FaultScore

FaultScore report

2020 Chevrolet Tahoe problems

Owners have filed 68 complaints about the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe with NHTSA between 2020 and 2026. The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain. Across this model's run it ranks 18 of 34 worst.

C

FaultScore 45/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Chevrolet Tahoe.

How this is worked out

The numbers

68

Complaints

5

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries reported

16,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

82%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

NHTSA overall crash rating

From the agency's own crash tests

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 9 vs 50 Severity 68 vs 50 Early failure 100 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 9
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Tahoe. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 68
13.2% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 100
82% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2020 compares with every other Chevrolet Tahoe

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Median failure at 20,000 miles

Engine & Cooling 12 17.6%

Median failure at 350 miles

Median failure at 60,000 miles

Brakes 6 8.8%

Median failure at 300 miles

Steering 6 8.8%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 25,500 mi

Other & Unspecified 4 5.9%
Airbags 4 5.9%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 12,000 mi

Fuel & Propulsion 3 4.4%
Tires 2 2.9%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 15,000 mi

Acceleration & Cruise Control 2 2.9%
Suspension 2 2.9%

Median failure at 20,000 miles

Child Seats 1 1.5%
Seats 1 1.5%

Median failure at 16,927 miles

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 2 18.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 2 18.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 5 45.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 1 9.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 1 9.1%

NHTSA crash tests

The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.

Frontal crash test of a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV 4WD

Frontal crash test

Side barrier crash test of a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV 4WD

Side barrier crash test

Side pole crash test of a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV 4WD

Side pole crash test

Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration Overall Front Side Rollover
2020 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV 4WD
21.9% risk
2020 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV RWD
22.8% risk

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.

Jun 2020 peak 4 Aug 2026

Recalls on the 2020 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

21V115000

TIRES

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.

Risk: 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.

19V837000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Camaro, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump may be missing a pressure regulator, allowing for over-pressurization of the fuel system.

Risk: Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.

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.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2021103 2,360 units in Canada

Tires

Issue: Certain vehicles were built with tires that may have been cured too long. As a result, the sidewall could crack or the tread and belts could separate. This could lead to a sudden loss of air pressure and could cause a tire failure. Note: This recall only affects certain Continental tires, with specific date codes and mold numbers. Safety Risk: A tire failure could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify the owners by mail and instruct them to take the vehicle to a dealer to inspect and replace the tires, if necessary.

Recall 2019533 37,378 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.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

South Portsmouth, KY Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

The contact's brother owned a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while his brother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle crashed; however, the contact was unsure what the vehicle had crashed into. The contact stated that the crash was a single vehicle crash and there was severe damage to the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the air bags should have deployed but failed to deploy. The contact stated that medical attention was needed, and his brother was currently in the Trauma ICU after recently having back surgery. The contact stated that a Police Report was filed but was not yet finalized. The contact was waiting to speak with the Police Officer who filed the report. No further information was available. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11701729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kansas City, MO Crash

TIRES

Brand new set of tires. Less than 100 miles on them. During a left turn at roughly 15-25 mph the entire tire separated from the rim on the rear passenger wheel. The tire is in a secure location and can be inspected if needed. This led to an accident. There were no warning indicators such as low pressure indicators. The low pressure indicator came on after the tire came off the rim. The car went from make a 90 degree turn to making a 45 degree turn and cause my SUV to smash into a house. Tire size was 285/45/R22.

NHTSA complaint #11586775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 16,000 miles Papillion, NE Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

The contact owned a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, a 2016 Hyundai Sonata crashed into the front end and pushed the vehicle into other vehicles a Dodge Caravan and a 2021 Ford Expedition. The driver sustained a neck fracture and medical attention was provided. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire. The air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where informed the air bag bracket was bent or broken. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 16,000. The vehicle was deemed a total loss.

NHTSA complaint #11435384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 8,000 miles Germantown, MD Crash 6 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT STATED THEY RENTED A 2020 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE COMING TO A STOP TO MAKE A U-TURN THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCKED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE FORWARD CRASHING INTO A WALL ON A DRIVEWAY OF A HOME NEARBY. THE VEHICLE'S AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND HAD NOT BEEN DEEMED TOTALED AS OF YET. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND KNEES. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WERE 5 PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE, NOT INCLUDING THE CONTACT, THERE WAS A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT AND FOUR IN THE REAR. THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSENGER IN THE FRONT HAD HEAD, MOUTH, AND WRIST INJURIES. THE PASSENGERS IN THE REAR RECEIVED INJURIES TO THEIR HEAD, FOOT, RIBS, LEGS, FACE. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT NEEDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT CONTACTED THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11339175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 8,000 miles Germantown, MD Crash 6 injured

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT STATED THEY RENTED A 2020 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE COMING TO A STOP TO MAKE A U-TURN THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCKED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE FORWARD CRASHING INTO A WALL ON A DRIVEWAY OF A HOME NEARBY. THE VEHICLE'S AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND HAD NOT BEEN DEEMED TOTALED AS OF YET. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND KNEES. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WERE 5 PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE, NOT INCLUDING THE CONTACT, THERE WAS A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT AND FOUR IN THE REAR. THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSENGER IN THE FRONT HAD HEAD, MOUTH, AND WRIST INJURIES. THE PASSENGERS IN THE REAR RECEIVED INJURIES TO THEIR HEAD, FOOT, RIBS, LEGS, FACE. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT NEEDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT CONTACTED THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11339175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Olympia, WA

ENGINE

The 6.2L L87 V8 engine in my 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe Premier RST suffered a catastrophic internal component failure while operating. The engine experienced a sudden, severe internal mechanical breakdown involving the crankshaft or connecting rod bearings, completely disabling the powertrain.This failure causes an immediate and dangerous loss of vehicle propulsion, creating a severe safety hazard on public roads.General Motors has already issued Safety Recall N252494001 (NHTSA Campaign 24V924000) for identical L87 engine bearing failures, but has arbitrarily limited the scope to 2021–2024 model years. My 2020 vehicle uses the exact same L87 engine family and has suffered the exact same catastrophic defect.I am filing this report to urge the NHTSA to expand its current Engineering Analysis (RQ26001) and force General Motors to expand the safety recall to include 2020 model year vehicles before more consumers experience sudden engine failure while driving."

NHTSA complaint #11754970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lexington, NC

POWER TRAIN

Transmission valve , vehicle shutter, and eventually complete loss of power and failure. Transmission had to be replaced as vehicle was out of warranty.

NHTSA complaint #11751999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lafayette, LA

POWER TRAIN

The dealership where I get my 2020 Chevy Tahoe service, stated that there is a recall for the water pump for the 2020 Chevy Tahoe, due to a manufactory defect, causing the water pump to leak. On XXX, mileage 62,777, I had to replace my water pump for that same reason, but my vehicle was not part of the recall; therefore, paying for a placement water pump myself. The dealership is Musson Patout Automotive Group/GMC, 214 West Hwy 90 Frontage Road, New Iberia, LA 70560, [XXX]. I am requesting that my vehicle be added to the recall list, due to this oversite. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11748142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lafayette, LA

ENGINE

The dealership where I get my 2020 Chevy Tahoe service, stated that there is a recall for the water pump for the 2020 Chevy Tahoe, due to a manufactory defect, causing the water pump to leak. On XXX, mileage 62,777, I had to replace my water pump for that same reason, but my vehicle was not part of the recall; therefore, paying for a placement water pump myself. The dealership is Musson Patout Automotive Group/GMC, 214 West Hwy 90 Frontage Road, New Iberia, LA 70560, [XXX]. I am requesting that my vehicle be added to the recall list, due to this oversite. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11748142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Nashua, NH

POWER TRAIN

My transmission failed, yes it is available for inspection. The failure occurred without warning. I was driving my truck on the highway, suddenly it began to hesitate and making a loud winding out noise. The truck was hesitate on going forward. Yes, I had the vehicle towed to Banks Chevy, I was told the torque converter blew metal shavings into the transmission and it was a common problem with these vehicles. No warning at all, I just had my oil changed at the dealership, it was running great, out of nowhere this happened.

NHTSA complaint #11747899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clinton, NC

POWER TRAIN

Chevrolet has a recall on some vehicles for a bad transmission valve body, but my vehicle isn’t a part of the recall and I’m having the exact same issues. Currently my only vehicle that I have to transport my 7 month old is a complete safety risk. My check engine light is on and the code its throwing is to replace transmission valve body assembly. My Tahoe is shifting very harshly when driving normally, it feels like it slams into gears causing the whole car to jerk. When sitting at a red light that turns green, Tahoe is slipping, barely wanting to move through an intersection with vehicles all around me. I’ve been advised to not drive my Tahoe at all because if I do I will certainly have severe drivetrain damage and rear wheel lock up. Like I said, Chevrolet already has a recall for this issue on some of their vehicles, but my specific Tahoe does not. This is my only vehicle for myself and my baby and I cannot drive it due to its safety issues.

NHTSA complaint #11745868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clinton, NC

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Chevrolet has a recall on some vehicles for a bad transmission valve body, but my vehicle isn’t a part of the recall and I’m having the exact same issues. Currently my only vehicle that I have to transport my 7 month old is a complete safety risk. My check engine light is on and the code its throwing is to replace transmission valve body assembly. My Tahoe is shifting very harshly when driving normally, it feels like it slams into gears causing the whole car to jerk. When sitting at a red light that turns green, Tahoe is slipping, barely wanting to move through an intersection with vehicles all around me. I’ve been advised to not drive my Tahoe at all because if I do I will certainly have severe drivetrain damage and rear wheel lock up. Like I said, Chevrolet already has a recall for this issue on some of their vehicles, but my specific Tahoe does not. This is my only vehicle for myself and my baby and I cannot drive it due to its safety issues.

NHTSA complaint #11745868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Bend, WA

POWER TRAIN

Tahoe transmission failed with 103,000 miles… took to Chevrolet they confirmed, took to a transmission specialist they confirmed failure but they said the computer was throwing weird codes and they believe this has a factor in transmission issue. On the way home the brake system alert went off and the car would not go above 35 miles an hour … I get this is a safety feature but it was dangerous in the location this occurred ans this car was not that old and does not have high miles to justify this type of issues

NHTSA complaint #11737487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Bend, WA

SERVICE BRAKES

Tahoe transmission failed with 103,000 miles… took to Chevrolet they confirmed, took to a transmission specialist they confirmed failure but they said the computer was throwing weird codes and they believe this has a factor in transmission issue. On the way home the brake system alert went off and the car would not go above 35 miles an hour … I get this is a safety feature but it was dangerous in the location this occurred ans this car was not that old and does not have high miles to justify this type of issues

NHTSA complaint #11737487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Joppa, MD

SERVICE BRAKES

I own a 2020 Tahoe, 160,000 miles. While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of brake assist due to a failure of the vacuum brake pump. The brake pedal became extremely hard, and the vehicle would not slow or stop as expected, requiring me to put vehicle in neutral and frantically find a way to the shoulder to force a stop (pulling the emergency brake). This created a dangerous condition and significantly increased stopping distance, posing a serious safety risk to myself, and others on the road. There was little to no warning prior to the failure. This issue appears to be consistent with known complaints involving vacuum pump failure and loss of brake assist in similar vehicles. A failure of the braking assist system is NOT a normal wear condition and presents a critical safety hazard. I am reporting this incident due to the safety risk associated with sudden brake assist failure and the potential for accidents or injury. Vehicle issue has been confirmed by an independent service center. There was a warning light that appeared at the same time the brake stopped working leaving me no time to plan or know ahead not to drive.

NHTSA complaint #11733810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wilmington, NC

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The air conditioning system fails to cool. My vehicle only has 47,000 miles on it currently and is well-kept. A professional garage inspected and advised that there was a leak in the refrigerant system. I contacted my local Chevrolet dealer Jeff Gordan Chevrolet where I purchased the vehicle new and they said the issue was not under warranty and that my warranties had expired. They would not repair the air conditioning system at no cost to me, the owner.

NHTSA complaint #11730381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lynbrook, NY

POWER TRAIN

On June 17th, 2025 while driving from [XXX] back to my home state of [XXX] , I experienced an engine malfunction in Chester, Va where the 6.2 L87 engine was shaking and had severe hesitation. It was diagnosed by the Chevrolet dealership in Chester, VA as suffering severe failure of ALL 8 fuel injectors, fuel rails and connector harnesses, resulting in a 15 day repair wait and a $4,644.50 bill not including other expenses such as lodging/car rental. At this time my vehicle had 52,182 miles. After this I attempted for 3 months for GM to cover the repair as the vehicle was less than 5 years old and less than 60,000 miles under the 5 yr/60K warranty but denied it. On March 26th, 2026 while driving on the parkway at about 60 mph, my vehicle experienced loss of power (slow deceleration, shaking/hesitation) and I immediately took it to the repair shop where it was diagnosed as a P0308 code (misfire on cylinder 8) which caused a repair of the #8 spark plug, ignition coil and wire resulting in a $380. repair. Two days later, I experienced the same issue and then took it to an engine diagnostic specialty shop where I have been told that this issue will run about $4,000 due to valve and comprehension issues on an engine that has 60, 680 miles. I have seen numerous L87 engine complaints on Chevy Forums with no assurances that repairs or engine replacement will rectify the issue and feel that this is an issue that GM should be addressing for safety issues and an economic loss to its customers. I am hoping that your investigators can help the many people that have been left stranded by this incompetence and lack of admission of GM's part. Repair invoices available upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11729748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lynbrook, NY

ENGINE

On June 17th, 2025 while driving from [XXX] back to my home state of [XXX] , I experienced an engine malfunction in Chester, Va where the 6.2 L87 engine was shaking and had severe hesitation. It was diagnosed by the Chevrolet dealership in Chester, VA as suffering severe failure of ALL 8 fuel injectors, fuel rails and connector harnesses, resulting in a 15 day repair wait and a $4,644.50 bill not including other expenses such as lodging/car rental. At this time my vehicle had 52,182 miles. After this I attempted for 3 months for GM to cover the repair as the vehicle was less than 5 years old and less than 60,000 miles under the 5 yr/60K warranty but denied it. On March 26th, 2026 while driving on the parkway at about 60 mph, my vehicle experienced loss of power (slow deceleration, shaking/hesitation) and I immediately took it to the repair shop where it was diagnosed as a P0308 code (misfire on cylinder 8) which caused a repair of the #8 spark plug, ignition coil and wire resulting in a $380. repair. Two days later, I experienced the same issue and then took it to an engine diagnostic specialty shop where I have been told that this issue will run about $4,000 due to valve and comprehension issues on an engine that has 60, 680 miles. I have seen numerous L87 engine complaints on Chevy Forums with no assurances that repairs or engine replacement will rectify the issue and feel that this is an issue that GM should be addressing for safety issues and an economic loss to its customers. I am hoping that your investigators can help the many people that have been left stranded by this incompetence and lack of admission of GM's part. Repair invoices available upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11729748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lincoln, CA

STEERING

Suddenly lost all power steering, then warning power steering attention, no control for steering, very dangerous, couldn't drive vehicle. Took independent car repair to fix. $5k repair to fix problem. Should not happen to vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11725362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lincoln, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Suddenly lost all power steering, then warning power steering attention, no control for steering, very dangerous, couldn't drive vehicle. Took independent car repair to fix. $5k repair to fix problem. Should not happen to vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11725362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dallas, TX

POWER TRAIN

Lifter failed on my Chevy Tahoe 6.2L engine at ~75K miles in September 2025. One lifter bank was replaced. No reason for lifter failure was given. Less than 5 months later the other lifter bank has failed and damaged the cam shaft. Again, no reason for failure was provided. Failed lifters can cause catastrophic engine failure, which is incredibly dangerous when the vehicle is in motion. No check engine lights or and warnings occur with the lifter failure, it is only identified by the driver through the tapping noise from the engine. Even a cursory review of forums and complaints reveals that lifter failure is widespread on this engine and that manufacturing defects have caused issues with this power train dating back to 2019, not just the recalled 2021-2024 models.

NHTSA complaint #11718762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hustisford, WI

ENGINE

I sent this to GM Corporate on 2/12/2025: I'm writing regarding the recall on certain 2020 Chevy Tahoe transmissions. My husband is meticulous with his vehicles including all regular service updates and recommended appointments. It literally looks like it came off the showroom floor 5 years after buying it. Unfortunately, when returning on a trip our vehicle suddenly increased rpm's and wouldn't respond while going 65 miles per hour. Thankfully, it reengaged, and we were okay but imagine what could have happened! We managed to get it home, but while attempting to back up it wouldn't shift. We had to have it towed and have been told our transmission is SHOT! It will cost us over $7000 to replace?!! We attempted to call the GM customer service number to Complain and see if they could provide some help. They put us in touch with a service manager in our area whose voicemail was full and took a week to connect with. She basically said there is nothing she can do as it is within the 5 years but over on miles. So, here we sit with a vehicle we have babied for 4.9 years that needs a new transmission. I am asking for you to listen. Asking for you to expand the investigation/recall to include ALL 2020 (or related) vehicles. Something isn't adding up, and you are leaving customers who have paid off their $60,000 vehicle stuck with more $$ to pay because of an about defect. This could have killed us. It literally froze while we were driving, and now we are without a vehicle waiting for a new transmission. We have never had issues with the transmission before. How does a transmission just go? Definite defect!

NHTSA complaint #11711865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Salinas, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On multiple occasions, my car has locked my keys on the INSIDE of the vehicle. I have put things inside my vehicle before leaving and closed all the doors, upon returning, even just a few minutes later, my doors are locked and I am locked out of my vehicle. Additionally, my car is not detecting my remote. I cannot unlock my car with the buttons on the door and need to have my keys in hand for my car to detect the fob. Additionally, if someone opens the door while the car is running but in park, and then closes the door, the Car will beep as if there is no longer a remote detected. This has happened on multiple occasions. I have changed the batteries in the fobs multiple times, switched out my fobs so I was using a different fob and it has happened with both of my fobs.

NHTSA complaint #11709665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Salinas, CA

ENGINE

We have the L86 6.2L EcoTech 3 Engine. at 85,000 miles we noticed the oil pan is leaking and rear main seal is leaking. Both are common issues with the L87 engine as well.

NHTSA complaint #11709678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

South Portsmouth, KY Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

The contact's brother owned a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while his brother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle crashed; however, the contact was unsure what the vehicle had crashed into. The contact stated that the crash was a single vehicle crash and there was severe damage to the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the air bags should have deployed but failed to deploy. The contact stated that medical attention was needed, and his brother was currently in the Trauma ICU after recently having back surgery. The contact stated that a Police Report was filed but was not yet finalized. The contact was waiting to speak with the Police Officer who filed the report. No further information was available. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11701729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Savanna, IL

POWER TRAIN

I was starting to accelerate to a higher level of speed onto the highway; 55 mph going up a hill. I was unable to accelerate much as I pushed on the gas, however the RPM's would get higher. while I was at 45 mpg the RPM's were at 3.5. All of sudden my service engine light came on. I knew something was wrong. Turned around took my car back home very slowly, had my husband come look at my car, who has mechanical experience. Transmission fluid is dark and gritty; when its suppose to be a red in color and smooth. I am now needing to replace a transmission in a vehicle that is 5 years old. How is this possible? I have owned the car for 2 years. Why has these not been recalled yet? Why has these not been looked into further? We are paying a lot of money for these vehicles to turn around and put a new transmission, which isn't cheap into a vehicle that is 5 years old. Any assistance to look into these complaints would be very helpful. I am just glad no one was hurt and I was able to get my vehicle home safely. I keep up with all of the routine maintenance of this vehicle on a regular basis.

NHTSA complaint #11699156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cleveland, OH

ENGINE

I was driving in traffic with 8 kids from my football team on a busy street and my truck start jerking and wouldn’t accelerate much. I was going 35 mph and the truck just slows down in the middle of driving. Then as I pulled over thick white smoke comes from the tail pipe. Thank god it was a Sunday and the busy street wasn’t as busy and I was able to pull over safely because this happen while I was driving. I got the truck to autozone and they gave me a misfire code in cylinder 1. I sent my truck to dealership and spoke with them on the phone and they was able to tell me everything going on with my truck without even having to tell them all the issues happening. They looked at the truck and said I had an internal engine issue. I was advised this a well known problem with my type of truck. I reached out to Gm and asked them why haven’t it been a recall on my truck if this is a well known issue with my vehicle after talking with many mechanics. No answer was specifically provided. I’ve been trying to get them to do what’s right and repair the engine but I’m getting the run around. I’ve reached out to over 5 mechanics and a shops and have been told this is a well known problem was trying to see the cost. Once I found out this was well known it made me contact General Motors. I don’t think it’s fair this is a known issue with 5.3L engine and it hasn’t been a recall. It is unsafe to be driving and the engine just fails on you in the middle of traffic. What if I was on the freeway? My truck is at a Gm dealership right now and Gm and the dealership is refusing cost assistance on a well known engine failure problem. These vehicles need a recall on them that would of been 9 lives at risk because this problem hasn’t been addressed by the manufacturer it was scary when it happen because I was on a busy street.

NHTSA complaint #11693292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Buckholts, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

While driving toward intersection, light changed to red. Applied pressure to brake pedal and pedal became extremely difficult to press. Vehicle was not slowing as expected with pedal pressure becoming very hard to press to slow vehicle. Warning on dash "Brake Assist" and Chevrolet app displays "Antilock Braking System" and text that states Schedule service now. If my wife would have been driving, this would have caused an accident. This is extremely dangerous condition that must be addressed with a corrective action taken by the manufacturer.

NHTSA complaint #11691929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lynbrook, NY

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Driving long distance from Florida to New York and in VA, experienced a check engine light after fueling. Vehicle started, stalled and trembling excessively. It was taken to the Chevrolet dealership across from the gas station (total luck). It was diagnosed after 1 day in the shop that all 8 fuel injectors and the two fuel rails were corroded and had snapped upon inspection.( photos were sent to me). Vehicle could not be driven. If stall would have occurred while driving on the interstate at speed of 70 -75 mph, the potential for a major car accident with other fast moving vehicles was totally possible. I had to remain in a hotel for 3 days as the dealer had indicated that the parts were on back order because this was a recurring issue in the Tahoe/Suburban/Silverado L87 6.2 HP engine. I rented a vehicle to drive back to NY and got my truck back 14 days later after paying for it ($4600) as GM stated that they could not honor the 5 year/60K warranty despite my truck having 52, 182 miles and less then 5 years because they went by the build date of the vehicle which was March 14, 2020 to March 14, 2025, not the calendar year.

NHTSA complaint #11690647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Duson, LA

STEERING

Creaking and groaning from rack and pinion. 60,000 miles on vehicle. no other issues. Potential steering system failure. No warning lights. Happens at all speeds.

NHTSA complaint #11687611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.