2023 Chevrolet Tahoe engine problems

ENGINE

My 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe (VIN: [XXX]) suffered a catastrophic failure of the 6.2L V8 L87 engine assembly — specifically the connecting rod and crankshaft components — at freeway speeds on [XXX], just 9 days after purchase. The original failed engine is no longer available for inspection as it was removed and returned as a core by Shaheen Chevrolet in Lansing, MI as part of the warranty replacement process. The only symptom prior to failure was a brief squeaking noise that began approximately 0.5 miles before the engine failed. No warning lamps, messages, or other indicators appeared at any point before the failure. The engine then failed suddenly and completely at freeway speed, causing immediate loss of propulsion. My family was left stranded in an unsafe roadside location until a tow truck arrived. Sudden loss of power at freeway speeds creates significant risk of collision for both the vehicle's occupants and surrounding motorists. The failure was inspected and confirmed by Shaheen Chevrolet as a GM manufacturing defect involving the connecting rod and crankshaft. No police, insurance representatives, or GM field engineers inspected the vehicle beyond the dealership. GM authorized a full engine replacement under Special Coverage warranty (10 years/150,000 miles). The replacement engine (GM part #12740076) was on national backorder for over two months due to supplier capacity constraints. A loaner vehicle was provided during that time. This failure occurred despite a prior GM recall addressing the same rod/crankshaft defect having been performed on this vehicle. The recall remedy was ineffective. I have no confidence the replacement engine will not fail again. With approximately 597,630 vehicles affected, this represents a serious and ongoing public safety risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11758923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My vehicle, 2023 Tahoe, previously had the GM Recall 25V-274 / N252494001 remedy performed (0W-40 oil swap) in October of 2025. Despite completing the manufacturer's official recall remedy, the engine suffered a sudden, dangerous loss of motive power at highway speeds when I was making an out of state move and traveling alone; it was terrifying. I had to have it towed to the nearest dealership and that is where it is now as I had to leave since I was in the middle of moving. I need a new engine. I have no idea how I will get my Tahoe to my new residence or when. The dealership was not open on Sundays so I had to find a place to stay after leaving my Tahoe full of my items and my bike. I was so afraid it would be broken into. I had an oil pressure warning right before the engine completely stalled. And, I was accelerating up an incline and it felt like my Tahoe couldn't get enough power to make the incline. My Tahoe only has 35,047 miles, and threw the Diagnostic Trouble Code P0016 through my ONSTAR app as well as with the tech at the dealership. And, I am having a lot of trouble with GM corporate with rental cars. I had to pay out of pocket in order to get back on the road with my belongings as I start a new job this week at my new home. I had to leave some belongings and my bike with my Tahoe at the dealership.

