2021 Chevrolet Tahoe engine problems

Related recalls

• Recall 25V274000Apr 24, 2025597,571 vehicles
  ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

  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 engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.

  Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 23, 2026WAEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11766558 · source
2. Filed Sep 22, 2026CADriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11766224 · source
3. Filed Sep 15, 2026VAEngineOther / Unknown

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11764299 · source
4. Filed Sep 14, 2026MNEngine

   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 · source
5. Filed Sep 13, 2026INEngine

   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 · source
6. 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
7. Filed Aug 30, 2026SCEngine

   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 · source
8. Filed Aug 28, 2026IDEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11760499 · source
9. Filed Aug 28, 2026CAEngine

   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 · source
10. Filed Aug 25, 2026INEngine

    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 · source
11. Filed Aug 24, 2026VAEngine

    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 · source
12. Filed Aug 22, 2026SCEngine

    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.…

    NHTSA complaint #11758758 · source

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