2021 Chevrolet Tahoe brakes problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

20 owners have reported brakes problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, 4% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 56,513 mi.

Brakes complaints
20
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
56,513 mi

Specific components reported

Brakes covers: Service brakes (hydraulic, electric, air), ABS and parking brake.

ComponentComplaints
Service brakes17
Service brakes, hydraulic2
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder1

Brakes complaints across Chevrolet Tahoe years

120051220074320092120132872015484120171872019620202112202023121020252
Brakes complaints by model year. The 2021 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

1Under 10k10k–30k130k–60k160k–100k1100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 21V579000Jul 29, 20212 vehicles
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon vehicles. Dealer service technicians may have calibrated the brake system incorrectly, affecting Electronic Stability Control (ESC) , traction control, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), and braking while towing a trailer.

    Risk: Overall braking performance may be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will recalibrate the brake system control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1202; GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212340970.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 1, 2026118,000 miMOBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11761231 · source
  2. Filed May 11, 202678,026 miINTowedBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11737018 · source
  3. Filed May 7, 2026FLBrakes
    I was driving home after dropping my kids off at school and when I was almost home my dash lit up with the traction control light, check engine light, ABS light, red break light, service ESC message, forward collision system unavailable message and break system failure 62 MPH top speed ( was switching between 43 MPH top speed and 62 MPH top speed ), I went to slow down and I had no brakes at all. The pedal sunk to the floor with zero resistance no matter how many times I…
    NHTSA complaint #11736321 · source
  4. Filed Jan 10, 2026MOBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine
    While driving on I-90 in Montana on a clear, sunny day at the posted speed limit of 80 miles per hour for one hour, the vehicle began making knocking noises then, all of a sudden lost power. Upon inspection at the nearest GM dealership service department in Butte, MT, I was told something within the engine broke. I have attached an emailed repair bid from the GM service department and have copied and pasted the highlights here: -Engine, Lines, Radiator, Water Pump, and Tune…
    NHTSA complaint #11710051 · source
  5. Filed Aug 17, 2025CABrakesSteering
    • What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The steering column lock system malfunctioned, triggering a “Service Steering Column Lock” alert. This failure caused a sudden loss of steering control. The vehicle and components remain available for inspection upon request. In addition, the incident appears to have caused damage to the trailer harness wiring. • How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The…
    NHTSA complaint #11681129 · source
  6. Filed Aug 4, 2025SCBrakesElectrical SystemEngine
    We are apart of the safety recall with the potential brake and engine issues, we have contacted the dealership and they have NO remedy at the current time for our defective vehicle. We contacted GM to request a buy-back due to the safety issues with the vehicle, told we did not qualify BUT they have no remedy for our defective truck. We do not fell safe in the vehicle, the brakes are sticking and the engine is making weird noises. We are currently seeking legal…
    NHTSA complaint #11678146 · source
  7. Filed Jul 17, 2025INBrakes
    I have had the break pads and rotors replaced and in the shot over 6 times with them still not fully functioning correctly. I finally gave up on them and still expected to pay again. I don’t feel like this car is safe and have had nothing but issues
    NHTSA complaint #11674328 · source
  8. Filed Feb 10, 2025TXBrakes
    On a few occasions the emergency / parking brake auto releases when parked on a slight incline while the engine is running and transmission is in park.
    NHTSA complaint #11641747 · source
  9. Filed Jan 27, 202535,000 miARBrakes
    The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes failed to function as intended. In addition, the contact noticed a grinding sound and several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with brake master cylinder failure. The contact was informed that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not…
    NHTSA complaint #11638886 · source
  10. Filed Nov 30, 2024ILBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System
    Vehicle brake module system failed after being replaced one week ago. All of my systems system lights are coming on on my dashboard. I cannot drive past 62 mph. This is the second time that this has happened under a month after vehicle being serviced at a GM dealership.
    NHTSA complaint #11628045 · source
  11. Filed Oct 14, 2024CABrakes
    While my wife was driving her car going down a slope, Her brake pedal fell to the floor loosing brakes and would not return to normal position for a few minutes. I took the vehicle into the dealership over two weeks ago and they have not been able to re-create the situation that took place while my wife was driving the car and still have not returned the vehicle. My concern is that my wife will not feel comfortable driving the car with our toddler and new born if there is no…
    NHTSA complaint #11619665 · source
  12. Filed Aug 1, 2024FLBrakes
    I was driving with family (2 adults - including myself, and 5 kids - ages [XXX] ) The truck started to flash warnings and my brakes disabled. We couldn't stop and almost had an accident. I kept pumping the brakes and the E break I didn't give it any gas and we slowly came to a stop after some time. I shut the truck off as I was beyond terrified and tried to start it back up. The lights came on but it didn't turn over to start. Had to have it towed and find an uber for a 7…
    NHTSA complaint #11605858 · source

Other 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe problem areas

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology