NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Safety Ratings
The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe scores 66 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Below Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 16 recalls, and 417 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe has received a NHTSA Safety Index of 66 out of 100, placing it in the Below Average band. This represents a 10-point drop from the 2020 model year's score of 76 out of 100. The decline is predominantly attributable to a defect record component that scored 0 out of 20, a significant factor impacting an otherwise moderate crash-test performance.
The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV 4WD received a 3-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 66/100, based exclusively on NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe ranks 113 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 66 / 100 (Below Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 21.9% |
| Recalls on file | 16 |
| Owner complaints | 417 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 113 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe?
The 2021 model year represents a sharp inflection point for the Tahoe in safety terms. The NHTSA Safety Index fell to 66/100 from the prior year's 76/100, a 10-point decline that moves the vehicle from the Average band into Below Average territory. The single factor responsible for that drop is the defect record component, which scores 0 out of 20, reflecting the weight of 16 recall campaigns attached specifically to this model year. Crash protection at 57 out of 70 and avoidance technology at 8.5 out of 10 are not the problem; the 2021 Tahoe performs reasonably in controlled testing, with a 5-star side result and a 4-star frontal result. The rollover rating of 3 stars and a 22 percent risk figure are the one crash-test concern worth noting for a tall-body SUV buyer. What truly defines this year's safety profile, however, is the breadth of recall activity spanning powertrain software, engine internals, fuel storage, lighting systems, and seat belt fasteners. That combination of recall volume and a zeroed-out defect score is the defining characteristic of the 2021 Tahoe versus any other model year in this nameplate's recent history.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe perform in crash tests?
A significant vulnerability for the 2021 Tahoe 4WD is its rollover resistance, rated at 3 out of 5 stars by NHTSA. This includes a calculated 22 percent rollover risk, despite the dynamic tip testing indicating "No Tip." The vehicle achieved an overall crash protection rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Its side impact performance is a strength, earning a perfect 5 stars. Frontal crash protection rated 4 stars.
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 // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe have any recalls?
The 2021 Tahoe carries 16 recall campaigns. Named components include the fuel system diesel storage tank assembly, internal engine hard parts, automatic transmission control module software, exterior lighting control module software (addressed via an OTA fix), and seat belt critical fasteners. No data in this record designates a park-outside or do-not-drive directive, but the seat belt fastener and fuel system campaigns warrant prompt VIN verification.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe?
NHTSA has logged 417 unverified consumer complaints against the 2021 Tahoe. Alleged problem areas, none confirmed as defects, are led by the Engine at 148 reports, followed by the Fuel and Propulsion System at 88, Power Train at 78, Electrical System at 55, and Fuel System at 23. Reported allegations include 9 crashes and 3 fire incidents.
417 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe?
Any shopper considering a used 2021 Tahoe should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup before purchase. With 16 recall campaigns on record, including seat belt fasteners and fuel system components, confirming that all remedies have been completed by the selling party is the most important safety step a buyer can take.
- The 2021 Tahoe's Safety Index dropped 10 points year over year, from 76/100 in 2020 to 66/100, moving it from Average to Below Average, with the defect record component scoring 0 out of 20 due to 16 active recall campaigns.
- Five distinct recall campaigns on this model year cover seat belt critical fasteners, a diesel fuel tank assembly, internal engine hard parts, automatic transmission software, and an exterior lighting control module addressed by an over-the-air software fix.
- NHTSA's rollover assessment assigns this model a 22 percent rollover risk and a 3-star rating, the lowest individual star score in its NCAP profile, a meaningful data point for a large SUV used in family or highway driving.
- Owner-reported complaints total 417 unverified allegations, with the Engine category alone accounting for 148 reports, making it by far the most frequently cited component in the complaint record for this specific model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe places
The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Chevrolet Tahoe safety questions
Was the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 66 out of 100, placing it in the Below Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 21.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 16 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 417 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Tahoe years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15347), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Tahoe 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 113 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.