The Lemon Index2021 Chevrolet Tahoe.
The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe is worse than average by owner complaints: 183 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 179, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 16 recalls, and it gets 16 to 24 mpg combined. The best Chevrolet Tahoe year is 2012.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 457 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Tahoe year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 11K to 69K miles on the car (101 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 12K–79K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 27K–85K miles
- fuel system, gasoline complaints mostly came at 28K–61K miles
Recalls 16
- fuel system, diesel 2025
The original fuel tank may have been replaced with an incorrect fuel tank, which can allow fuel to leak in a rollover crash.
- engine 2025
The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
- transmission & drivetrain 2024
The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
Show all 16 recalls
- lights 2022
The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on.
- seat belts 2022
The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may have been improperly formed.
- transmission & drivetrain 2022
The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated properly, possibly resulting in driveshaft failure.
- fuel system, gasoline 2021
The fuel pump power control module may cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, which can interrupt fuel flow to the engine, and cause an unexpected engine stall.
- brakes 2021
Dealer service technicians may have calibrated the brake system incorrectly, affecting Electronic Stability Control (ESC) , traction control, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), and braking while towing a trailer.
- steering 2021
A software issue may cause a loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving.
- airbags 2021
The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.
- seat belts 2021
The second-row center seat belt latch may be trapped beneath the trim bezel and therefore inaccessible.
- seat belts 2021
The third-row outboard seat belts may have been entrapped or misrouted behind the outboard seat-folding mechanism, which could result in damaged seat belts.
- fuel system, gasoline 2021
The fuel tank assemblies may be missing adhesive between two layers of the fuel tank shell which may result in a fuel leak.
- seat belts 2020
Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle.
- seat belts 2020
The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.
- seats 2020
During general assembly, a repair involved removal of one or both front seats.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Chevy told dealers about
Chevy sent dealers 1477 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Concernof running poor and stalling
- Concern of service engine light, misfire
- This Preliminary information communicates an issue with the power liftgate inoperative and…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenLoss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy2026
- OpenLoss of motive power due to engine failure2025
- ClosedLoss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy2026
- ClosedLoss of motive power due to engine failure2025
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Tahoe SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Chevrolet Tahoe SUV 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3550–5000 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
My car suddenly stopped while driving on the highway , no warning signs I had to be towed . My car in now at the Chevy dealership, was told was " fuel system issue"
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe owner · NHTSA complaint 11581059
More owner reports
I was stranded and had to have my vehicle towed after the fuel pump control module failed.
NHTSA complaint 11621908
Third time engine only cranks and will not start. I was forced to disconnect the battery and reconnect after a short while to get the vehicle to start.
NHTSA complaint 11570098
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.8× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 179; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Tahoe year by this measure is 2012.
What are the most common 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (25%), fuel or ev drive system (25%) and electrical (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe have?
16 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, diesel). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe get?
16 to 24 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 11,900 and 69,500 miles. The middle report was at 41,000 miles, from 101 complaints.
Does the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 10% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe cost in fuel a year?
About $3550 to $5000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe have?
3.0L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
What Chevrolet Tahoe year is better than the 2021?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2012, 2010 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works