Chevrolet Tahoe owners filed 2,306 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2015–2025 (see the Car Problem Index for all 60 models), and NHTSA lists 40 recall campaigns for the same years. The 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe drew the most complaints (646); across all years, owners complain most about engine (24% of complaints).
Key findings
- Worst model year: 2015, with 646 complaints, led by brakes (185) and 14 recalls.
- Complaints vs recalls: Engine drew 557 complaints but one recall, so for most of these owners the repair falls to warranty or their own pocket, not a free recall fix.
- Stop-driving recalls: 3 recalls told owners to stop driving until repaired (26V289000, 16V256000, 14V246000).
- Over-the-air fixes: recalls 24V674000, 22V903000, 22V827000, 21V455000, 21V421000 can be repaired by a software update, without a dealer visit (5 of 40).
- Spike years, compared with a typical model year: 2015 (3.7 times as many complaints), 2021 (2.6 times as many complaints).
- Earliest-failing area: air bags complaints came at a median 35k mi.
- Fire and crash reports: 11 complaints mention a fire and 83 a crash, with 70 injuries and 2 deaths reported.
Chevrolet Tahoe complaints and recalls by model year
| Model year | Complaints | Top problem areas |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 14 recalls | 646 | Brakes (185), Electrical system (132), Steering (69) median 63k mi · 28 crashes · 2 fires |
| 2016 8 recalls | 256 | Brakes (85), Transmission / powertrain (47), Electrical system (31) median 48k mi · 17 crashes · 1 fire |
| 2017 4 recalls | 173 | Transmission / powertrain (53), Brakes (41), Engine (26) median 50k mi · 3 crashes · 1 fire |
| 2018 3 recalls | 103 | Engine (20), Transmission / powertrain (20), Brakes (16) median 42k mi · 6 crashes |
| 2019 2 recalls | 105 | Transmission / powertrain (38), Engine (29), Fuel system (25) median 28k mi · 8 crashes |
| 2020 3 recalls | 55 | Transmission / powertrain (14), Engine (12), Electrical system (11) median 16k mi · 4 crashes |
| 2021 16 recalls | 450 | Engine (166), Fuel system (93), Transmission / powertrain (87) median 40k mi · 9 crashes · 3 fires |
| 2022 4 recalls | 186 | Engine (71), Electrical system (37), Transmission / powertrain (37) median 60k mi · 3 crashes · 3 fires |
| 2023 5 recalls | 218 | Engine (119), Transmission / powertrain (42), Electrical system (37) median 33k mi · 3 crashes |
| 2024 3 recalls | 66 | Engine (22), Electrical system (13), Brakes (12) median 14k mi · 1 crash |
| 2025 1 recall | 48 | Engine (28), Brakes (10), Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (10) 1 crash · 1 fire |
One recall campaign often covers several model years, so the recall column adds up to 63, more than the 40 separate campaigns. Newer years have had less time to collect reports.
Most-reported Chevrolet Tahoe problems, and what they cost to fix
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Recalls | Median mileage | Estimate the repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 557 | 24% | 1 | 50k mi | Engine overhaul cost |
| Brakes | 411 | 18% | 5 | 61k mi | Brake repair cost |
| Transmission / powertrain | 401 | 17% | 6 | 67k mi | Transmission repair cost |
| Electrical system | 374 | 16% | 2 | 51k mi | Alternator / electrical repair cost |
| Fuel system | 240 | 10% | 4 | 60k mi | Fuel pump repair cost |
| Steering | 147 | 6% | 4 | 50k mi | Power steering repair cost |
| Suspension | 89 | 4% | 2 | 59k mi | Shock / strut replacement cost |
| Air bags | 85 | 4% | 4 | 35k mi | — |
Top problem areas only; one complaint can count twice.
What Chevrolet Tahoe owners report
Owners’ own words; dollar figures are what they reported.