NHTSA complaint #11756494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

When GM announced the recall involving the potential for catastrophic engine failure, I immediately contacted Bridgewater Chevrolet in NJ to schedule the required recall inspection. I was told the dealership could not perform the inspection because it had not yet received the required 'diagnostic tool' from GM. Once they received the equipment, they contacted me and on Oct 1, 2025, they completed the required recall inspection and informed me that my Tahoe had passed the recall inspection and that the vehicle was safe to continue driving. On XXX while driving over the Driscoll Bridge on the [XXX] with my daughter and our dog, the engine catastrophically failed without warning as I began to exit on exit [XXX] to [XXX] into heavy traffic. With no warning, the vehicle flashed that it was in neutral and then suddenly lost all power and stopped completely in a traffic lane, creating an extremely dangerous situation. After a few mins, I was able to get it started briefly, enough to coast along to a spot a few hundred feet away where there was a shoulder. From there the wheels locked and it would not move at all and windows would not open. It had to be dragged completely inoperable with locked wheels onto a flatbed three separate times. It was first dragged and flat bedded off the Parkway to a place we felt unsafe so we stayed locked in the car in July heat with no windows down, then to my mechanic and then to the dealership. I am unsure of the damage that may have caused. The dealership received the vehicle on XXX and within a day told me that it was indeed what my mechanic and they suspected - the catastrophic failure recall they had inspected and passed the vehicle for. As of today, XXX, I was told they just received an engine and can start a full replacement this week. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11755999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My 2023 Tahoe HC 6.2L VIN Passed the Catastrophic Engine Safety Recall stating my Engine was SAFE. The dealership performed a change in oil velocity per GM's directives. Then the engine seized upon accelerating. No warnings, just dead, yet able to coast through a large intersection on a -20F day where NOTHING worked on the vehicle. Even though the engine would not turn over when hitting the Start button, it would only allow 15 minutes worth of Emergency Flashers before the sensors shut the vehicle completely down. We had to abandon the vehicle on the side of the road, with key fob in this NEW vehicle, hike to safety, and for warmth. Total mess up as how to tow the vehicle, even when I advised NOTHING (but SiriusXM) worked and could not put vehicle into Neutral. Had to wait almost a month for a Replacement Engine. Once Replacement Engine installed, I expressed how my vehicle did not feel, nor sound the same as the original. The dealership ensured that it was a 6.2L Engine Replacement, without being able to tell me where it came from, how many miles on it, or the serial number to this new engine. I was told to give it 500-1000 miles to allow Replacement Engine to "settle". Exactly 300 miles in, on the expressway, just coming out of a bottle neck slowdown, I got up to around 45-50 mph and it was like I hit an invisible wall! Vehicle lost propulsion. Seat belts locked. No brake lights since I was accelerating. Extremely thankful nobody was behind me. Obviously let go of the gas. Pause. Then I was able to drive the vehicle to a safe location off of the expressway, and shut it down. Immediately called dealer. Restarted, drove about 15 miles to safety, went to shut off and it would NOT turn off. Sounded as if trying to start it while already running. 20 min to turn off. 5 months at dealer, they could not mimic/see any issues, even though I could "feel" the loss of propulsion at lower speeds. Fearing ALL lives, I had to trade down yet more $

NHTSA complaint #11753757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Piston ring went bad causing catastrophic engine failure. Now needs new motor. Only had 62k miles. It had been burning oil but was taken to the dealership for maintenance and they didn’t report anything.

NHTSA complaint #11750556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I was a victim to the L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion recall. On June 19, 2025, my engine was replaced as it failed all test. After getting a new engine, I have had 5 engine misfires and the dealership blamed it on faulty gas. Now my 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe that I trust to drive my two toddlers around, is at the dealership for a flashing engine light. Even after the engine was initially “remedied”, the new engine continues to fail and I have lost trust in having a safe and reliable vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11750154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

We purchase the vehicle in February of 26’. Certified preowned they a Chevrolet dealership. It was disclosed to us that the engine had been recalled and replaced in September of 25’ (had about 1500 miles put on it, before we bought it) due to the ongoing issues that plague the V8 6.2L motors. We put less than 3000 miles on the vehicle and wanted to take it in for oil change and new tires. My wife had heard a rattling/ticking sound and wanted the dealership’s service department to check it out. They test drove the vehicle and immediately told us that this second engine needed to be replaced with less than 4,500 miles on it. We’ve now had a loaner for almost 7 weeks while we wait for a new 6.2 liter engine that no one is even sure won’t have the same thing happen to it that the first two engines had happen. GM needs to correct this issue. I read that over 1100 6.2 liter engines are on back order. This is unacceptable.

NHTSA complaint #11750156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

We had car checked due to strange and erratic shifting in less than a year of owning. Then took in for recall, they stated it was fine and performed the remedy with higher grade oil. Still had issues and took to another dealership to look at and they stated it was fine as well. About 2 months later while I was driving it was hesitating and would kind of buck and when I was about to turn on to a busy road it just stopped. I couldn’t do anything at all, the entire car was locked up. The tow truck driver couldn’t even get it into neutral to tow. Dealership said it’s the engine and it needs to be completely replaced.

NHTSA complaint #11748582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Space does not allow for a complete statement. However, here is a summary. I purchased my 2023 Tahoe on 07/19/23. On 07/27/23, the check engine light came on. Since then, there have been approximately 8-9 instances where the check on. Each time I took the vehicle in for service, however, the check engine light kept coming back on. There have been 2 instances in 2026 where the vehicle would not start, and then the check engine light came on. A Chevrolet dealer service advisor told me that this is a known issue with GM and Chevrolet; however, no remedy has been found yet.

NHTSA complaint #11747282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, a warning message advising to reduce acceleration was displayed, the Check Engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over safely. The contact stated that the failure was recurrent. The dealer was notified of the failure and diagnosed the vehicle with a valve failure. No further information was available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

NHTSA complaint #11743755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Total engine failure.

