Chevrolet Tahoe problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Tahoe shares its documented problems with the Suburban. The most serious is recall 25V-274 for the 6.2L L87 on 2021–2024 models, still under NHTSA review. Earlier Tahoes carry 5.3L oil burning (2011–2014), AFM/DFM lifter failures, A/C condenser leaks, MagneRide shock wear and a 2015–2018 brake-assist recall.

CarWhere lists 10 documented Tahoe issues, including 6 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source.

Tahoe generations at a glance

Chevrolet Tahoe generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
GMT9002007–2014Passenger front air bag inflator recall (non-desiccated PSAN) · Oil consumption on the Gen IV 5.3L (LC9)
K2XX2015–2020AFM/DFM valve lifter failure on the 5.3L and 6.2L V8 · A/C refrigerant leak at the combination condenser/cooler · Magnetic Ride Control shock leaks and noise · Reduced brake assist from the engine vacuum pump (recall) · Unintended one-wheel braking if a wheel-speed sensor fails (recall)
T1XX2021–present6.2L L87 V8 connecting rod/crankshaft defect (recall 25V-274) · Rear-wheel lockup from the 10-speed control valve (recall) · Missing transfer-case component can lock the wheels (park-it recall)

GMT900 Tahoe problems (2007–2014)

Passenger front air bag inflator recall (non-desiccated PSAN) (2007–2014)

Safety recall
Generation:
GMT900 (2007–2014)
Years:
2007–2014
Powertrain:
All engines

GM recalled certain 2007–2014 Tahoe models because the passenger frontal air bag inflator uses a non-desiccated ammonium nitrate propellant that can degrade after long exposure to heat and humidity and rupture in a crash. The campaign was split by model year and by climate zone (hot, humid states first), so 21V-050 is one of several related campaigns (21V-051 through 21V-054 cover later years). Dealers replace the inflator free of charge.

Symptoms

  • No warning signs; the inflator can look and work normally until a deployment

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the dealer for the recall repair order
  • Note where the truck has been registered: hot, humid states were prioritized

NHTSA recall: 21V050 (2021-02)

Sources: [1][2]

Oil consumption on the Gen IV 5.3L (LC9) (2011–2014)

Moderate
Generation:
GMT900 (2011–2014)
Years:
2011–2014

A class action certified in 2020 covered 2011–2014 GM trucks and SUVs with the LC9 5.3L built on or after February 10, 2011, alleging the piston rings did not hold enough tension to keep oil out of the combustion chamber. In October 2022 a federal jury returned a $102.6 million verdict for owners in three states. Excess oil burning can foul plugs and build carbon, and GM ended the engine after 2014.

Symptoms

  • Needing to add a quart or more between oil changes
  • Low-oil warning between services
  • Fouled spark plugs or misfire codes
  • Blue smoke on start-up

Check before buying

  • Pull the dipstick and ask how often oil is topped up
  • Scan for misfire codes and inspect a spark plug if possible
  • Ask whether pistons or rings were ever replaced under warranty

Sources: [3][4]

K2XX Tahoe problems (2015–2020)

AFM/DFM valve lifter failure on the 5.3L and 6.2L V8 (2015–present)

Major repair
Generation:
K2XX and T1XX (2015–present)
Years:
2015–present

Cylinder-deactivation lifters (Active Fuel Management, later Dynamic Fuel Management) can stick or collapse, which usually damages the camshaft as well. A class action filed in 2021 (Harrison v. GM, E.D. Michigan) alleges the lifters on 2014-and-later 5.3L, 6.0L and 6.2L V8s are defective and that GM’s replacement parts share the flaw. GM has not issued a lifter recall, and owners report repairs that involve replacing lifters and the cam.

Symptoms

  • Persistent ticking from the top of the engine
  • Misfire codes, often on one cylinder bank
  • Hesitation, stumbling or loss of power
  • Shudder when the engine switches between V8 and V4/deactivation modes

Check before buying

  • Listen at idle and under light throttle for a lifter tick
  • Scan for stored misfire codes
  • Ask for invoices showing lifter, camshaft or valve-train work

Sources: [5]

A/C refrigerant leak at the combination condenser/cooler (2015–2017)

Minor
Generation:
K2XX (2015–2017)
Years:
2015–2017
Powertrain:
All engines

GM Special Coverage 17336 covers 2015–2017 full-size SUVs where heat cycling cracks the combined A/C condenser and transmission cooler, letting refrigerant escape and shutting off the A/C. The coverage runs 5 years or 60,000 miles from the in-service date. Only VINs flagged in GM’s system qualify, and leaks from road debris are excluded.

