2021 Chevrolet Tahoe: false forward collision warnings

Filed Sep 1, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 118,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the message "Service ESC" was displayed, and the check engine, traction control, and Forward Collision Avoidance warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle started shaking and then lost power. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, parked, and then turned off. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,000.

Filed Apr 12, 2026 · Driver assistance, Engine · CA

The component at issue is the engine, which suffered a sudden and catastrophic failure due to unknown causes. At no time prior to this incident were there any warnings, symptoms, or indications of an underlying mechanical defect that would have allowed for preventative action. While operating the vehicle on the highway with my family present, multiple warning indicators activated simultaneously, including a blinking check engine light, traction control light, ESC warning, and a forward collision warning. Immediately thereafter, the vehicle experienced a rapid and significant loss of power accompanied by a loud and persistent engine knocking noise, rendering the vehicle unsafe to operate and placing the occupants at risk. It is important to emphasize that traction control and ESC systems are not causally related to an engine misfire condition, further supporting that this event was abrupt and not part of a progressive or diagnosable issue. A diagnostic scan performed at that time identified a misfire in cylinder 1. Upon delivery of the vehicle to the dealership for inspection, it was determined that the engine had suffered complete internal failure and was deemed “blown.” This finding confirms the occurrence of a catastrophic mechanical breakdown. Based on the sudden onset, absence of prior warning, and severity of the failure, there is no reasonable basis to attribute this condition to normal wear and tear, operator misuse, or neglect. Rather, the facts support the conclusion that this was the result of a latent defect or internal mechanical failure beyond the operator’s control. Accordingly, this matter should be addressed under applicable warranty coverage or consumer protection standards.

Filed Mar 6, 2026 · Engine · 72,000 miles · KY

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 the federal safety agency 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 federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

Filed May 15, 2025 · Driver assistance, Engine · MD

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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Dec 22, 2024 · Driver assistance, Engine · TX

On [XXX] I was driving in the [XXX] in El Paso Texas at about [XXX] I was about to enter [XXX} and the vehicle suddenly stopped with no warning! I was able to pull to the side and put the blinkers because the traffic was heavy and could of had a vehicle crash into me if I had not maneuver the vehicle quickly(My two daughters where with me in the vehicle). The vehicle prompted to start the vehicle, which I did so and continued my way. As soon as I was able to get into the [XXX] the check engine light turned on, and the forward collision warning message on the display. I stopped to my nearest Autozone to get some help as the vehicle started to make a noise too. They connected their computer and told me that the vehicle was given a message of a faulty cylinder, they told me I should not move the vehicle until I had it inspected on a GM dealership. Which I did on Friday December 20, 2024, I am waiting for a full diagnostic to see what had happened to my vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 31, 2023 · Driver assistance · 8,500 miles · NV

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that after coming to a stop, upon depressing the accelerator, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. The contact stated that the Forward Collision Avoidance warning light illuminated, and the vehicle inadvertently stopped with no vehicles or objects nearby. The contact stated that the Forward Collision Avoidance system was deactivated to prevent the failure from recurring. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,500.

Filed Oct 18, 2021 · Driver assistance, Electrical · SC

Traction control and forward collision warning lights stared to go crazy in August 2021 (3800 miles), five months after buying my Tahoe. Sales rep indicated his new 2021 Silverado did the same and he was able to get it to reset by turning off and restating his engine. So I did the same and thought my issue may have resolved itself. Yesterday, the warning lights started to go haywire again (6700 miles) This time my vehicle felt as though it was going to stall and was making a clicking noise under the hood. The warning lights continue to flash regardless of how many times I turn on and off the engine. The engine also revs loudly.

Filed Nov 4, 2020 · Brakes · 3,400 miles · SC · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2021 chevrolet tahoe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the driver experienced a medical emergency. During the incident, the pre collision warning system malfunctioned and did not activate causing the vehicle to crash into a steel transformer. During the crash the driver sustained fractured ribs that required medical attention. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. It was determined that the cause of the crash was due to a failure of the automatic emergency braking system to deploy. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 3,400.