Owners have filed 141 complaints
about the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe with NHTSA between 2017 and 2026.
The largest single group is the other & unspecified.
Across this model's run it ranks 23 of 34 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 19
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Tahoe. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 51
9.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 63
37% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2018 compares with every other Chevrolet Tahoe
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
715.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
48.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
510.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
919.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
919.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
919.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
36.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2017peak 9Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
20V603000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon vehicles equipped with either a 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engine. The output of the mechanical vacuum pump can decrease over time, decreasing the amount of vacuum/power brake assist.
Risk: A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
19V761000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
Risk: 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
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
Risk: 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201953337,378 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, there may be an error in the electronic-brake control module software. This could cause the driveline-protection system to activate when a wheel-speed sensor fails. If this happens, the brakes could apply and cause the vehicle to pull to one side. Note: This recall only affects vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive, a 5.3-L engine, and a 3.08 ratio rear axle. The problem can only occur when the vehicle is in four-wheel drive or automatic mode, and travelling at a speed between 66 and 97 km/h (41 and 60 mph). A wheel-speed sensor failure will cause the electronic stability control (ESC) and anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning lights to turn on, and a "Service StabiliTrak" message to display. Safety Risk: A vehicle that suddenly pulls to one side could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the electronic-brake control module software. General Motors advises that using two-wheel-drive mode can eliminate the risk until the recall repair is completed.
Recall 20194205,327 units in Canada
Other
Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk: Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.
Recall 2019324310,121 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, there could be a reduction in power brake assist due to a decrease in output from the vacuum pump. This could cause a hard brake pedal and an increase in brake pedal effort to stop the vehicle. Safety Risk: A sudden increase in brake pedal force could lead to an increase in stopping distance. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to reprogram the electronic brake control module.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Glen Gardner, NJCrash
POWER TRAIN
Unexpected acceleration
NHTSA complaint #11747971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Gardner, NJCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Unexpected acceleration
NHTSA complaint #11747971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Gardner, NJCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unexpected acceleration
NHTSA complaint #11747971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Andover, MNCrash3 injured
AIR BAGS
We were in a severe car accident and our airbags did not deploy in our vehicle. We were going about 45 miles an hour and had windshield cracking and severe, severe damage to our vehicle. This was a front side, head on impact.
NHTSA complaint #11744939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lubbock, TXCrash1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I had an accident in this vehicle where the airbags deployed upon impact (as they were designed). However, once airbags deployed, my vehicle was filled with smoke (from the airbags) and all of my windows were covered and I couldn't see out. Panic set in as I tried to get out of the vehicle and my door would not open. After several moments I thought about the door locks, they were engaged of course. Once I realized and hit unlock, the door opened. This isn't an issue as far as parts being a defect or anything like that, but today I heard of a Texas DPS Trooper being in an accident in his Tahoe. His took a front impact as well, and the person trying to help him couldn't get him out of the vehicle. It made me wonder if his locks were engaged too, and him being more severely injured may not have thought about the door locks. This could be a potential safety risk, especially if the vehicle is on fire. What if vehicle manufacturers were able to install a safety mechanism that would automatically release the door locks if an impact was detected, or air bags were deployed? Just merely a suggestion as none of the parts on my car failed, they all did their job, but not being able to get out of your car is terrifying. I'm not sure if I am in the right place to pass on this suggestion, so if not, please advise where I might leave one. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11552973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hainesport, NJCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving home, the the FAC, forward automatic crash, indicator light came on, I applied the brakes and watched to my dismay as my vehicle slowed down but would not stop. I applied steady hard pressure until impact with another vehicle in front of me. The FAB, forward automatic braking system never kicked in. I will contact the dealer concerning the above issue.
NHTSA complaint #11490509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Elberton, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle was driven the day before the incident occurred. The morning of the incident, the vehicle was parked, off and not running. A notification sent to my phone indicating a critical battery low 11.1V reading. Vehicle would not start. Vehicles battery and alternator charging system was tested and passed. All systems are good. Vehicle continues to give critical low voltage over night while the vehicle is off and not running.
NHTSA complaint #11757607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elberton, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle was driven the day before the incident occurred. The morning of the incident, the vehicle was parked, off and not running. A notification sent to my phone indicating a critical battery low 11.1V reading. Vehicle would not start. Vehicles battery and alternator charging system was tested and passed. All systems are good. Vehicle continues to give critical low voltage over night while the vehicle is off and not running.
NHTSA complaint #11757607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gun Barrel City, TX
TIRES
LT275 65 R18 123/120 R DOT 1 BE BP AT 21 My daughter has pictures of the tires, all four tires (all bought at the same time) 05/6/23 from Discount Tire, are splitting along the side wall, originating at the tread line, we have talked with Discount tire, there are 40,000 miles approximately on the tires. They have been appropriately rotated and balanced. There have been no repairs of the tires. This is noted to be a defect, not normal wear and tear of the tire, per Discount Tire. They have offered 423.00 credit to purchase new, and have come back with 50% off new tires. Since this is a defect, verse actual wear and tear I do not believe that is appropriate. 75-100% of the replacement value. The tires should reasonably last between 5-6 years. The defect increases the risk of a blow out on any one or several of the tires. Discount Tire in Lubbock has confirmed that there is an issue, but I am not happy with their resolution.