Engine
My engine is blown at only 80,000 miles. Dealer said bad lifter. I was on the freeway and with no warning I lost power and black smoke. No warning. And now $16,000 to repair. Only 80,000 miles. At 100,000 you change spark plugs. I cannot afford to fix it. I spent 6 years saving up for just the down and now it’s gone. And I could have been very hurt on the freeway and hurt other people. I hope someone can help me.
2016 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11655116
Engine starting banging loudly and misfiring. There was a loss of power and engine codes. Brought to the dealer and they said cylinder #4 was misfiring due to a stuck lifter, bent push rod and destoyed cam. Total cost of repair was $9200. Vehicle is less than 4 years old an has 75,000 miles on it.
2021 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11680933
Related recalls: 25V274000 (2021–2024): Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
557 owners reported engine problems; the engine overhaul cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Brakes
Inadequate braking for the vehicle. My wife was traveling down a city street and could not stop the vehicle causing her to pull over for fear of her safety. The vehicle has 75000 miles on it and is out of the 60,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. My wife all most wrecked because the brake pedal was hard and caused the vehicle to become difficult to stop.
2015 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11101165
When driving at low speeds, both turning and driving straight, the brake pedal becomes so firm that it cannot be depressed. I am unable to stop the vehicle without pumping the brakes. The dealership is charging $700 to replace the vacuum pump and is familiar with the issue.
2016 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11112722
Related recalls: 19V761000 (2015–2020): Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash. 19V645000 (2015–2018): As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. 24V674000 (2023–2024): Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
411 owners reported brakes problems; the brake repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Transmission / powertrain
Engine light came on at 78000 miles took to dealer and told me it was transmission codes.with 78000 miles dealer says I need a new transmission at $7000.THERE are known problems with this year and make of vehicle and no recall.dealer says they replace these all the time but gm wont do anything about it what can I do
2017 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11644454
While driving on highway , when needing to accelerate to pass vehicle using medium to medium heavy acceleration, instead of transmission kicking down to passing gear, it hangs up into neutral and engine revs up to and pass redline before I was able to release accelerator pedal.
2016 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 10862760
Related recalls: 26V289000 (2016–2017, 2019): Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash. 26V085000 (2022): Rear wheels that lock up while driving increase the risk of a crash. 24V797000 (2021): Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
401 owners reported transmission / powertrain problems; the transmission repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Chevrolet Tahoe recalls
Check these first: 26V289000 (2016–2017, 2019, transmission / powertrain: do not drive); 16V256000 (2016, suspension: do not drive); 14V246000 (2015, steering: do not drive).
Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for your car’s open recalls.
| Campaign | Announced | Model years | System | Risk (NHTSA's wording) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V304000 | 2026-05-14 | 2025 | Wheels | A bolt that loosens or breaks during vehicle operation can result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 26V289000 | 2026-05-07 | 2016–2017, 2019 | Transmission / powertrain | Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash. |
| 26V085000 | 2026-02-13 | 2022 | Transmission / powertrain | Rear wheels that lock up while driving increase the risk of a crash. |
| 25V619000 | 2025-09-18 | 2021, 2023–2024 | Fuel System, Diesel | A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a vehicle fire. |
| 25V274000 | 2025-04-24 | 2021–2024 | Engine and cooling | Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. |
| 24V797000 | 2024-10-24 | 2021 | Transmission / powertrain | Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 24V674000 (OTA) | 2024-09-12 | 2023–2024 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash. |
| 23V642000 | 2023-09-20 | 2023 | Suspension | A broken suspension bolt can result in misalignment of the rear wheel, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V903000 (OTA) | 2022-12-08 | 2022–2023 | Exterior lights | DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V827000 (OTA) | 2022-11-03 | 2021 | Exterior lights | Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V617000 | 2022-08-11 | 2021–2022 | Seat belts | A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash. |
