Recall 21V455 covers 26,847 2021 Suburban, Tahoe, Escalade Esv, Escalade Na, Yukon Xl, and Yukon SUVs for power-steering software. Free dealer or OTA update.
Chevrolet is recalling 26,847 2021 Suburban, Tahoe, Escalade Esv, Escalade Na, Yukon Xl, and Yukon vehicles because a software issue can cut power steering assist at startup or while driving. Increased steering effort at lower speeds raises the risk of a crash, and a franchised dealer will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The power steering motor control module on these 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, Escalade Esv, Escalade Na, Tahoe, Yukon Xl, and Yukon vehicles controls electric steering assist. That assist reduces the force needed to turn the wheel, especially during parking, backing up, or slow turns. Manual steering remains part of the system, but the assist is what makes the vehicle feel normal to steer.
In recall 21V455, the problem is software inside that power steering control module. The software error can cause a loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving. When assist drops out, the driver still has steering control, but turning the wheel takes more effort, with the change most noticeable at lower speeds.
Before or during the problem, a malfunction indicator light appears on the instrument panel and a chime sounds. The driver can also feel heavier steering effort than usual.
Who's affected?
Covers six large SUV nameplates from the 2021 model year, all tied to the same steering control module.
| 2021 Chevrolet Suburban | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv | steering system |
| 2021 Cadillac Escalade Na | steering system |
| 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe | steering system |
| 2021 GMC Yukon Xl | steering system |
| 2021 GMC Yukon | steering system |
| Units affected | 26,847 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
Increased steering effort, especially at low speeds, raises crash risk. If the steering warning light appears, the chime sounds, or the wheel feels harder to turn, slow down and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, Escalade Esv, Escalade Na, Tahoe, Yukon Xl, or Yukon is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule the free power-steering module software update that fixes the steering-assist loss.
- Ask whether your vehicle will receive the update at the dealer or through an over-the-air update.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. Reference recall number 21V455 when you call.
- Use extra steering caution at low speeds until the update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician updates the power steering module software. The same software update can also be installed over the air when the vehicle is set up to receive it that way. Parts, labor, and the software update are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the existing warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the covered vehicles are under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| June 17, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 17, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| June 17, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 13, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 2, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| August 2, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V455?
Recall 21V455 covers 26,847 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade Esv, Cadillac Escalade Na, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon Xl, and GMC Yukon vehicles with power steering module software that can cause loss of power steering assist. Increased steering effort raises crash risk, especially at lower speeds.
What should I do if my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Cadillac Escalade Esv, Escalade Na, GMC Yukon Xl, or Yukon is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V455. If it is, contact the appropriate franchised dealer to schedule the power steering module software update, or ask whether the over-the-air update applies to your vehicle. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and General Motors will update the power steering module software through a dealer or over-the-air update free of charge.
Is it safe to drive with recall 21V455 open?
The recall does not say to stop driving, but loss of power steering assist increases steering effort and crash risk, especially at lower speeds. Check your VIN, then arrange the free software update through the dealer or the over-the-air repair path.
When were owners notified about recall 21V455?
Owner notification letters were mailed July 13, 2021. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included, then reference recall 21V455 when you contact the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V455000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-800-222-1020 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V455 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V455000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →