2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Engine Problems

Vehicle is prompting a “decreased acceleration “ warning, will not shift past 3rd gear, and will not shift into reverse.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message “Reduced Acceleration - Drive Safely” was displayed. The vehicle then started shaking abnormally. The contact pulled into a nearby parking lot, turned off the vehicle, and waited for a while before restarting the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the warning lights remained illuminated, and the vehicle continued to shake abnormally. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where a certified mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was a bent rod inside the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnostic result and that the failure was causing additional damage to the crankshaft. The dealer determined that there was a misfire in the engine and that the valve lifter was malfunctioning. The contact was informed that the lifter and the camshaft needed to be replaced, and the engine needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the dealer to inquire about a Goodwill Repair for which the contact could be reimbursed if the VIN was later added to the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Motor is not included in the 6.2 recall for some reason. It is consistently burning through 3 qts of oil every 2-3k miles. This is a major concern considering I travel a lot. I want to know why this specific motor isn’t covered in the recall considering it is having the same issues as the current recall. This has been an ongoing issue and I have been waiting for a recall notice. GM dealership says there is no recall and won’t ever be one.

On March 14,2026 I was driving 80 MPH on the interstate and the vehicle shifted to Neutral and shutoff. Shortly before that the vehicle revved to 4000 RPM and you could feel rhythmic vibrations. The vehicle was towed to a Chevy dealership and diagnosed as loss of propulsion needing a new engine. Tahoe had 104,000 miles at failure.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the Forward Collision Avoidance message was intermittently displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where a computer module was replaced. While driving at various speeds, there was an intermittent knocking sound coming from the engine, with the check engine warning light illuminated. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the knocking sound became constant. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, and upon inspection, the mechanic discovered a bent engine rod inside the engine. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure, and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was initially notified of the failure through the dealer, and the contact was later informed that the manufacturer agreed to cover half the cost of an engine replacement. Upon calling the manufacturer directly, the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

My 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe engine seized while I was driving on the highway. All I heard was a loud clunk then there was a sudden power loss while I was driving before I could even get to the side of the road. I had to pay, out of pocket, to get a tow because the vehicle failed to crank or start. I had the vehicle towed to the Chevy dealership in Paramus, NJ just to find that this is a known recalled issued with the 5.3L, V8 engines which is the engine my vehicle has. There seem to be problems specifically regarding defective connecting rods or the crankshaft but for some strange reason my vehicle's vin number is not included in this recall although it is the same year, same vehicle, same engine and same problem. My vehicle should be included in the recall so it can be repaired for free at the chevy dealership in Paramus, NJ as I use this vehicle to transport children and that is very unsafe to have this defect and not fix it for free when it is not the fault of the driver.

I was driving down I-5 at 75mph and the truck shut off while driving. Couldn’t get to start. Paid over $1k for a new battery cause dealership couldn’t replicate problem. Next day doing 75mph on freeway engine through a rod.

While driving home late at night, the vehicle experienced a sudden mechanical failure in the engine. I was traveling approximately 2 miles per hour while slowing to stop at a stop sign when there was a loud “clunk,” followed by an abrupt stop of the vehicle. Immediately after this occurred, multiple dashboard warning lights illuminated, and a knocking sound began coming from the engine. The vehicle is currently not operating normally and is available for inspection upon request. This incident occurred late at night while I was driving with my two young children in the vehicle. The sudden and unexpected stop put us at risk of being rear-ended or stranded in an unsafe location. The loss of normal vehicle operation created a dangerous situation, especially given the time of night, location, and the presence of my children. There were no warning lights, messages, or noticeable symptoms prior to the incident. All warning lights illuminated only after the loud clunk and abrupt stop occurred. The knocking sound from the engine began immediately following the failure. I now am in a rental car that costs $700 a week that my insurance doesn’t cover.

1ST ISSUE: 9/2025, after driving from another city to my home at 55-75 mph. As I pulled up home, the car just stalled and wouldn't start. I googled issue to find out it was a commonly known issue by GM. If fuel pump control module had happened while driving faster and not on my street to roll up to curb. I would have or could have been deadly. I find out what part # and local dealer knew there was a recall but told me he never heard about it and charged me for part. I installed in front of home on street and have been trying to get money back after reporting to GM I repaired my fuel pump control module and have been trying to get my money back from a repair done on 9/29/2025 by me. GM says it's looking into still after I keep calling them on status of this notice. I still have old part. I have filled out all reimbursement forms.1st the danger of it failing and now no money. By the time engine light comes on you have no power for any stopping or steering. #2 engine 2021 Tahoe High Country 6.2 L V8: NO RECALL HAS BEEN SENT. GM has known about an engine that has multiple failure issues that could GET YOU IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT/death BY JUST STOP RUNNING, while just driving at any moment, INTERNAL FAILURES and main seal leaks, MORE! Mine just poured oil out on driveway after driving 6 miles to church and back. this will be the largest and most deadly auto issue in history. They even had dealers now with any on lot with this engine a stop sale order. aprox. 800,000 of these engines are out there, Local GM dealer says THERE IS NO RECALL. 2021 TO 2026 and they have only changed out aprox. 2800 engines and telling me mine sitting in driveway is not on recall. BS. these engines are in their high-end trucks, SUV's, Escalades. Someone needs to get Gm to do what's right and replace with new engines. That have been tested, all issues before someone has to die. Trying to keep silent on internet is sad. Yes its going to cost billions. But to keep customers safe and not scared.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while his wife was driving out of the driveway and driving approximately 20 MPH, the driver became aware of an abnormal flapping sound that became louder as the vehicle accelerated. Additionally, the contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 60-65 MPH on another occasion, the check engine warning light illuminated. The driver pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where a mobile independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a misfire in cylinder #8. The mechanic determined that both sides of the engine lifters, the gaskets, and other unknown parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle warranty company was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

2021 Chevy Tahoe RST. Bad lifter valve, warranty not wanting to cover replacement for new one.

Lost Power. Engine went into a limp mode. Engine starting knocking loudly and service esc came up on dash along with check engine light. Took it to the dealer and they said a lifter spun and damaged the camshaft. Dealer says it’s not covered by recall. Vehicle has been in Chevy dealer garage for 2 weeks and no repair yet.

