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Chevrolet · Full-Size SUV · 2021–2025 Custom Search

Chevrolet Tahoe T1XX

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

2.3 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants · How we rate
Most Fun Engine

420 PS

Tahoe · Benzin

Tahoe 6.2 T1XX — 420 hp, check recall status!

Fun to Drive!
Problem Engine

360 PS

5.3L V8 EcoTec3 Benzin

3 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations


Engine Overview

The Chevrolet Tahoe T1XX is available with 3 engine variants — from 282 to 426 hp.

3.0L Duramax I6 Diesel · Diesel· 277 PS
2021 2025

3.0L inline-6 diesel, aluminum block, single turbo — the only I6 diesel in a US half-ton. LM2 (2020-2022): crankshaft reluctor wheel fails, engine cranks without starting. Repair requires cab-off, 40+ labor hours. LZ0 (2023+) got steel pistons, revised turbo, 305 hp / 495 lb-ft. Oil pump sits at rear of the block: transmission-out job for a $30 part. Highway 26-28 mpg empty, 12-14 mpg towing.

5.3L V8 EcoTec3 · Petrol· 355 PS
2021 2025

5.3L V8, iron block, the most-produced truck engine in North America. DFM shuts down up to 15 of 16 firing patterns — and that's the problem. Lifter needle bearings starve for oil in deactivated cylinders, skid across cam lobes, send metal through the engine. Two class actions pending. A $200 Range disabler buys time; a $2,500 mechanical delete with DOD-delete cam is the permanent fix. Run 0W-20 Dexos, change at 5,000 miles maximum.

6.2L V8 EcoTec3 · Petrol· 420 PS
2021 2025

6.2L V8, 420 hp, same Gen V architecture as the 5.3 but deeper exhaust note and noticeably more shove. 2021-2024: manufacturing left metal shavings in 597,000 engines — GM's fix was switching to 0W-40 oil. NHTSA opened an investigation into post-recall failures. Same DFM lifter risk as the 5.3. Pre-2021 or confirmed post-recall units with documented oil changes are the buy.

  • !! Recall: Metal Shavings in Engine — 597,000 Vehicles

    Manufacturing debris (metal shavings) in engine destroys bearings. 2021-2024 L87. Free engine replacement, 6-8 week wait. NHTSA investigating post-recall failures.

    0–0 $
  • !! AFM/DFM Lifter Failure from 100,000 km

    Same lifter issue as 5.3L — cylinder deactivation wears lifters.

    Symptoms: Ticking/knocking, misfires, rough running
    3,500–8,500 $
  • !! Oil Consumption — Piston Rings (2019-2020 and older L87) from 80,000 km

    Piston rings let oil past — 0.5-1 quart per 2,000 miles in severe cases. Also affects 2019-2020 L87 not covered by the machining debris recall. NHTSA investigating these cases separately.

    Symptoms: Blue smoke, dropping oil level, fouled spark plugs, positive oil consumption test
    2,500–7,000 $

+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!10-Speed Shudder

Same 10L80 issue as Silverado T1XX. Recall 26V085.

Symptoms: Shudder, harsh shifts, rear wheels momentarily lock
from 50,000 km
High
!10L80 10-speed torque converter shudder

Same 10L80 issues as Silverado. Shuddering and harsh shifts, 2022-2023 TSBs require torque converter and valve body replacement.

Symptoms: Shudder at 25-50 mph, jerking on acceleration, harsh shifts, vibration under load.
from 80,000 km
High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
797 complaints · 2021–2025
  1. 01 Engine
    313 ⚠ 2
  2. 02 Powertrain
    138 ⚠ 1
  3. 03 Electrical
    136 ⚠ 3
  4. 04 Fuel System
    107
  5. 05 Other
    71 ⚠ 3

Top Reported Issues

Engine (313 complaints)
Powertrain (138 complaints)
Electrical (136 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 24 weaknesses have been documented for the Chevrolet Tahoe T1XX (2021–2025) — 10 engine-related and 14 vehicle-related. One problem engine: L84 (5.3L V8 EcoTec3). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Other, Body, Electronics.

Tahoe (LM2, 2021–2025) — Be Careful: Engine Cranks Without Starting (LM2 2020-2022), Rear Main Seal Leak, DEF System Failure. Power: 277 PS.

Tahoe (L84, 2021–2025) — Stay Away!: AFM/DFM Lifter Failure — Class Action, Oil Consumption — Piston Rings (Class Action), Timing Chain Wear. Power: 355 PS.

Tahoe (L87, 2021–2025) — Be Careful: Recall: Metal Shavings in Engine — 597,000 Vehicles, AFM/DFM Lifter Failure, Oil Consumption — Piston Rings (2019-2020 and older L87). Power: 420 PS.

What to watch out for with the Chevrolet Tahoe? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Chevrolet Tahoe T1XX have? +
The Chevrolet Tahoe T1XX has 10 known engine weaknesses and 14 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Chevrolet Tahoe T1XX? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: L87 (6.2L V8 EcoTec3), LM2 (3.0L Duramax I6 Diesel). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the L87 (6.2L V8 EcoTec3). Problem engine: L84 (5.3L V8 EcoTec3) — stay away!
Which Chevrolet Tahoe T1XX engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Chevrolet Tahoe T1XX — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 420 hp with DFM and the L87 metal debris recall (2021-2024). Get a clean one: the fastest Tahoe. NHTSA investigating post-recall failures.
Is the Chevrolet Tahoe T1XX worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Chevrolet Tahoe T1XX — 1 of 3 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Chevrolet Tahoe T1XX? +
The Chevrolet Tahoe T1XX is available with engine variants from 282 to 426 hp. Petrol: L84 (5.3L V8 EcoTec3), L87 (6.2L V8 EcoTec3). Diesel: LM2 (3.0L Duramax I6 Diesel).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee