While driving down interstate at approx. 55-65mph, vehicle "sputtered" and shut off while driving. Vehicle would crank but not start. After sitting approx. 10 mins, was able to restart and drive approx. one mile or less before "sputter" and vehicle died, followed by another crank no start. No check engine lights came on. Vehicle was in roadway in very dangerous location with blind curve requiring Police to be called in fear of my safety, since vehicle was in roadway, I was afraid for my children's safety as there were in car seats in the vehicle at time of failure. I was also concerned about my safety as well as other motorists safety. I was scared that I was going to get hit by another vehicle since my vehicle died in the roadway in a curve. There was an increased probability of injury or death from the faulty part on this vehicle. Police were on scene to assist with traffic, however no report was made, vehicle was disabled. Vehicle had to be towed to residence. CEL came on after approx 3rd start attempt. Believe issue to be Electronic Fuel Control Module which is common with this vehicle year/make/model. However in contacting the dealer in which I purchased Tahoe, they state that this particular VIN has no open recalls, however it matches description on recall N252516900 Fuel Pump Power Control Module. Vehicle is not yet repaired, it has not been inspected, and faulty part is still on the vehicle, vehicle and part are available for inspection.
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe: won't start
26 of the 467 complaints about the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe describe won't start.
- owner complaints
- 26
- of this car's complaints
- 6%
- recalls
- 1
Won't start by model year
What owners say
The vehicle suffered complete internal engine failure due to a snapped timing chain on startup. The vehicle turned over via the starter motor but failed to start. A professional diagnosis confirmed the broken timing chain caused extensive valve-to-piston damage, requiring a full engine replacement. This failure appears to be a direct consequence of the known 6.2L L87 V8 engine crankshaft and connecting rod manufacturing defects. Severe mechanical resistance or violent rotational harmonics at the crankshaft level place un-engineered stress on the timing drive system, causing the chain to snap under startup torque. All broken components are preserved and available for inspection. The defect creates a severe risk of sudden, total loss of propulsion while driving. Had the compromised timing chain snapped at highway speeds rather than on startup, it would cause immediate engine seizure, a sudden loss of power steering, and a loss of power brake vacuum assist. This leaves the driver unable to accelerate or safely steer out of active traffic, creating an extreme risk of a high-speed crash.The broken timing chain and total engine destruction were officially diagnosed and confirmed by professional automotive repair technicians.The damaged components have been inspected by independent repair representatives. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by General Motors because this specific VIN is excluded from the current recall scope. There were no warning lamps, check engine lights, or diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) prior to parking the vehicle, and no outward symptoms of severe engine stress were present until the complete no-start failure.
The engine in my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe High Country equipped with the 6.2L V8 (L87) experienced a catastrophic failure. While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost power, displayed a “Service ESC” warning, illuminated the check engine light, and unexpectedly shifted into Neutral. After stopping the vehicle, it would not restart. The dashboard would illuminate, but the engine would only produce a faint clicking sound and would not crank. The vehicle was towed to a Chevrolet dealership, where it remains available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This failure occurred while I was driving, causing an unexpected loss of power and propulsion. The vehicle became disabled without warning, creating a significant risk of being struck by surrounding traffic. Losing the ability to accelerate or safely maneuver a full-size SUV in traffic placed both me and other motorists at risk of a serious crash. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Chevrolet dealership, Crews Chevrolet. The dealership confirmed that the engine had catastrophically failed and advised that it qualified for replacement under General Motors’ special coverage program for the 6.2L L87 engine. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Chevrolet dealership. General Motors has authorized replacement of the engine under its special coverage program. No police report was filed because there was no collision.
Without warning my Tahoe would no start 60 miles from home due to a faulty fuel pump module. I was stranded and the vehicle needed to be towed to a GM dealership for repairs. Many 2021 Chevrolet Tahoes have been recalled for this problem and I believe my vehicle should be included in the recall and $787.50 should be reimbursed by including my vehicle (573 Safety Recall Report 21v-739. September 16,2021 GM part #13537053 Fuel Pump Control Module. I have paid receipts .
1ST ISSUE: 9/2025, after driving from another city to my home at 55-75 mph. As I pulled up home, the car just stalled and wouldn't start. I googled issue to find out it was a commonly known issue by GM. If fuel pump control module had happened while driving faster and not on my street to roll up to curb. I would have or could have been deadly. I find out what part # and local dealer knew there was a recall but told me he never heard about it and charged me for part. I installed in front of home on street and have been trying to get money back after reporting to GM I repaired my fuel pump control module and have been trying to get my money back from a repair done on 9/29/2025 by me. GM says it's looking into still after I keep calling them on status of this notice. I still have old part. I have filled out all reimbursement forms.1st the danger of it failing and now no money. By the time engine light comes on you have no power for any stopping or steering. #2 engine 2021 Tahoe High Country 6.2 L V8: NO RECALL HAS BEEN SENT. GM has known about an engine that has multiple failure issues that could GET YOU IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT/death BY JUST STOP RUNNING, while just driving at any moment, INTERNAL FAILURES and main seal leaks, MORE! Mine just poured oil out on driveway after driving 6 miles to church and back. this will be the largest and most deadly auto issue in history. They even had dealers now with any on lot with this engine a stop sale order. aprox. 800,000 of these engines are out there, Local GM dealer says THERE IS NO RECALL. 2021 TO 2026 and they have only changed out aprox. 2800 engines and telling me mine sitting in driveway is not on recall. BS. these engines are in their high-end trucks, SUV's, Escalades. Someone needs to get Gm to do what's right and replace with new engines. That have been tested, all issues before someone has to die. Trying to keep silent on internet is sad. Yes its going to cost billions. But to keep customers safe and not scared.
