YearToAvoid

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 22 brake complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, 5% of its 453 total complaints, with 2 crashes and 1 injury reported. A related recall (21V579000) covers a brake system module miscalibration affecting stability control.

Brakes complaints
22
5% of 453
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Median mileage
49,786 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Owners report sudden loss of braking at low speed, sometimes needing the gearshift moved to park to stop the vehicle.
  • Some describe the brake pedal sinking to the floor and losing effectiveness, with brakes returning to normal only after several minutes.
  • Loud squealing from the front brakes at low speed is reported, with several owners tying it to Brembo pads and rotors wearing prematurely.
  • Several complaints describe warning lights, ESC failure, and forward collision warning malfunctioning together with brake concerns.
  • One owner reported the parking brake releasing on its own while parked on an incline with the engine running.
  • A brake master cylinder failure was reported alongside grinding noise and dashboard warning lights at 35,000 miles.

When 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe brake complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 5, 2020, latest Sep 1, 2026.

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe brakes complaints: complaints filed per month2Oct 2020Dec 2022Aug 2023Aug 2024Jan 2025Aug 2025May 2026
22 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2020 to Sep 2026; peak Aug 2025 (2).

Brakes recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

  1. NHTSA 21V579000Jul 29, 2021Brakes2 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.

Brakes complaints by Tahoe model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200532 (11%)
  2. 200618 (16%)
  3. 200762 (5%)
  4. 200821 (4%)
  5. 200921 (7%)
  6. 20106 (2%)
  7. 201116 (4%)
  8. 201211 (6%)
  9. 201311 (5%)
  10. 20149 (10%)
  11. 2015216 (33%)
  12. 201693 (36%)
  13. 201744 (25%)
  14. 201819 (18%)
  15. 20198 (8%)
  16. 20206 (11%)
  17. 202122 (5%)
  18. 202212 (6%)
  19. 202320 (9%)
  20. 202412 (18%)
  21. 202510 (21%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe have?
NHTSA lists 22 brake complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, which is 5% of the 453 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe?
Yes. Recall 21V579000, reported July 29, 2021, covers dealer-related miscalibration of the brake system module that affected Electronic Stability Control and traction systems. It does not carry a do-not-drive or park-outside warning.
At what mileage do brake problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure across the reported brake complaints is 49,786 miles.
Have brake issues on the 2021 Tahoe caused crashes?
NHTSA data tied to these brake complaints shows 2 crashes and 1 injury, with no fires reported.
How does the 2021 Tahoe compare to other years for brake complaints?
The 2021 Tahoe's brake complaint share is 5%, lower than years like 2015 (33%) and 2016 (36%), which had far higher brake complaint shares.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.