This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
-??Catastrophic engine failure-?? as stated by Chevrolet dealership service department. Loud rattling noise prompted service visit. Not 6.2 liter engine, but almost identical issue.
Check Engine Light Came On. Upon Diagnosis', the engine is misfiring, lifters are not performing correctly and there are critical engine alerts and an estimate of 11,000 to fix. 2021 - 83,000 miles v8 - 5.3 NOT the 6.2 and no one will help me bc my power train expires. I am the only owner. Second brand new Tahoe ai bought from this dealership and they are doing nothing to help.
On April 25th, 2025 we were taking our kids to their after school activities when the SUV started to shake, and accelerate very fast by barely pushing the gas pedal, the ETS light along with the forward collision warning also appeared on the dashboard along with the check engine light. This prompted my husband to get our vehicle towed to the nearest shop close to the street where our vehicle started having problems. After several days of diagnostics the shop let us know our vehicle needed the following repairs: Bank One lifters replacement, head gasket service, and a water pump replacement, we ok'd the repairs. Although these components were replaced, we were informed on May 15, 2025, that the vehicle continues to misfire and now requires a camshaft replacement as well. The total cost of the repair has now risen from $5,182.16 to $13,549.79, which is a significant financial burden as the vehicle is just outside of warranty coverage. We are aware that there is an active recall covering similar issues for 2021-?"2024 Chevrolet Tahoes equipped with 6.2L engines. However, our 5.3L engine model is experiencing the same mechanical failures, including misfires, knocking noises, low RPM idling, and performance degradation. There is growing evidence that the valve lifter issues are not limited to the 6.2L engine variant. Our experience-?"and the experiences of others reported online-?"suggests that the 5.3L L84 engine may also suffer from the same design or manufacturing flaws. We respectfully urge NHTSA to investigate whether this issue warrants expanding the scope of the existing recall to include the 5.3L engine models, and we ask that GMC/General Motors be encouraged to provide assistance. Given the severity and known pattern of these issues, we believe GMC should cover at least 75% of the repair costs, or ideally, offer to perform the repair at no charge. Thank you for your time and consideration.
While traveling on the highway one day, my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe began warning lights on the dashboard. Shortly after, it running roughly, , and jerking, so I pulled over to investigate. There no visible smoke, so I drove to the nearest auto parts store, where they ran a diagnostic test that returned a code of P0306. I then took vehicle back to the dealership where have always received oil changes and repairs. I have never visited any other dealership, relying on certified GM/Chevrolet dealerships. After inspecting the vehicle, they informed me that the lifters needed replacement advised that it would be best to replace the engine entirely. Upon further research, I discovered that issue has been affecting many people in our area and across the United States. This needs to be addressed, as the vehicle is only three years old, purchased brand new with zero miles, and I have not done anything out of the ordinary to cause this problem. The vehicle being 70,000 and 12.000 for repairs is insane.
My 2021 Tahoe engine light came on 4/26/2025 as well as it began riding rough. Scheduled service on 5/01/2025 which I was informed cost of failure engine diagnosis repair would cost me $5,000 up to $15,000 to repair. My vehicle is basically new and why is my vehicle not included in the engine failure recall? hopefully it is an oversight. As a valued customer please advise, thanking you in advance.
- Southfield, MI, USA
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On May 14, 2023 I was on a trip driving the Tahoe (midnight blue Tahoe in the pictures) about 60 mph, on highway 41 (middle of nowhere, no cell reception) south of kettleman city, CA when, without any warning or symptoms of any problem whatsoever, the engine lost propulsion and died. I was able to coast onto the shoulder and tried starting it. It started again and I continued driving and about 35 minutes later I stopped at a red light on Highway 41 in Lemoore, CA. Again the Tahoe engine died without warning and would not restart. When I tried starting it I could smell a burning smell. The engine cranked but wouldn-??t start, and then the check engine light came on. I was at a stoplight on a major highway and was unable to move the vehicle, and was scared to sit in it, so I put on the vehicle hazard lights, got out of the car and ran to the side of the road for safety. Luckily I did not have my children with me. I called 911 and a police officer came and parked behind my vehicle with his lights on so hopefully no other vehicles would hit it. A tow truck was immediately dispatched as high priority by the police. I had it towed to Hedricks Chevrolet dealership in Clovis, California, who informed me there was metal parts in the oil and that the engine was destroyed and had to be replaced. It took several months to get the engine replaced and in the meantime, I bought a new 2023 Cadillac Escalade so I would have a vehicle to drive. The Cadillac Escalade ended up having an extremely similar problem (and I will file a separate report for that vehicle). A few months later when the Tahoe replacement engine was installed I picked up the Tahoe from the dealership and sold it to Carmax.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud revving and knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that later after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated with the knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Sudden engine failure while driving. Was able to pull to the side of the road with a few hundred feet. Repair required full engine replacement. Have to other friends that drive similar gm products that also experience engine failure with 3 weeks of our incident.
Engine burning through oil excessively. Has been noted on multiple occasions and requires early changes and top off. Is also happening with 3 friends with the same make and model with the 6.2L. No warnings but was informed it is common at shop.
We had a failed lifter that caused bent rods which caused scratches on the crank shaft which caused us to have to replace the engine. After a simple internet search I have found the lifter failure is very common with gms 5.3 v8. We were told oil needs to be changed at least every 5000 miles although the vehicle prompts you around 7000.
Traction control light came on and the vehicle felt like it was going to die/low idle. I took to dealership on 9/13/22 (5months after getting vehicle) and the codes P03000 00 which is an engine misfire, P050D 00 which is cold start rough idle and it was noted by service tech that engine making a clunk and ticking noise. There was a misfire on cylinder 6. They removed the valve cover and the intake valve rocker arm was not moving at all and when the rocker arm was removed they noticed the push rod was also bent. They verified the DFM lifter was collapsed.
I was driving along the highway at 11pm when I the vehicle started shaking and I heard strange sounds coming from outside the vehicle. I pulled over to inspect and realized it was coming from the engine bay. The engine was making knocking, rattling, and belt slipping noises and the entire vehicle was shaking and the engine also stuttering. I was able to drive the vehicle to a nearby plaza where I had it towed the following morning. There were no warning signs, the vehicle ran properly up until this occurred. The dealership inspected it and told me the engine needs to be replaced and it was likely that a rod bearing that went bad. This happened nearly 2 months ago and I am still waiting for a new engine.
After I washed my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, I went to run some errands. As I pushed the start button, the car would try to start but did not. I tried several times without success. I had the truck towed to Ed Morse Chevrolet in Sunrise, Florida. My odometer is at approximately 43,000 miles. About 3-4 months ago, at 42,000 miles, I had the same situation. I had to have the truck towed to Ed Morse. At the time, the Service Writer told me it was probably the fuel cell module and that Chevy has been a problem with them. The Service Writer surprisingly admitted that this issue could cause the truck to stop in the middle of your commute! I told him that an issue this serious needs a recall. So, today, when AAA picked up my truck, he said that this happens frequently and he towed many Chevrolet Tahoes and pickup trucks with this issue. The AAA technician even reiterated that the fuel cell modular failure shuts down your vehicle while driving! This is insane and troubling. Within 1000 miles, I will need 2 fuel cell modules and there is no guarantee that this one will last. Thanks [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2 incidents of complete engine power loss while driving. Luckily was able to roll off road safely to curb. Dashboard glitch/flashing multiple/various message, including check engine, conditions not ideal to shift, etc. Would not re-start/shift when attempted. Tried disconnecting battery cable completely and re-connecting and that seemed to 're-set' the system and engine re-started. Incidents were about 30 days apart. "This battery reset" was tried because approx 1 year prior after leaving Tahoe parked at airport for a 7 day trip, it would not start, completely dead. Battery charge/jump would not work...watched youtube videos and someone said to try disconnect/reconnect cable and it worked to start it up at that time & did take it into Dealership after that incident and no-cost repairs were made for that issue. Called Chevy 3/25/25 on this power loss while driving issue to ask for information/assistance, they advised to take to dealership for diagnostic info/report and depending on result/cause might assist with costs to repairs. Appointment set for 3/28/2025 with Salem Oregon Chevrolet.
Driving on a highway to Dallas and vehicle loss power and locked up in the middle of the highway.Was stranded on the highway for 4 hours. Vehicle would not start up and had to get towed to local dealership. Dealership diagnose the problem and stated that the engine has failed. I got the vehicle towed back home to my local dealership and they confirmed that the engine has failed. The vehicle showed no signs of engine issues. GM needs to recall this vehicle.
Approximately 4/14/24 while I was driving home from being out of town with my child the check engine light came on with a message -??Reduced acceleration drive with care.-?? The car was not shifting and I couldn-??t go over 45 mph and the rpm-??s were about 3000 at that speed. The light went off and the car seemed to be driving normally. While on the interstate traveling at approximately 70 mph the car did a hard shift and drastically slowed while the rpm-??s spiked. I took it to the dealership who determined the valve body needed to be replaced. Approximately August 2024 it happened again but the light went off. December 2024 same issues with the check engine light, reduced acceleration and not shifting happened. Took the car back 12/9/24 where a wire was replaced. Picked the car up 12/12/24 and 12/18/24 while driving in the car rider line picking my child up the car had a hard shift, check engine light came on, reduced acceleration message and the car would not shift. Notified the dealership immediately and took it back 12/26/24 where they did a second valve body replacement. 1/28/25 on my way home from running errands and was stopped at a red light and the car shifted hard, check engine light came on, reduced acceleration message and engine would not shift causing me to drive slowly to get home (40 mph or less). Dealership was notified immediately and took in the following day. Dealership had a week and had me pick it up because they -??couldn-??t replicate the issue.-?? 2/15/25 after driving 2 hours we pulled in a parking lot and the car shifted hard hard, check engine light came on, reduced acceleration and would not go into reverse. The dealership picked the car up and have had it since trying to replicate it. It occurs without warning while driving and will drastically slows the car down putting us a risk of being rear ended due to the rapid and speed change. It also is a safety risk due to lack of warning that a power failure is about to occur while driving.
Engine failed while driving down the road. There was not prior warning signs to this issue. Vehicle was unable to accelerate. The safety of myself and husband were put a risk as we were traveling on an Interstate 12 in Baton Rouge, LA. The vehicle was inspected by Pine Belt Chevy and the cause identified as Camshaft and lifters failed in the engine causing a sudden deacceleration.
At 35,000 miles, my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe started to misfire. When I pressed the accelerator, the truck started hesitating and the check engine light started flashing. I was able to get the truck to the dealer I purchased it at. The technician "claimed" it was a bad fuel injector. The dealer replaced the spark plug and injector. The vehicle was never test driven. I picked up the truck and drove it on the road. Within 1 mile, the truck started to misfire again with the check engine light started flashing. The dealer claimed that the lifter or lifters in one engine bank were bad. The dealer replaced the lifters on the one side of the engine.
Engine knocking while accelerating. Told by Chevy dealership that a thruster is broken. Car is only 4 years old with 60k miles. Unfortunately, not under warranty. Quoted $5,000 for fix. No errors on dash or visuals of the problem.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Cary, NC, USA