repair. [XXX] Engine failure- knocking and difficult to drive on returning trip from Louisville KY to Benton, KY. Taken to dealer on 4.6.2026 - made it without being towed- extremely slow- traffic hazard- Tahoe has lots of road miles- always repaired and serviced by dealer. There were no warning lights, symbols or indicators that there was a problem. Dealer still determining the extent of the damage. [XXX] Benton KY INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11730757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.