I noticed the vehicle had intermittent hesitation while accelerating to merge onto a freeway on the previous evening. We drove straight home from there and the next morning as we prepared to go somewhere the vehicle lost power in our driveway and now will not start. Trouble code P129F Fault code is being thrown. This seems to be related to the GM issued TSB PIP5964 and the also GM Recall N252516900 . However, GM is denying that our VIN should be affected. I'm concerned that they're not aware of or intentionally excluding vehicles that could have this issue. Had we lost power while in motion, like on a busy freeway or crossing an intersection, this could have been catastrophic.
This is an amendment to campaign 11684444 as there is some inaccurate info as it pertains to the diagnostic- 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, Driving 25 MPH, in the neighborhood, my Tahoe kicked into neutral and abruptly stopped in the middle of the street. I immediately tried to restart it, however it would not start. After about 15 minutes, we tried again and it started enough to make it back to my in laws house, where it remains parked today. We did a diagnostic test and received the code for Fuel Pump Control Module failure. Contacted the Chevrolet dealership I bought my vehicle from and they indicated this is a common issue and the part is on back order. This is a very dangerous risk to safety and should be covered under a recall. I've seen where GMC issued a recall for the exact same issue, but only for Tahoes with 6.2L V8 engine; Mine is 5.3L. I am confused why that matters as it poses the same safety risk across the board. Very dangerous. Please consider this as a recall.
The fuel pump power control module went-out, and my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe would not start. The fuel pump power control module part number is 13554821. That part is not subject to any existing recall. However, part number 13544060, fuel pump control module, for 2021 Chevrolet Tahoes is subject to recall N2123320240. The parts appear to be almost identical when you compare diagrams. locations, and pictures on-line. I would like to request that part number 13554821, fuel pump power control module, be added to the recall. Thank you,
My [XXX] and myself were going down the interstate and my Tahoe started to sputter and the gas pedal no longer worked. I had to get over to the shoulder of the interstate because my vehicle would not accelerate. It turned off as I was navigating to the shoulder. Thankfully I was able to get there safely without causing an accident. The vehicle completely turned off and would not crank leaving us stranded on the side of the road. I called my husband because I did not know what to do. I kept trying to start the vehicle and it would sputter, but not start. Finally after multiple attempts it cranked up and I was able to get home. The vehicle has not been inspected yet by a dealership; it will be taken first thing in the morning. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
On April 25th, 2025 while traveling on Interstate 20 at 70+mph speeds with my children in my vehicle and 30 weeks pregnant, with no indication of an issue my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe suffered catastrophic engine failure. There was zero warning from the vehicle including noises/electronic display warnings that this was fixing to occur. In the middle of going 70+mph surrounded by traffic on a busy interstate the vehicle just shut off completely. I was able to use what momentum I had from my speed to get on to the shoulder. However, the failure prevented me from being able to turn on my signal to alert other drivers of my merging and prevented the use of my emergency flashers to signal once on the shoulder immobile. The vehicle would not start up again after that, and I had to call a tow truck to take my vehicle to the nearest certified Chevrolet service center. When the tow truck arrived the vehicle would not even shift into neutral allowing them to load it without potentially causing more damage. It had to be drug with the wench in park onto the tow truck bed. Once at the nearest service center I was told it would be up to 3 weeks + before they could do a diagnostics. I was 14 hours from home when this happened, and now had to pay to have my Tahoe towed 14 hours back to the service center near my home. On May 8th the failure was determined to be caused by this recall, specifically the crankshaft. The dealership has lied and said they've ordered a new motor and it came in, then called to tell me they ordered the wrong motor. They said they ordered the correct one and it would be in within 14 days, and that was 25 days ago. They called today June 16, 2025 to tell me there is still no update on when my engine will ship to complete this repair. The dealership has also refused to assist me with any loaner vehicle or rental assistance even though GM has told me I am entitled to it under this recall. GM has moved my case to Parts Delay team and I still have not been contacted.
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.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Condition that could
- Condition where the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have...
- Under Field Actions N252494000, N252494001, the service procedure includes performing a PICO test on...
- Condition that could
- This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the camshaft actuator magnet to correct customer...
- This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced...
- This bulletin advises the tech to inspect deeper into what may be to main
- The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle...
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.
Recall number 25V274000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe won't start
Is won't start a common problem on the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe?
26 of 467 owner complaints about the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe (6%) mention won't start. The model year with the most reports is 2021.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe?
There is 1 recall and 277 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
Check engine light 88Fuel pump 79Engine failure 56Stalling 56Loss of power 49Knocking 39Misfire 24Won't shift 18Headlights 16Harsh shifting 14Transmission failure 14Airbag light 11Grinding brakes 9Hesitation 9Collision warning 8Fire or smoke 8Adaptive cruise 7Jerking 7Power steering loss 7Sunroof shattered 7Warning lights 7Brake failure 6Oil consumption 6Battery drain 5Slipping 5
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