Tahoe (T1UC)
Verdict Seek out the 3.0L Duramax diesel, which draws the fewest engine complaints, with its diesel fuel-system recall closed. On a 2021 to 2024 6.2L V8, the internal engine failure recall must show complete before you buy.
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
L84 - DI, ALUM, GEN 5, VAR 2
5.3L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
L87 - DI DFM, ALUM, GEN 5
6.2L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
LM2 - CRI, VGT, ALUM
3.0L 6-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Chevrolet Tahoe Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
LZ0
3.0L 6-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Reliability Overview
Chevrolet's full-size Tahoe rides GM's T1 platform in this generation, and its reliability record has one loud theme: the engine. Of the 971 NHTSA complaints filed against the 2021 through 2025 Tahoe, 462 concern the engine and carry a critical severity rating, by far the largest and most serious cluster in the file. Twenty-one recalls round out a debut generation, a heavy but not class-worst tally for a full-size SUV built in these volumes.
The complaint volume splits along the engine lineup. The 5.3-liter V8 draws the most at 566, a reflection of how many Tahoes leave the lot with it. The 6.2-liter V8 follows at 334 and was swept into a 2025 engine-and-cooling recall (25V274000) covering 2021-2024 full-size GM models for an internal failure that can disable the engine. Both V8s use GM's cylinder-deactivation hardware, and owner complaints about rough running and oil consumption are common threads across the pair. The 3.0-liter Duramax diesel is the quiet option in the data, with far fewer complaints than either gas V8, though it carried its own diesel fuel-system recall.
Behind the engine, the trouble runs to electrical, transmission, and fuel-system faults. Electrical complaints reach 150, flagged critical, and fuel-system 159, also flagged critical, while the 10-speed automatic generates 185 complaints rated serious, most describing harsh or uncertain shifts. Three separate fuel-system recalls, covering a missing tank adhesive layer, a fuel pump, and the diesel system, sit behind that critical fuel rating. Five fire reports appear in the record, with no deaths logged so far.
The recall list leans heavily on the 2021 launch year. Several seat-belt campaigns, an air-bag recall, fuel-tank and fuel-pump actions, and later suspension and brake recalls all trace back to the early build. GM worked through most of them over the following years, so a later Tahoe carries fewer open items than a first-year truck.
The Tahoe remains a capable, in-demand hauler with real towing and interior-space advantages, and the reliability data does not undo that. It does locate the risk. The powertrain is where a used buyer should concentrate attention, which argues for a later build with the engine recall closed. The diesel deserves a look for anyone who wants the lightest complaint record in the range and does not mind paying more up front for it.
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Chevrolet Tahoe, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
Buyer's Guide
Engine choice matters more here than on most SUVs. The 6.2-liter V8 is subject to the 2025 recall (25V274000) for an internal engine failure, so any 2021-2024 example with that engine must show the remedy complete before you buy. The 5.3-liter V8 carries the most complaints of the lineup by volume. The 3.0-liter Duramax diesel draws the fewest engine complaints and is worth seeking out for buyers who tow and want the quieter record, provided its diesel fuel-system recall is also closed.
Focus the inspection on the powertrain. On any gas V8, listen for lifter tick, knocking, or heavy oil consumption, and ask for oil-change records, since those are the symptoms behind the engine complaints. Drive it long enough to feel the 10-speed automatic through several shifts and watch for harshness or hunting. Confirm the fuel and electrical recalls are closed, and on a 2021 truck verify every seat-belt and air-bag campaign shows complete against the VIN.
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and prioritize a truck whose engine recall in particular is documented as remedied. The Tahoe's core capability is not in question, but the engine complaint cluster is large enough that a car with a clean powertrain service history and closed recalls is worth paying more for than a less expensive example with unknowns under the hood.
What to check on a used 2021-2025 Chevrolet Tahoe
On a used 2021-2025 Chevrolet Tahoe, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (462), the transmission and drivetrain (185) and the fuel system (159). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 462 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Chevrolet Tahoe about the engine, all engines combined.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 185 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Chevrolet Tahoe about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 159 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Chevrolet Tahoe about the fuel system, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 150 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Chevrolet Tahoe about the electrical system.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 104 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Chevrolet Tahoe about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
Recalls (21)
General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2025–2026 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban 1500, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with 24-inch wheels. Incorrect bolts may have been installed on the left and right front wheel hubs, which can result in the bolts loosening or deforming over time.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles equipped with 10 Speed Transmission with ETRS (Electronic Transmission Range Select). The transmission control valve may fail and lock up the rear wheels.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, 2021, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, and 2022 and 2024 GMC Yukon vehicles equipped with a 6-cylinder diesel engine. The original fuel tank may have been replaced with an incorrect fuel tank, which can allow fuel to leak in a rollover crash.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
Show 16 older recalls
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The rear suspension outer control arm bolts may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause the bolts to break.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. 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.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated properly, possibly resulting in driveshaft failure.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. 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.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon vehicles. 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.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. A software issue may cause a loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. 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.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. The second-row center seat belt latch may be trapped beneath the trim bezel and therefore inaccessible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208. "Occupant Crash Protection."
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Suburban, and Tahoe vehicles with third-row seating. 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.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon vehicles. The fuel tank assemblies may be missing adhesive between two layers of the fuel tank shell which may result in a fuel leak.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles. During general assembly, a repair involved removal of one or both front seats. The attachment bolts for the front seats may not have been properly reinstalled after the repair was completed.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Alternatives in Full-Size SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2021-2025 Chevrolet Tahoe complaints?
Owners have filed 971 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021-2025 Chevrolet Tahoe. The systems they name most often are the engine, the transmission and the fuel system.
Is the 2021-2025 Chevrolet Tahoe a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 971 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021-2025 Chevrolet Tahoe. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021-2025 Chevrolet Tahoe have?
NHTSA has 971 owner complaints on file for the 2021-2025 Chevrolet Tahoe as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2021-2025 Chevrolet Tahoe?
NHTSA lists 21 recalls covering some 2021-2025 Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Chevrolet Tahoe?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the transmission and the fuel system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Tahoe?
The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 3 stars (21.9% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Optional. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 971 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.