On October 20th, 2026, I was driving the vehicle (a 2020 Tahoe with 74081 miles on it) in highway traffic at approximately 55 mph when with no warning an engine message lit up as the vehicle had a sudden loss of power. This put myself and others at risk of a serious crash.
Chevrolet Tahoe loss of power problems
263 of the 10,079 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Tahoe describe sudden loss of power, most of them for the 2021 model year.
- owner complaints
- 263
- worst model year
- 2021
- typical repair cost reported
- $3,500
- typical mileage
- 74,000
By model year
Often reported together
Check engine light 66Engine failure 45Power steering loss 33Stalling 32Fuel pump 22Knocking 16Won't start 15Misfire 13
Trouble codes mentioned
P2135 4P0300 4P129F 3P2716 2P2714 2P2138 2P1872 2P17FB 2P17F6 2P077C 2
What owners say
6.2L L87 V8, connecting rod / crankshaft bearing failure even after I passed the recall inspection at a dealership. On [XXX], I was traveling approximately 55Mph and my engine completely shut off as well as the entire vehicle electronics. I lost power steering capabilities, and my brakes felt like they were kicking back at me. I was at crash risk from loss of power in traffic along with the loss of steering abilities, but I was lucky and was able to avoid traffic and get into the shoulder from 2 lanes away and slow to a stop. I got lucky because the loss of power steering made control extremely difficult. On [XXX], I brought my vehicle to All American Chevrolet in Middletown NJ for the safety recall N25249003 with 16,219 miles on my Tahoe. A few hours later I was called and said my engine was fine and passed inspection. On the day of failure, my car only had 21,111 miles on it. So, my engine still failed even after the oil change, and inspection process and it was extremely dangerous, after only 4,892 miles after their safety inspection. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I own a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine. The vehicle has experienced repeated significant engine problems, including a previous complete engine replacement and subsequent issues with the replacement engine. The original engine required replacement due to engine-related problems. Following that replacement, the vehicle developed lifter noise and required another extended stay at the dealership for repairs. The vehicle has now been out of service for approximately 4–5 weeks while the dealership attempts to diagnose and repair the issue. After the dealership completed work to address the lifter noise, the technician identified an additional concerning engine noise. The dealership has since reported suspected bottom-end damage in the crankshaft area and has escalated the findings to GM engineering for further diagnosis and repair recommendations. I am concerned about the recurring internal engine failures, particularly given that this is the second engine installed in the vehicle. These problems raise serious concerns about the reliability and safety of the 6.2L engine. A failure involving the crankshaft, connecting rods, or internal engine bearings could potentially result in sudden engine failure or loss of power while driving. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized GM dealership, and the current suspected damage has been reported to GM engineering. The final diagnosis and recommended repair are still pending. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review these repeated engine failures, including failures involving replacement engines, and investigate whether there is an ongoing safety or manufacturing defect affecting these vehicles.
At approximately 80,700 miles, I started my 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe (6.2L V8) to take my family on errands. My wife heard a squeaking noise from the engine as she walked to the vehicle, and I got out and heard the same noise. No warning lights or messages appeared on the dashboard, before or after. I took the vehicle to an independent repair shop, expecting a belt problem. After inspection, the shop told me the valve lifters had failed and needed replacement, and that the camshaft would likely need replacement as well. I declined the repair and took the vehicle to a GM dealership for inspection and documentation. The GM dealer confirmed the lifters need replacement. They could not confirm whether the camshaft is also damaged without an engine tear down, which I have not authorized. The dealer estimated $13,200 to replace the lifters and camshaft. The independent shop estimated $8,200. The vehicle has not been repaired, and the failed components are still in the engine and available for inspection. I am concerned for my family’s safety. Lifter failure on this engine can cause misfires, loss of power or engine failure while driving. We use this vehicle to transport our family, and a sudden loss of power on the road could cause a crash.
