2021 Chevrolet Tahoe: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · VA

Vehicle is a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Premier with under 50,000 miles. The vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of reverse gear, accompanied by violent lurching, sputtering, and dangerous hesitation/stuttering while accelerating between gears at speed. A certified dealership inspection physically diagnosed the vehicle with multiple stuck valves inside the transmission control valve body, requiring a complete valve body replacement. This exact mechanical failure completely mirrors the known safety defects outlined in GM Special Coverage Program N242454441, which details transmission pressure losses causing gear engagement conflicts and potential rear-wheel lock-up hazards. The replacement transmission component installed by the certified dealer failed catastrophically within four miles of pickup, again causing severe transmission sputtering and shifting failures that render the vehicle entirely unroadworthy and a safety hazard on public roads. The dealership has been forced to order an entirely new replacement valve body assembly under warranty due to a consecutive failure. General Motors Corporate Customer Assistance acknowledged that the vehicle is physically experiencing this transmission valve defect, but refused a voluntary warranty override solely because the vehicle's automated database VIN block falls just outside their pre-programmed list for Special Coverage N242454441. The corporate case representative explicitly instructed the consumer to file this federal safety report with the federal safety agency due to the systemic component failure.

Filed Aug 13, 2026 · Transmission · IN

The automatic transmission on my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe (gasoline engine, 10-speed 10L80 transmission) has been exhibiting intermittent slipping/skipping during gear changes, particularly during acceleration and deceleration. The transmission component is available for inspection upon request. The malfunction poses a safety risk as the unexpected hesitation and rough shifting creates unpredictable vehicle behavior at highway speeds and during merging, increasing the risk of a collision with other vehicles. The problem has not yet been formally confirmed by a dealer or independent service center, however a knowledgeable automotive advisor has assessed the likely cause as moisture contamination of the transmission fluid, which degrades lubrication and causes erratic shifting behavior, known issue in several GM vehicles, but the only recall related to this issue is for just Diesel vehicles. I contacted General Motors customer service regarding this issue and was directed to file this complaint with the federal safety agency, as GM stated they were unable to attach or create a related existing recall to my vehicle. The vehicle has not been inspected by police, insurance representatives, or the manufacturer at this time. I am in the process of scheduling service at a transmission specialist. No warning lamps or dashboard messages appeared prior to or during the shifting malfunction. Symptoms first became noticeable at 85,000 miles, and have continued since.

Filed Jul 27, 2026 · Suspension, Transmission · TN

I purchased my vehicle new in 2020. It presently has around 83,000 miles. From early on, it has occasionally hesitated, then jumped when putting the car in reverse. I spoke to the dealership years ago but they said it was nothing. On July 19, 2026, my car randomly would not shift above (probably) second gear on the highway. After parking, it would not shift into reverse at all. The vehicle was towed more than 30 miles to my hometown dealership as it was inoperable. It now requires something approaching a transmission replacement costing between $2500-4500, or more. I am aware that this is a recurring problem with GM vehicles of this type and era, and it seems absurd to have so many vehicles with failing transmissions before they even reach 100,000 miles.

Filed Mar 11, 2026 · Engine · 51,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil, and there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated and failed to accelerate as needed, with blue smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that there were metal shavings in the engine oil and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

Filed Jan 9, 2026 · Fuel system · MO

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.

Filed Aug 5, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · TX

I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe (VIN: [XXX] ) which has developed a severe transmission shudder at both low and highway speeds. The issue has been confirmed by my Chevrolet dealer, who provided an estimate of $5,492.18 for torque converter and valve body replacement. This failure is identical to the torque converter shudder problem documented in GM service bulletins and special coverage adjustments for other GM vehicles of the same make, model, and model year. However, my VIN is not currently included in those programs, leaving me without coverage despite experiencing the exact same defect. I believe this condition poses a serious safety risk, as the shudder occurs while driving at highway speeds, causing vibration, hesitation, and potential loss of control. These symptoms could lead to accidents if the vehicle fails to respond properly during acceleration or lane changes. Given that this appears to be a widespread defect affecting multiple GM vehicles, I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate and consider expanding any related recall or special coverage programs to include affected VINs such as mine. Please let me know if further documentation, service records, or dealer estimates are needed to support my complaint. Thank you for your time and for working to ensure vehicle safety. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Feb 19, 2025 · Transmission · 68,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 45 MPH, the vehicle hesitated. In addition, while attempting to shift the into drive, the gear shifter failed to respond as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the valve body assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V797000 (POWER TRAIN). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000.

Filed Feb 4, 2025 · Engine · FL

At 35,000 miles, my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe started to misfire. When I pressed the accelerator, the truck started hesitating and the check engine light started flashing. I was able to get the truck to the dealer I purchased it at. The technician "claimed" it was a bad fuel injector. The dealer replaced the spark plug and injector. The vehicle was never test driven. I picked up the truck and drove it on the road. Within 1 mile, the truck started to misfire again with the check engine light started flashing. The dealer claimed that the lifter or lifters in one engine bank were bad. The dealer replaced the lifters on the one side of the engine.

Filed Aug 5, 2024 · Fuel system · LA

Several times over the last month, or so, my 2021 Tahoe has hesitated to accelerate while driving. On 7/31/2024 the vehicle was in park, turned on when the vehicle began idling VERY hard, shaking the entire vehicle. The engine was turned off and restarted approximately 10min later. I began driving when the vehicle began shaking, the engine light came on, and the engine then turned OFF while in drive, actively driving down the road (with my child in the vehicle). I coasted into a parking lot and attempted to restart the engine several times, without luck. After sitting for approximately 45min the engine restarted, and I was able to get home. The engine stopped and restarted several more times that evening, without issue. The engine light turned off. The following day the vehicle ran without issue, no engine light on. We took the Tahoe to Total Performance Repair shop where they ran a diagnostic scan of warning light history. The diagnostic scan came back with codes P023F and P129F; fuel pump issues. There is currently a recall for fuel pump module failure on some 2021 Chevy Tahoe vehicles. My specific vehicle is not included in the recall but is experiencing the recalled issues.