Symptoms

  • A/C blows warm, especially after a recharge
  • Refrigerant oil residue at the front of the radiator stack

Check before buying

  • Run the A/C on max and check vent temperature
  • Ask a GM dealer whether the VIN shows Special Coverage 17336 and if it was used

Sources: [6]

Magnetic Ride Control shock leaks and noise (2015–2020)

Minor
Generation:
K2XX (2015–2020)
Years:
2015–2020
Powertrain:
All engines (MagneRide-equipped)

GM bulletin 18-NA-315 (revised April 2025) covers 2015–2020 Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon and Escalade models with Magnetic Ride Control (RPOs F55/Z95) that show shock leaks, clunks, rattles, a rough ride, uneven ride height or a “Service Suspension System” message. GM attributes it to internal shock faults and tells dealers to replace only the shock that failed, not pairs.

Symptoms

  • Oily, wet shock body
  • Clunk or knock over bumps
  • Service Suspension System / Service Ride Control message
  • Vehicle sitting unevenly

Check before buying

  • Inspect each shock for wet residue
  • Drive over broken pavement and listen for knocks
  • Scan the suspension module for stored codes

Sources: [7]

Reduced brake assist from the engine vacuum pump (recall) (2015–2018)

Safety recall
Generation:
K2XX (2015–2018)
Years:
2015–2018
Powertrain:
5.3L and 6.2L V8

NHTSA recall 19V-645 covered 2015–2018 Tahoe models because the mechanical vacuum pump’s output can drop over time, leaving less power brake assist. About 3.46 million US vehicles were included. Dealers reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module so the system switches to hydraulic brake assist when vacuum falls; a follow-up recall, 20V-603, added more 2018 trucks and SUVs.

Symptoms

  • Firm brake pedal that needs more effort than usual
  • Longer stopping distance
  • Brake-assist warning messages

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the dealer for the recall repair order
  • Confirm both 19V-645 and, for 2018 models, 20V-603 are closed

NHTSA recall: 19V645 (2019-09) · 3,456,111 vehicles

Sources: [8][9][10]

Unintended one-wheel braking if a wheel-speed sensor fails (recall) (2015–2020)

Safety recall
Generation:
K2XX (2015–2020)
Years:
2015–2020

Recall 19V-761 covers 2015–2020 Tahoe and Suburban models with the 5.3L, a 3.08 rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails between 41 and 60 mph in 4WD or Auto mode, the brake module’s driveline-protection logic can brake the opposite wheel and pull the vehicle to one side. Dealers reprogram the brake module.

Symptoms

  • Sudden pull to one side in 4WD/Auto mode
  • ABS or traction-control warning with a wheel-speed sensor code

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the dealer for the recall repair order

NHTSA recall: 19V761 (2019-10)

Sources: [8]

T1XX Tahoe problems (2021–present)

6.2L L87 V8 connecting rod/crankshaft defect (recall 25V-274) (2021–2024)

Safety recall
Generation:
T1XX (2021–2024)
Years:
2021–2024
Powertrain:
6.2L V8 (L87)

GM recalled certain 2021–2024 Tahoe models with the 6.2L L87 because connecting rod and crankshaft parts from supplier manufacturing defects can lead to engine damage and failure; the recall covers engines built March 1, 2021 to May 31, 2024. Dealers inspect the engine and repair or replace it; engines that pass get thicker 0W-40 oil, a new oil filter and fill cap, and an owner’s manual update. NHTSA has kept investigating: EA25007 (October 2025) looked at failures outside the recall scope, including 2019–2020 trucks, and EA26005 (2026) is examining failures after the remedy and in L87 engines built after the recall period. The 6.2L is offered on RST, Z71, High Country and Premier trims.

Symptoms

  • Knocking or rod-knock noise that rises with rpm
  • Low oil pressure warning
  • Metal debris in the oil
  • Sudden loss of power or engine seizure

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the dealer for the recall repair order
  • Ask whether the engine passed inspection or was replaced, and confirm 0W-40 oil is being used
  • Listen for knocking on a cold start and under load

NHTSA recall: 25V274 (2025-04) · 597,630 vehicles

Sources: [11][12][13][14]

Rear-wheel lockup from the 10-speed control valve (recall) (2021–2022)

Safety recall
Generation:
T1XX (2021–2022)
Years:
2021–2022

A transmission control valve can fail and lock the rear wheels. Recall 24V-797 covered 2021 SUVs with the 3.0L Duramax diesel; recall 26V-085 (February 2026, 43,732 vehicles) added 2022 SUVs with the 10-speed and Electronic Transmission Range Select. Dealers install new transmission control software free of charge.

