1,028 of the
12,903 complaints filed about the Chevrolet Tahoe
are about the engine —
8% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2021.
My 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe (VIN: [XXX]) suffered a catastrophic failure of the 6.2L V8 L87 engine assembly — specifically the connecting rod and crankshaft components — at freeway speeds on [XXX], just 9 days after purchase. The original failed engine is no longer available for inspection as it was removed and returned as a core by Shaheen Chevrolet in Lansing, MI as part of the warranty replacement process. The only symptom prior to failure was a brief squeaking noise that began approximately 0.5 miles before the engine failed. No warning lamps, messages, or other indicators appeared at any point before the failure. The engine then failed suddenly and completely at freeway speed, causing immediate loss of propulsion. My family was left stranded in an unsafe roadside location until a tow truck arrived. Sudden loss of power at freeway speeds creates significant risk of collision for both the vehicle's occupants and surrounding motorists. The failure was inspected and confirmed by Shaheen Chevrolet as a GM manufacturing defect involving the connecting rod and crankshaft. No police, insurance representatives, or GM field engineers inspected the vehicle beyond the dealership. GM authorized a full engine replacement under Special Coverage warranty (10 years/150,000 miles). The replacement engine (GM part #12740076) was on national backorder for over two months due to supplier capacity constraints. A loaner vehicle was provided during that time. This failure occurred despite a prior GM recall addressing the same rod/crankshaft defect having been performed on this vehicle. The recall remedy was ineffective. I have no confidence the replacement engine will not fail again. With approximately 597,630 vehicles affected, this represents a serious and ongoing public safety risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11758923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
My vehicle, 2023 Tahoe, previously had the GM Recall 25V-274 / N252494001 remedy performed (0W-40 oil swap) in October of 2025. Despite completing the manufacturer's official recall remedy, the engine suffered a sudden, dangerous loss of motive power at highway speeds when I was making an out of state move and traveling alone; it was terrifying. I had to have it towed to the nearest dealership and that is where it is now as I had to leave since I was in the middle of moving. I need a new engine. I have no idea how I will get my Tahoe to my new residence or when. The dealership was not open on Sundays so I had to find a place to stay after leaving my Tahoe full of my items and my bike. I was so afraid it would be broken into. I had an oil pressure warning right before the engine completely stalled. And, I was accelerating up an incline and it felt like my Tahoe couldn't get enough power to make the incline. My Tahoe only has 35,047 miles, and threw the Diagnostic Trouble Code P0016 through my ONSTAR app as well as with the tech at the dealership. And, I am having a lot of trouble with GM corporate with rental cars. I had to pay out of pocket in order to get back on the road with my belongings as I start a new job this week at my new home. I had to leave some belongings and my bike with my Tahoe at the dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11756494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When GM announced the recall involving the potential for catastrophic engine failure, I immediately contacted Bridgewater Chevrolet in NJ to schedule the required recall inspection. I was told the dealership could not perform the inspection because it had not yet received the required 'diagnostic tool' from GM. Once they received the equipment, they contacted me and on Oct 1, 2025, they completed the required recall inspection and informed me that my Tahoe had passed the recall inspection and that the vehicle was safe to continue driving. On XXX while driving over the Driscoll Bridge on the [XXX] with my daughter and our dog, the engine catastrophically failed without warning as I began to exit on exit [XXX] to [XXX] into heavy traffic. With no warning, the vehicle flashed that it was in neutral and then suddenly lost all power and stopped completely in a traffic lane, creating an extremely dangerous situation. After a few mins, I was able to get it started briefly, enough to coast along to a spot a few hundred feet away where there was a shoulder. From there the wheels locked and it would not move at all and windows would not open. It had to be dragged completely inoperable with locked wheels onto a flatbed three separate times. It was first dragged and flat bedded off the Parkway to a place we felt unsafe so we stayed locked in the car in July heat with no windows down, then to my mechanic and then to the dealership. I am unsure of the damage that may have caused. The dealership received the vehicle on XXX and within a day told me that it was indeed what my mechanic and they suspected - the catastrophic failure recall they had inspected and passed the vehicle for. As of today, XXX, I was told they just received an engine and can start a full replacement this week. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11755999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2022 Chevy Tahoe went into limp mode at 62,500 miles out of the blue and check engine light came on. At the certified Chevy dealership I was told it was the transmission control valve, Code P2732, which is a known widespread factory issue in these models. Upon further inspection, was told my transmission fluid was completely black and burned and it ruined the transmission and therefore it needs to be replaced. "Consequential Damage Policy: When a control valve body fails and stays "stuck on," it forces maximum line pressure through the system. Continuing to drive under these conditions quickly destroys the internal clutch packs, burns the fluid, and melts down the transmission." This is exactly what happened and my vehicle was never put on a recall list but clearly was a ticking time bomb.
NHTSA complaint #11755417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The 6.2L L87 V8 engine in my 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe Premier RST suffered a catastrophic internal component failure while operating. The engine experienced a sudden, severe internal mechanical breakdown involving the crankshaft or connecting rod bearings, completely disabling the powertrain.This failure causes an immediate and dangerous loss of vehicle propulsion, creating a severe safety hazard on public roads.General Motors has already issued Safety Recall N252494001 (NHTSA Campaign 24V924000) for identical L87 engine bearing failures, but has arbitrarily limited the scope to 2021–2024 model years. My 2020 vehicle uses the exact same L87 engine family and has suffered the exact same catastrophic defect.I am filing this report to urge the NHTSA to expand its current Engineering Analysis (RQ26001) and force General Motors to expand the safety recall to include 2020 model year vehicles before more consumers experience sudden engine failure while driving."