NHTSA complaint #11740594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

While traveling at 55mph yesterday, I experienced a full engine failure which shut the car off fully while traveling on a single lane double yellow road. I was able to coast to a secure location. The car will not start or go into neutral. There were no warning lights that occurred at any time prior to the failure. This all occurred while on vacation 2 hours away. I previously went to the dealership for the recommended "fix" for the recall but that obviously did not solve the problem. This was an extremely unsafe situation for me and my family. I also encountered towing costs and significant loss of time. In addition, the car is at a dealership over 2 hours from my home. Chevrolet should be held accountable well beyond a recall notice which didnt solve the problem.

NHTSA complaint #11740051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Chevy Tahoe with 6.2 V-8 engine started making noise. Started rattling. Taken to dealership where I bought it. Oil changed found metal in the oil engine making all sorts of noise. Diagnosed to engine failure. New engine is ordered . It’s been 2 weeks and I am number 5 In order for engine replacement at the dealership

NHTSA complaint #11738061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Engine failure while driving to [XXX] from [XXX] . Mobile mechanic indicated a likely spun bearing. Less than 24,000 miles. Was stranded in [XXX] and delivered vehicle to local Chevrolet dealership same day as incident. It’s been over a month with no repair eta. Incurred significant travel and accommodation costs, with receipts available, due to the disruption. GM had thus far refused to confirm any reimbursement of expenses. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11737688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. Due to the failure, the contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle off to the shoulder of the highway where the vehicle was then towed to a dealer. After the vehicle remained in the dealer's possession for over a week, the vehicle was diagnosed with an engine failure. The contact was then informed that the vehicle was placed under recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine) and that the engine would be replaced. Despite the engine repair, the contact stated that an abnormal, rattling sound would emit from the vehicle upon start of the engine. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle would violently jerk upon depression of the accelerator pedal while at a complete stop. The failure started intermittently; however, the contact stated that overtime the failure became more persistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they claimed that the transmission was four quarts low on transmission fluid; they then informed the contact that they could not guarantee that remedy would repair the failure. The contact stated that failure improved; however, she would still experience a slight hesitation upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.

NHTSA complaint #11737295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Oil consumption- 1-3 qts low between oil change intervals at 5000k No burning or oil smoke.

NHTSA complaint #11736750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Engine stopped while driving 70 mph down the highway and the car shifted into neutral. Had to cost to side of the road. Took car into dealership and even though the car was certified safe drive and the engine had no issues 5 months ago, I was told the engine was now locking up. The engine failed despite using the higher viscosity oil that chevy recommended. These greedy cunts at chevy placed me and my family's lives in danger to save a buck; they knew that the engines would fail and instead of replacing the engines, they put thicker oil in the cars to hopefully get the cars past warranty.

NHTSA complaint #11734750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The car has cut off three time while at stoplights. I can get it restarted but the dealership cannot duplicate it even though there are codes in the system. Also the automatic braking will randomly stop when it shouldn’t and it is a hard braking.

NHTSA complaint #11734328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The engine randomly shut off while driving down the interstate and wouldn’t start back up. The car had the recall “remedy” done to it. Inspection and thicker oil. The only warning I got was to restart the engine after it shut off. My safety was compromised by breaking down on a main interstate coming through Memphis with no emergency lane to pull over in.

NHTSA complaint #11733812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

2023 Tahoe Z71 had recently been put in the shop, and evaluated for engine failure recall. Dealership/GM deemed it failed test for replacement, we were given 0W40 oil and sent back out, this last weekend we had catastrophic engine failure while operating at 50+MPH.

