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Chevrolet Tahoe collision warning problems

23 of the 10,079 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Tahoe describe false forward collision warnings, most of them for the 2021 model year.

owner complaints
23
worst model year
2021
typical mileage
40,475
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Sep 14, 2026 · Engine · 82,000 miles · LA

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated there was a misfire in the engine, with the engine warning light illuminated. The message “Collision Mitigation System Off” was displayed. There was a burning odor coming from the vehicle after the failure. The vehicle started shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the lifter and crankshaft needed to be replaced. The contact purchased a rebuilt engine, and the engine was replaced at another service center. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

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 Aug 29, 2026 · Driver assistance, Engine · NV

My Vehicle has a 5,3 engine it now has 23000 miles. It goes to the dealership for all the oil changes. I check my dipstick before I took it in for service and warranty work for a third time first time at this dealership. But noticed there was no oil on the dipstick. So I went to auto zone and bought a new 3 gallon container and funnel. So they changed my oil and put it in and I got my vehicle back and I now bought a clear 2 gallon measuring bucket to see how much oil I had in it. I just videod my pour into the container and it is 3 quarts low. I was under the 7500-mile mark that gm requires you to change the oil. This is a new vehicle, and I shouldn't see this happening at all maybe 100000 miles but not 23000. I also just found out I have a one of a kind 2025 Tahoe with the new 2026 software that is completely messed up. The dealership wiped out critical engine data and no that is at zero when I picked it up. And the calculation for engine hours and idle is not the true numbers and it is corrupted. The other dealership didn't know my vehicle has the new data. So I can only assume they made a big mistake releasing this vehicle. So I also have a driver's seat that goes snap or clunk. Everything with GM has Bulletins. I didn't buy a 86000 dollar used piece of junk i bought a brand-new truck. And Gm will not let the dealership tear into the engine to find out what the noise is and the damage. I use a stethoscope and you can hear the lifters and rockers on the left bank, and the front makes strange noises and it has a hollow sound also. So sensor collision avoidance issues since the day I bought it. And with all the corrupt downloads from whatever software they used has destroyed my Tahoe along with the engine. I have video evidence also and the oil that just came out of my vehicle was gross dark and disgusting and smelled to high heaven. I need help

Filed Aug 28, 2026 · Driver assistance, Engine · FL

A couple weeks ago, the truck suddenly started running rough and the front collision avoidance system failure message displayed. Immediately took it to the dealership. Computer read out showed #7 fuel injector failed. Repaired and was fine. Yesterday, 8/27/26, same thing happened again. Immediately went to the dealership. Now #4 fuel injector failed. Service manager just called and states that Chevrolet does not have that injector and on backorder with no date of expected delivery. No other Chevy dealer has #4 fuel injectors either. Tells me that there is an overwhelming demand for fuel injectors that indicates a defect. Meanwhile, the truck is out of service and GM is not addressing the issue to replace all the defective injectors.

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 Mar 12, 2025 · Driver assistance, Engine · IL

First the front collision warning systems kept coming on and off. Then the engine died on the highway and I had to restart. I drove a little further and it died again and would not restart. I had it towed to the dealer and they are telling me the engine has seized and needs to be replaced. I have 40,000 mile and the car is 2 years old. It was very dangerous to have the car die twice while at speed on the highway.

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 Mar 28, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · WA

Vehicle reduced power and displayed many errors on the dashboard, including reduced function of forward collision avoidance, reduced acceleration, ESC SES TC. A vibration/rumble was observed (unsure if it was steering assist or propulsion surging), as well as increased engine speed without vehicle acceleration and no engine speed increase while pressing the accelerator. Turns seemed to make the symptoms worse and cycling power on the truck would temporarily clear the faults. Root cause was determined to be TSB 21-NA-149 Cause 3 and diagnosis and repairs took more than a week.

Related recalls

Electronic stability control (ESC)Reported October 24, 2019 · 652,967 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
Risk
Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑630‑2438 or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.

Recall number 19V761000 · Recall details

Questions about the Chevrolet Tahoe collision warning

Which Chevrolet Tahoe years have false forward collision warnings problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2021 (8 complaints), 2016 (5 complaints) and 2023 (3 complaints).

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