While driving normally, the vehicle developed engine performance issues and was diagnosed with a catastrophic camshaft failure at approximately 85,000 miles. The vehicle has received regular oil changes with full documentation and has not been abused or neglected. A licensed mechanic confirmed that the camshaft was severely worn and damaged, consistent with AFM/DFM lifter failure, which is a known issue on GM V8 engines. This failure caused significant internal engine damage requiring major repair. The failed camshaft has been retained as physical evidence. A camshaft should not fail prematurely under proper maintenance. This appears to be a manufacturing or design defect, not normal wear and tear, and presents a potential safety concern due to sudden loss of engine power.

I was driving on the highway at approximately 35mph when I noticed there was no response from the accelerator. I shifted the vehicle into neutral and coasted onto a side road and call OnStar for assistance. The dashboard indicator said to restart engine. I attempted to restart, but the engine would crank but not turn over (start). The vehicle was towed to the dealership where the fuel pump assembly was found to have failed and need replacement.

Having to replace the radiator due to it leaking around a plastic connection to metal. Was told by the dealership this has an updated part from GM due to it being a known issue.

The vehicle stalled while driving down the road and started making a loud ticking noise, the engine light went on. It was brough to the dealership where they did an engine rebuild. They replaced 16 lifters and camshaft, a pulley belt and gaskets. The vehicle was picked up, however, a month later the oil low add oil light came on and the oil tank was more than 2.5 quarts low indicating extreme burning of oil. The vehicle is shuttering on acceleration of low RPMs. Brought it back to the dealership and awaiting further instruction. It caused a major safety concern because it has the potential to stall due to a motor defect on a major highway, putting my family and possibly others at risk of harm or death.

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Answer: The vehicle’s 6.2L L87 V8 engine suffered a sudden internal mechanical failure involving the connecting rod, rod bearings, and crankshaft assembly, resulting in catastrophic engine damage. The failure mode is consistent with the defect described in GM Recall N252494001. The engine and all damaged components are fully available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Answer: The engine failed without warning while the vehicle was in motion, causing an immediate loss of propulsion. This created a hazardous situation where the vehicle could no longer accelerate or maintain speed in traffic, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision or loss of vehicle control. GM’s own recall documentation identifies this exact failure mode as a significant crash risk, and that same hazard occurred in my case. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Answer: Yes. A service technician confirmed catastrophic internal engine failure consistent with connecting-rod or crankshaft damage. The dealer also verified that the engine is inoperable and requires full replacement. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Answer: No, the engine failed while in motion and was taken to the closest mechanic. Inspections by an insurance representative or manufacturer representative can be arranged. The vehicle and damaged engine remain available for further examination. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Answer: No. There were no warning lamps, diagnostic messages, or drivability symptoms prior to the catastrophic engine failure. The failure occurred suddenly and without any advance indication. All service records are available

I am submitting this complaint to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding a sudden engine failure in my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe equipped with a 6.2L V8 engine, which posed a serious safety risk. I was driving on the highway at approximately 65 mph with cruise control engaged. Suddenly, the vehicle lost all power, disengaging the cruise control, and the check engine light began flashing rapidly. I managed to exit the highway safely. While stopped at a traffic light, preparing to turn into a nearby repair shop, the car started shaking violently from side to side, making it difficult to control. I took the vehicle to a Firestone shop and a local Chevrolet dealer, both of which diagnosed massive engine failure and indicated that the engine will most likely need to be replaced. The symptoms I experienced—sudden loss of power at highway speeds, flashing check engine light, and violent shaking—are in line with issues reported in other GM 6.2L engines that have been recalled.  For whatever reason, my 2021 Tahoe, which falls in the middle of the affected model years for these recalls (e.g., GM recall N252494001 for 2021-2024 vehicles with 6.2L V8 engines due to defects in connecting rods and crankshafts leading to engine damage and loss of propulsion), is not included under the broader GM 6.2L engine recall,  although I experienced very similar issues. The biggest safety concern was the engine essentially losing power at highway speeds, which could have led to a crash. I urge NHTSA to investigate and expand coverage if necessary to ensure public safety.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact noticed an abnormal ticking sound. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #7. The independent mechanic checked the spark plugs and other unknown parts for failure; however, there was no evidence of a failure. The contact was informed of a valve lifter failure. The contact was informed that the valve lifter and possibly the push rods and camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced Technical Service Bulletin: N212353840; however, the VIN was not included. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,893.

2021 Tahoe with l87 engine lifters failed at 2000 miles ,was fixed by dealer then at 82,000 miles same failure only now engine failed, I was driving home when it failed almost got in an accident lost power engine codes were blinking , took to dealer been there since October 20th still at dealership