NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size, body-on-frame SUV that has anchored the family hauler segment for decades. Aimed squarely at buyers who need three rows, serious towing capacity, and the confidence of a truck-based platform, the Tahoe competes in one of the most competitive and scrutinized segments in America. Its safety record across the 2019 to 2025 model years tells a nuanced story worth unpacking before you sign.
The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 66 out of 100, an below average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 16 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally regard the Tahoe as a capable and well-rounded full-size SUV that delivers a comfortable, composed driving experience with strong towing credentials. Most praise its interior space and feature content, while commonly noting that its truck-based platform introduces ride and handling tradeoffs compared to unibody crossover alternatives. The third row and overall refinement tend to draw positive remarks across the board.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15347
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY25V619000
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for the correct fuel tank and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 5, 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 N252512770. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this
Reported 2025-09-18
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL25V274000
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, Chevro
Reported 2025-04-24
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE24V797000
Risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-80
Reported 2024-10-24
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE22V827000
Risk: Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will provide an over-the-air (OTA) update for the Body Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222382220.
Reported 2022-11-03
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS22V617000
Risk: A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 28, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 1, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1
Reported 2022-08-11
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT22V036000
Risk: Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212351030.
Reported 2022-01-27
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE21V739000
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 14, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212332040.
Reported 2021-09-23
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE21V579000
Risk: Overall braking performance may be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will recalibrate the brake system control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1202; GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212340970.
Reported 2021-07-29
STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE21V455000
Risk: Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The power steering module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 13, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212333900.
Reported 2021-06-17
AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT21V421000
Risk: The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this
Reported 2021-06-10
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER21V210000
Risk: A passenger in the second-row center will be unable to wear a seat belt, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove the trim bezel, correctly position the seat belt latch plate, and reinstall the trim bezel, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212329320.
Reported 2021-03-25
SEAT BELTS21V190000
Risk: A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third-row outboard seat belts, replacing any damaged seat belts, and rerouting them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313000.
Reported 2021-03-18
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
417 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.