NHTSA complaint #11754970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
My 2023 Tahoe HC 6.2L VIN Passed the Catastrophic Engine Safety Recall stating my Engine was SAFE. The dealership performed a change in oil velocity per GM's directives. Then the engine seized upon accelerating. No warnings, just dead, yet able to coast through a large intersection on a -20F day where NOTHING worked on the vehicle. Even though the engine would not turn over when hitting the Start button, it would only allow 15 minutes worth of Emergency Flashers before the sensors shut the vehicle completely down. We had to abandon the vehicle on the side of the road, with key fob in this NEW vehicle, hike to safety, and for warmth. Total mess up as how to tow the vehicle, even when I advised NOTHING (but SiriusXM) worked and could not put vehicle into Neutral. Had to wait almost a month for a Replacement Engine. Once Replacement Engine installed, I expressed how my vehicle did not feel, nor sound the same as the original. The dealership ensured that it was a 6.2L Engine Replacement, without being able to tell me where it came from, how many miles on it, or the serial number to this new engine. I was told to give it 500-1000 miles to allow Replacement Engine to "settle". Exactly 300 miles in, on the expressway, just coming out of a bottle neck slowdown, I got up to around 45-50 mph and it was like I hit an invisible wall! Vehicle lost propulsion. Seat belts locked. No brake lights since I was accelerating. Extremely thankful nobody was behind me. Obviously let go of the gas. Pause. Then I was able to drive the vehicle to a safe location off of the expressway, and shut it down. Immediately called dealer. Restarted, drove about 15 miles to safety, went to shut off and it would NOT turn off. Sounded as if trying to start it while already running. 20 min to turn off. 5 months at dealer, they could not mimic/see any issues, even though I could "feel" the loss of propulsion at lower speeds. Fearing ALL lives, I had to trade down yet more $
NHTSA complaint #11753757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe RST Performance Edition equipped with the 6.2-liter V8 experienced a catastrophic engine failure at approximately 28,400 miles. The Tahoe was towed to an authorized Chevrolet dealership. The dealer confirmed an internal engine failure requiring complete engine replacement. The vehicle and failed engine are currently at the dealership in Lawrence, Kansas, and should be available for inspection upon request. The precise internal cause has not yet been provided to me in writing. I was advised that obtaining and installing the replacement engine is expected to take approximately 60 to 90 days or longer. The scheduled 30,000-mile maintenance was performed by the Chevrolet dealership on June 29, 2026, when the odometer read 27,607 miles. The engine failed less than two weeks later, after approximately 800 additional miles. Two days before the failure, I noticed a knocking or ticking sound from the engine. Immediately before the failure, I heard loud squeaking or screeching followed by a severe metallic clanking sound, as though loose metal components were being thrown around inside the engine. The engine then shut off and the vehicle became immobilized in Park at an intersection. I was the first vehicle in a left-turn lane and could not shift the Tahoe into Neutral to push or coast it out of the roadway. Heavy traffic turning toward the highway was forced to maneuver around the disabled vehicle, creating a significant risk of a collision. The outside temperature was approximately 95 degrees, with a heat index of approximately 109 degrees. My dog was with me, and it took more than an hour to arrange transportation for him to a safe location before I could return to the disabled vehicle and continue waiting for the tow truck.
NHTSA complaint #11753631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Out of nowhere without any warning light all of a sudden couldn’t back up when geared into reverse to reverse. Turned the vehicle off and back on, then was able to reverse. Left parking lot and was on the road and vehicle started loosing speed, then put into park with hazard lights. When attempting to get off the road for safety reasons tried putting into drive and the car then drove in reverse. Local Fire department came and called in the local police dept for assistance and pushed vehicle off to the side and tow company came and took to the auto shop with information today of the transmission going out, and with that causing happening causing the Fluid to Smell Burnt and Full. The auto shop test Drove and made It 30 Feet and Would Not Move. Transmission Is Failing and Causing the Concern.
NHTSA complaint #11753184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Driving the vehicle down the highway at approximately 65 miles per hour, the check engine light came on and the engine went into limp mode, slowing immediately. Upon getting the vehicle to the left shoulder on a busy highway, the vehicle displayed "engine overheating", "battery low", and 0% oil life. A full oil and filter change had been done less than 1000 miles ago and upon checking the oil, it was at the correct level. The engine completely failed and is not being replaced at a Chevrolet dealership. I completed the recall N252494003 on March 5th, 2026 which comprised of an engine inspection, higher viscosity oil, a new oil cap, filter replacement, and owner's manual insert. The engine still failed and required replacement despite having this done.
NHTSA complaint #11751156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH in sand, the vehicle stalled, and the steering wheel seized. The contact turned off the vehicle, jiggled the steering wheel, and waited approximately 10 minutes before restarting the vehicle to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
NHTSA complaint #11750510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.