NHTSA complaint #11733261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

On April 10th, while traveling approximately 7 hours from home on a very busy highway in [XXX] , my 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe (6.2L engine) suffered a complete and catastrophic engine failure, requiring a full engine replacement. The vehicle had to be towed and I was left stranded with no transportation. Prior to this failure, I had brought the vehicle to an authorized GM dealership for a recall inspection specifically related to the 6.2L engine on September 9, 2025 with 36,162 miles. The dealership technician inspected the vehicle and informed me that my engine was not defective and cleared it. Shortly after that inspection, the engine suffered a total failure at 46,6xx miles on the vehicle. I am currently leasing this vehicle at approximately $1,100 per month and have been without the vehicle for an extended period while it sits awaiting repair. GM customer care has been contracted and has indicated they cannot move forward with a buyback claim because the BBB is not taking my case because the vehicle is older then 2 years old which I know is a false legal claim. This is a serious safety concern, a catastrophic engine failure at highway speed poses significant risk to vehicle occupants and others on the road which appears consistent with other reported failures. I am aware that NHTSA has opened Recall Query RQ26001 investigating the adequacy of GM's remedy under recall 25V-274. My experience is consistent with the 36+ complaints that triggered this investigation, engine failure occurring after an authorized dealer performed the recall inspection and cleared the vehicle. I am requesting this complaint be added to the RQ26001 investigation file. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11732988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

As I was driving down the tollway in Dallas going 75 miles an hour, my engine completely shut down and went into neutral in rush hour traffic. I had to slowly get over from being in the left lane as my car was slowing and slowing. I was able to get over on the side of the tollway as cars zoomed past me. By the grace of God, I didn't get hit. Once it was towed, the service department confirmed that it is my engine that shut down and the entire engine needs to be replaced. Now the problem is they cannot find an engine or parts to fix it. No warning came on at all before this happened. Very dangerous situation.

NHTSA complaint #11732835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The oil was changed at the local dealer. After 24 hours, the engine was blown after driving approximately 50 miles. No warning lights were illuminated. While accelerating from a stoplight, there was an abnormal squealing noise from the drivebelt. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the flywheel was hitting the camshaft and changing the oil had disturbed the function of the vehicle. The vehicle was not fully diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,945.

NHTSA complaint #11731804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

We were driving down the highway at around 77 miles per hour. I noticed that the vehicle chimed as though I initially got into it and needed to start the engine. I saw the dashboard asking me to start the engine. I attempted to start it while we were coasting to a stop, but it wouldn't start. I was able to barely get out of the lane of travel and avoid a collision. I tried to turn off the vehicle and turn it back on but it would not start. It would not even turn over. The vehicle eventually cannibalized the battery because it would never shut off.

NHTSA complaint #11729833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Passed a truck in 2023 Chevy Tahoe on a two lane highway and the Tahoe would not accelerate. It switched into neutral and would not run. This was a major safety issue. There was a semi truck behind me that could have run over me and my family. Luckily there was wide open area next to the road that I coast into. Truck was towed to a dealership out of state while we were on vacation.

NHTSA complaint #11729312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My wife just picked up our 4 year old from daycare. She just merged onto I-81N and the vehicle shut off on her at highway speed during rush hour! A message on the dashboard said "Please restart vehicle". She managed to pull the Tahoe off onto the shoulder, but couldn't get it started. She remained in the vehicle with my daughter and called 911 to request a state police vehicle park behind her so that she wouldn't be hit by any passing traffic. I (her husband) met her on the side of the highway and we tried starting it with a battery booster pack to no avail. We called a tow truck and had the car towed to the dealership that we purchased the vehicle from. They confirmed that the motor was indeed locked up and needs to be replaced. This vehicle already underwent the 6.2L recall test and "PASSED". It was running the 'remedy' 0W-40 oil. This is COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11729123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Engine failure resulting in new engine.

NHTSA complaint #11727647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

1) The engine failed and lost propulsion while driving. It is currently at the dealership where I purchased the vehicle new, so it may be available for inspection upon request. 2) My safety was put at risk because the vehicle lost propulsion while driving. This is a dangerous situation in general. In my case I was able to pull over safely and have it towed to the dealership. 3) The problem is that the engine failed. This can be confirmed by the dealership. 4) This 6.2L engine was part of the N252494001 recall for specifically the issue of engine failure and loss of propulsion, so it had been inspected by the dealership recently. I brought the vehicle into the dealership for this recall several months ago. Per the recall, they told me that the engine would need to be replaced if it didn't pass the inspection. They performed a Pico test, informed me that it passed the test, and changed the oil to 0W-40. It has not been inspected by GM, the police, insurance representatives or others at this time. 5) There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.

NHTSA complaint #11727610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Total Engine Failure

NHTSA complaint #11725272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The vehicle motor goes out with no indication that anything’s going to happen. It does this a different stages of miles. Mine happened when I was passing someone on the high way. It just shut off

NHTSA complaint #11723473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.