NHTSA complaint #11754056 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wasilla, AK
POWER TRAIN
Out of nowhere without any warning light all of a sudden couldn’t back up when geared into reverse to reverse. Turned the vehicle off and back on, then was able to reverse. Left parking lot and was on the road and vehicle started loosing speed, then put into park with hazard lights. When attempting to get off the road for safety reasons tried putting into drive and the car then drove in reverse. Local Fire department came and called in the local police dept for assistance and pushed vehicle off to the side and tow company came and took to the auto shop with information today of the transmission going out, and with that causing happening causing the Fluid to Smell Burnt and Full. The auto shop test Drove and made It 30 Feet and Would Not Move. Transmission Is Failing and Causing the Concern.
NHTSA complaint #11753184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wasilla, AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Out of nowhere without any warning light all of a sudden couldn’t back up when geared into reverse to reverse. Turned the vehicle off and back on, then was able to reverse. Left parking lot and was on the road and vehicle started loosing speed, then put into park with hazard lights. When attempting to get off the road for safety reasons tried putting into drive and the car then drove in reverse. Local Fire department came and called in the local police dept for assistance and pushed vehicle off to the side and tow company came and took to the auto shop with information today of the transmission going out, and with that causing happening causing the Fluid to Smell Burnt and Full. The auto shop test Drove and made It 30 Feet and Would Not Move. Transmission Is Failing and Causing the Concern.
NHTSA complaint #11753184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wasilla, AK
ENGINE
Out of nowhere without any warning light all of a sudden couldn’t back up when geared into reverse to reverse. Turned the vehicle off and back on, then was able to reverse. Left parking lot and was on the road and vehicle started loosing speed, then put into park with hazard lights. When attempting to get off the road for safety reasons tried putting into drive and the car then drove in reverse. Local Fire department came and called in the local police dept for assistance and pushed vehicle off to the side and tow company came and took to the auto shop with information today of the transmission going out, and with that causing happening causing the Fluid to Smell Burnt and Full. The auto shop test Drove and made It 30 Feet and Would Not Move. Transmission Is Failing and Causing the Concern.
NHTSA complaint #11753184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Severn, MD
STRUCTURE:BODY
EVERYTIME IT RAINS REALLY HARD, MY DRIVERS SIDE B PILLAR WHERE THE HANDLE AND SEAT BELT IS, IS SOAK AND WET FROM A LEAK. THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. I HAVE HAD MY SUNROOF CHECKED, MY WINDSHIELD CHECKED AND DRAIN TUBES CHECKED. THERE IS NEVER ANY WATER OR WETNESS ON THE FLOOR, ITS ONLY THE HEADLINER. THIS HAS BEEN AN ON-GOING ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN INVESTIGATING IF THERE ARE OTHER TAHOES DOING THE SAME AND YES THERE ARE AND 1 HAD WENT TO A BODY SHOP AND THEY FOUND OUT THAT THE MANUFACTURER WELDS WERE NOT WELDED CORRECTLY, WHICH CAUSES WATER TO GET INTO THE ROOF. THIS CAN CAUSE MOLD AND EVENTUALLY OTHER ISSUES. IT HAS STAINED MY HEADLINER. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS BECAUSE I CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE A BODY SHOP FIX THIS KIND OF REPAIR AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO FOR AS MUCH MONEY AS I HAVE PAID FOR THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE VERY YOUNG GRANDKIDS THAT RIDE IN THIS VEHICLE AND ONE HAS VERY BAD ALLERGIES AGAINST MOLD. AND IT IS NOT FAIR THAT I EVENTUALLY WILL HAVE TO GET THIS FIXED BECAUSE IT WILL ALSO CAUSE RUST. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS.
NHTSA complaint #11751098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Severn, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHEN IT RAINS REALLY HARD, THE ROOF IN THE B PILLAR LEAKS ABOVE THE SEAT BELT AREA INTO THE HEADLINER. MY HUSBAND WHO IS AN AUTOBODY TECHNICIAN HAS MADE SURE MY SUNROOF LINES ARE CLEAR AND THE WINDSHIELD MOLDINGS AND SEALS ARE GOOD. HE HAD ANOTHER ONE AT HIS PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND IT WAS THE ROOF WELDS, WHICH ARE DONE BY THE MANUFACTURER. I AM HEARING MORE AND MORE TAHOE OWNERS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. AS MUCH AS THESE VEHICLES COSTS US, THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. THIS CAUSES MOLD IN THE ROOF AND RUSTING. THIS HAS TO BE LOOKED INTO BECAUSE THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR IF I NEED TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM FIXED AND COULD ALSO CAUSE HEALTH ISSUES IF NOT ADDRESSED WITH THE MOLD.
NHTSA complaint #11749000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Gardner, NJCrash
POWER TRAIN
Unexpected acceleration
NHTSA complaint #11747971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Gardner, NJCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Unexpected acceleration
NHTSA complaint #11747971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Gardner, NJCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unexpected acceleration
NHTSA complaint #11747971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Andover, MNCrash3 injured
AIR BAGS
We were in a severe car accident and our airbags did not deploy in our vehicle. We were going about 45 miles an hour and had windshield cracking and severe, severe damage to our vehicle. This was a front side, head on impact.
NHTSA complaint #11744939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hurley, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The rear AC evaporator located behind the paneling in the rear of the vehicle was leaking AC freon r-1234yf. This was diagnosed after a weeks long troubleshooting by my mechanic trying to find the leak in the rear AC lines causing the vehicle to fail the vacuum test. After he showed me the part and where the cracks were, he suggested I report this as a safety issue since the coolant was leaking inside the car and is highly flammable. He also said he has had many other GM vehicles with the same issue and thought a recall should be issued.
NHTSA complaint #11743752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,000 milesNewnan, GA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced moderate shuddering followed by a sudden significant reduction of motive power. The vehicle was driven to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that two fuel injectors and the associated electrical wiring harness, and the fuel pump had failed completely. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 143,000.
NHTSA complaint #11743256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Dora, FL
POWER TRAIN
Transmission failure at 127,000 miles. Multiple flairs in transmission resulting in total rebuild
NHTSA complaint #11743074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redding, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The clear coat has completely failed on mainly the hood and roof of the entire vehicle. Each of the sides have lost a good amount of shine too but there hood and roof are a compete different color compared to the rest of the Tahoe. The paint is the pewter/grey so it is extremely noticeable and very much an eyesore.
NHTSA complaint #11741397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redding, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
The clear coat has completely failed on mainly the hood and roof of the entire vehicle. Each of the sides have lost a good amount of shine too but there hood and roof are a compete different color compared to the rest of the Tahoe. The paint is the pewter/grey so it is extremely noticeable and very much an eyesore.
NHTSA complaint #11741397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Watsonville, CA
ENGINE
During a road trip, we came to a stop and upon stepping on gas to proceed on the road and it wouldn't go. The engine revved and "pulled" until we were able to move. We took it to a dealership as well as private mechanic and was told it is an engine problem and running $3k or more to have it fixed. We have small children and consider this a safety hazard. Unfortunately, this is the only vehicle we have to commute.
NHTSA complaint #11737962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Snow Hill, NC
ENGINE
Was driving approximately 45MPH and the truck just slowly powered down and "Engine Power Reduced" and eventually cut off and wouldn't crank back up. Got it towed to the Chevrolet dealership and was told the engine has to be replaced due to the bottom of the motor and the crankshaft in cylinder one. Was told it would be 17k to repair it.
NHTSA complaint #11726485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vancouver, WA
POWER TRAIN
Transmission failed at 94,000 miles Misfire 80,000miles AFM/DOD issues $10,000 in repair bills still not fixed
NHTSA complaint #11723987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vancouver, WA
ENGINE
Transmission failed at 94,000 miles Misfire 80,000miles AFM/DOD issues $10,000 in repair bills still not fixed
NHTSA complaint #11723987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waco, TX
POWER TRAIN
Unknown, vehicle starts to jerk when shifting gears. Jerks when breaking and when accelerating. Check engine light on. I see there is a prior recall for the same issue on same year as mine
NHTSA complaint #11718209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waco, TX
ENGINE
Unknown, vehicle starts to jerk when shifting gears. Jerks when breaking and when accelerating. Check engine light on. I see there is a prior recall for the same issue on same year as mine
NHTSA complaint #11718209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Georgetown, MA
ENGINE
For several months my check engine light has been flashing when I’m driving, especially on the highway. At times my vehicle feels sluggish. I press further own into the gas pedal and I am not getting adequate propulsion. It also feels like this when I’m going up a hill. I brought the vehicle to two independent service centers to get a diagnostic. One indicated getting misfire readings on two cylinders. The other indicated getting misfire readings in three cylinders. As you would imagine this is an extremely concerning safety risk.
NHTSA complaint #11712159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bradenton, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Roof racks have deteriorated due to sun exposure and have cracked where the contact the top and started leaking. The paint on the roof and hood had also failed. I had to have the top and hood repainted prior to having it ceramic coated. The roof racks leaking have damaged the headliner in the cargo area. I have tried to reseal them with a silicone sealant since removing them or replacing them is too expensive and would require removing the entire headliner to access the connecting bolts.
NHTSA complaint #11710881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.