| 22V036000 | 2022-01-27 | 2021 | Transmission / powertrain | Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 21V739000 | 2021-09-23 | 2021 | Fuel System, Gasoline | An engine stall increases the risk of a crash. |
| 21V579000 | 2021-07-29 | 2021 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Overall braking performance may be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 21V455000 (OTA) | 2021-06-17 | 2021 | Steering | Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash. |
| 21V421000 (OTA) | 2021-06-10 | 2021 | Air bags | The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 21V245000 | 2021-04-08 | 2015–2016 | Seat belts | A broken pretensioner cable reduces the effectiveness of the driver's seat belt, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 21V210000 | 2021-03-25 | 2021 | Seat belts | 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. |
| 21V190000 | 2021-03-18 | 2021 | Seat belts | A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant. |
| 21V115000 | 2021-02-25 | 2020 | Tires | Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 21V064000 | 2021-02-11 | 2021 | Fuel System, Gasoline | A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. |
| 20V811000 | 2020-12-23 | 2021 | Seat belts | If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 20V792000 | 2020-12-17 | 2021 | Seat belts | If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. |
| 20V735000 | 2020-11-25 | 2021 | Seats | If an occupied front seat has loose or missing attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seated occupant. |
| 20V603000 | 2020-10-01 | 2018 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 19V837000 | 2019-11-21 | 2020 | Fuel System, Gasoline | Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source. |
| 19V761000 | 2019-10-24 | 2015–2020 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 19V645000 | 2019-09-06 | 2015–2018 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 18V586000 | 2018-09-07 | 2015 | Steering | If EPS assist is lost and then suddenly returns, the driver may have difficulty steering the vehicle, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 18V291000 | 2018-05-03 | 2015–2016 | Seat belts | If the pretensioner cable becomes fatigued or breaks, the driver may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury. |
| 17V437000 | 2017-07-10 | 2015–2016 | Air bags | A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger. |
| 16V651000 | 2016-09-08 | 2015–2017 | Air bags | A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger. |
| 16V256000 | 2016-04-28 | 2016 | Suspension | Inadequate welds may allow the control arm to separate from the bushing, compromising steering and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 15V640000 | 2015-10-09 | 2015 | Electrical system | If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury. |
| 14V719000 | 2014-11-10 | 2015 | Steering | An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash. |
| 14V451000 | 2014-07-23 | 2015 | Air bags | During deployment, the RRAB may be punctured or torn by the roof carrier hardware, reducing its performance and increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash. |
| 14V374000 | 2014-06-27 | 2015 | Transmission / powertrain | If the transfer case switches to neutral while the vehicle is parked and the parking brake is not in use, the vehicle may roll away increasing the risk of injury to bystanders. If the transfer case switches to neutral while the vehicle is being driven, the vehicle would lose drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 14V301000 | 2014-06-06 | 2015 | Electrical system | Without an audible indicator, the driver may not be aware that the driver's door is open while the key is in the ignition, increasing the risk of a vehicle rollaway. Additionally, there would be no reminder that the driver's or front seat passenger's seat belt is not buckled, which could increase the risk of injury in a crash. |
| 14V246000 | 2014-05-14 | 2015 | Steering | An improperly tightened tie rod attachment may allow the tie rod to separate from the steering rack, resulting in a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. |
| 14V152000 | 2014-03-31 | 2015 | Transmission / powertrain | If the line is not securely seated and transmission oil leaks from the fitting, the oil could contact a hot surface and cause a vehicle fire. |
What this data can and can't tell you
2,306 unverified owner reports, not adjusted for sales. Method.
Other Chevrolet models in the index
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (7,160)
- Chevrolet Malibu (3,192)
- Chevrolet Equinox (3,023)
- Chevrolet Traverse (2,644)
- Chevrolet Colorado (2,241)
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation consumer complaint files (nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-09-25; NHTSA recalls database (nhtsa.gov/recalls), retrieved 2026-09-23. Model years 2015–2025. Free to cite with a link to this page.