2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Engine Problems
Engine problems account for 190 of 453 complaints (42%) on the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, the highest share of any model year listed. NHTSA also lists a related recall (25V274000) for the 6.2L V8 engine. Median mileage at failure is 57,000.
- Engine complaints
- 190
- 42% of 453
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 57,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Vehicle stalls without warning at low or highway speeds, sometimes with an OnStar alert that the engine and transmission have failed.
- Sudden loss of power while driving, including cases where the engine shuts off completely at a stop sign or intersection and will not restart.
- Engine develops a knocking or whining sound under acceleration, in one case traced to multiple failed lifters requiring major engine repair.
- Vehicle catches fire while parked and unoccupied, with smoke and flames destroying the vehicle.
- Repeated error messages and loss of accelerator power lead to towing and, in one instance, a full engine replacement.
- Vehicle unexpectedly rolls after being placed in Park, with the gear indicator showing Park while the vehicle actually shifts to Drive.
When 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe engine complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 7, 2020, latest Sep 23, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
- NHTSA 25V274000Apr 24, 2025Engine597,571 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.
Engine complaints by Tahoe model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are engine problems in the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe?
- NHTSA lists 190 engine-related complaints for the 2021 Tahoe, which is 42% of the 453 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe engine?
- Yes. Recall 25V274000 covers the 6.2L V8 engine in certain 2021-2024 Tahoe, Suburban, Silverado 1500, Escalade, Yukon, and Sierra 1500 vehicles; dealers inspect and repair or replace the engine as needed.
- At what mileage do 2021 Tahoe engine problems typically show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 57,000 miles for engine-related complaints on the 2021 Tahoe.
- Are the engine problems linked to fires or crashes?
- Among the reported complaints, NHTSA logs 2 fires and 2 crashes tied to this problem area, though no injuries were reported.
- How does the 2021 Tahoe compare to other Tahoe model years for engine complaints?
- The 2021 Tahoe's 42% engine complaint share is higher than every earlier model year listed, though the 2023 Tahoe shows an even higher 63% share.