Symptoms

  • Sudden rear-wheel lockup or skid
  • Transmission warning or reduced-power mode

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the dealer for the recall repair order
  • On 2022 models, confirm 26V-085 specifically (it is separate from 24V-797)

NHTSA recall: 26V085 (2026-02) · 43,732 vehicles

Sources: [11][15][16][17]

Missing transfer-case component can lock the wheels (park-it recall) (2015–2020, 2026)

Safety recall
Generation:
T1XX (2026) and K2XX (2015–2020)
Years:
2015–2020, 2026
Powertrain:
All engines with 4WD/AWD

Recall 26V-289 (May 2026) covers certain 2026 4WD/AWD full-size models plus some 2015–2020 SUVs, because a part missing from the transfer case can lock the front or rear wheels without warning. GM advises owners not to drive until the remedy is done; dealers inspect and replace the transfer case if needed.

Symptoms

  • Sudden wheel lockup
  • Grinding or binding from the transfer case

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the dealer for the recall repair order
  • Treat an open 26V-289 as a do-not-drive item until repaired

NHTSA recall: 26V289 (2026-05)

Sources: [8]

Related Tahoe research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints is a different question, answered in the years-to-avoid research from NHTSA complaint counts.

Confirm how a Tahoe was ordered before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere build sheet decodes a Chevrolet Tahoe VIN into the factory-ordered option codes (RPOs) on record — engine, transmission, axle and packages. $9.99, instant.

Chevrolet build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

Which Tahoe years have the 6.2L engine recall?

Recall 25V-274 covers 2021–2024 Tahoes with the 6.2L L87 built from March 2021 to May 2024. NHTSA’s EA26005 probe is also reviewing later engines and failures after the repair.

Do the Tahoe and Suburban share the same problems?

Yes. They are built on the same platform with the same engines and transmissions, so recalls and bulletins almost always cover both.

Why does my 2015–2017 Tahoe A/C blow warm?

A cracked combination condenser/cooler is a known cause, and GM Special Coverage 17336 covered flagged VINs for 5 years or 60,000 miles.

Does the Tahoe have lifter problems?

A pending class action alleges AFM/DFM lifters on 2014-and-later GM V8s fail early. GM has not recalled them.

Which Tahoe years burn oil?

The 2011–2014 Tahoe with the LC9 5.3L was part of a class action over piston rings that ended in a $102.6 million verdict in 2022.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. NHTSA recalls: 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe — NHTSA
  2. NHTSA recalls: 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe — NHTSA
  3. GM Oil Consumption Lawsuit Certified as Class Action — CarComplaints.com
  4. General Motors Hit With $102.6 Million Lawsuit Verdict Over Oil Consumption Engine Issue — Jalopnik
  5. GM Lifter Recall Needed, Says Class Action Lawsuit (Harrison v. GM) — CarComplaints.com
  6. GM Special Coverage Adjustment 17336: Combi-Cooler A/C refrigerant leak (2015–2017 SUVs) — General Motors (via NHTSA)
  7. GM Service Bulletin 18-NA-315: shock replacement for leaking, noise, uneven ride height (MagneRide) — General Motors (via NHTSA)
  8. NHTSA recalls: 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe — NHTSA
  9. NHTSA recalls: 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe — NHTSA
  10. GM recalls 3.4 million pickups and SUVs over brake pump — FleetOwner
  11. NHTSA recalls: 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe — NHTSA
  12. Nearly 600,000 Cadillac, Chevy and GMC Vehicles Recalled for Engine Failure — Cars.com
  13. ODI Resume EA25007: loss of motive power due to engine failure (L87 6.2L) — NHTSA
  14. Information Request EA26005-01: L87 6.2L V8 engine failure — NHTSA
  15. NHTSA recalls: 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe — NHTSA
  16. GM's 10-Speed Transmission Recall Just Got Even Messier — The Drive
  17. Recall acknowledgement 24V-797 (part 573 summary) — NHTSA

More Chevrolet tools

Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by General Motors. Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Corvette, Duramax, Vortec and the model names are trademarks of their owner.