At 60,720 on car miles engine failed. This is the second engine failure. Dealership perfomred test per recall on second engine, and engine failed less than 30,000 miles later. Experienced loss of power for a few minutes before failure. The replacement engine had 52,000 miles on it.
On 4/23/25, the check engine light came on and the vehicle reduced power. It was taken to dealership and a warranty service was performed, L87 Engine loss of propulsion. The vehicle was in service for 90 days. On 7/15/26, vehicle shifted itself into neutral while driving on the highway, with 4 kids in the car. This is a safety issue for our family and all around us, as car loses ability to drive at interstate speeds. It would not go back into drive, needed to pull over and get towed to dealership. Dealership diagnosed it needed a new engine and radiator; it was in service for 60 days. On 10/10/26, vehicle shifted itself into neutral while driving with one kid in car while driving on the highway. Vehicle gave the "conditions not correct for shift" and would not go back into drive. Vehicle was shut off and was stalled on the highway, after a time of it being off, vehicle started back up and the check engine light was on. This is a safety issue for our family and all around us, as car loses ability to drive, once again, at interstate speeds.
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.
Engine failure. Tahoe lost all power on the interstate going 70mph. Was able to get it to the side of the road and restart it. Engine started knocking and became undriveable.
At approximately 4,200 miles, the engine on my 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe High Country equipped with the 6.2L V8 suddenly shut off while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light. There were no warning lights, messages, unusual noises, or other symptoms prior to the failure. The vehicle would not restart and had to be towed to an authorized Chevrolet dealership. The dealership initially suspected a camshaft/lifter or related engine issue and performed diagnostic and mechanical testing. The dealer also opened a case with General Motors. GM subsequently directed the dealership to perform an ECM software update. After the update, the engine started and the vehicle appeared to operate normally. As part of the dealer's post-repair testing, a dealership employee drove the vehicle to confirm the issue was resolved. After approximately 7–10 miles, the vehicle suffered another engine failure while being driven and again became inoperable. The problem was therefore reproduced and confirmed by the Chevrolet dealership. Following the second failure, GM authorized replacement of the complete engine. The dealership has received a brand-new replacement engine and is replacing the engine and radiator. The original engine/component is currently at the dealership and may be available for inspection. I consider this a serious safety concern because the engine failed without warning while the vehicle was in use. Had the initial failure occurred while traveling at highway speed or in heavy traffic rather than while stopped at a traffic light, the sudden loss of engine power could have created a significant risk of a collision. The vehicle is a 2026 model with approximately 4,200 miles. I am reporting this because of the extremely low mileage at which the engine failed, the absence of any warning before the failure, and the fact that the vehicle failed a second time shortly after GM's initial attempted remedy.
While driving the vehicle at highway speeds the vehicle starts to lurch or randomly lose power. Eventually, within a few minutes, the lurching gets worse and the check engine light starts flashing. In a GM vehicle, a flashing check engine light is critical engine failure. After pulling the vehicle to the side of the road, the check engine light stops flashing and stays on constantly. After about 10-15 minutes, the check engine light turns off completely. The GM dealership can read the history and says it's P0300 error code for General Engine Misfire in cylinder #6. GM warranty refuses to fix anything because the light isn't on when the car comes into the dealership. The car has been to two different dealerships, with both of them telling me it has the same error code. GM customer service told me without the check engine light being on when the vehicle is brought into the dealership, they would not be able to help me. This is being told to me even though everyone agrees that the check engine light has been on. I was told by GM to continue to drive the vehicle. It has been into the shop 4 times since January for the same issue. This is not safe as the engine has suffered a critical issue. I don't feel safe driving the vehicle. My GM Customer Service case is 110460594.
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 Chevrolet Tahoe loss of power
Which Chevrolet Tahoe years have sudden loss of power problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2021 (49 complaints), 2015 (22 complaints) and 2023 (21 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix sudden loss of power on the Chevrolet Tahoe?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $3,500 (median of 27 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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