2021 Chevrolet Tahoe problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 453 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, filed between 2020-09-21 and 2026-09-23. The most common problem areas are the engine (168, 37%), fuel/propulsion system (93, 21%) and power train (88, 19%). Owners reported 9 crashes, 3 fires and 9 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 16 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 168 | 37% | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 93 | 21% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power train | 88 | 19% | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 56 | 12% | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Unknown or other | 41 | 9% | 2 | 0 | 5 |
| Air bags | 27 | 6% | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 24 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 21 | 5% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 17 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 17 | 4% | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 15 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 14 | 3% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Seat belts | 13 | 3% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 10 | 2% | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 8 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Engine: 168 complaints
- 168 complaints of 453 (37%) name the engine.
- 30 of them also name the power train; owners reported 2 crashes and 1 fire in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe; the recall, campaign 25V274000, says: “The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.”
Fuel/propulsion system: 93 complaints
- 93 complaints of 453 (21%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 28 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe covers this system.
Power train: 88 complaints
- 88 complaints of 453 (19%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 30 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash and 1 fire in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe; the latest, campaign 24V797000, says: “The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.”
Electrical system: 56 complaints
- 56 complaints of 453 (12%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 20 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash, 2 fires and 3 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe covers this system.
Air bags: 27 complaints
- 27 complaints of 453 (6%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- 5 of them also name the seat belts; owners reported 2 crashes and 3 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe; the recall, campaign 21V421000, says: “The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.”
Fuel system, gasoline: 24 complaints
- 24 complaints of 453 (5%) name the fuel system, gasoline.
- 3 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe; the latest, campaign 21V739000, says: “The fuel pump power control module may cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, which can interrupt fuel flow to the engine, and cause an unexpected engine stall.”
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 12 |
| 2021 | 29 |
| 2022 | 29 |
| 2023 | 50 |
| 2024 | 63 |
| 2025 | 161 |
| 2026 | 109 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names TAHOE, model year 2021. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe's most common problem areas are the engine (168 of 453 complaints), fuel/propulsion system (93 of 453 complaints) and power train (88 of 453 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe have?
NHTSA has 453 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, including 9 reported crashes and 3 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe's problems?
NHTSA lists 16 recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe; 4 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.