866 of the
12,970 complaints filed about the Chevrolet Tahoe
are about the transmission —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2021.
866
Complaints
100%
Share of all complaints
20
Crashes
6
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
Vehicle began making loud knocking sound XXX Towed to dealer 9/8 after holiday. They found metal in the oil and believe it needs an engine replacement. A week later I have no answers, there's no loaners available, so I am just without a car. We bought car from Zimbrick Chevy in [XXX]. It was never disclosed to us that the vehicle had an engine replacement right before we purchased. New engine lasted about 16,000 miles. Only once we saw the history of the car in the current dealership's service app did we learn about the engine replacement. This is beyond unacceptable! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11764193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driving on the Highway the Engine failed at highway speeds and the Tahoe experienced a complete shutdown, we could not restart the vehicle nor shift to neutral. We had the vehicle towed and was told by the dealer that it needs a engine replacement at 14,000 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11761464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Had a engine failure at 93,000 miles and upon doing a vin report found out it also had a engine put it at 7,800 miles so it now has its third engine in it and also had the high pressure pump fail and the gauge cluster fail and had to be replaced
NHTSA complaint #11761160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
05/15/23 - AFM Lifter failure - Complete Top End Rebuild under extended warranty purchased when i bought the Tahoe - Preowned certified. Cost $2,000.00 Out Of Pocket ( Days Chevrolet Repaired 86,350 miles) 09/06/23 - Transmission failed - Warranty paid except $2,000.00 (94,000 Miles) 02/02/26 - Broken Driver Side Motor Mount Replaced $350.00 (159,000 Miles) 02/28/26 - Rear end Failure 03/20/26 - AFM Lifter Failure Again - Been in the shop since then. No warranty/ Pay out of Pocket (160,010 Miles)
NHTSA complaint #11760315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My vehicle had a pop and loss of power on the highway. After pulling over, I did not have a check engine light but did connect my code reader and found a P308. I felt unsafe to drive so I had it towed to a shop. I later found out the DOD system or lifter on valve #8 has failed and needs replacement. Factory recommends oil change at every 7k miles, I did them at 4K. My oil pressure was up to par with the small window of real time allowable oil pressure. The design was great on paper but one of the worst engines GM has ever made. I sincerely hope there is enough people complaining about these 2021 GM 6.2 & 5.3 engines!!
NHTSA complaint #11760499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Our Tahoe keeps burning through oil. about 2/3 of the way through an oil changes i have to add 2 more quarts to get to the next oil change. Our tahoe was not part of the initial recall i am not sure why.
NHTSA complaint #11759308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am writing to express my disappointment with how the L87 engine recall was handled on my 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe. I purchased this vehicle for approximately $82,000 and brought it to Kunes Chevrolet in Lake Geneva multiple times for scheduled maintenance. During my first visit after learning of the recall involving potential connecting rod and crankshaft defects, I specifically asked when my vehicle would be inspected and repaired. I was repeatedly told that I would receive additional information in the mail and that I would be contacted when repairs became available. Over the course of several oil change visits, I continued to ask about the recall. Each time, I received essentially the same response. During my most recent visit, I was informed that when the recall procedure became available, the dealership would listen to the engine with a stethoscope and then determine whether the vehicle required repairs or only a switch to a heavier oil viscosity. As a customer who invested $82,000 in a full-size SUV, I found that response extremely disappointing. The recall concerns involve engine components that could potentially lead to catastrophic engine failure. Being told that the solution may simply be listening to the engine and installing thicker oil did not inspire confidence in the long-term reliability of the vehicle. Ultimately, my confidence in both the vehicle and the handling of this recall deteriorated to the point where I no longer felt comfortable taking long trips with my family. I made the difficult decision to trade the vehicle in less than two years after purchase, resulting in an approximately $26,000 financial loss. I believe customers who invested significant amounts of money in these vehicles deserved clearer communication, a more proactive response, and a solution that restored confidence in the product. Unfortunately, my experience left me with serious trust concerns regarding both this recall process and General Motors' customer commitment.
NHTSA complaint #11759440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My transmission completely went out at 130,000 miles. We had to buy a whole new transmission. It has had regular maintenance on it. Rpm would skyrocket the car wouldn’t move. Then it would finally go but not very fat or will. It also was making a terrible grinding noise
NHTSA complaint #11756859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The automatic transmission on my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe (gasoline engine, 10-speed 10L80 transmission) has been exhibiting intermittent slipping/skipping during gear changes, particularly during acceleration and deceleration. The transmission component is available for inspection upon request. The malfunction poses a safety risk as the unexpected hesitation and rough shifting creates unpredictable vehicle behavior at highway speeds and during merging, increasing the risk of a collision with other vehicles. The problem has not yet been formally confirmed by a dealer or independent service center, however a knowledgeable automotive advisor has assessed the likely cause as moisture contamination of the transmission fluid, which degrades lubrication and causes erratic shifting behavior, known issue in several GM vehicles, but the only recall related to this issue is for just Diesel vehicles. I contacted General Motors customer service regarding this issue and was directed to file this complaint with NHTSA, as GM stated they were unable to attach or create a related existing recall to my vehicle. The vehicle has not been inspected by police, insurance representatives, or the manufacturer at this time. I am in the process of scheduling service at a transmission specialist. No warning lamps or dashboard messages appeared prior to or during the shifting malfunction. Symptoms first became noticeable at 85,000 miles, and have continued since.
NHTSA complaint #11756718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The transmission began slipping at 20, 25, 35, and 45 mph by the time we hit 80k miles. The vehicle was out of warranty. We were told it was unaffected by the recalls and not related to the issues affecting other drivers. It now has 167k miles and we have tried having the transmission flushed but it still slips and needs a new transmission. Chevy knows about these issues and refuses to replace their horrible product since they also sell the cure to the problem and make money off of it.
NHTSA complaint #11756422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2022 Chevy Tahoe went into limp mode at 62,500 miles out of the blue and check engine light came on. At the certified Chevy dealership I was told it was the transmission control valve, Code P2732, which is a known widespread factory issue in these models. Upon further inspection, was told my transmission fluid was completely black and burned and it ruined the transmission and therefore it needs to be replaced. "Consequential Damage Policy: When a control valve body fails and stays "stuck on," it forces maximum line pressure through the system. Continuing to drive under these conditions quickly destroys the internal clutch packs, burns the fluid, and melts down the transmission." This is exactly what happened and my vehicle was never put on a recall list but clearly was a ticking time bomb.
NHTSA complaint #11755417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have a 2023 Chevy Tahoe with 45k miles. Today driving two kids home from our football practice I was driving along at around 40mph and all of a sudden the transmission downshifted and almost locked the rear tires up. If it was winter, wet, or cool, there is no doubt that the tires would have locked up. Check engine light came on, and now the vehicle wont move in reverse and at around 45-50 mph the engine is running at 3,000 rpms. I volunteer to be a youth football coach and always have a car full of children. This isn't normal or safe. P.s. I should've bought the Ford Expedition.
NHTSA complaint #11755139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
-On the date of Monday XXX at approximately 4:30 pm est I was traveling on [XXX] and transmission felt like a possible slip happened in transmission. At approximatively 4:45pm est I made it home tried to back vehicle into parking space and reverse was lost. Vehicle didn't and wouldn't shift into reverse. I had to push vehicle in spot backwards. No check engine or warning lights were displayed on dash. - On Tuesday XXX. I contacted [XXX] of [XXX] approximately at 8:30 am est. [XXX] answered. I explained the symptoms and asked If I could bring in within the hour or so. He stated it would be fine to bring in. - At approximately 9:10 am est My girlfriend and [XXX] daughter got in vehicle. Started vehicle no service lights were on, but had no reverse still no reverse. My girlfriends mother was following us to pick us up at dealership as we dont have a 2nd vehicle. We started out driveway to [XXX]. I had no problems at 1st then prior to the intersection of [XXX] the Vehicle lost control on its own. The sequences happened fast and abrupt. 1. Vehicle downshifted roughly to about 3 gear 2. Lost power steering 3. engine over revved 4. vehicle pulled right. During this time as a professional trained driver. I removed us off [XXX] off road way on to [XXX] (To the right) to avoid being in an accident. I would say that the speed was roughly 20MPH at turn as I was avoiding the accident that could of potentially happened. I was not on asphalt the whole time to make turn as I had a limited vehicle (Not properly functional). I was able to stop at [XXX] to stop. Stopped on Brigantine is when I pointed out to my girlfriend that the lights just came on. in the meantime, we received a phone call from [XXX] (Girlfriends mom) asking where we went as she didn't see us. We explained to her situation, and she met on Brigantine and followed us to dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11754265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
