2021 Chevrolet Tahoe · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 72owner reports
- 70,000median miles
- $9,177median quote
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Sep 23, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
300 of the 453 complaints on this car are about the engine. 72 of those describe misfire.
Tick what matches of 72 reports
Misfire on other Tahoe years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2026.
What this problem usually is
These reports start with the check engine light. Many describe the engine running rough or shaking at idle, a P0300-series code, or a catalytic converter code. A worrying number say the light was flashing. Owners often list ignition coils or spark plugs already replaced, and the light coming back afterward.
What got replaced
Few of these reports name the part that was replaced.
Recalls and investigations
4 recalls on the engine cover the 2021 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The original fuel tank may have been replaced with an incorrect fuel tank, which can allow fuel to leak in a rollover crash.
The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
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.
The fuel tank assemblies may be missing adhesive between two layers of the fuel tank shell which may result in a fuel leak.
All 16 recalls on the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Tahoe
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy. Open.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy. Closed aug 20, 2026.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure. Open.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure. Closed oct 23, 2025, led to recall 25V-274.
Non-crash engine compartment fires. Closed sep 8, 2008, led to recall 08V-441.
Non-crash engine compartment fires. Closed jun 12, 2008.
Battery leaks acid. Closed jun 28, 2002.
Battery leaks acid. Closed may 2, 2000.
What owners paid
14 of the 72 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $3,310 to $10,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 35,000 and 85,000 miles, from the 35 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 28 service bulletins or notices for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Certain vehicles may have a condition that could cause the cylinder 2 glow plug to fail. If this failure occurs, the Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine Light) will illuminate and a diagnostic trouble code will set.
Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition that could cause the engine coolant control valve to fail an onboard vehicle diagnostic test.
This service bulletin provides a procedure to replace the FPDCM if found to cause customers concerns of Crank No Start, Stalling, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated – DTC P023F or P129F Set.
This Preliminary information communicates a vehicle may come to the dealer with a complaint of no start, stalling, rough idle, no acceleration, loss of power, erratic shifting, fuel gauge inoperative, MIL illuminated with various codes stored.
24 more on the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe page.
What owners wrote
“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 itâs not covered by recall. Vehicle has been in Chevy dealer garage for 2 weeks and no repair yet.”
Filed Jan 31, 2026
“AFM lifter collapse on Cylinder 6 Written repair estimate or a Diagnostic report showing P0306 + lifter failure”
Filed Jan 7, 2026
“Automatic fuel management/ Displacement on demand caused lifter failure which caused cylinder failures.”
Filed Jul 4, 2025
“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.”
Filed May 17, 2025 · 83,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 72 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Which lights mean pull over now? Warning lights by color and urgency
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 119 reports
- Fuel pump failure 74 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 71 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 27 reports