NHTSA lists 16 safety recalls and 464 owner complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. Most complaints involve engine (170) and fuel/propulsion system (96). The EPA rates it 16–24 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, 2021, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, and 2022 and 2024 GMC Yukon vehicles equipped with a 6-cylinder diesel engine. The original fuel tank may have been replaced with an incorrect fuel tank, which can allow fuel to leak in a rollover crash.
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.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“Driving on the highway when all lights lit up on the dashboard. Car slowed down immediately following alert notifications. Towed to dealer. Was told I needed Camshaft and both banks of lifters all head bolts and head gaskets (W) [Other]: Camshaft actuator and bolt and chain tensioner”
“Fuel pump control module failed at under 60k miles. No parts in stock and was told by dealer, no parts anytime soon. This is unacceptable, especially since this is a known problem. A rental car should be provided as expected wait time is now going on two weeks.”
“Vehicle is a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Premier with under 50,000 miles. The vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of reverse gear, accompanied by violent lurching, sputtering, and dangerous hesitation/stuttering while accelerating between gears at speed. A certified dealership inspection physically diagnosed the vehicle with multiple stuck valves inside the transmission control valve body, requiring a complete valve body replacement. This exact mechanical failure completely mirrors the known safety defects outlined in GM Special Coverage Program N242454441, which details transmission pressure losses causing gear engagement conflicts and potential rear-wheel lock-up hazards. The replacement transmission component installed by the certified dealer failed catastrophically within four miles of pickup, again causing severe transmission sputtering and shifting failures that render the vehicle entirely unroadworthy and a safety hazard on public roads. The dealership has been forced to order an entirely new replacement valve body assembly under warranty due to a consecutive failure. General Motors Corporate Customer Assistance acknowledged that the vehicle is…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tahoe 2WD Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | $3,900 | 421 |
| Tahoe 4WD Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | $4,300 | 444 |
| Tahoe 2WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L, SIDI; Stop-Start · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 20 | 18 | $3,550 | 492 |
| Tahoe 4WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L, SIDI · 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 20 | 18 | $3,550 | 496 |
| Tahoe 2WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI; Stop-Start · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | $4,700 | 525 |
| Tahoe 2WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L, SIDI · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,800 | 523 |
| Tahoe 4WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L, SIDI · 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,800 | 523 |
| Tahoe 2WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $5,000 | 544 |
| Tahoe 4WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI; Stop-Start · 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | $5,000 | 558 |
| Tahoe 4WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI · 4-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 16 | $5,000 | 570 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
16 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 464 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (170), fuel/propulsion system (96), power train (90). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe at 16–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (10 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe 4 out of 5 stars overall.