2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
Common Problems
Ranked from 166 federal NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
15 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Fuel Pump Control Module Failure
37complaintsHigh severityFuel systemThe fuel pump control module repeatedly fails, leading to loss of engine power and stalling.
$500–$1,100est. fuel pump replacement · 2–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 21V064000, 21V739000, 25V619000
- 2
Engine Misfire and Knocking
29complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine experiences frequent misfires and knocking, often requiring repairs or replacements.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V274000
- 3
Transmission Issues Leading to Loss of Power
29complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission malfunctions, causing the vehicle to lose power and stall, sometimes requiring immediate attention.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 24V797000
- 4
Headlight Adjuster Failure
21complaintsMedium severityOtherThe headlight adjuster fails, causing the headlights to point incorrectly, leading to poor visibility at night.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 21V210000
- 5
Engine Lifter Failure
20complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine lifters frequently fail, causing engine damage and requiring expensive repairs.
Related recall: 25V274000
- 6
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure
20complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine frequently stalls at idle when the stop-start system engages.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V274000
- 7
Suspension Alignment Issues
16complaintsMedium severitySuspensionSuspension misalignment leads to grinding noises and uneven wear on tires, affecting vehicle stability and handling.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 8
Transmission Valve Body and Electronic Control Component Failures
16complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission valve body and electronic control component fail, causing the vehicle to display warning messages and require expensive repairs.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 24V797000
- 9
Fuel System Failures Causing Shutdowns
15complaintsHigh severityFuel systemThe fuel system fails, causing the engine to shut down and the vehicle to lose power, posing a safety risk.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 21V064000, 21V739000, 25V619000
- 10
Engine Lifter Issues
10complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine lifters fail, requiring frequent repairs and rebuilds, leading to engine instability and performance issues.
Related recall: 25V274000
- 11
Engine Seizure During Highway Driving
6complaintsSafety riskEngineThe engine seizes during highway driving, leading to a complete loss of power and requiring immediate towing.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V274000
- 12
Air Bag System Malfunction
5complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe air bag system malfunctions, causing the 'Service Safety Restraint System' message to appear frequently.
- 13
Steering Lock-up at Low Speeds
5complaintsMedium severitySteeringAt low speeds, the steering wheel locks up and becomes difficult to turn, posing a safety risk.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 21V455000
- 14
Check Engine Light and Loss of Power
4complaintsMedium severityEngineThe check engine light illuminates, followed by a loss of power and difficulty in accelerating, often accompanied by strange noises.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V274000
- 15
Rear Differential Noise and Failure
2complaintsMedium severitySuspensionThe rear differential produces a rubbing or humming noise and may fail, especially when cold or turning.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.