I purchased my vehicle new in 2020. It presently has around 83,000 miles. From early on, it has occasionally hesitated, then jumped when putting the car in reverse. I spoke to the dealership years ago but they said it was nothing. On July 19, 2026, my car randomly would not shift above (probably) second gear on the highway. After parking, it would not shift into reverse at all. The vehicle was towed more than 30 miles to my hometown dealership as it was inoperable. It now requires something approaching a transmission replacement costing between $2500-4500, or more. I am aware that this is a recurring problem with GM vehicles of this type and era, and it seems absurd to have so many vehicles with failing transmissions before they even reach 100,000 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11753041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
While traveling out of town on the highway,we had a sudden loss of power. My vehicle wouldn’t accelerate or shift. My check engine light came on and a message displayed that said something about reduced power. After limping to a dealership while in another city, I managed to wait hours for my husband to pick me and my children up. We waited several days for the dealership to tell us it was the valve body that needed replaced. My vehicle was NOT in the original recall for the valve body, although we experienced the exact same issues that the recalled vehicles experienced. This entire experience was horrifying. Along a stretch of highway that I was unfamiliar with, speed limits of 80mph, and a sudden, complete loss of motor power and speed, this could have someone. I had a vibration while staying at any constant speed for months prior to this, I had taken the vehicle in numerous times but was told the only thing to fix it was a software repair and that wouldn’t take care of the problem entirely. This vibration was and still is so bad that my phone will fall from the magnetic mount if I don’t let off the accelerator or increase acceleration. My vehicle still doesn’t seem to run properly but I am unable to get it to reproduce any issues when at the dealership. Extremely unnerving to travel with my family out of town or state and wonder if my fairly new vehicle will make it.
NHTSA complaint #11751779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rear wheels suddenly lock up momentarily during downshift at 30-50 mph (most reproducible 35-40). Transmission in a high gear (8th-10th); any throttle input commanding a downshift can trigger it: as the downshift executes, rear wheels briefly stop, skid with an audible chirp, vehicle jerks violently. Reproducible on demand, multiple times per drive, on video. Highest-speed event ~50 mph, family aboard. NO advance warning: no check engine light, no message, no stored code, no gradual onset. Traction control sometimes activates at the instant of the skid, sometimes not — always reacting to traction already lost, never before. A driver has no opportunity to anticipate or react. THIS IS A LOSS-OF-CONTROL HAZARD. It is especially dangerous in a turn, on wet pavement, or in traffic. Onset May 2026. Pursued repair since, across three shops: an independent, twice (no codes/leaks/abnormal findings; MAF replaced; unresolved; referred to dealer), then a GM dealer 3 days (test drove 34+ miles, no codes, fluid good, all shifts correct; declined recommended control-module recalibration, cause unconfirmed). Lockup recurred within 5 miles of leaving, same day; I returned immediately, asked for a tech ride-along while fresh — did not occur. Next day, a second GM dealer: tech note said fluid was low, though the same RO's inspection passed that fluid and found no leak; no leak ever identified anywhere. Paid $672 for a fluid exchange — unresolved. Days later, same dealer measured 265F on a 30-mile road test and condemned the transmission. Full replacement underway, largely out of pocket. Symptom matches recall 26V-085 (momentary rear wheel lockup, worn control valve, 10-speed/ETRS) covering 2022 models. My 2023 is not included. I am not asserting a diagnosis — no one has established the cause — but I ask ODI to consider whether that campaign should include additional model years. The failed transmission is available for inspection; videos available on request.
NHTSA complaint #11751780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driving the vehicle down the highway at approximately 65 miles per hour, the check engine light came on and the engine went into limp mode, slowing immediately. Upon getting the vehicle to the left shoulder on a busy highway, the vehicle displayed "engine overheating", "battery low", and 0% oil life. A full oil and filter change had been done less than 1000 miles ago and upon checking the oil, it was at the correct level. The engine completely failed and is not being replaced at a Chevrolet dealership. I completed the recall N252494003 on March 5th, 2026 which comprised of an engine inspection, higher viscosity oil, a new oil cap, filter replacement, and owner's manual insert. The engine still failed and required replacement despite having this done.
NHTSA complaint #11751156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.