A 2021 Chevy Tahoe driver is growing increasingly frustrated with her vehicle after multiple service shop visits.

Lauran Harris (@lauranharris733) says she’s disappointed that the techs have been unable to fix whatever is wrong with her ride, which has only has 55,000 miles.

Harris begins a TikTok by recording her Chevrolet Tahoe’s engine. The engine starts turning over, then stutters violently before finally starting.

In the caption, Harris says she’s tried multiple fixes to no avail.

According to her, she’s brought the vehicle in for service on at least five separate occasions over the course of six months.

These include two belt swaps, a new alternator and water pump, and a trio of batteries.

“Hey @General Motors and @Chevrolet—come get this POS Tahoe that has been in the shop 5+ times in 6 months. It’s a 2021 and has 55k miles- had 2 new belts, a new alternator, a new water pump, 3 new batteries,” she writes.

She concludes, writing, “Please explain why it’s been problem after problem. I’m at my wits end.”

What’s Wrong With the Tahoe?

Multiple people tried to diagnose the problem with Harris’ Tahoe in the comments.

One person speculated that the issue has to do with the car’s fuel pump control module (FPCM). According to them, this was a prevalent issue associated with this particular GM SUV model. “Master GM tech here. FPCM is the likely issue. Very common on these,” they said.

Others said they’ve had similar issues with 2021 Tahoes.

A user on the Tahoe Yukon Forum urged other Tahoe drivers who own cars manufactured from 2021 and on to keep a “spare FPCM” in their ride at all times.

“Even if yours has been replaced under the recall or due to a prior failure. Or even if you have the latest part #13554821 it may save you from being stranded as well as a lot of out of pocket expense and delays,” they wrote.

They added that this issue occurs in both gasoline and diesel powered Tahoes.

According to Kemso Racing, the FPCM isn’t all that easily accessible, either. The outlet writes that on the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe “the FPCM is integrated into the fuel delivery system in one of two locations. Mounted directly on the top of the fuel sending unit inside the tank or integrated onto the fuel pump module’s internal circuit board.”

Other Tahoe Issues?

According to Cars.com, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a series of recalls associated with the vehicle. The FPCM “may cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, which can interrupt fuel flow to the engine, and cause an unexpected engine stall,” the outlet reports.

There were other recalls associated with 2021 Tahoes, too.

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Seat belts that can reportedly become trapped, electrical systems that can cause potential airbag failures, and improperly calibrated brakes at the dealership level are all potential causes of concern. Further, powertrain issues tied to the “rear wheel driveshaft assemblies” that “were not heat-treated properly,” were also purportedly cited by NHTSA. It also mentioned that transmission control valves on 2021 diesel Tahoes could be faulty as well.

Tahoe fuel systems may be missing enough adhesive in order to prevent fuel leaks, and should be addressed as part of the recalls issued for the popular SUV brand.

Fuel Pump or Crankshaft?

Numerous folks who replied to Harris’ video believe that her issues boil down to one of these two problems: the fuel pump or the crankshaft. One user on the application echoed others who said that FPCM problems often pop up with this model year Tahoe.

“It’s not getting fuel either. Fuel pump control module. It’s bad…we see it all the time when they come to the shop being towed.” The same person also remarked that the gas pedal could be “stuck down because the floor mat…[is] not installed correctly or moved.”

Someone else wrote, “P129f covered under e2 emissions go get your fuel pump control module.”

Another person argued that from the way her vehicle was sounding, that Harris’s issue is related to the Tahoe’s crankshaft.

“Everyone is saying fuel pump control module but it’s starting like high pressure pump is out on it. They will start and run on the 63 psi the low pressure pump outs out but have a long crank like this,” they wrote.

“Long crank time is either [the] crank sensor, cam sensor, or fuel pump module. I’ve seen dirt and mud get into the fpm plug and cause this too,” another said.

The crankshaft is also listed on the recall list with regards to “engine and engine cooling.” This particular entry states that “the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.”

Aftermarket Parts

Some thought the issue might have to do with third-party components.

“Looks like it’s been customized with aftermarket performance parts,” one said.

Another wrote, “Never buy a metal intake. They’ll heat soak and make your engine performance worse.”

Someone else agreed. “Sorry bud…that K&N air filter voided any warranty. But I’m pretty sure they will give you like $5k in GMC loyalty cash if you buy a new one,” they replied.

Harris denies buying third-party components, noting that she didn’t pay for repairs out of pocket. “They’ve covered all of those things I listed,” she said.

Motor1 has reached out to Harris via TikTok comment for further information. We’ll update this if she responds.

 
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